Hey guys, hoping someone can help.

My chihuahua who is 4 months old constantly barks at other dogs and will not entertain them at all. If she's in the garden she barks if she sees one, barks if she hears one and it's getting to be a bit much now.

Today we took her for a walk in the park and she did it the whole time there too.

She does have two dog friends though and she's great with them and loves playing there but any other dog she's so reluctant to get to know... It's just like she goes on the defensive all the time.

I tried putting her on the floor at my grandma's house to meet their dog but she just went for her.

Does anyone have any ideas how to stop this please?

Often with tiny dgs, they are kept with the breeder a bit too long, so miss out on that vital early socialisation.

I would consult a behaviourist who can find suitable stooge dogs to help her learn how to be around other dogs

Well I won't put up with barking at other dogs and we start young as we can so they don't even start it. I do a sharp tshhhh when ever Bettyboo tries to start she rarely get one yap out before I tshhh and she stops straight away. Indoors I say enough and again she stops. I found she doesn't respond to food treats for training so it's harder to teach her things but we got there by being consistant and insistant, and working with what she will do willingly. Betty doesn't like other dogs she is scared they will hurt her I think and being 5lb I can see why, so we have taught her keep walking when she sees another dog, I just go brisk and happy sounding with a keep walking and as she passes with no sound a huge good girl and she has become a really easy to walk dog.

I don't think trying to make her be friendly would work so ignoring everyone is the best way.

i have the same dog as the OP but mine was a rescue dog, and is now about 13 years old. and she still barks at other dogs but not all the time.. but very lound when strangers or anyone arrives at the house.. this is their nature..

Yes it's very hard when they are older to change the behaviour that is why I stop it straight away don't let them start, we had a previous long coat Rosie who barked at everything learned our mistake and with Betty decided we would not have that again.

Have to say Betty is a bit of an angel compared with other Chihuahuas we meet but may just be my love for her showing there !

when walking i have to say be quite... as she barks at dogs.. cats... and anyone wearing orange florescent coat... postman esp..

Betty was well socialised with postman etc I made sure when we first got her to make sure she was held and petted and treated by postman, policeman etc it's amazing how many people will help when you explain you are trying to get them used to uniforms etc.

It's really other dogs she is not keen on but I think witnessing the attack on our other dog (the late molliepops) was what started that, she was only 3 months when she saw that happen.

like you say, they have to be taught from a pup.. much harder when they are mature, or senior..

I don 't have and have never owned a chihuahua but a close friend of mine has had them for 30+ years. She says that a chihuahua is very protective and will make lots of noise if it feels his or her territory threatened and will make a hellish fuss if it's people are "under threat" as a chihuahua sees things.


I bloody love the little long haired chihuahua .


Maybe the chihuahua is just "doing his or her's job" to the best he or she can. The wee dog may be waiting for more information and training.... they are clever wee dogs after all

Yes I agree TBH I am not sure where to start perhaps a behaviourist would be a good start?