Biting problem with submissive dog

Hi there,

Four months ago I adopted two dogs from a rescue shelter. A 15 pound
female (1 =BD years) and 8 pound male (3 years) - terrier mixes, they
came together and are very attached to each other. They both have very
calm temperaments. The female is definitely the dominant one, and
playful. The male is submissive and a little delicate - and very
sweet. They need leash and manners training - but overall they're
doing very great.

I have one big problem with the male. When he meets a new person
(especially men) he lunges and bites. Usualy a sock or a pant leg,
given his size. If I'm not careful, he'll do it on a walk as we
pass strangers. Once he meets the person and they pet him, he's a
total sweetheart and there are no further incidents. He'll become
compeletly submissive and just want to be held and loved. I've never
had a dog that bites, and it's just awful. Worst part is, my dog
walker told me the other day, that he's still trying to go after her
- even after four months of walks.

Rocky...

I think that you've correctly identified the worst part. It
also may be a clue as to why there's been no improvement after
4 months. Granted, 4 months is not a lot of time, but he
certainly shouldn't be trying to "go after" someone he knows
and should trust.

What does your dog walker do when your dog lunges at strangers
during the walk? Does your dog do the same thing when you're
walking him? Does your dog do the same thing when he's walked
without his sister? How is he with strangers when he's off
leash?

Cecil...

My dog walker and I do the same thing on walks - keep him on a short
leash when walking near a stranger (or try to avoid getting close). He

Rocky...

This is the first place that hands-on training can help. You
may be sending tons of inadvertant messages to your dog and
exacerbating the situation. Or not.

seems to have this behavior regardless of whether he's walking with the
walker or me. I haven't been walking him much by himself - but might
be a good idea to work each dog individually. Off leash, with

Rocky...

The reason I asked about this is because I take care of (and
walk) many dogs which aren't mine. I rarely see some of the
poor behaviour these dogs apparently exhibit to their owners,
but there are reasons for that, I believe. That it's occuring
with your dog in two disparate situations is another reason to
look for unbiased outside professional advice.

strangers, I don't trust him - that's the biggest problem. He's small
and cute - prompting people to bend down and stick out their hand for
him to sniff. Until he knows the person, that when he runs up and

Rocky...

I applaud you for looking for a solution with such behaviour
in a small'n'cute dog. Many don't.

To find a good trainer, ask around - your vet, owners of well
trained dogs, and local rescues and shelters.

bites.

Seems like this is fearful agression. For now, I'm keeping him on a
leash when he meets new people. Making sure they don't lunge at him
when they meet him - and let him come to them. But it's still a
problem. Any specific training advice is greatly appreciated!

Marcel Beaudoin...

Find a local trainer specializing in dog aggression towrds humans and
biting.

Without seeing the incidents, it is impossible for anyone in here to give
you specific advice on how to work through the problem.

For the time being, you should be able to manage the problem by preventing
the situations from occurring (short leash, letting him approach them)
which you appear to be doing. To take care of it long-term, it is a good
idea if you get professional help.

This is especially important if your dog is going to be around children...