Top 10 my chihuahua is aggressive towards strangers You Need To Know

It’s not unusual for a dog to “protect” his territory, and for many, it’s an inherent trait. Some breeds seem more prone to this behavior— in my experience— including dogs bred for guarding like mastiffs and some herding and terrier breeds. Unfortunately, many dogs take this behavior to an extreme level, which can lead to serious issues. A dog that feels he must aggress and bite strangers coming into the yard or into the house has the potential to cause harm to people, leading to uncomfortable guests, lawsuits, or worse. Fortunately, by understanding what drives your dog to this behavior, you can correct it.

Why do I have an aggressive dog?
If your dog is growling and barking at guests, you’re probably finding yourself with a heightened sense of anxiety. Keep in mind that your dog is not happy in this state of mind either. Dogs display this behavior due to fear and/or anxiety, and need behavioral intervention to overcome it.

Dogs that aggressively protect “their” territory are often dogs that were not socialized as puppies¹ and have a fear of novel things, people and animals. What may seem like a benign visitor to your yard, such as the mailman, can be perceived by the unsocialized dog as an extreme threat and the dog will act aggressively to protect himself.

Aggression often does not manifest right away and generally begins to show as the dog moves into adulthood. According the ASPCA and AHAA, this can be anywhere from one to three years of age depending on the size and breed/breed mix of dog. With any behavior, particularly one involving poor socialization and fear, the sooner you provide behavioral intervention, the better.

What can I do about my aggressive dog?
If you have a dog that is acting aggressively toward visitors to your home or property, it’s vital that you consult a qualified behavior professional immediately. Catch it early if you can– if your dog appears uncomfortable, anxious, stiff, or is growling, then seek help before the problem escalates. Your first step should be a consultation with your veterinarian. Says Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Don Hanson, CDBC, CPDT-KA, BFRAP of Green Acres Kennel (Bangor, ME), “I stress to clients that it is important to be frank with their veterinarian about any and all behavior concerns. I make sure that the owners understand that any underlying medical issue contributing to the dog’s behavior must be addressed first, for me to be able to help them.”

How can I find a behavioral expert for my aggressive dog?
It’s extremely important to find a behavior professional who is well versed in dealing with dogs with serious behavior issues and who uses scientifically valid methods.

When looking for a behavior consultant, make sure the professional you choose is credentialed, receives regular continuing education, and will work with your veterinarian and you to develop an effective treatment plan that is safe for you and your dog.

Your veterinarian may be able to make an excellent referral, but you can also look for someone through the following reputable organizations: The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, the Animal Behavior Society, and the IAABC. If your veterinarian feels that a veterinary behaviorist is the best option for your dog, many will work remotely in partnership with your veterinarian.

What will a behavioral expert do for my dog?
In the case of a dog with territorial aggression, your consultant will first want to make sure that rules for safety and management are in place so no one gets hurt. This may be as mild as keeping the dog crated when visitors arrive, or as strong as actually boarding the dog elsewhere if he presents a real danger to others. A professional should be able to explain to you the process so you feel comfortable with it. Says Hanson, “I explain the difference between training and behavior modification and how the goal of the latter is to change the way that a dog feels in a given situation. The vast majority of aggression cases that I see are based in fear, so resolving the dog’s anxiety is a key to ending the aggressive response.”

Every program developed for a dog is different and based on the dog’s history and needs. Generally, it will involve desensitization and counter conditioning to people coming into the dog’s territory, coupled with training the dog to go to a specified place, such as a crate or a mat, when the scary person arrives¹.  

What can my veterinarian do for my aggressive dog?
Depending on the dog, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help with the dog’s anxiety which allows the behavioral modification program to be more effective if the dog was previously too stressed to function. Other interventions may include increased exercise and mental enrichment for the dog, additional equipment such as head halters, muzzles, and management techniques may be helpful to not only keep people safe, but also to reduce the dog’s ability to interact with what scares them.

It’s important to know that while your dog’s behavior may appear disturbing and even frightening to you, the most effective way to help your dog is to work with qualified professionals and commit to following the plan they have created for you. According to author and veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Overall, MA, VMD, PhD, of all the factors involved in the successful resolution of a behavior case, “client compliance may be the most critical².”

