[jcdogluv]

I have a 4 month old shihtzu/bichon. He had been living at my house with my parents and my brother since we got him. He listens to my mom and my brother every now and then... I would say about 40% of the time. But I came home from college about a month ago and have been trying to get him to listen to me. I've done all sorts of things... like trying to sound excited when I tell him to come.. treats... petting him. But he just won't listen to me. For example last night, when I tell him to come inside, he just laid there. And when I went up to him, he turned his belly up and started turning his head back and forth to bite so I wouldn't be able to pick him up. I was outside for 15 minutes trying to tell him to come in but he wouldn't. I tried luring him with treat. But no use. He'll play with me every now and then so I know that he's not scared of me. And I noticed that recently... he has been barking and biting a lot more. When he gets excited.. he'll attempt to bite when our hands are close to him. Any advice? I know he's probably still young and I heard that shihtzus take a long time to train.. but I'm wondering if there's something wrong that I'm doing because I want to start it out right so I don't keep using the wrong methods. Oh and also, we are getting him neutered next week, so hopefully he'll be less hyper and bite less.

[progunr]

He is a puppy, that is the only problem he has right now.

He does not care about listening to you, he just wants to play.

Just keep working with him, his ability to listen and obey will improve with age.

The more you play with him, the more he will be inclined to listen to you when he's ready.

[spinphoto]

The key to a calm collective dog is to NEVER excite them and to treat the how they would be treated in a pack. Excitement is unknown to dog, they are born flawless animals and it's only when introduced to humans, problems arise. Remember, dog psychology is very different than us. That is the problem with dog owners, they try to humanize their pet. Dogs need routine and this is how it works and in this order: Exercise, discipline/boundaries/rules THEN affection. Not only does this prove who the pack leader is, but it also a known fact, this is was makes a dog balanced. Once one has established pack leadership.. almost all dog problems disappear (anxiety, fixation, chewing, whining etc.) as for the puppy biting, when ever he chomps down on you, let out a little YELP! Then let him take your hand out of his mouth, don't remove it, trust me, this will work. Cheers,

[Washington1]

Good answer Spin!

The only problem I see with our dog, is that he likes to bark like a bat-out-of-heck, when he sees people on the street. Not to mention scratching-up my windows:(
What do you suggest for this problem?

I guess I should have started a new thread (My fault)

[carolbcac]

Has anyone been playing with the dog using their hands rather than a toy? I see a lot of biting at hands when they are sometimes used as playthings.
I agree with Spin above about remaining calm. The yelp when he bites too hard is a good idea, although he is rapidly growing out of the stage where that will work.
Start to work with him in a calm area with no distractions and use a treat that he LOVES and never gets at any other time--like cooked white meat chicken cut into very small cubes.
I would also have him on leash during training sessions. Every time you give a command that you can't enforce and he gets away with it, he learns that he doesn't have to listen.
Also talk over your approach with the rest of the family to be sure that everyone is using the same method and same comands so it doesn't confuse the dog.

[spinphoto]

I disagree with growing out of the yelp, I rehabilitated my dog at a year and a half and he was still in the playful biting stage, it really worked. I don't use treats either, if you use the three step approach, your dog will be just as happy being rewarded with affection then any treat. This again goes back to dog in their natural instinct, in a pack, they don't receive treats as a reward, the pack leader pays them attention, with a nudge or a little lick and that's all they need.
And when you call your dog, if he doesn't come, GO GET HIM! Yelling over and over will not work because the dog will get used to it and ignore it. Say is once 'FIDO COME! ' (not high pitched, stern) and if he doesn't listen say it once more but this time with a little grunt or growl and if he doesn't listen again, go get him and bring him back to where you were standing. Be consistent! If you do give your dog treats, hold them between the eyes and say 'Look!' this may look silly to the public eye, but after a short while, when you want your dogs attention, you can say look! So he makes eye contact.
Carol is right, everyone has to be in on it and don't feel bad if you can't spoon your dog all day every day, the dogs need and long for structure, just like in a pack ;)

Washington, take your dog out and throw a beaner on the handle of your leash clip it to the back of your belt, (behind) you. It is totally disrespectful to you that the dog lashes out. Make sure the dog walks next to you, not ahead (use your palms to block him or quickly change directions, weave through trees) if people are heading your way, make him sit! Then as soon as he makes a peep, give the leash a little tug and say firmly no! Or you can also change directions with the leash or jog a bit to distract him. Try to be calm assertive, as dog communicate through energy, s if you're freaking out, so will he ;) hope that helps, keep us posted.

[jcdogluv]

Thanks so so much for all the help guys! I actually started the whole "yelp" method a couple of days ago, and it did work! He still tries to bite me though but every time I say "ouch!" he lets go and stops doing it. So that's a good start I guess.

And this is really weird. I just bought some new treats for him to get the "come" command down and he's following it pretty well at home. But every time we are outside of my house, like in our backyard or even garage... he has no response what so ever, even with the treat. So I have to pick him up to go inside every single time he goes to the bathroom in our backyard. It's getting kind of tiring. And I'm afraid that he'll just get used to me picking him up to go inside every time he goes out. Should I try something different? Or do you think I just keep doing the same thing and he'll eventually get it outside of house?

[Washington1]

Washington, take your dog out and throw a beaner on the handle of your leash clip it to the back of your belt, (behind) you. It is totally disrespectful to you that the dog lashes out. Make sure the dog walks next to you, not ahead (use your palms to block him or quickly change directions, weave through trees) if people are heading your way, make him sit! Then as soon as he makes a peep, give the leash a little tug and say firmly no! Or you can also change directions with the leash or jog a bit to distract him. Try to be calm assertive, as dog communicate through energy, s if you're freaking out, so will he hope that helps, keep us posted.

I'll try this an update you in a few weeks!

[spinphoto]

I think he'll get it, he's just being a bit stubborn, just make sure you're only saying it once, twice max before going to get him.. and say it like you mean it, maybe don't pick him in to the house, just to where you were standing when you said come originally, he'll get it, my dog did. You don't nessesarly need to lure him with treats because he may expect one every time... but that is a personal choice.. so it's your call, be patient, some dogs respond quicker than other..

[jcdogluv]

He actually came inside with me yesterday when I told him to come! Twice in a row! I did give him treats after he came though. I think I might keep using treats for a bit longer and then stop. Hopefully he won't stop listening to me once the treats stop

[spinphoto]

Ya, you can always ween them off and replace them with good ol' fashion affection ~~@