Question:
I recently acquired a female Chihuahua from Canine Castaways. She is 5 years old. She can be very timid, but gets quite vocal and aggravated when my husband gives me something or touches me. She doesn't snap but looks as if she will. She has not nipped him, but she will not go with him unless I give the OK. Other times, she will sit with him and play.
How can I lessen her aggression with him? When going for walks, she will go only if I am with them. We have had Chihuahuas before, but they have always treated us equally. We would like her to be a two-person dog.
M.W., Naples, FL Jan 03, 2012
Answer:
As long as your husband doesn't feel rejected (some immature spouses actually become jealous in situations like yours), half the problem is solved. Acceptance of your dog's immediate bonding and preference toward you is a first step. She may have been teased or abused by a male, and it will take time for her to trust your husband.
Have your husband take her for walks along with you, using a harness rather than a neck collar, and after a few days send them off without you going along. Have him take over grooming, passing him the brush as you are grooming the dog. Ditto with the food bowl -- bend down with it in your hand, call the dog over to you, then give the bowl to your hubby to put down. This way, she should learn to trust him. When your husband gives you something or touches you and your dog acts protectively or seems jealous, you can teach her self-restraint by putting her on the floor and getting her to sit and stay. Then reward her for good behavior. A dog-training clicker to make a distracting sound is an alternative, as is a squeaky toy to redirect her attention.
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