Expert: Kirsty Peake - 10/24/2003

Question
Hi,

I have a Maltese Terrier named Fluffy which is 9 years old.
It had different owners who had the dog before us, they
kept it for the first 5 years always keeping Fluffy in their
apartment so it couldn't socialize with other animals. Then
the owners decided they could not look after the dog
considering that they lived in an apartment and all the
neighbours were complaining on how much noise the dog
makes at night.

The owners handed the dog over to us and we've had it for
4 years now. During these 4 years, when we took Fluffy out
for a walk, there were several dogs nearby and as soon as
Fluffy caught sight of them.....it began barking like crazy
and trying to bite the other dogs' noses off.

Ever since that one occurrence, my dog has been like that
since. It's quite lonely but we won't let our dog interact with
other dogs because Fluffy would probably attack the other
dog.

Why does Fluffy behave this way? Is there anyway to stop
my dog's behaviour and how?

It is also very nasty around my sister and I. Fluffy doesn't
seem very comfortable around children or teenagers. It
growls constantly and bites occassionally.
My sister and I usually treat the dog really well.
Why does our dog behave this way? Can we stop Fluffy from
acting this way towards my sister and I?

Thanks for your time.

Answer
Rebecca
For me a Maltese is a toy dog not a terrier.
Fluffy's problems stem from lack of socialising as a puppy, vital from 8 weeks to 18 weeks of age.  Also she has probably never met children before.
She sounds a very confused dog and possibly living in an environment with which she cannot cope.
At 9 years of age she has a well established 'learned behaviour' and any help for her will have to come from a behaviourist visiting your home.  There is nothing I can do to help over the internet.
Kirsty