A Difficult Chihuahua

[alphaxray]

Good morning A/bs I have a rescue male chihuahua he is approx 8 years old
he has settled into our family life well I have had him MOT`d at the vets and chipped result he is good for his age. But he is very aggressive to any and
all other dogs also he is a very fussy eater he will not any propriety dog foods of any description I feed him chicken but he eats with reluction any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in anticipation. Regards Rick

[douglas9401]

Maybe a visit to a behaviour class would shed some light.

On why humans put up with this stuff I mean.

[woofgang]

How long have you had him and what do you know about his background. Aggression in dogs is usually caused by fear. Does he need to meet other dogs? When he was vet checked, was his mouth and teeth checked?

[alphaxray]

woofgang Thanks for your swift reply, in answer to your questions, I have had him about four months as for his background he came from a large family with other larger dogs as stated I took him to the vets for a checkup he passed well and has good teeth for his age and has been chipped, my next door neighbour has two dogs and he gets on well with them. thanks again Rick

[viv41]

I'm glad he's got you alpha to give him the love and understanding he needs.

[rsvp]

Difficult one for many reasons - one is that chihuahuas are well known for being huge dogs in a small frame - they are notorious for thinking they can take on the world - and win!!
My rescure dog was iffy with strange dogs however if he has a toy to play with he ignores them so I always carry one with me - he's learned that other dogs are a good thing cos he get's his toy only when they are around. It's interesting he gets on with the neighbours dogs which suggests it maybe a fear thing with strange ones.
I'd suggest going with a reputable dog trainer to find out what the cause is and take it from there - if he snaps through fear the solution is different to if he's aggressive.
As for the feeding - imo very few dogs starve themselves to death so don't pander too much to him.

[woofgang]

great answer from rsvp :) so he isn’t aggressive to all dogs if he gets on with your neighbour’s dogs ok? Maybe he had bad experiences with dogs in his old home? Do you know why he was rehomed? Like RSVP, I would suggest professional help if you can afford it....from a behaviourist not just a trainer though....
Do you know what he was fed on in his old home? Proprietary dog foods vary so much, the worst are complete junk and the best are good. Feeding is a tricky one too...sometimes dogs are put off by the bowl, the location of the bowl...noise while eating....stuff like that....if the food is delicious enough they may be persuaded to overcome their concerns but less attractive food is not enough of a reward.

[alphaxray]

Thanks again for your kind responses,A big thank you to rsvp and woof gang I have taken your advice on board, and thank you viv41 I do love him he completes my family God bless you all. Rick