My dog snapped.. Discipline help?

Frostbight8 · July 2010

Well, my dog snapped at my friend whom she sees every Thursday.... she didn't bite she just snapped but if she snaps I'm concerned she'll bite next.... she's never done that before and my friend hadn't done anything out of the ordinary.... my dog usually loves everyone who walks in the door. My friend went to pat the overjoyed Shih-Tzu and she snapped. I told her bad dog, threw her in the cage for 10 minutes and had my friend ignore her for the rest of the night.

DustyVinci · July 2010

I've got two shih-tzus. I've had em since they were pups and they're about 10 now (sisters). They're pretty friendly with everybody, though they'll bark at strangers at first. But the only times they ever snap is when they're scared. Like if one of them knows they're in trouble for something and you try and pick them up or give em a lil spanking, she snaps at you. The other one snaps if you try and take her out of her cage or if you try and spank her for doing something wrong. But afterwards they lick you as if to say "sorry!" xD Could your little dog have gotten spooked by something? That's the only explanation I can think of atm...

NickelbackLuver · July 2010

First off, you should never use the dogs cage/kennel as a punishment. A dog's kennel is meant to be their safe spot and a place they want to be in. Using it as a punishment will make the kennel mean something bad, and it is frowned upon to do so. Second, 'snipping' can be taken in many ways. If your dog got spooked and its a fear bite, it could be a one time thing. The only way to know for sure is to have your friend interact with the dog more. Keeping them away from each other won't solve the problem. Have you friend practice obedience with the dog. Before she pets the dog or does anything comforting with it, she should have the dog sit. This ensures that the dog 1. knows she's there and 2. is working for a reward (being cuddled/pet) It should be this way all the time, no matter who the guest is. Otherwise, even if your dog is nice, other bad behaviors can pop up when you have guests over (such as the dog jumping on people/getting over excited). This is the way I was taught to handle my dogs no matter what reward they get (whether it be food, petting, playing, etc.) It doesn't always have to be sit either. I work obedience into my schedule by having my dog lay down, and do tricks (shake, spin, play dead, etc.) I only incorporate the tricks with my dogs receiving a toy or getting food, however. But, if you are having issues with her being pet, you may want to do such a thing for petting until you are confident she's not going to be snipping anymore. I personally don't approve of hitting a dog or using any sort of contact punishment. In fact, I don't agree with punishment at all. Positive reinforcement is the better way to train a dog. If they did something bad, make sure they do something good and get rewarded for the behavior ;D On another side note, make sure your friend isn't acting scared/afraid. That won't help the issue any. Dogs read off people's emotions/reactions, so if she goes into the process scared, the dog is only going to feed off that energy. I'm not sure if the event made her scared or not. (please note I am not a professional trainer by any means, so use your best judgment when working with your dog. If you feel as though she may hurt your friend/this won't work, I would suggest calling a professional)

Garnet · July 2010

I agree with Nickel. My dog is really sweet but when shes frightened she will snap at what ever scared her. We play with her rough sometimes and she growls and bites on us when we are playing with her but she knows when it's time to stop playing and behave. When she snaps at my niece we pop her and tell her no then have my niece pet on her again to let my dog know that my niece isn't trying to hurt her and that its not right to snap at her without reason.

iluvdogs111 · July 2010

I agree with Nickel. You should never use a crate as a punishment for your dog. First of all, like Nickel said, it's not supposed to be a bad place. We only put our lab in her crate when we leave, and she likes it in there. It's like thier little den. In fact, sometimes she sleeps in there because she feels so safe and cozy. If the dog begins to see the crate as a bad place it won't feel safe and happy in there anymore. Second, the dog might not have known what she did wrong and been confused as to why she was in her crate. Dogs respond better to praise when they do a good thing, then to punishment when they do something wrong. However, you have the right idea to remove her from the situation when she snapped. Then she'll know that snapping means she can't be with people. Okay, about the snapping thing. It sounds like it was the first time she's done this? There are a lot of things that can make a dog snap. Was she laying down when your friend pet her? Some dogs can feel territorial and don't like to be distrubed. Was there something that was making her nervous? Was she only trying to protect herself? Did your friend do anything different than usual that could have annoyed or scared her? Also, it's helpful to read their body language. Did she suddenly snap like she was surprised, or did she show her teeth and growl first? First, I'd try to figure out why she may have snapped. If this continues, and she seems nervous anround your friend, try giving her treats when your friend comes in (or any guest.) This will show her that having people come to visit is a good thing. Okay, good luck with your dog!

