chihuahua aggression

Question
My chihuahua is aggressive around people he doesn't know. I just got him spayed will this stop his aggressio?

Answer
Hi Judy....

Your question is the third one I've received this week regarding this issue.  It has been my experience that Chihuahuas are extremely devoted to their people and don't usually readily accept new people very well. As much as people love to see Chihuahuas when they're out and about, Chihuahuas are not really a breed that enjoys being pet or held by strangers and, in fact, can become very annoyed with too many people reaching at them and petting them (thus the aggressive behavior). My own Chihuahuas are quite reluctant around strangers and when people ask if they can pet them I very kindly tell them that I'd prefer not as they just don't take to strangers that well and then I thank them for having asked.

If you want to train your Chihuahua to better accept people at home, ask your friends/visitors to let the dog come up to them and not reach for it.  Give your friends/visitors a treat to offer to the dog or let them toss the dog's favorite toy and then give your dog LOTS of positive reinforcement when they respond well to your company - LOTS of praise and hugs!!

Just for your future information, male dogs are neutered and females are spayed.  Yes, I think that having him neutered will help somewhat, but it probably won't solve the entire problem because this is a pretty well known trait of this breed.  In my experience, there's few dogs as devoted and protective of their owners as the Chihuahua - along with those traits comes what appears to be a mistrust or suspicion of other people.  So often when shelters get Chihuahuas in, they put a sign up on the cage identifying them as being "aggressive" or "biters" which is often why they don't get new homes.  The truth of the matter is that they're horribly scared of new situations and new people.

I hope that answers your question and if I can be of further help, let me know.

Jo Ann