In other words, the more effort and commitment you give to working through your dog’s issues, the higher the likelihood that your dog’s behavior will improve. Dog aggression is never really “cured,” but you can help your dog feel more comfortable with others coming into his territory.

Resources

• Author: pethealthnetwork.com

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• Sumary: If your dog is growling and barking at guests, you probably have with a heightened sense of anxiety – so does your dog

• Matching Result: Dogs display this behavior due to fear and/or anxiety, and need behavioral intervention to overcome it. Dogs that aggressively protect “their” …

• Intro: My Dog is Aggressive Around StrangersIt’s not unusual for a dog to “protect” his territory, and for many, it’s an inherent trait. Some breeds seem more prone to this behavior— in my experience— including dogs bred for guarding like mastiffs and some herding and terrier breeds. Unfortunately, many dogs take this behavior to an extreme level, which can lead to serious issues. A dog that feels he must aggress and bite strangers coming into the yard or into the house has the potential to cause harm to people, leading to uncomfortable guests, lawsuits, or worse. Fortunately, by understanding what drives…

• Source: https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-behavior/my-dog-aggressive-around-strangers

• Author: usadogbehavior.com

• Rating: 4⭐ (415959 rating)

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• Sumary: Almost everyone who owns a dog that is aggressive to people outside of the family asks me some form of the following question, “Why is my dog such a great and loving pet with our family but is so vicious and aggressive with people outside of our family?”

• Matching Result: The real cause is fear. That’s right, fear. Dogs that are aggressive to strangers (i.e., non-family members) are afraid of the stranger. The …

• Intro: Why is my Sweet Dog so Aggressive to People Outside of Our Family? | USA Dog Behavior, LLC ©Scott Sheaffer, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, USA Dog Behavior, LLCAlmost everyone who owns a dog that is aggressive to people outside of the family asks me some form of the following question, “Why is my dog such a great and loving pet with our family but is so vicious and aggressive with people outside of our family?”Let me answer that question by first telling you what is not causing this behavior. While it may look like your dog is protecting you, your family…

• Source: https://www.usadogbehavior.com/blog/202033how-can-my-dog-be-a-sweet-dog-with-my-family-but-act-aggressively-to-others

• Author: wagwalking.com

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• Sumary: Learn how to train your dog to not attack strangers using establish leadership, desensitizing, and alternate behavior methods.

• Matching Result: 17 steps

• Intro: How to Train Your Dog to Not Attack StrangersIntroductionWe have often heard it said that dog is “man’s best friend”,  but in the case of an aggressive dog, not so much! Most dogs will bark to warn you when a stranger approaches, this is a natural part of their role as a member of your “pack”, and most pet owners appreciate that it is part of their job as your pet and companion. However, some dogs take this protective, warning behavior too far, showing aggressive behavior towards, and even attacking strangers. Unless you live in an extremely remote location or are a…

• Source: https://wagwalking.com/training/not-attack-strangers

• Author: chihuahuapower.dog

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• Sumary: Chihuahua aggression is something I get asked about a lot. They have a reputation for being yappy and aggressive. If you are a chihuahua parent, then you may be familiar with the ‘curled lip of doom’ and the growl of disapproval towards strangers and the full on meltdown at other dogs. But you also know…

• Matching Result: Chihuahuas are very territorial and won’t like strangers in the house, my chi ‘Mika’ has nipped at the legs of visitors. They do it if the …

• Intro: Dealing with chihuahua aggression | Chihuahua School by Chihuahua Power Chihuahua aggression is something I get asked about a lot. They have a reputation for being yappy and aggressive. If you are a chihuahua parent, then you may be familiar with the ‘curled lip of doom’ and the growl of disapproval towards strangers and the full on meltdown at other dogs. But you also know that, at home your chihuahua is adorable, cute, and hilarious. So, what on earth is going on? Are chihuahuas more aggressive than other dog breeds? I want to say no here, but the evidence does…

• Source: https://chihuahuapower.dog/dealing-with-chihuahua-aggression/

• Author: petsafe.net

• Rating: 4⭐ (415959 rating)

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• Sumary: What’s behind a dog’s aggression to visitors and unfamiliar people outside the home?

