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Advice needed
My fiance has a 5 yr old Shitzu that we as a family (me and my 3 kids) have now inherited. He is great with the kids. Just not good at walking, he has some agression issues. I am 8 months pregnant and cant stand to walk the dog because when he comes across another male he goes into a crazy rage and pulls and barks and just acts crazy no matter how big or small the dog is. The worst part is my fiance thinks its funny and doesnt do much to correct his behaviour. Many times I have tried to walk the dog with the stroller only to have him almost choke my daughter with the leash because he refuses to stay to one side and walk and pulls to each tree to mark it. Ive been working on this quite a bit, but fiance lets the dog do whatever he likes. This dog isnt fixed and has to pee on everything and growl when leaving his scent. Im totally embarassed when ppl look at me and the dog when he growls and scratches the grass. Also, my fiance totally spoils this dog and I dont really agree with alot of the things he does - I consider them bad habits. Like feeding the dog from the dinner table, letting the dog sleep on the couch and my bed. This dog expects to be fed human food each and every meal he will sit close to the table and begs. My fiance feeds him everything we eat which I dont think is a good idea especially when it causes the dog to have the runs. I love animals especially dogs - I grew up with dogs my whole life and we were raised that no animals near the table when we eat - no animals on the furniture and human food was a once in a while treat. Im just annoyed with the dog and my fiance with his lack of discipline with his dog. The dog doesnt listen to me at all and follows him around like a lost puppy dog. Its gotten to the point where I have to put my ottoman ontop of my couch so the dog doesnt sleep on it. He has a flea problem and I dont want bugs on my furniture.We have put the drops on the dog as well as a flea collar and spray the house on a regular but the fleas are only found when bathing the dog. I have also put a big piece of cardboard by my bedroom door to keep the dog out, but my fiance told me Im being mean and that the dog is used to sleeping by his side. Im kind of at my wits end with me trying to correct the dogs behaviour and him thinking its a big joke. I will be having a baby in 6 weeks and I dont want the dog in my room or on my furniture. Anyone have some positive advice to give.
Re: Advice needed
This isn't just a problem with the dog, this shows you how he plans on raising your child. This needs to be addressed ASAP. You are both living together, I assume, and are therefore roommates in a way. He needs to respect your boundaries. Being your fiance or husband does not mean he can get away with doing whatever he wants. I strongly recommend that you either sit him down in a quiet place with no distractions and come up with a plan, this means coming up with compromises on what will be allowed both with the dog and your baby, OR if this doesn't work, get couples counseling. You two only have 6 weeks left to get on the same page. Just take a big breath, and make sure when you talk to him you are calm and collected. Maybe start by saying "I know how much this dog means to you, and it shows me how loving you will be toward our child, but we need to be on the same page in regards to the dogs behavior. I would be willing to allow ________ if you will be more strict on ________".
Also, is there a reason this dog is not spayed? That is easily 90% of the cause for the aggression towards other male dogs, peeing everywhere, and just being an overall pain.
I also would suggest an easyleader or harness while on walks. Neither is harmful to the dog, but will likely be very helpful for you. Just walking with a collar will not cut it.
As far as the furniture, I would suggest telling the dog to get down, then rewarding him with a treat. I'm sure your fiance would appreciate to see you rewarded and praising the dog, and at the same time, you would be correcting the behavior.
Good luck!
I agree with PP have him neutered soon, not only will that help with the aggression, and possibly with the marking it'll help him in the long run. If he's not using his testicles for breeding they're tumors waiting to happen, they can also cause urination problems down the road.
I have a gentle leader for both of mine and they walk beautifully now!
I would also recommend having the dog fixed asap. It won't fix all of your problems, but it may help with the aggression and marking. Plus, it's just the responsible thing to do.
I would sign up for a training class with the dog so you can develop a bond with him, which will help him listen to you more. I would also have your FI come to class with you (if he will) because if your FI isn't on board with the training, it's going to be tough. Dogs need consistency, which means all family members need to enforce the same rules (i.e. dog can't go on the bed, dog doesn't get table scraps, etc.). Have a serious talk with your FI and tell him you need his support and help on this, especially with a new baby on the way.
As a side note, don't let your FI tell you you're being mean by having rules and limitations. I have 2 pugs (which are also small companion dogs like shih-tzus) who I love more than anything, but it doesn't mean they get to do whatever they want. They thrive on knowing what is expected of them and having boundaries and rules. They are both Canine Good Citizen certified, and one is now a therapy dog. They do not get any food from the table (in fact, they have to be on their dog beds when we are eating); they are not allowed on our bed (they are allowed on the couch); and they are exceptional loose-leash walkers (they are only allowed to go sniff when given a "release" command). They are happy and well cared-for, and I never feel like I'm being "mean" by having rules. You can do it!