AboutKaren Brittan Expertise I have been showing miniature schnauzers in conformation, obedience, and earthdog for forty years, and am a professional dog groomer.
I am not a veterinarian and cannot answer questions of a veterinary nature. However, I can give my opinion or share some experiences on some health issues. Everyone should remember that this is a volunteer service, and few of us are up late into the night. Medical emergencies require a veterinary visit, or at least a telephone call... not an internet question which might not be viewed and answered until hours later. If your dog is sick or injured, it should be seen by a licensed professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Experience I have taught obedience classes and have taught people how to groom for many years.
Learn more about me and my dogs: http://britmorschnauzers.com
Organizations Member of: American Miniature Schnauzer Club; Twin Cities Miniature Schnauzer Club; Twin Cities Obedience Training Club; Elk River Kennel Club; Minnesota Professional Pet Groomers Association; Greater Twin Cities Earthdog Club.
Education/Credentials Fifty-one years of living with, observing, and training dogs, along with numerous seminars during that time.
Question I thought I was doing a good job socializing my Chow/ pit or boxer mix puppy. I got her at 4 months old, I started taking her to the dog park almost every day about 6 months old. She was doing great playing with the dogs never showed any aggression toward people. She goes on hikes and walks where she sees people and doesn't bark as we walk past. At about 8 months she started baking at people at the dog park and tried to nip the vet. She is a very sweet and loving dog she doesn't go after people it is when they come up to her and want to pet her. I could stand with her on a leash and have a conversation with a stranger and she won't do anything. As soon as the person directs their attention to her she will start growling and if they try to pet her she try's to nip them. How do I brake her of this?
Answer Socializing means more than just taking a puppy out in public. It means letting strangers pet and hold that puppy and give it good things to eat, and it may be too late for you to remedy this now after ten months.
First, get her into on-going obedience classes for several months and work with her every single day. Start practing "Nothing in Life is Free" with her. http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm
Have some really good treats that she likes (chicken, cheese, etc.) handy and give it to people for them to feed her. No petting allowed until she is comfortable with taking and eating food from strangers.
You might have to get an animal behaviorist to help you with this one. You should be able to get the name of a good one from your veterinarian.
