How to Stop My Chihuahua From Growling at My Husband

When a chihuahua growls, it's trying to tell you something. The dog may be in pain, frightened or stressed. Dogs become frightened of people for a variety of reasons. Your dog may fear your husband because he reminds the animal of abuse or another traumatic event. On the other hand, dogs growl to show dominance over other members of the pack. If the husband is new, the dog may be asserting its alpha rank. Don't compound the problem by punishing the dog for his fear. Instead, work to restore the animal's sense of calm.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
  • Knife
  • Leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the treats into small, pea-sized pieces. Choose especially tasty treats such as bite-sized bits of chicken or beef, or any treat that your dog goes wild for.

    • 2

      Put the leash on the dog. Lead the dog to a place where it can see your husband, but with your husband far enough away that the dog doesn't react. Give the dog treats every few moments while your husband is in sight.

    • 3

      Walk away from your husband. As soon as your husband is out of sight, stop the treats.

    • 4

      Lead the dog back to where it can see your husband. As long as the dog isn't growling, give the dog treats. Walk away and stop the treats. Repeat this process every day for a week, until the dog starts to associate seeing your husband with getting treats. Every day bring your dog closer to your husband, so that it learns that when it sees your husband but doesn't growl, it gets treats.

    • 5

      Exert your dominance over the dog even when you are not working with your husband. Give the dog affection when you wish, not when the dog demands it. Keep the dog off furniture intended for people, such as the sofa and bed. Instead, give the dog treats when it is on the floor or in its crate or dog bed and it is quiet.