November 4, 2008
Shih-tzu jealousy issues helppp!?
I rescued a shih-tzu about a 2 years ago, and she still has not gotten use to my two cats! She attacks them, very viciously! I know she can't hurt them because she has an underbite and can't bite hard at all, but she still chases the cats and scares them to where I've had to now keep my 2 cats in my bedroom and lock my shihtzu out of the room! Is there anyway I can train her out of chasing them and attacking them, it really scares them. I've tried yelling at her and spanking her and nothings worked so far.
help??
She's not jealous, she's a carnivore with a prey drive. Spanking isn't effective, it only teaches a dog to fear you because you are hitting it.
Instead of getting worked up and yelling when she chases the cats, try a distraction method like shaking a penny can or squirting her with a squirt bottle. Yelling creates more excitement for dogs.
If worse comes to worse you can train her with a remote collar, which delivers a small shock when she exhibits the unwanted behavior. I think this would be my last resort.
Filed under Shih Tzu Rescue by Rebecca Simpson
Comments on Shih-tzu jealousy issues helppp!? »
First of all..Good for you for rescuing a dog…
My cousins dog has the same problem. When he attacks just pull him away. Scold him..don't hurt him though.
If he is good give him a reward. If he is jealous then give him a little more attention. Maybe let him lay on you for a while. Take him on walks by himself. Thanks for considering this. He sounds cute. Link a pic please!
References :
She's not jealous, she's a carnivore with a prey drive. Spanking isn't effective, it only teaches a dog to fear you because you are hitting it.
Instead of getting worked up and yelling when she chases the cats, try a distraction method like shaking a penny can or squirting her with a squirt bottle. Yelling creates more excitement for dogs.
If worse comes to worse you can train her with a remote collar, which delivers a small shock when she exhibits the unwanted behavior. I think this would be my last resort.
References :
This is a big thing with Shih-tzu's, I have 2.
First thing to do is hold one of the cats as your dog sits on the floor.
Sit on the couch and pet the cat. If the dog goes nuts yawn and ignore her (dogs yawn when they are irritated and telling you to stop), when she calms down, pet her to let her know she is doing good, but don't talk to her or let her on your lap or couch. When you are done giving the cat attention and your dog is calm, you can then give her affection.
This will take some time but it should start helping.
Never try and calm her down by talking sweet, or hitting. Put her on a leash when the cats are out and show her you are in control and she can not chase them. Put the leash on your pants loophole and make her go wherever you do in the house.
I hope this helps
References :