Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 10/31/2006

Question
Hello, I have a 6 month old female Chihuahua Pomeranian mix named Mercedes. Lately she has been very aggressive towards our 3 year old male Sheltie whenever he comes near me. She is always on my lap when this happens. She will be so mad that she will even bit me sometimes, not hard but still biting. I was wondering if she was starting to go into heat, and I that would have anything to do with it.
Thank you so much for you time.
Sincerely
Michelle King

Answer
Dear Michelle,
Thanks for the question. Changes in hormones and changing life stages can contribute to changes in behavior. I don't really know if that is the case with the behavior you describe. I'm guessing that the behavior will continue past her heat cycle.

It sounds as if she is guarding a special resource - you! To change this behavior, you'll need to begin a program designed to teach both dogs to relax and wait their turns. Buy the book, Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy Your Multi-Dog Household, by Karen B. London, Patricia B. McConnell  

Before you read the book and begin a successful program:  When she performs this behavior, get up and walk away. Teach her that guarding you actually "makes you disappear and leave her". This may or may not be an effective tool. It depends on many things.

In addition to the book I suggested, visit this web site and read this article. It's about changing the owner-pet relationship. Currently she has no reason to want to accommodate your wishes. The article explains it in detail.

http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00470.htm

Happy Training!
AT