I am having problems with my Silky Terrier, 1 year old, biting. He is
uncomfortable around strangers, especially children and becomes
aggressive when he believes that someone is "trespassing" on his area.
For example, a neighbor boy was in his own yard when my dog saw him,
ran into his yard and started chasing him. He also bit a neighbor who
was coming into our yard to speak to us; we were standing in the yard
so he knew that we were not being threatened.
This is the first dog I have had that is aggressive and afraid of
strangers and I do not know what to do to get him over it. I
purchased him from Petland, which is something that I said that I
would not do but fell in love with him as soon as I saw him. While I
realize that this could be a major factor in his behavior, I am hoping
that there is something that I can do..
Since purchasing him last year, I have brought him around friends of
all ages to get him accustomed strangers to no avail. He has also
spent a great deal of time with my niece and nephews and knows they
are non-threatening but still cowers each time they try to pet him.
When I have made him sit in their laps, he will quiet down and relax
but the next time they pick him up, he cowers once again.
Any help you can provide is much appreciated!!!!!!!!
While I do not want to have to get rid of him, I am beginning to
believe he would be better suited to a family that does not have
frequent visitors or children.
Thank you in advance.
Jill