Little Shih Tzu

Question
Hi! We have a 3 year old Shih Tzu that has recently (within the last 6 months) become very aggressive with strangers, in particular adult males. He barks and growls, and has NOT yet to bit anyone, but we fear that he will soon. He has never been aggressive with any young child, but a lot of his aggressive behavior occurs with adult strangers.
My wife and I fear that he will hurt someone at some point, and want to know what we can do to fix this? Unfortunately we live in a small town where Obedience school is not offered. Do you have any suggestions for us?
 Thank you so much in advance!
 Mike

Answer
Obedience class is really where you need to start, and you might be able to find something in your area if you start looking. http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=clubs.search  You might also try asking your vet for referrals for obedience trainers or even an animal behaviorist. Last, there is always a good book: Training Your Dog, the Step-by-Step Manual, by Volhard & Fisher (Howell Book House)

Start practicing "Nothing in Life is Free" with him. http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

Get him out as much as possible and expose him to strangers. Have them offer him treats that he absolutely cannot resist... such as small pieces of string cheese or bits of chicken. (My daughter cuts chicken up in small cubes, cooks it, and then dehydrates it.) He must learn that people are only good, and nothing to fear.

When people come to the house, he should be on leash and put on a sit/stay until they are in and settled. Treats can then be offered, but the visitors should make him sit first before offering the food.