biting poodle

Question
Hi
I have 2 adopted poodles, both are neutered males
The most recently adopted male age 2 1/2 was given up by his family with 2 children due to agression.
He has been with me now for 2 months and has recently, in the past two weeks, been biting.
He bit my mother over her trying to remove a non-food item from his mouth.
He has bitten myself over food. He can only eat presciption dog food for a sensitive stomach and he went to eat my other dogs food i tried to remove it and he bit my hand and tehn began to bite my foot. Also, on Halloween he had a pee accident in the house, which has never happened before. When i put down a paper towel to clean it up he bit my hand and foot again. keep in mind that i had not reprimanded him for peeing in the house.

I am very concerned regarding his behavior and wonder if this is permanent or can my trainer correct this problem. I love Lucky dearly, but can't have such an aggressive dog in my home.

Does medication help?
Anne


Answer
It is confused about who is in charge.   It is quite possible it is used to
being in charge, and intends to stay in charge.  You need to take over as top dog.  This will not be quick or easy.  Having a good pack structure reduces such problems.  The dogs see all the
people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in
the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members
outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by
reading some books or going to a good obedience class.  A good obedience class
or book is about you learning to be top dog, not the dog learning it gets a
treat if it sits.  Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/

A top dog does not put up with biting by a lower status one.  Give a warning
stern "Bad Dog!".  In stubborn cases, I repeat the "Bad dog!" right in its face with the dog on its back. Hold it down until it lifts one back leg to show submission.  Use one forearm under his jaw to keep his teeth away from your face.  Another very effective technique if the dog is small enough, is to pick it up with your hands behind its front shoulders and hold it out with its back to you.   Make sure it is far enough out it can't fling its head into your face.   Hold it until itquits struggling and relaxes.  If you can't do either of those, try the squirt bottle.  Fill it with water and a little vinegar or lemon juice.  Give it a squirt in the face as soon as it misbehaves.  Dogs
hate that.  Dachshunds have a reputation for being stubborn.  The solution to a
stubborn dog is an owner that is even more stubborn.  Every time he snaps or
growls, he immediately gets which ever bad consequence works best for you.
Don't forget the praise and petting when he finally yields.

A biting dog is no end of problems.   I suspect he has had 2 1/2 years of doing
as he pleased.  I doubt he will give it up easily.  In time, he will be a
happier dog for having the strong leadership dogs need.