Evil Pekingese

Question
Suprisingly, Belle was a pup when we first got her. She used to be very friendly and playful with me, but it seems like just one day she turned on me. As far as feeding her, all I would be able to do is fill her bowl up because trying to give her treats results in a sore finger for me. I am a smoker but so are my mother and father and Belle "protects" them. Toys are the same story for if I ever come near one of her toys she snarls at me. Even trying to give Belle one of her toys causes her to lunge uncontrollably at the stuffed animal trying to get it away from me.
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-----Question-----
Hello Karen, my name is Brandon, and my sister recently got a Pekignese as a family pet. Her name is Belle and she despises me. It seems every time I enter the room she leans her head back and begins to growl and tense up. She has bitten me while trying to give her treats for obedience and other times when my hand was near her. I've tried being extremely kind to her but she will not have it. She is also very protective of everyone else in the house when I am around. She will jump up my leg and begin to growl and bite at me. Why has my sister's dog decided that I am evil and must be annihilated? Any help on this topic would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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You don't say how old this dog was when your sister got her; she doesn't sound like a puppy.

It would seem that something about you might be triggering an unpleasant memory for Belle or is causing this reaction. It could be something visual for her such as your size or hair color, or maybe a loud voice, or maybe just the way you smell.

Over the years I have known certain people that every dog automatically "fell in love with". I always say those people "just stink right"<G>

I once stayed in a motel room with an internet friend that I had known for several years, and my dogs were wonderful with her.... until she lit up a cigarette and started smoking. They started growling at her and wouldn't go near her after that. (I don't smoke.)

If you live at home, take on the job of feeding Belle each day. Get the leash out and take her for a walk whenever you can (your sister might have to go with you initially); most dogs love to go for walks. Go slowly with this dog, as for whatever reason, she feels you are a threat. Maybe even ignore her, but try to find something she likes.... a favorite toy or whatever, to break down that mental wall she has put up against you. Just don't physically force yourself on her.

Karen

Answer
Well, I am pretty stumped now, but my advise still remains the same. Take over feeding of the dog, even if it is nothing more than plopping the bowl down in front of her. Take her for walks, but have someone else put the leash on her (and initially also go with someone else). Instead of trying to hand Belle a toy or a treat, trying gently throwing it to her while talking sweetly to her.

Something has happened to turn this dog off, and you will have to work hard to regain her confidence again.

Karen