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.

 

 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

It is also easier to spoil a lap sized dog and miss the dominance they exert.

[Stella]

I probably wouldn't shut him in a separate room at mealtimes, as he will never learn the behaviour that you want this way.  Instead you will need to closely supervise eating time.  Intervening and correcting when necessary.  You can feed them in the same room, just with distance between them.  When we were having problems with our two dogs fighting we always fed the older dog first (he was being bullied by our new dog), and the younger one had to be in a sit-stay while the other dog ate.  When our older dog had finished eating, we put the bowl down for the younger.  He had to hold his sit-stay until released to eat his food.  If Tacky is guarding his food, it may be because he is worried Peri is going to steel it, so you also need to work on teaching her to keep a respectful distance while he eats.

[Adrienne]

This is good stuff :)

[Adina P]

Thank goodness I am a bit of a control freak with my dogs.  I don't do NILIF, but the humans definitely come first in this house. 

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

this is interesting!

[Donna K & Quincy]

That all sounds great now I need to know how to 'rug' train Quincy, he is a bit of a pest when we have company. I want him to on his best behavior since you never know when you may be descended upon by certain DKers. :>)

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Lol...Peri doesn't have a "rug" either but she does generally respect us as her leaders.  She's a good girl. Tacky's a bad boy but that is because of me. 

No one come visit me in TN anytime soon. We are having bootcamp for now.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Good luck with Taquito's training!   Stay strong Allyson...I bet this will help him so much!  Keep us posted :)

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

He could sit on my lap when I visit and I would not care :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

I wish we could visit.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I could easily see how you would treat a cute little doggie differently than a big powerful doodle. Their size alone dictates that we have more control of them or they can run us over or pull us down the street. Having two large dogs and having been on DK months before I even got my first, has certainly helped me understand the importance of training and being the pack leader.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm on my way home from northern ME and now have some spotty cell service...I hoping I'll be able to send this. I think NLIF is going to help and is also the best thing for Taquito...it takes all the pressure off of him to be in charge and on guard all the time. You do not have to keep him off your lap and he can still sleep in your bed. My trainer has a German Shepard, a Rottie, and a little 5 lb teacup terrier that he rescued. The little guy is just as we'll trained as the big dogs even though he's usually in Ben's fiance's lap (or purse). The key is that Taquito doesn't make any of the decisions....you do and then you tell him what to do. To make it work he might need some basic obedience. For example, at bedtime you might put him in a down stay while you get ready. His reward would be that you then invite him onto the bed. When you want him off YOU say "off" and make sure he does it. Holding him would also be a reward for something he earned and only you can initiate it. If he paws at you or tries to demand attention I would give a verbal correction and then ignore him. When he gives up and is calm I would then praise and give affection....on your terms. This will be allnewto him....a huge confusing change. When I'm home this evening I'll add more about how to work Charlotte into this and some thoughts on the transition. I think it's totally doable and ultimately a real good thing for Taquito.