What to do about Tacky? Update with a Plan

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

So he's not a doodle - but my chihuahua Taquito is my first child.  I've had him for 9 years and he's my little love bug.  As most of you know, we have an almost 8 month old human daughter named Charlotte.  Doodle Peri loves her and is excellent and very patient with her. They are buds because Charlotte gives her food :) 

 

Taquito, on the other hand, does snap at her. I am always around.  He likes to sit on my lap when I am on the floor playing with Charlotte (probably not a good idea but I feel bad).  Now that C is getting mobile, she is really obsessing over wanting to pet Taquito. She is very slow and he does have time to prepare for the incoming pet. Sometimes he is okay. Other times he gives a big snap (doesn't bite her just does that little shrill toy dog yip), shows his teeth and runs the other way - away from Charlotte. 

 

Here's what is interesting: my mother kept Taquito and Charlotte this weekend while we were out of town.  Peri went to the spa and daycare, which she loves.  Anyway, mom said that Charlotte pet Tacky multiple times (mom was always around) and that Taquito didn't do a thing. He even smiled.  When mom fed the bottle to her, T. sat right next to them - in the chair!

 

Okay, it's ME, I get that.  Any words of wisdom from my DK friends???  I need some advice.  Not too worried, just curious how I can get him to not be so protective over me?  It was just the two of us for 4 years, then DH came, then Peri then Charlotte. He is just really wanting to be the leader in the pack - but only when I am around it seems. 

 

Don't worry - he's not going anywhere, just want some input!

 

Update:  Found one of Jane, Guinness and Murph's discussions on Nothing in Life is Free:  http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/trainingmindsets/forum/topics/not...

Going to start implementing these training tools.  It is my fault - everything. I've allowed Tacky to run the show, without even knowing it.  I make Peri sit and wait for her food, but don't make Taquito. That is horrible. He just does what he wants, this little Bast&*()!  So I start today by re-teaching him to sit and wait for things, crating him when he acts out (for anything), etc...

My biggest issue is going to be bedtime.  I talked to DH and he is really concerned about us not letting him sleep in the bed (can you believe it's DH that is concerned?). He thinks it is going to hurt his kidneys and make him sick. He thinks Taquito is sensitive and this is too drastic a change.  Oh goodness, will keep you posted.  I love my DH though - what a great guy to even think this way.  Thanks TO ALL of you for your input.

Oh and I'm getting the corral/gate thingy.

 

 

[Bonnie and Kona]

I hope this makes sense to you. We had a Cavalier who wanted to be the top banana, too. It sounds similar to what our guy was doing. The suggestion we got and what worked well for us was that he was no longer allowed in bed with us. He was relegated to his crate at bed time. He was treated to the system of "nothing in life is free". We had to reestablish that we were the people and he was the dog.

I hope this helps with Tacky and Charlotte. Please keep us updated. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Oh how I wish Jane wasn't on vacation right now! She will be able to tell you exactly what to do when she gets back. It is the "Nothing in Life is Free" program that Bonnie mentioned, and it's going to take some self-discipline on your part. I can tell you that you have to stop letting him sit on your lap when you are playing with Charlotte and stop giving him any unearned affection at all. No attention or affection when he asks for it. I'm sure there are some discussions in the Training Group about this. 

And yes, it's all about you. LOL 

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I knew you would say this.  I need to go to the Training Group.  I just feel guilty and I don't want to not let him sleep with us, sit with us, etc....  I know you are right.  :(

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Believe me, I know how hard this will be for you; I don't know if I could do it myself. But you'll have help and support, and it really is the best thing for everyone in your household, Tacky included. You will all be happier. 

[Adina P]

What are you guilty of, Allyson? 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Allyson,

I have no idea.  What might help is a trainer who teaches protection.  This trainer can tell you how to teach a dog not to be so protective also.

GSD are used a lot in protection.  Are there any of these types of trainers you can call in your area?  You may just need a phone simple phone consultation.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Along with everything else that is being said I also believe that you have to do some "training" with Charlotte as well. Since she is now more mobile she should be taught that it's not okay just to randomly pet Tacky, or Peri either for that matter.

There was an article last year in Modern Dog regarding a Pit Ball, a baby and their Mom the Veterinarian. There was also a follow up a year later, I believe it was the March issue. I tore it out and gave it to a friend who's little one started doing what Charlotte is doing and her two dogs were getting a bit snappy. She followed the Vet's advice and there is a big improvement and attitude in their house. Noah is now 11 months old so it's been about 3 months. Maybe you can do a little investigating and get those articles off the internet.
Good Luck, I am sure if anyone can do it you can.

[Adina P]

I'm impressed.  I would have had no clue how to train my child to keep away from my dog.  Not in any quick way anyway. 

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Here's the quickest way to keep your little one away from the dog - crate train the child!!  Just kidding!!

[BG and Gavin]

Oh dear Tacky - little dog with a big dog attitude.  I would begin exerting my authority with him by making certain rooms or certain chairs, etc.. off limits and only allow him on the couch if and only if you invite him.  Also no treats.  Is it doable to not allow him in the same room with Charlotte unless you invite him?  That would be ideal, however could be unrealistic.

[Donna K & Quincy]

I don't really have any helpful advice but I have faith that you will find something that works for you and keeps everyone safe and happy.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I just read this article today in our local newspaper.  It isn't the answer to your question but still worth reading.  My grand daughter is 13 months and just started walking two weeks ago.  They have Luna the Rhodesian Ridgeback and have worked really hard on mutual respect for each other.  They warn Luna when the baby is coming and of course, keep a close eye open. Luna is not like a floppy Doodle that you can roll around with on the floor and snuggle with.  Ridgebacks are boney, stiff, quick and sort of skitterish.  Their biggest worry is that Luna will plow her down when she is walking.  They get along beautifully and when all are sitting on the sofa Eowyn will pat her.  If she grabs for the tail or paws they tell her to be gentle, etc.  I had Eowyn and Luna last week along with Gracie Doodle.  DH was gone and so were my daughter and her husband.  Gracie loves, loves, loves Eowyn.  She is obsessed with being right with her and sharing her monster or ball with the baby.  I haven't a worry in the world with Gracie.  You could do anything to her and she would never snap, bark, lung or growl.  If she feels the baby is getting too rough with her, she just moves away.  But, the entire time I kept more of an eye on Luna just because she goes into a deep sleep and gets startled if you should bump her or grab her.  I'm sure you are experiencing somewhat the same thing.  Peri is like Gracie and Tacky is probably more like Luna though Luna doesn't growl or bark.  I don't know what I would do if I were in your situation.  With Tacky being nine it might be a bit harder to redirect him and lay down new rules.  I'm sure it can be done.  Like Karen said...Jane will have the answers or at least suggestions for you.  Good Luck!

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/may/14/tp-know-the-signs-pet-an...