Shih Tzu attention seeking behavior

Question
I have a 9-week old shih Tzu and I am an inexperienced, but loving dog owner.  Following most trips outside the dog gets very excited and is not only constantly under foot, but will lay on the ground waiting for an opportunity to pounce on my feet to bite my toes or ankles.  He will run from the other side of the room to jump on my leg and then bite my toes or will play tug or war with pant legs. He even growled at me this morning!  I am using positive reinforcement to train Jack, but find myself (and I'm sure him too!) getting frustrated by this negative cycle. I can't find the best way to deal with this behaviour because it appears more frequently. Please help!

Answer
Hi Angela

9 weeks old -- you still have a bit of a ways to go before you finally get to say "Jack YES!!!" You have to think of him as a 2 year old human.  You are constantly running after them telling them no, and trying to keep them safe.

Personally, we have certain rules that must be heeded by everyone from the 3 pound Chihuahua to the 180 pound Mastiff.  No jumping, no barking, NO BITING EVER, and no fighting. Owing a little dog is no reason to have a misbehaved dog.

To begin with, Tug of war is never encouraged. Regardless of the size of the dog, a crate is warranted.  When he bites or growls, a stern NO! and into his crate he goes for a "time out".  Let him out when he exhibits good behavior.   When he goes in for a bite on your ankles, keep walking and give him a "boot" with the other foot.  Not enough to break his ribs or kick him into next week, just hard enough that it gets his attention.  He will learn that for every action there is a reaction.  You don't have to say anything, just keep walking.

A pop can filled with gravel and taped with duct tape is also a favorite.  When he does something that is "wrong" give the can a shake and tell him NO. If he continues, throw it at him, you don't have to hit him, but the noise will be enough to get him to stop what he's doing.  It's all about getting his attention and redirecting it.

He's old enough to start obedience work, starting with a sit for meals (of course he can only do this for 30 - 60 seconds but it will increase as he ages).

Good luck