Agressive Maltese

Question
QUESTION: My 3 1/2 month old male Maltese is very aggressive especially when he is disturbed while sleeping.  He growls and bites my husband and I, and we can tell he's not playing around.  I love him to death but I'm scared that my husband will force me to get rid of the dog if his behavior doesn't change.  He also does this when we try to pick him up sometimes.  Is there something I can do to get him to change this awful behavior?

ANSWER: You need to definatley get this under control or it could escalate and he could be forced to be put down eg if he bites a child etc.
is he only 3 and a half month?
you should be able to definatley change the behaviour firstly make sure he has his own territory basket etc get him used to being picked up carry him around the house with you this may sound silly but he is not biting because he is in any pain is he?
get him into a routine wake him up breakfast as hes young he will need a lunch time sleep then feed etc.
can you email me more details off the behavior it is very odd with him being so young is he becoming dominant over you?
dont worry it can be sorted with time and persistance.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: He is only 3 and a half month old, and yes it is very odd.  He's not in any pain, not that I know of anyway.  He's had his regular visits to the vet and everything seemed to be okay.  I work during the day and so does my husband.  While we're out, he stays in our bathroom.  It's a fairly large unit but I think maybe it's too closed in for him.  His behavior gets bad when it's bedtime (that's where he sleeps)or when we try to pick him up to put him in the bathroom before we leave.  Could it be that it's too closed in with the door shut?
ANSWER: yes this could be the problem is there any way that you can let him have acsess to another room with more space  so that hes able to roam a little more i know its hard when your out all day ?


how are you getting on now?







any better?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes much better.  He now has access to 3 rooms in the house and things are much better.  Thanks for the advice.

Answer
Im so glad to hear that, maltese are really funny charectors and in my opinion i just think yours got a little naughty and was expressing his anger in the wrong way lol. I dont think it was that you did anything wrong perhaps you just took the wrong approach if you continue to show him whos the boss and be firm but fair then you will enjoy a loyal companion please let me know how you get on in the future and i would be happy to answer any other questions to the best of my ability. Careful though he may go from one extreme to the other lol He wont leave your side next and will be coming to bed with you lol