I have a 2 year old shih tzu who is can be unpredictably aggressive. She weighs about 13 pounds. Would a muzzle be appropriate for her, which one should I use?

Instead of muzzling her, I would recommend training her and dealing with the problem. Putting a muzzle on a dog who bites you is like putting on padding because your kids hit you. It prevents it from hurting but the intent is still there. It’s a matter of respect, rules and structure.

The problems you are seeing are the result of the way you live with your dog. When dogs act like this they lack leadership from their owners. In other words their owners don’t understand how important pack drive is in how they raise their dogs.

Owners of dogs like yours underestimate the genetic power of "PACK DRIVE." Pack structure is not something new and it is not optional, and if you don’t provide the structure and leadership a dog NEEDS then he or she will behave as canines have for thousands of years and will structure your family and household their own way. Your dog is not behaving badly out of spite or stubbornness; your dog is simply being a dog, a dog that needs some guidance and rules.

If you want to fix a problem like this you can but it takes some work.

I’d start with our Groundwork program.

Pack Structure for the Family Pet is the DVD that picks up where the article leaves off.

Here is a 3 ½ hour DVD that I would recommend titled Dealing with Dominant and Aggressive Dogs.

If you go to the link on this DVD you can read about what it covers. You will also see a detailed outline of what’s in the video.

I would recommend a muzzle for use during the training process. I find people are more effective in their training if they aren’t worried about being bitten. You can call our office for help selecting the correct model and size for your dog. 715-235-6502

Cindy