Frostbight8 · August 2010

Thanks Nickel

I will try that with my friend. And err just to clarify I didn't actually throw her in the cage I brought her to the cage, told her to go in and left... I strongly disagree with hitting dogs, my stepdad's mother has a beagle and when it does something bad she hits her with a rolled up magazine.. I can't tell her not to because my step dad will yell at me...

Garnet · August 2010

Frostbight8 wrote:

Thanks Nickel I will try that with my friend. And err just to clarify I didn't actually throw her in the cage I brought her to the cage, told her to go in and left... I strongly disagree with hitting dogs, my stepdad's mother has a beagle and when it does something bad she hits her with a rolled up magazine.. I can't tell her not to because my step dad will yell at me...

We spank our Chi with our hands. My brother gets a wire after his pitbull when his pit miss behaves.. my grandmother uses a newspaper as well.

iluvdogs111 · August 2010

Garnet wrote:

Frostbight8 wrote:

Thanks Nickel I will try that with my friend. And err just to clarify I didn't actually throw her in the cage I brought her to the cage, told her to go in and left... I strongly disagree with hitting dogs, my stepdad's mother has a beagle and when it does something bad she hits her with a rolled up magazine.. I can't tell her not to because my step dad will yell at me...

 We spank our Chi with our hands. My brother gets a wire after his pitbull when his pit miss behaves.. my grandmother uses a newspaper as well.

A wire? A newspaper? Why do they use that?

Garnet · August 2010

My grandma uses a newspaper cuz thats usually all she has at the table at the time. My brother uses a wire most of the time cuz its the first thing he gets to. Although, my brother prefers to spank them with whatever they had been chewing on or messed up. Like my brothers american bulldog Iggy, chewed up like 6 of his PS3 games, so he grabbed the cases and spanked him with those.

Frostbight8 · August 2010

Wow, no ofense but I thought the magazine was bad.. a wire?

Garnet · August 2010

Mhm! I hate it.. I go outside and put my iPod in so I don't have to see/hear it. Like a wire that hooks to the TV or something. Usually one of the cords that goes from his PS3 to his TV. I hate it so bad. I keep telling him that he's gonna get his dogs taken away and he says that he's just teaching them that if they do something bad that it's gonna hurt them more in the end.

iluvdogs111 · August 2010

But how do they know what they're getting spanked for? Unless it's done exactly when they're chewing something, I'd think they'd be confused as to why they were getting hit with a wire.

Frostbight8 · August 2010

Do they yelp? That has to be the most terrible thing to hear if they do.. I feel awful when I accidentally hurt my dog.. they're pitbulls right? Eventually they could turn on him..

Garnet · August 2010

Frostbight8 wrote:

Do they yelp? That has to be the most terrible thing to hear if they do.. I feel awful when I accidentally hurt my dog.. they're pitbulls right? Eventually they could turn on him..

No. He doesn't discipline his pit. His pit bull is on a chain outside. The one that get disciplined are Iggy and Nana (Naw-Nuh). Iggy is an american bulldog and Nana is a weenie dog and terrier mix. And yes.. they yelp.. a LOT.. i HATE it.. thats why i put my iPod in.. It makes me want to cry...

Frostbight8 · August 2010

Oh, thats just wonderful.. a pit chained outside and 2 dogs being spanked with a wire.. your going to make me cry..

iluvdogs111 · August 2010

Frostbight8 wrote:

Oh, thats just wonderful.. a pit chained outside and 2 dogs being spanked with a wire.. your going to make me cry..

Yup, I agree.

Garnet · August 2010

Frostbight8 wrote:

Oh, thats just wonderful.. a pit chained outside and 2 dogs being spanked with a wire.. your going to make me cry..

What's wrong with a dog being on a chain and runner? He gets fresh air, food, water, exercise, and plenty of attention EVERY day. he chain helps build his muscle up. He's one of the strongest Pit's I've ever seen, and we have own a LOT of pitbulls. Yet even though he is so strong, we can still play with him like he's just a big puppy

He's so sweet and loves the attention that my brother, sister in law, and I give him. His son, Joker, is also on a chain and runner and gets the same things as his father, Boomer.

iluvdogs111 · August 2010

Garnet wrote:

Frostbight8 wrote:

Oh, thats just wonderful.. a pit chained outside and 2 dogs being spanked with a wire.. your going to make me cry..

