Biting Dachsie

[bitterapple]

Hi, my family has an eight month old dachsie by the name of Cairo. Lately he has taken to biting when a family member does something he does not like, such as taking him away from the door when someone is going outside so that he doesn't run out. He's taken to biting hard enough to draw blood. We got him when he was four months old and he didn't do this back then. He's also taken to barking at us and running at us in an aggressive manner as well if he sees we're going to do something he won't like. But at other times he's perfectly friendly and non-aggressive. Any ideas as to how to stop this behavior?

[LisaH]

Sounds like Cairo needs to be "put in his place." Does he sleep in a bed with someone? If so, this should stop--sleeping in a bed with humans makes him feel he's on an equal level with them. He should be made to sit before he's given his dinner, or a treat, or even a petting. He should never go through a door before a human does. Do everything you can think of to show him (nicely, but firmly!) that humans come FIRST.

Also, is he neutered? If not, this would probably help with his dominance (and would certainly be a good idea on general principles).

LisaH and Annie

[Mark]

Hi bitterapple,

First . . . Welcome to DBB! <img border="0" alt="[Bounce]" title="" src="graemlins/bounce.gif" />

We had a very good 17 post thread on that with a 7 1/2 month old male in Jan 2001 . . . here's the URL: <a href="http://dachsie.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=000089" target="_blank">http://dachsie.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=000089</a>

I hope it helps and please keep us posted.

[MARTHA]

You might want to try some obedience classes. it will give you some ideas about how to train and him how to learn. Also it is good socialization for him. If you have a Petsmart, etc, they usually have a basic class. Lisa advice was great and if you will scroll through the archives you will find a lot of great advice on training.

Good luck

Martha

[bitterapple]

I have scrolled through the archives and taken note of all the suggestions. Now I just need to inform all other family members. I suppose it doesn't help that my mother babies Cairo. I think he realizes he can run circles around her.

Cairo doesn't sleep in our beds, however he is used to having his bed right next to my sister's bed and won't go to sleep unless there's someone in the bed. It has gotten to the point where if he hears my sister going out the front door, he'll start to whine and won't settle down. I guess one of the first things we have to do is break him of this habit and get him used to sleeping alone (otherwise my sister will never be able to leave the house again <img border="0" alt="[Circle]" title="" src="graemlins/circle.gif" /> ).

We'll try the suggestions and hopefully something will work and Cairo will get the idea of who is in charge. My parents are opposed to neutering him, but if the aggressive behavior continues I don't think we'll have much of a choice.

Thanks Everybody!

[LisaH]

Do your best to convince your parents he should be neutered. It isn't the solution to all dominance problems, but it can be a major help. I've heard about dogs who actually bite family members who try to leave the house! It sounds like that could be his next step.

Good luck!