Dog Behavior Question

How do you know when you're letting your dog go too far, and where do you draw the line?

Hi Kelly,

My two-year-old male Cocker Spaniel will occasionally gnaw/chew on my hair or clothing. Generally this happens when he’s in my lap getting loved.

While it's not particularly bothersome, I do make him stop. I'm just curious why he might be doing this, and what it means dog behavior-wise? It’s almost like he is preening me. I’ve asked my vet, but he didn’t seem to know. Any ideas?

Thanks~~ Chatch

Expert Reply

Hi Chatch,

It sounds to me like your dog is extremely comfortable with you because he's treating you like one of the dogs. Dogs typically gnaw on each other's extremities and fur in expressions of love and playfulness. It certainly doesn't sound like your dog is using any aggression toward you, so this is what I think is happening.

That said, it would be good to establish just a little more of a boundary between you and your dog. He's treating you as more of an equal, but you need to maintain a little dominance over him or he could decide to take advantage later.

You can take an obedience course if you have time to fit one in your schedule. Obedience is fun and useful for dogs and owners. If you don't have time for it right now, then I'd suggest trying a pressure/release technique.

Put your dog's collar and leash on him, and make him lie down on the floor with a slow and steady downward pull of the leash. Now put your foot on top of the leash to trap it to the floor. As soon as your dog relaxes in position, allow just enough more leash to relieve that sense of pulling/pressure. Have your dog maintain position for just a few moments more, and then let him up and tell him he's been good.

This is a very gentle technique that helps you establish some dominance in a non-threatening way. Rest assured, it's not punishing to your dog, which by the way sounds like a real sweetie. It just makes him realize that you're the leader, and that's a positive thing for you both.

Thanks for your question~~ Kelly

I have a nine-year-old Chihuahua mix. She is very affectionate to me and my husband, but she has a real dislike for other people and dogs. When someone comes to the door, it is very nerve-wracking to say the least. She barks something awful and the fur stands up on her back; we actually have to put her in her pet porter until the person leaves.

When she sees someone walking on the street in front of our house, she is right in the living room standing at the window ledge and barking like crazy. She does not obey when told to stop. Do you have any suggestions to help with this problem?

Thank you~~ Deborah Burke

Expert Reply

Hi Deborah,

Although breeders have made great strides with Chihuahua temperaments in the last 20 years, some of these dogs can still be antisocial and quite territorial to outsiders.

At nine years of age, your dog is not likely to make a complete personality transformation, but you may be able to help her relax a bit by attending a socialization class with her. A class like this is designed to expose and, hopefully, desensitize a dog to a variety of people and situations in order to teach them that there's nothing to be alarmed about. Think of it as broadening your dog's horizons.

You can likely find a class like this by searching your local phone directory for dog training schools and dog behaviorists.

Good luck!~~ Kelly

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