My Baby has bitten me...

[Camille]

I own two Shih Tzus, Jacks and Sonny. I have had Jacks since he was three months and Sonny (rescued) since he was two years. When my last roommate moved with her cat, Jacks was depressed for apprx two weeks. Last week my niece and two friends (apprx 14-15 years) stayed with us and Jacks has not been himself since (before they left.) I asked them if anything happened I should know about, but nothing. Normally his is very social. He has bitten me twice in the past two days and I do not know what to do. He has always tested who was the alpha on a daily basis, but that was just for treats.

[kuritsa18]

Maybe he feels like his status in the house is beeing threatened with all of the new people coming lately It sounds like this has not been a fun time for him. If his behaviour changed after your cousin came then it sounds like something might have happened; dogs don't act out for no reason.

Biting you is serious though and should not be tolerated. If he has continually challenged your doninant status then you need to make some changes. If you take on the leadership/dominant dog role he will follow and respect you. Right now he does not respect you. Do not let him get away with bad or unacceptable behaviour. Never show fear if a dog bites you because if they see you are scared then they know they can challenge you and will keep doing it and will probably bite you again. You have to gain control now. How obedient is he? An obedient dog will usually have respect for you and not challenge your leadership.

I would suggest when he starts becoming aggressive correct the behaviour right away by saying in a loud firm voice NO. You can also put him on a time out in a crate or a 'naughty place' so he knows he did bad. Never reward bad/aggressive behaviour. If he starts becoming aggressive with treats do not give them to him. This only re-enforces and rewards the bad behaviour by giving treats. If he acts nicely then you can give him a treat. A good thing to do is always make him work for the treat wether it be good behaviour or obeying a command such as sit or shake. This will re-enforce good and obedient behaviour. I always do this with my dog, give her a command such as sit and shake, before I give the treat so she is being reward for good behaviour and being obedient and she knows she has to earn it and it is not just given to her Also, practicing commands such as sit, shake, stay will help him become obedient and show that you are the dominant dog which will help you gain his respect

Another way to approach it if the behaviour doesn't get better is take him to a trainer where you can work one on one to solve the behaviour issues. They will know exactly what is going on and how to correct the situation

[TykoPups]

I hate to tell you, but I would bet the cat was the pack leader that the dog looked to. Now that he doesn't have that he is worried and doesn't have someone to look to for how to react in a situation. First whatever you do, don't treat the dog any differently. Next I would try working with the dog, working on some heeling or something so that the dog learns to look towards you for direction.