Dog Health Questions: How should I train this dog?

I have a female chihuahua who is 2 years old. She is over all a very obedient well behaved dog except she is afraid of people (besides me) and if she can't get away from them she will bite at them. She barks at anything rather it be human or animal. I am the only person she will listen to and it has become an escalating problem. I can't afford dog training classes (partially because I am 16 and I don't have a job). Anything you can teach me to be able to handle and improve this situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Also if it matters to anyone she is fixed and has been since she was very young, likely around the age of 6 months.

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Recommended Answer:
When she is around other people let her know it is a good thing by giving her treats and petting her, get her to sit and have an un familiar come in the room give her treats as they come closer say goood girl and eventually have them pet her 2, it may not happen over night u need to be patient and keep working at it, also if it is not working do not let her feel your frustration it only makes it worse, try to get her out into more public places, just walking around petsmart may help even if u don't buy anything. And always carry treats so when she does not bark at someone or let's them close to her u can let her know she did a good job!

Keeping Your Pet Dog Trained

• You can train your dog. She is a fear biter, which means you have to very carefully isolate her and teach her to stay on one spot all her own. She may also need a crate. Since you cannot afford a trainer, how about a book. Call up a local trainer, tell them what is going on and ask for specific help, reading recommendations, and local resources. Hope this helps to get you started. Don't give up. Your dog can be trained.


• watch "Its Me or the Dog" on Animal Planet. its a show about training dogs. the show give different ways on how to deal with all different types of problems*which is helpful because not every dog will respond to one type of training)


• If you are taking him to obedience class they will teach you everything you need to know. When it comes to pulling on the lead, you stop and wait until the dog walks back to you, give them a treat and you start again. You may have to repeat but they will learn you are the leader not them. Obedience class helps you train your dog to come when called, work with him inside and if you have a yard with a fence outside as much as possible where there are distractions. Remember Praise and treat whenever they come! When it comes to the gerbil there is a thing called leave it you take a treat set it on the ground and say leave it if the dog goes near it cover it with your foot (don't smoosh it :) ) and say leave it again. Eventually your dog should walk away or sit down. when you move your foot to uncover it and he starts to go to it again repeat the proces again, Leave it! They will realize it is something they are not suppose to have and should give up on it completely. You praise and treat when they finally stop going for it :) When your dog has learned that if they go near the cage you say Leave it and they will walk away.