Not sure what to do

[Juvana]

Hello, I have to lil pom boys, one is a sweet 2 1/2 year old, and he is very sweet, laid back, but thinks that we are his furniture, I also have a 5 month old pom that thinks he is the king of the roost. He snaps, growls, snarls, flashes those pearly whites, jumps, crawls on furniture, runs away and we have to chase him everywhere, he has to be on a leash at all times, chews on anything he can get ahold of, steals food, and well ignores me. and they both bark at anything. I'm unsure what to do.

[Muggsmom]

Sounds like you have your hands full. Time to put your foot down, lol. First of all, stop chasing your pup. It's great the you keep a leash on him, but take it one step further. For 2-3 hrs/day, tie the leash around your waist. You can do it in 20-30 min. segments if necessary. That way he has to follow you and will learn that you make the decisions. Totally ignore him during this time. Just go about your regular routine as if he wasn't there. It will take a bit for both of you to get used to it. You also need to implement the NILIF (nothing in life is free) mindset. You control all the resources - food, water, affection, exercise, play, EVERYTHING. Your dogs have to work for what they want. Sit before they get fed, down before you throw a ball, shake before YOU LET THEM on your lap, etc. It doesn't have to be much, but they have to know that you are in charge. NEVER punish unless you catch them in the act, NEVER call them to you then give them trouble. Ignore bad behaviour and reward good behaviour. If they jump on you, become a tree until all four feet are on the ground, then give them attention. Fill your pockets with good treats (cut-up chicken weiners are great) and reward ALL good behaviour. When they're lying quiet, tell them Good Dog and treat. Check into clicker training.

How much exercise do they get? I mean going for walks, playing ball in the backyard, etc. There is a lot of truth to the saying that "A good dog is a tired dog." Just because they're little dogs doesn't mean they don't need exercise.

As for stealing food, etc. my dog used to get into the garbage no matter what I did. Don't make it easy for them, close the lid on the garbage, put food away. I finally had to set Muggs up. I covered the garbage in cayenne pepper. It took 3 times, but he doesn't try anymore. Of course, I made sure his water bowl was full, LOL.

Definitely check out obedience classes. Sit in on a class before you sign up to make sure you agree with the trainer's methods.

Just a few ideas that have helped me. I know it seems like a lot, but pretty soon most of this stuff becomes second nature, and it is definitely worth it in the end. Look at it this way, a few months of hard work now for 12 yrs of bliss, or 12 yrs of this behaviour. No contest.

Good luck and let us know how you make out. I'm sure others may have some suggestions.

[kuritsa18]

I totally agree with muggsmom!

Right now your dogs have control and you need to take it back and establish your dominance over them; show them that you are the boss and their 'pack leader'. Dogs need to have a leader and have rules.

Reward good behaviour with praise and treats and bad behaviour with a NO or bad dog or a time out in its 'naughty place'. Obedience classes will really help with the behaviour issuses and help you astablish your dominant role. I agree with the work for what you want policy. I do it with my dog and it works great.

also, small dogs are usually high energy so it is important to give them lots of exercise and play time. Dogs who are aggressive also need lots of exercise to relax their minds and make them less tense and control the anger or aggression build up. These probably are the reasons for the chewing problem too; just too much pent up energy. You could take them to doggy day care where they can play and intereact with other dogs and humans. This would be great for changing their aggressive and hyper behaviour.

A dog biting or becoming aggressive, big or small dog, is never acceptable behaviour and should be stopped right away! Your dogs could also be displaying this aggressive behaviour towards you because they are challenging you and saying 'hey! I'm the boss not you!" This is how they act in their natural packs; they are challenging your dominace.. and it looks like they are winning! Don't accept this bad behaviour or let them see it is tolerable. As soon as they do it time out , bad boy, NO, STOP, whatever to make them see you are serious. Then when tneys top and are good reward them with praise and treats.

I would suggest taking the nessesary steps at home and also consult a dog trainer.

hope that helps too!