• Matching Result: If the animal feels trapped, for example when physically blocked or held in place by a leash as the target approaches, the dog often feels compelled to increase …

• Intro: Canine Aggression towards Strangers What Counts as Aggressive Behavior? Aggressive behavior in dogs can be dangerous and expensive. According to the Center for Disease Control, an estimated 4.5 million people suffer dog bites each year and approximately 800,000 of these are serious enough to warrant a hospital visit. The Insurance Information Institute reports the average hospital cost and homeowner’s insurance claim for a dog bite injury was approximately $18,000 and $30,000, respectively, in 2012. Not surprisingly, canine aggression is the most common behavior problem treated by veterinary behaviorists. Most people become very upset when professionals use the term “aggression” to…

• Source: https://www.petsafe.net/learn/canine-aggression-towards-strangers

• Author: petplace.com

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• Sumary: Territorial aggression toward people in dogs is a potentially dangerous behavioral problem Learn more about causes and ways to prevent it here

• Matching Result: When dogs display aggression to strangers only on the home property, and do not respond aggressively to strangers on neutral territory, …

• Intro: Territorial Aggression Toward People in Dogs PetPlaceTerritorial aggression is a potentially dangerous behavior problem. In its gentlest form, dogs bark to intimidate intruders, particularly those of the same species. The barking is also intended to alert other pack members who can join in defense of the pack’s territory. If the intruder is not intimidated, warnings may escalate to include hostile posturing and lunging. If this is ineffective in deterring the visitor, an attack may ensue. Although alarm barking can sometimes be aggravating for dog owners, neighbors, and visitors, lunging and biting are far more serious problems. Dogs with the confidence…

• Source: https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-behavior-training/territorial-aggression-toward-people-in-dogs/

• Author: ilovemychi.com

• Rating: 4⭐ (415959 rating)

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• Sumary: Chihuahuas have the unsavory reputation of being yappy, snappy little dogs. The breed as a whole did not create this behavioral cliché all on their own, but the much of it can be traced back

• Matching Result: Why Are Chihuahuas Aggressive? … The fact is that Chihuahuas are not aggressive, but they can be reserved towards strangers and other animals. Chihuahuas were …

• Intro: Chihuahua Aggression This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  Learn More Chihuahuas have the unsavory reputation of being yappy, snappy little dogs. The breed as a whole did not create this behavioral cliché all on their own, but the much of it can be traced back to the owner! You can both stop aggressive problems as well as prevent them all on your own with some of the most common training methods that anyone can do! Why Are…

• Source: https://ilovemychi.com/chihuahua-aggression/

• Author: dogsandclogs.com

• Rating: 4⭐ (415959 rating)

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• Sumary: Wondering what makes Chihuahuas so aggressive? Here you’ll find answers. And… 5 signs of Chihuahua territorial aggression. How moving house impacts a Chihuahua’s mood. If anxiety is what’s making your Chi aggressive and how to handle it. Which breed is more aggressive – the Chihuahua or the Pit Bull (the answer might surprise you). How …

• Matching Result: Chihuahuas are aggressive because they are highly territorial. They aren’t afraid to confront anyone who walks close to their personal space. It also takes time …

• Intro: 7x Why Chihuahuas Are So Aggressive + 19 Tips To Stop It Wondering what makes Chihuahuas so aggressive? Here you’ll find answers. And… 5 signs of Chihuahua territorial aggression.How moving house impacts a Chihuahua’s mood.If anxiety is what’s making your Chi aggressive and how to handle it.Which breed is more aggressive – the Chihuahua or the Pit Bull (the answer might surprise you).How to recognize if fear is the root of your Chi’s aggression. And how to make your dog overcome it.And way more… Chihuahuas are aggressive because they are highly territorial. They aren’t afraid to confront anyone who walks…

• Source: https://dogsandclogs.com/why-are-chihuahuas-so-aggressive/