Re: {SPAMFILTER} [Chihuahuas] My Chihuahua is mean and aggressive

[marsha]

With rescues with abusive past, they CAN be turned around, but it will take a LOT of love and patience. That is the only thing that will work in the long run. Gain their trust, give unconditional love, make sure they know they will never be abused again. Also, most normally used means of correction will backfire on a dog with an abusive past. We crate our pups, we use newspapers, squirt bottles, penny cans, stern voices ect. All these things may be successful with a pup, but often have adverse reactions with a dog from a bad past. The best thing is to not scold or use any physical or scary means of correction. Just full unconditional love. Hold them as much as possible. If they do do something wrong, pick them up and talk gently, distract them from what they are doing and let them know you still love them.   I have always had chis and always had puppies and I always let them know I am ALPHA. I am the boss!! But I have also done a lot of rescue work and have found you can not treat these dogs the same as you can with those dogs who have never known abuse. These dogs fair much better if the Alpha role is not played. If you do a more :"we are equals" or "I am your protector" role as opposed to a "I am your boss" role.   Best of luck.   Marsha     ----- Original Message ----- From: Jennifer Ewing To: Chihuahuas@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2006 9:28 PM Subject: Re: {SPAMFILTER} [Chihuahuas] My Chihuahua is mean and aggressive i have two chis, jojo and rayray. i adopted both of them a few years back and they are still very mean. they will warm up a little, but will not tolerate a lot of love for long - they turn to biting and growling. they came from an abusive home which is im sure why they behave this way. my question is - is there a way to train them "out" of this behavior> it becomes very hard to have two chis and still have company or even bring them around family. they are the cutest babies ever, but they are just so mean... jen __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com __._,_.___ " Lets talk about our wonderful little friends! Join today! " SPONSORED LINKS Dog breed gift Chihuahua dog clothes Chihuahua dog clothing Chihuahua dog Chihuahua YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS  Visit your group "Chihuahuas" on the web.    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. __,_._,___