My dog hates people and other dogs

Ishine · 06-07-2010

I have 3 year old 2 pug and dachshund mix (daug). Ever since they were puppies, they always barked at anything and everything. Every time I take them for a walk, they try to attack people and dogs. They bark crazy and try to take off at any moment.. One of them has bite 5 people already. I don't know what to do I cannot afford behavior class for both dogs. Their problems really rule my life day in and out. I have not had any visitor to my home for 3 years. When anyone comes to my home my dogs bark and never stop. I have animal control came to warn me for the noise. My dream is to be able to go to a park or cafe with my dogs and just be at peace. When there is no one else but just us at home they are like Angels, so compassionate and kind. What can I really do at this point to make them change? I know for sure that I will never give up on my dogs ever.

Todd · 06-07-2010

Spounds like one of the major problems here is them not having respect for you. They are in charge in their minds. The first and most important thing you need to do in this situation is to establish yourself as the alpha leader of you pack if you will. Here is a great link that should help you with this process...

Alpha Boot Camp

You also need to work in individual situations. Methods to try are distraction methods, by keeping attention while people/dogs drive by with treats/toys, as well as command responce which comes with the alpha status. The main thing is the alpha stuff though. Once you work on that other training may be induced. Please give me individual situations where the dogs get out of hand and I can give more specific advice. Keeping all the dogs together at first may not be a good idea because of something called pack mentality. The feed off of one another.

cigwyllt · 06-07-2010

I think you are very lucky to still have the two dogs. Here in the UK it is more than likely that one or both of them would have been destroyed. To have a dog that has bitten 5 times is very idangerous and you are putting your dog's life at risk by allowing the situation to continue.

The first thing I would suggest is working with each dog on its own. Leave one at home and take the other for a walk so that you can concentrate on him/her completely. Only when you can comfortably and safely walk both dogs should you try to walk them together.

As for not being able to have visitors to your home - can you not put the dogs in another room???? You are clearly letting them rule your life. I'm not a great fan of whole Alpha doctrine but your dogs have clearly taken over your home and you need to start taking control.

I know it sounds harsh but if you do not you may well have to face the fact that your dog will be confiscated and destroyed.

Ishine · 06-07-2010

I will try alpha boot camp and see if my dogs will improve their behavior. My dogs are half dachshund so being bossy is part of their character but they can change if I change myself to be a strong pack leader. I agree that I am not a confident type myself so they sense that energy from me. Taking them out for a walk one by one eliminated half the stress but more exercise for me. But if they get better then it's worth it.

DoggieVogue · 06-07-2010

I have a 3 year old dachshund female so I definitely know how you feel! You're not alone. My dog loves other dogs, but hates people! I also wish people could see how sweet and lovable she is with people she knows. She's getting better though. I just keep working with her and if new people come to my house. I make sure they ignore her and don't even look down at her. It helps give her time to adjust and sniff them out, as well as not giving her attention puts her in her place. I hope your dogs get better! Keep working with them and good luck!