My 5 year old shih-tzu snapped at me.?

Consult a behaviourist. This tiny dog is running rings around you and calling the shots....though it does sound as though he could be in pain.

Maybe you should take him to another vet for further examination.

Alright, I'm not COMPLETELY sure with this stuff, but there was a german shepard that lived across the street from me who bit at least 6 people, including one 8 year old (and one of the small children that lived at the residence) in the head, and he never got put down . I doubt you will have to put him down, especially a dog like a shih tzu. I'm not sure if the incident will be reported, but even so, Teddy will probably not have to be put down (Thank goodness !) Dogs can be surprisingly snappy when you interfere with them while they're sleeping, so just make sure your nephew, and no one else for that matter, messes with the poor dear while he's sleeping, and it all should be okay !

All dogs play rough. However if his play is borderline aggressive or if he is actually HURTING the other dogs due to his exuberance, then i would stop bringing him to the park immediately. Learn here https://tr.im/qadDG

It's your job as his owner to keep him under control, and if you can't so that then you shouldn't be bringing him someplace where he could get into trouble.

How often does he get walked? As a high energy breed he should be walked twice a day for as long as he can stand it. Jogging is even better. You can't count on the park to be your only way of exercising him because he obviously is not ready for it (based on the behavior you describe.)

So start walking him every morning and evening. Enroll in an obedience class with a qualified instructor (i would find a private training facility as opposed to one at Petsmart - as good as some of those trainers can be, they're mainly for easy-to-train dogs and don't specialize in herding breeds OR dogs that may have aggression issues) and he/she will show you how to teach your dog how to come.

I have a shih tzu. And I know they are very loving dogs. It is rare for them to bite & to be aggressive, specially with the owner. If I were you, I would have gotten a second opinion. He might have a hidden injury somewhere that is hurting when you pet him. Or he might feel sick for some reason.

I know that your vet said he is OK, but it is good to check with anothe rvet, just to have peace of mind about your little guy. If everything is OK, then you will need to do some research about it & talk to your vet & an experienced dog trainer.

Good luck.

I would get a second opinion from another vet, that definitely sounds like an illness. I have two dogs, (one being a 6 year old Shih-Tzu named Buddy!) and neither have ever done that before, but I know that's a symptom for some sickness.

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://biturl.im/aUTUf

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

He doesn't have a split personality - he has just one personality, and it's called "Dominance". You went into his home - the dog run - and he bit you. This morning when you say he was "fine", he cried for belly rubs. That's not a sweet dog - that's a dog who is telling YOU what to do. He's saying, "I'm in charge, and I want you to pet me now." You should only pet him when he does something you like, not when he whines. The food aggression is just the start.

You need to set boundaries and ground rules. Basically, put the dog through a period of "Doggie Boot Camp". It may take a month, it may take a week, it's hard to say. But here's what you do:

Make him sit before he gets his food. Always. Do not let him touch it until you say so. Put the food in the bowl and make him wait for a minute or two. While he's eating, push him away, take his food, and pretend to eat it yourself. Make him sit before giving it back to him. He will realize that YOU are in charge of the food, which is what he values most.

Make him sit before he goes in or out any door. Do not let him go through any door before you. To a dog, whoever is in front is in charge.

Also, during the boot camp period, limit the petting to twice per day. Do not let the dog on any of the furniture. Make him sit or lay at your feet, which is a position of submission to a dog. If he normally sleeps in your bed, don't let him anymore.

Make sure he gets exercise, such as a 30 minute walk every day.

Do this until his behavior gets back in line. If he growls, you tell him "NO!" Good luck!

he does not see you as a leader and will only obey you when it suits him..dogs can live like this for years..but then one day or at times when HE feels he doesn't want to put up with you he will let you know , as he has..Proper training with a professional to train you..

to start..make him work for everything..chow time..make him sit..if he doesn't listen , make him wait..do not feed him from your plate or allow him near your food..food is the most important thing to a dog and the one who strongly controls food is in charge

find a chat site for your breed they will help alot..please please do not get offended if you feel insulted or scolded listen and ask questions..i have been to a site called pit bull chat as i have 2 boxers and a pit these are powerful and potentially dangerous dogs but mine are babies..and there are other breeds alot more likely to hurt a human that you would never expect

Do not roll your dog !!! I know people that have done this and it works for them..BUT the teaching of this comes from very limited obrevance of wolves in the past.Dogs that are establishing dominance ..if you watch them they do not force a roll the subservient one goes down on his own and no one gets seriously hurt..If you force a roll you are threatening his life (in his eyes)and he may protect himself accordingly people have had there noses and lips bitten off by there tiny little dogs by sending the wrong message

First you have to understand this.... If a dog doesn’t trust its owner to be a strong, stable pack leader, it becomes unclear about its correct role within the pack. A dog that is confused about who is in charge is actually concerned about the ability of the pack to survive, so it attempts to fill in the missing leadership elements, often erratically. This can cause aggression, anxiety, fear, obsessions, or phobias – what I call “issues”.

Dogs need to know that their pack leader is clearly setting the rules, boundaries and limitations for their life both inside and outside the house.

Anger, aggression, or abuse toward the dog will not establish you as pack leader; an angry, aggressive leader is not in control. Calm-assertive energy and daily, consistent leadership behavior will make enforcing the rules easier.

Calm-assertive energy – This is the energy you project to show your dog you are the calm and assertive pack leader. Note: assertive does not mean angry or aggressive. Calm-assertive means always compassionate, but quietly in control.

Calm-submissive energy – In nature, this is the appropriate energy for a “follower” in a dog pack, and thus the ideal energy for a dog to project when living in a household with humans. Signs of calm-submissive energy include a relaxed posture, ears held back, and a nearly instinctual response to the “pack leader’s” commands.

Exercise, discipline, and affection… in that order – These are the three ingredients for creating a happy, balanced dog. Most dog owners give only affection, or don’t provide these three necessities in the correct order.

Exercise – walking a dog at least one hour every day, and in the correct way.

Discipline – giving a dog rules, boundaries, and limitations in a nonabusive manner.

Affection – a reward we give to our dogs and to ourselves, but only after the dog has achieved calm submission in our “pack”.

Master the walk – The walk is an extremely important ritual for a dog. It needs to take place a minimum of twice a day, for at least thirty to forty-five minute each time, so that both the dog’s mind and its body are given a workout. This means the dog walks next to the owner or behind him/her – not pulling ahead. If a dog is “walking” a human, the dog perceives itself as pack leader at that moment, and the human is not in control.

bipolar?

maybe he isn't feeling good. Tummy ache possibly? Even a fever?

my puppy is a Lasa Apso wich is like a shih-tzu. he would never bite me or growl at me. he's 5 years old 2. and i have never punished him for anything so u dont need to. the only time he bites me is a playful nip.