My Sweet little Chi has slowly become aggresive

Question
I have a sweet, loving 3 year old Chihuahua.  She is a wonderful part of our family and loves each and every one of us.  The problem is that she has slowly become an aggressive dog to any other person that she does not know and especially other dogs, particularly the big dogs.  She looks vicious! She uncontrollably barks and tries to attack, even trying to bite people.  This has been going on for the last year, getting worse as time goes on.

People back off from her and even the bigger dogs run from her..the jack russell in our family is scared of her and hides.
Is she trying to be an "alpha dog" or simply trying to protect her family.  What do you advise to re-direct her behavior in a positive direction.

Thank you,

Pam

Answer
Dear Pam,
Thanks for the question. Some of those little ones don't seem to know their own size!

Helping your girl is beyond what I can write in this forum. But I can give you some tips.

It's not an "alpha" thing nor is she trying to protect her family. It probably started as fear but now it's become an addiction. If we broke it down into the smallest reason, your girl is addicted to the brain chemistry of naughty behaviors. She's an adrenaline junky!

You'll need to redirect her (as you mentioned)and get her to relax. First you'll help her by teaching her that strangers and strange dogs predict that you will give her a treat. It's impossible for her brain to react with aggression and anticipate a treat at the same time.

To learn how, buy the book, The Cautious Canine by Patricia McConnell. Or hire a trainer that works with aggressive dogs. Run away from anyone who wants to use force to change her mind. You'll use systematic desensitization instead. You can visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systematic_desensitization for information abut the process - but you'll need some professional help if you are to help your girl. Visit http://apdt.com and search for a trainer that works with fear and aggression cases.

Good Luck!
AT

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