Hi. So I've had my Shih Tzu for just over a year now, but suddenly she's just snapped and has turned really nasty. We got her from a well known breeder in the area, though she was a runt, and 14 weeks old when we bought her. The night we brought her home, she just hid from us, she wasn't bouncing around or excited at all, and when anyone came she used to hide behind the sofa shaking. We got her out of her shell and she's been fine up until now. Every night, my brother comes around to see us. My dog used to adore him, but now she snarls, growls and attempts to bite him if he tries touching her. When anyone else comes she sort of rears and goes crazy at them :s When we're just sitting around, she only has to hear my brother talk and she's growling and confronting him. I've tried every training technique and I'm really at the end of my tether. I love her dearly, but I know that this can't carry on because it's a matter of time before she really hurts someone. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this, or do you have any advice? I'd really appreciate your thoughts guys

From what you say it sounds like nervous aggression, can you tell us what you have done to try to cure the problem because if she is so young and you have tried all methods I am curious how long you try each method and what methods you have used.

Thanks for replying . We've done a lot of techniques; blocking when she starts growling, so me or someone she trusts will stand between her and the person she's being aggressive to and command 'no'. We've removed her from the situation, so when we see the aggressiveness coming on, I take her by the collar and take her to another room in the house, though I think this makes her anxious more than anything because she can't see what's going on. We have guests give her treats when she's NOT growling, so she associates them coming to our home as a positive, though once she's ate their treats she's back to snarling at then again. We never give her treats or praise after she's growled though. My brother seems to be the main one she has a problem with, and when he comes, he even sits on the floor so he looks less intimidating, and that's no good either. We've got countless books on dog body language and training, but nothing I've read will work. We stick to everything, rather than just trying a few times and giving up. I'm baffled because she's so obedient otherwise, and she knows what 'no' means and 'leave' but when someones at our home she just will NOT listen. Sorry for the long post, hope it helps

I would suggest you find a good behaviourist it's hard to recommend what to do without witnessing what is actually happening. You also need to rule out physical problems so a vet visit is also needed.

And if it one person she has a problem with I would be inclined to try to find out what has happened to cause it, I am not suggesting he has done something bad but sometimes dogs experience something when a certain person is present then forever think that person is linked to the experience.

Okay, I'll look for a good behaviour specialist, and a vet just to rule out any underlying problems. Thanks for your help much appreciated.

Do come back and let us know how it goes because it's always helpful to hear people's experiences.

Will do hopefully with the right help we can sort it because I don't think she's very happy feeling like this about people. Deffo keep you updated.

I'd be interested in why she's changed to your brother - it's mostly likely something he done, has he stepped on her and not told you? Does he act aggressively towards her now he's wary of her?

Look into behaviourists and bat therapy. Don't pull her anywhere by her collar, it is a sure fire way to get bitten. If she's growling at someone remove THEM from the situation, she wants them to go away so is warning you she can't cope with them there, take them out and slowly introduce them again, it'll be the best way to prevent bites. Don't tell her off in any way- she will pick up negative vibes from you and presume the presence of the indivisible she dislikes is causing them (they're not here when he's not)