[rickyandrebecca]

Hi everyone,


I have a beautiful male Chi, named Ricky. He is 2 years old and truly the love of my life.

Ricky lives with my family of 4 plus our boxer Emmitt, who he loves very much and gets along with very well.


Ricky does not like other dogs. To the point where I can't even take him outside for a walk on the side walk. He literally freaks out and attacks and is always nervous and barking. I have to walk him in the backyard (we have an acre lot) when the neighbours dog isn't out.

He also does not like new people. When someone comes to the door he barks for a good half hour. When they come inside, we cannot hold him in our arms because he tries to jump out and attack the guest. If he is on the floor, he still barks and will only attack if they try and touch him.

It is the same when anyone goes near his food while he is eating, or if you try and pull something away from him when it is in his mouth (for example. taking a napkin or wrapper that he stole from the garbage away)

Sometimes (this is a rare occasion) when he is sleeping he will jump up and attack me if we are laying on the same couch or bed. He does this for no reason. He just wakes up and attacks. It has been to the point where I have actually had to jump up out of bed and run away.

We have tried just about everything. Our boxer is so gentle and kind and we raised him the same way we raised Ricky.

Has anyone heard of this before? Could it be a health related issue?

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[LaceyGirl]

Hmm this is a puzzler. Have you been Ricky's "mom" all his life? Or did you adopt him?

 

[rickyandrebecca]

I've been his mom his whole life

 

[LaceyGirl]

I've been his mom his whole life

Now I'm even more baffled. Typically, I would say a dog displaying this sort of behavior would have suffered some sort of trauma in his lifetime.
Has another dog ever attacked him or acted in a threatening manner towards him? I know there are some dogs who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress just like humans can.
If he hasn't suffered any traumas or anything like that, I'm really at a loss. I know there are chihuahuas who are super dominant and possessive, but I have only come across one (and she was only protective of her human mom, nobody or nothing else).
Anyone else have suggestions?

 

[rickyandrebecca]

He has never suffered any trauma that I know of. I did pick him up when he was 8 weeks old, perhaps something happened then.. but I am not sure if it would have had such a profound effect on him.

It's actually really difficult because all other times he is so loving and so smart. I wish I could bring him places with me but I can't. When I go away, I have to find a willing sitter and that becomes even more difficult once they see his behaviour. I am going away soon and did some research into people who board chihuahua's specifically, but I know I will be worried my whole trip about his behaviour.

When he does attack, it is quite frightening. He doesn't bite very hard, it almost feels as if he is just trying to grab your hand. But he shows his teeth and growls horribly.

Thank you for the reply

 

[susan davis]

I wonder if this could be a seizure type behavior? Maybe a work-up with a behaviorist, or neurologist is in order. If you could make a tape of his behavior it would help with the diagnosis. If he truly is asleep and wakes up and attacks, this sounds like a seizure. (partial seizures do not have the grand mal movements of the 'regular' epilepsy.) Sue

 

[jesuschick]

Has he always been reactive and displayed these other issues or is this new? If he has always been this way then I agree with Sue and a behaviorist could be in order.

If this is new I would definitely suspect a medical issue, pain or something of the like. In that case, I'd certainly take him in for some medical tests.

Just curious if this is new or just how he has been.

 

[rickyandrebecca]

I read this was a potential reason.

I must tell you that the vet has requested we sedate Ricky before bringing him in next time (lol- even though it really isn't funny!).

I am really against sedating him.

Also, it began after he turned a year old. As a puppy he was timid and calm.

 

[theshanman97]

hmmm um not sure but maybe you should take him to a specialist? i cant suggest any certain type as we dont have specialists here but maybe a behaviorist? good luck! x

 

[jesuschick]

Also, it began after he turned a year old. As a puppy he was timid and calm.

Sounds shy/fearful/reactive to me (I am not judging, I just have one as well). Is he neutered?

 

[Chi Nation]

IMO...I would definitely seek out a good behaviorist/trainer. He needs to be put back in check eealise he is not in charge. He is acting as if he is the alpha male in control of the pack. This is something he really needs to broke of, quickly.

 

[KittyD]

Sounds like a few things going on, but the biting is NOT acceptable.
You need to consult a behaviourist for certain, or someone who can show you how to handle a problem dog.

Where did you get him from? did you meet his parents?
It could be a breeding/genetics issue.