 What's wrong with a dog being on a chain and runner? He gets fresh air, food, water, exercise, and plenty of attention EVERY day. he chain helps build his muscle up. He's one of the strongest Pit's I've ever seen, and we have own a LOT of pitbulls. Yet even though he is so strong, we can still play with him like he's just a big puppy He's so sweet and loves the attention that my brother, sister in law, and I give him. His son, Joker, is also on a chain and runner and gets the same things as his father, Boomer.

Well, when you said chained outside I was picturing a little chain tied to a tree and a pit that is stuck there all the time with no attention or excercise.

Frostbight8 · August 2010

Same here.. .I pictured a heavy metal chain with filthy water and you know... you've probably seen Animal Planet, right? Umm. The Animal Cops? But living on a runner and stuff... thats nice. Pits need that

Garnet · August 2010

Mhm! Pit's do need that =D It is a heavy chain but thats because when he was a puppy, he got so strong and got a lot of muscle so he started breaking the chains and runners. So my brother had to keep getting bigger chains and stronger runners. Now he has a sorta big chain. I'll try to find pictures of all his dogs if you want to see them

Frostbight8 · August 2010

I do want to see them

my dog Pookie went through.... 4 extendable leashes!!! in about 3 monthes! Those things are like 15 dollars!

Garnet · August 2010

Frostbight8 wrote:

I do want to see them my dog Pookie went through.... 4 extendable leashes!!! in about 3 monthes! Those things are like 15 dollars!

Nana (weenie/terrier): <a href="http://i36.tinypic.com/sfuko9.jpg"; target="_blank" class="bb-url">http://i36.tinypic.com/sfuko9.jpg</a> Boomer (pit): <a href="http://i34.tinypic.com/10fxkq9.jpg"; target="_blank" class="bb-url">http://i34.tinypic.com/10fxkq9.jpg</a> ;

: <a href="http://i35.tinypic.com/15p6d01.jpg"; target="_blank" class="bb-url">http://i35.tinypic.com/15p6d01.jpg</a> ;

: <a href="http://i35.tinypic.com/28s3nno.jpg"; target="_blank" class="bb-url">http://i35.tinypic.com/28s3nno.jpg</a> ;

: <a href="http://i33.tinypic.com/2z5qf43.jpg"; target="_blank" class="bb-url">http://i33.tinypic.com/2z5qf43.jpg</a> ;

: <a href="http://i36.tinypic.com/1zvq4i0.jpg"; target="_blank" class="bb-url">http://i36.tinypic.com/1zvq4i0.jpg</a> Iggy (American Bulldog): <a href="http://i36.tinypic.com/70xrg2.jpg"; target="_blank" class="bb-url">http://i36.tinypic.com/70xrg2.jpg</a> ;

: <a href="http://i35.tinypic.com/166ja50.jpg"; target="_blank" class="bb-url">http://i35.tinypic.com/166ja50.jpg</a> ;

: <a href="http://i36.tinypic.com/wrz5kz.jpg"; target="_blank" class="bb-url">http://i36.tinypic.com/wrz5kz.jpg</a> Iggy recently passed away due to a snake bite =(

iluvdogs111 · August 2010

I love Iggy, so sorry he passed away.

NickelbackLuver · August 2010

That's a huge chain on that dog =/ Does he ever come inside? Or is he stuck outside all the time? Can't be comfortable to sleep with that huge thing weighing on his neck. And I don't get why he needs his muscle built up that much? I'm against even 'spanking' a dog with your hand. Dogs will relate your touch to being punished, which is not a good thing at all. I certainly wouldn't like my friends if they hit me... I'd start avoiding being close to them, which dogs will do as well. Even if you think you are punishing them with a smack that is just enough to make them behave, they will start to shy away from you and cower (in most situations) Hitting to the point of yelping is certainly animal cruelty and a person that does such a thing shouldn't be owning a dog =/ Just my opinion.

