QuestionMy mini-daschund is not aggressive enough around aggressive dogs. How do I train her to stick up for herself around aggressive dogs?
AnswerI figured this was the case or maybe some neighborhood dogs. I knew you would not let that happen in your home. It sounds like your neighbor could use some dog training skills and I am very glad you will keep her out of that situation! Give her a hug for me!
Cindy
You really cannot train her to do this. If she is being picked on, then she needs to be kept separated from the aggressive ones. For her emotional and physical well being, you may need to make a choice between the aggressive dogs if they are yours or your dachshund but it is not fair to subject her to that and it makes her life horrible. If you try to train a dog to "stand up" for herself, you will end up training a mean dog that has the potential to harm someone or cause a good dog to withdraw and become unfriendly. I have 8 dachshunds of my own and I would not let any dog be aggressive with any of them. The aggressive dog would have to go or be trained to be non-aggressive. Honestly I am not trying to be harsh, but your dog is living a miserable life and will quickly become emotionally scarred. She deserves better than that. She should not have to stick up for herself - that is what you are there for or she needs a different home. I have gotten many dogs into rescue because the other dogs in the house were too aggressive and the owner realized that the dachshund needed a better life. I am not saying that is your case, but it is not uncommon. You will need to take control of the situation and determine what is best. But in the meantime, you need to stand up for her and be her protector and friend and keep her stress free and away from any threatening situations. I hope that helps - I know it is a tough situation.