 

[rickyandrebecca]

I have not met his parents. I bought him from a place where they "connect well bred puppies with good people", or at least that is the slogan they slapped on to their name. I bought Ricky from them after a family friend recommended I go there and actually took me there to see the puppies. I was 18 at the time and while I did plenty of research about the breed and breeders, I felt pressure to go there. I know it is no excuse. To my horror I did some research recently and found that this person may be getting the dogs from puppy mills.

I have been a vegetarian and vegan for over a decade, I also donate to rescue teams and shelters. So you can just imagine how it made me feel when it was brought to my attention.

None the less, I love Ricky and wouldn't trade him for the world.

Where could I possibly find a specialist?

 

[jesuschick]

Ask your vet, ask other pet owners, search online and carefully look for ratings and reviews.

You will have Pet Behaviorists in your area.

The WORST thing that I could advise you to do is decide he can just get over it, snap out of it or you are going to just take care of this by "showing him who is boss". You are the boss and he can understand that without you making things worse by forcing that point. That can be so counterproductive if indeed he is shy/fearful.

I have not met him and I am not a Behaviorist. This type of behavior can be medically created or it can come from his being frightened and insecure. You certainly need to sort that out.

I am going to ask again. Is he neutered?

 

[rickyandrebecca]

He is neutered. It seems to have no effect on him whatsoever.

 

[jesuschick]

If he was not, I'd suggest perhaps his hormones.

Sure hope you find if this is medical or behavioral soon. For both of your sakes!!

 

[KittyD]

I have not met his parents. I bought him from a place where they "connect well bred puppies with good people", or at least that is the slogan they slapped on to their name. I bought Ricky from them after a family friend recommended I go there and actually took me there to see the puppies. I was 18 at the time and while I did plenty of research about the breed and breeders, I felt pressure to go there. I know it is no excuse. To my horror I did some research recently and found that this person may be getting the dogs from puppy mills.

I have been a vegetarian and vegan for over a decade, I also donate to rescue teams and shelters. So you can just imagine how it made me feel when it was brought to my attention.

None the less, I love Ricky and wouldn't trade him for the world.

Where could I possibly find a specialist?

I know exactly where you got your dog!!! (I'm from Toronto as well) Absolute 100% Mill operation.
It does explain a few things, you can probably sort him out but he may never be perfect. You will likely need to always watch him closely, as long as you are ok with that. I'd not advise allowing him near children that could be a liability to you.

I'm going to hazard a guess that this might be genetic considering his origins, you will need to work closely with someone who can show you how to handle a problem dog.
Are you in the core? or in the 'burbs, I'd give the vet clinic at Guelph a call tomorrow to see what they can advise in terms of reputable behaviourists, If your local vet can not advise.


Good luck!

 

[rickyandrebecca]

AH! So you have heard of them too! It is so disappointing, considering they put on the perfect front! I have contacted the SPCA about getting them shut down but haven't heard back from anyone.

I am in the "burbs" and Guelph is quite far for me.

If a dog is from a puppy mill does that mean genetically there may be an issue, or is it from inhumane treatment in their earliest stages?

 

[rickyandrebecca]

I don't mind if he isn't perfect but I would really love to take him places and not worry for the safety of others.

As a family, we are very careful with our dogs. Our boxer has never even barked in his 7 years of living, and still we crate him whenever children are around. The same goes for Ricky.

When people do come to the house, as I mentioned before, he cannot be in our arms. It takes a while but he comes around and happily runs around everyones feet without any harm, but its when someone goes to pet him. He is very nervous and it is as if he doesn't trust anyone.

He is most obedient with my mother and always listens to her. He evens puts his ears down to acknowledge that he has done something wrong and walks right over to his bed.

He is also most affectionate with me. Perhaps in an unhealthy way as well. He will not fall asleep until I am home and cries until I come home and tuck him into bed.

 

[AussieLass]

I have not met his parents. I bought him from a place where they "connect well bred puppies with good people", or at least that is the slogan they slapped on to their name. I bought Ricky from them after a family friend recommended I go there and actually took me there to see the puppies. I was 18 at the time and while I did plenty of research about the breed and breeders, I felt pressure to go there. I know it is no excuse. To my horror I did some research recently and found that this person may be getting the dogs from puppy mills.

I have been a vegetarian and vegan for over a decade, I also donate to rescue teams and shelters. So you can just imagine how it made me feel when it was brought to my attention.None the less, I love Ricky and wouldn't trade him for the world.

Where could I possibly find a specialist?

I'm confused about the vegetarian and vegan statement ... did I miss something or do they do something different in USA?

So, based on your last post, you need to watch, see, listen and learn what your Mom does and follow suit - I would think she uses a strong, no-nonsense tone of voice that leaves no room for anything other than respect.