dog biting

Question
My first daschund lived to 18yrs never had to deal w/biting. Present daschund is 3 yrs old. No incidents first yr house broken quickly very friendly lap dog. Second year started agressive behavior incl biting took him to training all well now starting up again. He is fine when we go elsewhere but if certain ones come to our home you can tell by dif bark and biting. Any suggestions?

Answer

Hi Lynn,

All dogs are individuals, just like people. This explains why your previous dog never tried to bite people, but your current dog does.

You need to take preventative measures to ensure your dog doesn't bite,  when it comes to having visitors in your home. When you hear the doorbell ring, before your guests even enter your home, your dog should be lead into a comfortable room in your home, and kept there until your guests have come in and sat down. At that point (with the leash on your dog) you may lead your dog out to greet your guests. Instruct your guests to ignore your dog, they should not even make eye contact with him.

Give your dog a time consuming treat, such as a filled Kong toy or a chew bone, and praise him for acting calm, and and occupying himself quietly. If he starts to act aggressively towards your guests at any time, take him back to the quiet room, or secure him in another part of your home by using a child gate.

Best of luck,
Patti