I have a 4 yr old minpin mix that I adopted about 4 months ago. By some of her reactions, I believe she was abused before. She show aggression toward other dogs and if she thinks I am going to put her in crate or take something from her, she gets really nasty, growling and trying to nip me. Other than that, she is a really lovable dog. She prefers to be beside you or in your lap. I have tried to correct her but it doesn't seem to be make a difference. Any suggestions out there? I don't want to get rid of her, but I can't have a dog that nips at me either or tries to attack other dogs. All suggestions are appreciated.
aggression
- Thread starter tazzman
- Start date
Chasey_Lane
Salt Life
When my Chi nips, I grab his snout and squeeze and tell him "NO BITE!" Then he gets put in "time out" (crate) for a few minutes. I've also reached into his mouth to grab a "treat" after he snatched it out of my hand.
wildlowrider
New Member
You shouldn't use a crate as a dicipline tool. Make her/him sit in a corner for a few minuites. In order for a dog to be crate trained they should view the crate as a good place not a bad place.
CloudWatcher
New Member
This will sound strange but it worked. My cousin had a dog that used to nip at people. When he did that, my cousin bit the dog's ear. Not really hard, just until the dog started to whimper. After about a week of this, the dog stopped nipping. True story.
Fubar
Look my ass glows!
What??? Sit in a corner for a few minutes?? Are we talking about a dog or a 4-yr. old child? Dogs live in the moment-correct the dog right then and there. And yes, crates are a dogs den, a place of comfort and security.
Min pin's can be a challenge, and you probably have no history on the dog, if she was adopted (thank you for giving her a home). Is she spayed? Time and lots of patience are your new tools with a 4 yr. old dog. Consider obedience classes together. Hang in there
Chasey_Lane
Salt Life
My dog is going on 3. He will go in his crate by himself sometimes, other times he'll sleep on his bed. Doesn't sound like his crate is too bad for him. :shrug:
Lacie Girl
My BFF is a Pit Bull!
It sounds like your new pup is having confidence issues. This is common in small dogs.
To help make the crate a positive thing, start feeding your dog in there. She may not want to go in at first, but when she is hungry enough, she will. Also give her treats and lots of praise when she goes in. Start to associate a command with the crate as well. I like to use "Go to bed".
Don't force her in, just put the bowl just inside the first time so all she has to do is put her head in. Go half way the second time and then the whole way. Praise her everytime she moves in the crate's direction. Lots of praise and "happy talk" (high pitch voice) will boost her confidence and encourage her toward the crate. When she is finally in, don't close the door right away. Sit there and pet on her while feeding her treats (tiny pieces of hotdogs are great for this). Then let her back out. Do this a couple of times. When your ready to close the door on her, put a dog bed or blanket in there for her. Before she goes in, place a couple of treats on top and hide a few around the kennel under the bedding. This will keep her busy looking for treats while you close the door and quietly and calmly walk out of the room.
Feel free to PM me and I will give you my phone number. I train dogs and want to help you out with your new addition.
To help make the crate a positive thing, start feeding your dog in there. She may not want to go in at first, but when she is hungry enough, she will. Also give her treats and lots of praise when she goes in. Start to associate a command with the crate as well. I like to use "Go to bed".
Don't force her in, just put the bowl just inside the first time so all she has to do is put her head in. Go half way the second time and then the whole way. Praise her everytime she moves in the crate's direction. Lots of praise and "happy talk" (high pitch voice) will boost her confidence and encourage her toward the crate. When she is finally in, don't close the door right away. Sit there and pet on her while feeding her treats (tiny pieces of hotdogs are great for this). Then let her back out. Do this a couple of times. When your ready to close the door on her, put a dog bed or blanket in there for her. Before she goes in, place a couple of treats on top and hide a few around the kennel under the bedding. This will keep her busy looking for treats while you close the door and quietly and calmly walk out of the room.
Feel free to PM me and I will give you my phone number. I train dogs and want to help you out with your new addition.
bullysticks
New Member
I agree that the crate needs to be the dogs "happy safe place" not punishment.
As far as the biting, she needs to know that you are Momma Dog. When she challenges you, roll her on her back, make a v shape with a finger on either side of her neck. Hold her there until she submits. When you let her go, she should try to lick your hand as a sign of submission.
If she gets out of control use the neck pinch hold until you can get her on her back.
It's not uncommon for an abused dog to "claim" a kind owner. The problem comes in when they think they are in charge.
I also use a low grawling voice to warn my dogs when they start to get out of control.
As far as the biting, she needs to know that you are Momma Dog. When she challenges you, roll her on her back, make a v shape with a finger on either side of her neck. Hold her there until she submits. When you let her go, she should try to lick your hand as a sign of submission.
If she gets out of control use the neck pinch hold until you can get her on her back.
It's not uncommon for an abused dog to "claim" a kind owner. The problem comes in when they think they are in charge.
I also use a low grawling voice to warn my dogs when they start to get out of control.
migtig
aka Mrs. Giant
I concur with this completely. I have a huge older dog that was a rescue with issues. He's now becoming quite the good dog. I also made it a point for him to know the food and treats come from me and I can take them away as well. Patience and perseverance is key. He outweighs me by a good 50lbs, so you should be able to handle a minpin with no problem.
