Chihuahua/Jack Russels

[TurtleToo]

Scared you all, didn't I!!

My granny recently got a new rescue doggy, she's only about 11 months but hasn't had the best start and is taking a little time to come around. Dog aggressive with new dogs, which is being worked on, we're happy enough sorting this one and she has come on leaps and bounds already.

Main problem is that she hates certain men. She isn't keen on new people, for the first ten minutes or so she will bark and be a general pest, but then settles and is ready to bounce up on their knee for cuddles, the turnaround is instant once she decides someone is safe. However, with my uncle who is at the house every single day, usually in and out of the house a few times and stays for up to an hour at a time, she will not settle. Have tried having him throw her treats every time he comes in, no pressure for her to come to him, she won't take them if he's within about 3 foot. The barking can go on for up to an hour when he is in the house. Have tried putting her out in the yard when he's there but she won't settle. She now knows his footsteps/voice so he can come into the house when she's in the kitchen (accompanied by a person), and she knows he's there. She has her own safe 'corner' where he never goes, same idea as a crate. Any ideas on how to help her with this one?

Other than that, she's a great wee dog, she would walk and walk all day, which suits my very active nan, they walk 5 miles in the morning and 3 in the evening, and she has plenty to do at home. Very smart little girl and she has a great life where she is now.

So a photo, warning, she is very VERY cute...
Meet Suzie

 

[ladyt25]

Mine was pretty much the same when I got her, she was about 9 mths. She still has a the 'issues' but they have decreased and once she has accepted the strangers (men usually) she then won't leave them alone and wants them to play with her toys, will lie by their feet, try and get on their laps - she's a tart!

She does still show nervous aggression on the lead (off lead she is pretty much ok), and some dogs make her react more than others (black labs and very white JRTs seem to get her back up!).

I took her to some training/socialisation classes when I first got her and this did help me as I got some tips on how to deal with the behaviour and I still use them now. She's getting better as she gets older (she's 2 now) but I think she's always going to be a bit funny like this.

 

[CorvusCorax]

It will take time. If your uncle is only in the house for and hour and leaves, this may reinforce the fact that if she acts defensive, barks, he leaves. Like the postman, every day the dog barks and every time the bad man goes away.

You may also look at his body language - is he tall? Loud? Busy? He may remind her of a bad experience.
My Mum is a very fast, busy person with a huge energy around her and she drives my dog nuts as he thinks she is VERY EXCITING! and he feeds off her energy.
I have to be very calm and neutral with him also or he turns into a Tasmanian Devil, it can take me five minutes to get him out of the car.

Your uncle must be calm and neutral and not too overbearing.

The pup needs to meet men, LOTS of them, in her house, all bearing food and toys and cuddles and it will take time. I would see if your uncle could spend a few nights over or spend the day in the house without leaving.

Also if using food, don't feed her before he arrives, so she is really hungry. It will make the food much more appealing!!
And make sure she sees/knows for definite it is coming from her, and only feed when she is quiet, even if that is only for a split second - don't make her think she is getting fed for barking.