Beware small dogs!

[mothhawk]

Dachshunds were originally bred for courage and aggression - badgers, after all, are fiercesome fighters. But because dachshunds are small and look cute, owners often treat them as lapdogs and don't assert pack dominance so the dog takes over the role of pack leader. And they treat intruders into "their" domain the way they would badgers, with teeth and courage.

That also applies to chihuahuas (or maybe chinchillas)

My roommate's chihuahua wants to kill me - YouTube

[Potstubsdustbins]

Working in peoples house's I have to agree with the basic theory. I have always found small dogs more snappy.

As to Staffies I haven't found a nasty one yet, maybe just lucky.

I had an Akita who could be nasty with other dogs, hence when in public she never came off her short lead. My pet hate, other owners who get annoyed when their dog comes running up snarling and barking and then comes off second best.

Colin

[SarrissUK]

He's not particularly active or barking much, it's just that the lil man thinks he's the boss of everyone, and that he's definitely the police man that should watch all the cats at all times.
He's got a confidence problem too, hence the yappy barking at other dogs, and I don't think I will ever get him to stop feeling threatened. Overall he's not too bad, but it took a long while before I trusted him around my kid, even though she's quite sensible around dogs.
I might get a muzzle though, to have handy when he barks. They really hate them things don't they? LOL I wouldn't dare try to dress him up in something - he'd never forgive me LOL

[VirginVegGrower]

Its not the dogs bit - its the "Chinchillas" that made me laugh!!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]27668[/ATTACH]

Quite hence my education quip! Nothing like a rat on a lead. So was he able to differentiate between a rooter and a router? Or did he plug you in?

[Two_Sheds]

He's got a confidence problem too, hence the yappy barking at other dogs, and I don't think I will ever get him to stop feeling threatened.

Yes you can, I did it with ours.
First just walk past other dogs, at a safe distance. Reward him when he doesn't bark. If he does, muzzle him. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
When he starts to calm down, let him walk a bit closer. Again, reward good behaviour with a fuss or a treat. Muzzle if he acts up (immediately take it off when he calms down).

Take him to meet as many friendly dogs as you can (fluffy things are usually a good bet, but look at the owner more than the dog). Make yourself the dominant dog and greet the new one yourself, to show your dog that it's OK. repeat, repeat.

Your dog will get it. You need to keep on though, it is hard work, like anything worthwhile, but will be so worth it in the end.

[VirginVegGrower]

If a dog has been nipped/bitten by another dog previously then it is very difficult to get their confidence with other dogs. Large dogs don't use their teeth so much because they have their size to squash with. But on a 1-2-1 with a large dog they can and do. A small dog has only got its teeth. They feel threatened. As for spaniels, not as nice as you would imagine. They have bitten me and my dogs several times. As have Labradors. You cannot judge a book by its cover. They ALL have the capacity to cause harm. Bad dogs are made by others stupidity, not bred that way.

[veggiechicken]

Quite hence my education quip! Nothing like a rat on a lead. So was he able to differentiate between a rooter and a router? Or did he plug you in?

VVG, I think you should have gone to bed earlier - your mind seems to be on other things!
In answer to your question.....apparently, whatever I had was liable to overheat if turned on, on the carpet - and he was the man for the job!!

[VirginVegGrower]

I had a full sleep thanks. I'm not the one who finds extra meaning...

[veggiechicken]

I had a full sleep thanks. I'm not the one who finds extra meaning...

Of course not - with a name like yours!!