How to get a chihuahua to not bite me?

Question

I find most animals really like me, but my friend's chihuahua is an exception. Whenever any of her friends come over, he barks and growls. If anybody tries to pet him, pick something up near him, or just gets too close in general, he snaps at them.

I'm finding it really annoying. Is there anyway I can get him to at least TOLERATE me so I don't have to worry about him biting me, without my friend changing her ownership style?

I'm pretty sure she has contributed to this behavior by reinforcing his attempts to bite (Shhing and petting), and she teases him a lot.

So ... any ideas?

Answer 1

well, ummmmmmmm, im not sure how to tackle THIS one, but i will do my best. some reasons the chihuahua may be nippy is bcuz he is aggressive, too pampered/spoiled, old age, or he is just like,"this is my merchandise, you touch it, you get bit!!!!" try talking to your friend about discipline and punishment, and timeouts for the dog. it might be hard for her, but she needs to know that if her dog were to cause any real damage, the dog would have to be put down. another thing to do is just put on a long sleeve shirt, thick gloves, and jeans and go in with the dog and pick it up, pet it, touch it, nudge it, just sort of mess with it, and since all of the times he bites you, it doesnt hurt, he will give up biting and say "i give up bcuz obviously this biting thing doesnt work anymore!" after a while of non-biting, give him a few treats. this way, he will learn that not biting can be a positive thing!  

Answer 2

I just wanted to say that it's your friend's fault. Chihuahuas are really nasty little animals, but that's usually because their owners spoil them, do not think they need to teach such a tiny dog obedience, discipline & socialization. I also find that many chihuahua owners buy them for comfort animals and are more isolated than other dog owners (say me, who likes to walk with my Jack Russells & play with other dogs, etc.) Of course he is going to cry when he gets in the cage. He knows he can get right out of it if he does! He is ruling the roost and he knows it. You should not tease your pet either. Your friend is a very bad dog owner, I'm sorry to say. I would refuse to go over to her house again until she begins obedience lessons & teaches it some manners.

P.S. I will also add that you can play a game I call "Kisses" with this dog. I taught it to mine when they first began to nip (out of curiosity at 2 months old though, not territorial protection or anything like this dog, but it may still work). I apply slighted melted butter or rub a bitten strawberry onto the tops of my hands, ankles, knees, etc. (wherever they nip), hold my hand out and say "Kisses, kisses". They can't bite & enjoy the flavor of the butter. They have to l**k in order to be able to taste it. This has worked so well with my dogs. They don't nip at all since we play this game. And if they ever tried to, I'd simply say "Kisses" and they'd know to l**k, not bite. Hope this helps some.

Answer 3

She certainly has reinforced his behaviour. The best thing to do is to tell her to ignore the dog when he does this as long as he doesnt attack you. Sit down near him and just stay there, and let him do what he wants. He will probably get used to you. After awhile, maybe a week of doing this daily, try getting close to him. Take it in gradual steps and he may just tolerate you!

Answer 4

yell at him. nd if it bites u tap its nose nd say no. tell ur friend to stop petting it too... itll think that its doin sumthin good by biteing everyone...

Answer 5

you have to be strict. if he snaps at you. smack his butt or nose, it sounds cruel but they get the hint.

dont go soft or it wont work.

also, they sell barking collors, about 20 bucks or so, that when they bark, first time- beep, second- tiny zap, third- little bit bigger zap, and so on.

they work well

Answer 6

You really cant do anything in this situation. Those little annoying lapdogs are either too brave or stupid for their own good...maybe both. And they'll do whatever they please that the owner lets them get away with. She (your friend that owns the dog) Needs to start being a responsible pet owner and realizing letting her dog bark, snap at, or bite anyone, let alone her friends is irresponsible and stupid.

Answer 7

i don't know how old the dog is but it sounds to me as thought it may have a sight problem. If that is the case then quietly sitting down in near proximity of the animal and patiently waiting for him to come to you, and try not to coax it verbally, You need to be calm and quiet as much as possible as well as your friend. Eventually the animals curiosity will take over and if it is barking it will subside. hopefully then it will approach you, Let him thoroughly sniff your hand and pet him slowly and gently, You may want to give it a little treat at this point, and the two of you would be friends before you know it.

Answer 8

they are very mean dogs they have a temperament worse than a pit bull its best to put them in a cage like a hamster

Answer 9

When he bites you, let him bite your fists and raise your chest up like your a dominant dog. Sooner or later, he'll stop biting you.