Garnet · August 2010

Nickelback__Luver wrote:

That's a huge chain on that dog =/ Does he ever come inside? Or is he stuck outside all the time? Can't be comfortable to sleep with that huge thing weighing on his neck. And I don't get why he needs his muscle built up that much? I'm against even 'spanking' a dog with your hand. Dogs will relate your touch to being punished, which is not a good thing at all. I certainly wouldn't like my friends if they hit me... I'd start avoiding being close to them, which dogs will do as well. Even if you think you are punishing them with a smack that is just enough to make them behave, they will start to shy away from you and cower (in most situations) Hitting to the point of yelping is certainly animal cruelty and a person that does such a thing shouldn't be owning a dog =/ Just my opinion.

Yea, My sister in law and I bring Boomer (the pit) inside at least three times a week

Boomer can pull that chain around like its nothing though. He would be a GREAT weight puller. My brother wanted to have him so muscled up because their neighbors drink and have parties all the time and my brother works nights which leaves my sister in law home alone till 7 the next morning. They have him that way for protection

iluvdogs111 · August 2010

Garnet wrote:

Nickelback__Luver wrote:

That's a huge chain on that dog =/ Does he ever come inside? Or is he stuck outside all the time? Can't be comfortable to sleep with that huge thing weighing on his neck. And I don't get why he needs his muscle built up that much? I'm against even 'spanking' a dog with your hand. Dogs will relate your touch to being punished, which is not a good thing at all. I certainly wouldn't like my friends if they hit me... I'd start avoiding being close to them, which dogs will do as well. Even if you think you are punishing them with a smack that is just enough to make them behave, they will start to shy away from you and cower (in most situations) Hitting to the point of yelping is certainly animal cruelty and a person that does such a thing shouldn't be owning a dog =/ Just my opinion.

 Yea, My sister in law and I bring Boomer (the pit) inside at least three times a week Boomer can pull that chain around like its nothing though. He would be a GREAT weight puller. My brother wanted to have him so muscled up because their neighbors drink and have parties all the time and my brother works nights which leaves my sister in law home alone till 7 the next morning. They have him that way for protection

Nickel has a good point. I love Victoria Stillwell, and on one episode there was a dalmation that bit. Turns out, the family used "spanking' as punishment for their dog. After getting smaked for a while, the dog learned to assosiate his owners and their hands with bad things. So if he saw someone reaching out to him, even if they were only going to pet him, he immediatly thought he was going to get smacked and bit them. And about your pit...he only gets inside 3 times a week? No offense, but that's a long time to be on a chain. And if someone did come to your house, how would your pit protect you if he was chained up? I sorta feel bad for your brother's dogs. Two getting hit with a wire and one chained up all the time.

RoyalRaccoon · August 2010

<a href="http://www.unchainyourdog.org/index.html"; target="_blank" class="bb-url">http://www.unchainyourdog.org/index.html</a> I suggest reading articles about chaining dogs from the above website. Regardless of whether or not it changes your opinions on keeping a dog tethered for long periods, the pit needs and appropriately fitted collar. If he's breaking his collar or chain, then it means he needs to be fenced in a kennel, run, or yard. Now my personal opinion is that that chain is also way to large to keep a dog tethered to. If your brother wants the pit to build muscle, then he should look into the safe recommended techniques for weight training dogs. Throwing a heavy chain on a dog for long periods of time is just plain cruel to me. I'm sorry, but my opinion is that your brother is abusing his dogs by hitting them, and keeping the pit chained so inappropriately, and if he lived in the state I lived in he would be given animal cruelty charges.

Garnet · August 2010

Well, everyone has their own opinions on things, but personally I believe that he is doing nothing wrong. None of his dogs are abused, have ever bitten, or even GROWLED at a human. Steven (my brother) plays with all his dogs all the time. They all know that he doesn't hurt them without reason.They all love him. Dog's are allowed to be chained outside. He has PLENTY of room to run even WITH the chain. The pit can reach the entire length of the front porch which is the ONLY way to get into my brothers house.

NickelbackLuver · August 2010

Nevermind. I really don't want to start an argument ;D This was a board for someone else trying to find good ways to train their dog, afterall ;D

RoyalRaccoon · August 2010

Nickelback__Luver wrote:

Nevermind. I really don't want to start an argument ;D This was a board for someone else trying to find good ways to train their dog, afterall ;D

Ditto.

Garnet · August 2010

I wasn't going to argue 0.0 I was just stating the reasoning behind his actions and etc

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My dog snapped.. Discipline help?

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