Little dog big attitude

Question
Hello.  I have a 11 month chi.  We have had her since she is 8 weeks.  She is not fixed.  She is very spoiled to me and my husband.  She does good with my children, but sometimes growls when they go to pick her up.  She is a very jealous dog.  To the point where she steals our guinea pig's food out the cage.  Our problem is she is a very noisy dog and does not like other people.  If someone knocks at the door she freaks out and barks and barks and I have to put her in another room.  When I take her out to potty (which she still has not mastered)she chases people and barks and tries to bite other children.  She seems to really mean.  I took her to Petco today and all she did was bark.  If I go outside and she sees me out there she will scream like crazy.  We love her so much and maybe spoil her too much, but she is mean to other people and scares little kids.  Any suggestions would help.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Adrienne, Yes, you are spoiling your girl. The good news is that she is young and can easily learn that you and your family are her pack leaders. Remember you must give her mental and physical exercise daily by taking her for walks at the heel. Walking her around her neighborhood will make her more assured that you are in control and their is nothing to fear. It would do her good to properly crate train her, if you have not already. When anyone picks up a dog, they are taking away the dogs authority, her leadership role. This frightens her and fear easily turns to aggression. You must calmly correct her and reassure her. Touching her in the neck to get her attention on you will break the cycle of barking (you can add a verbal and hand signal as well). Claim your front door, block her with your body and tell her to go and sit. Your visitors will understand and gladly wait if you tell them you are training your dog. Have them walk in with their arms folded across their chest and make no contact physical or verbal with her. If this all sounds too difficult, I would recommend that you find a good canine behaviorist in your area to assist you. Just because she is little and fragile is no reason to let her be in charge of your home and world. Please leave me some feedback and follow-up to let me know how things are going after a week or two of walking each day (minimum). Thank you for writing. Regards, Susan