Beau goes Berserk.

[Taltarzac725]

My pooch-- a three year old chihuahua/terrier rescue named Beau-- goes completely nuts whenever he sees a small dog named Milo at the Lynnhaven Postal Center. The owner usually avoids us but that does not always work like today. Beau got close after dragging me towards Milo by following his/her scent trail around the pool. These two dogs have never met face-to-face as Beau acts like he wants to take a piece out of Milo. I pull Beau away whenever he gets close to Milo.

Milo seems like a sweet dog but I have no idea why Beau just loses it in Milo's presence.

Any ideas? I will continue to try to avoid Milo and his/her owner but I cannot always do this.

There are other dogs that look like Milo and Beau just ignores these except for the normal dog butt sniffing and the like.

Beau goes to Doggie Doo Run Run just about every day and does well with almost every other dog. Once in a while he does get upset by another dog for some inexplicable reason. This is Lucky.

The owners of these dogs do not seem to have any problem with me. I thought maybe it was a dog picking up on its owner's feelings but both Milo's owner and the owner of the bigger dog Lucky at DDRR have been friendly.

[Phanatic Luvr]

I have a Chihuahua that acts like that around any dog he sees, which is really embarrassing. He is even like that if we take him for a ride in the golf cart. If I see a dog up ahead, I have to cover his eyes, but he still must smell them and goes crazy. It's no fun taking him out or for a ride. He has a big brother, a Goldendoodle, which he loves very much and we have never had a problem between the two of them. We love him and he is great around people. He is the most lovable dog to us and a huge heart. He was a rescue, 5 years ago, and we do not know his background. He's just a little crazy!!!!! I honestly think it could be the breed.

[Taltarzac725]

I have a Chihuahua that acts like that around any dog he sees, which is really embarrassing. He is even like that if we take him for a ride in the golf cart. If I see a dog up ahead, I have to cover his eyes, but he still must smell them and goes crazy. It's no fun taking him out or for a ride. He has a big brother, a Goldendoodle, which he loves very much and we have never had a problem between the two of them. We love him and he is great around people. He is the most lovable dog to us and a huge heart. He was a rescue, 5 years ago, and we do not know his background. He's just a little crazy!!!!! I honestly think it could be the breed.

Beau really only acts bananas by Milo. He is fine with Mylo for instance a pooch at Doggie Doo Run Run and the 50 or so other dogs he sees fairly regularly at the dog park. One one hand, at the Lynnhaven Postal Center there are a number of dogs that look quite a bit like Milo, but Beau is just great with them. On the other hand, whenever he gets a scent of Milo though he is in crazy town.

Milo is a submissive sweet dog it seems like. Beau does occasionally have a problem with other Alpha Dogs here and there but I just pick him up and carry him somewhere else when this is a bother.

I used to know a rather nutty chihuahua whenever I walked or biked past a neighbor in Reno, Nevada in the 1970s. It kind of put me off chihuahuas for decades until I met Sport-- my previous chihuahua/terrier mix whom we adopted from the Sumter County Humane Society on January 13, 2007 or thereabouts. Sport was good with almost any dog but did have a problem trying to hump a few of them especially Chance.

[Gerald]

sounds like your dog is the problem. That what a leash is for. If you can't control your dog.

[Taltarzac725]

sounds like your dog is the problem. That what a leash is for. If you can't control your dog.

He is leashed at the postal center most of the time. I do keep a tight hold of him whenever I see Milo's owner's golf cart.

He is not leashed inside the dog park as dogs on leashes act very differently when there are a lot of pooches nearby off leashes.

I am looking for some input that does not just tell me the obvious.

[Taltarzac725]

I talked briefly to a nice lady with a nice dog and human family who used to handle supply of a dozen or so VCA Inc. veterinarian offices up in New England. It seems one of their dogs has the same problem but this seems to be primarily in the gated areas around the entrance to DDRR. I know this from hearing the chihuahua/terrier mix this nice family has whenever a dog comes into DDRR.

Any practicing vets or vets' wives still on here???

I guess I will just have to make sure that Beau never gets close enough to Milo to do any damage.

It just seems so peculiar that only Milo sets Beau off like this? Yesterday probably scared Milo's owner quite a bit as it did me, so maybe she will stay on one end of the Lynnhaven Postal Center while I walk Beau leashed on the other and we then go around at a safe distance.

[GeoGeo]

I am glad to know others have experienced the same thing with their dog. I would love answers, too. I am thinking certain dogs put off some type of "vibe" or scent that our dogs don't like. Seems strange that a cute little dog can be walking along and minding its own business and our dog wants to bark or growl at it. And then be okay around other dogs. I will say that I do know my dog does not like big black dogs because a big black dog acted aggressive toward her while we were on the golf cart. Now our dog is cautious with hair up on her back every time she meets a dog. Could your dog have had a slight run in with a dog that looks like Milo some time in the past?

[Taltarzac725]

I am glad to know others have experienced the same thing with their dog. I would love answers, too. I am thinking certain dogs put off some type of "vibe" or scent that our dogs don't like. Seems strange that a cute little dog can be walking along and minding its own business and our dog wants to bark or growl at it. And then be okay around other dogs. I will say that I do know my dog does not like big black dogs because a big black dog acted aggressive toward her while we were on the golf cart. Now our dog is cautious with hair up on her back every time she meets a dog. Could your dog have had a slight run in with a dog that looks like Milo some time in the past?

Could be. Or a dog that has that scent. Beau is a rescue from Max's Pet Connection. A dog catcher picked him up in a neighborhood near Crystal River and they put him in a Kill Shelter in Inverness. Max's Pet Connection got him from there and we adopted him around April 2014. https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/864044-post41.html

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/all-about-pets-120/pictures-beau-116551/?highlight=beau+picture

[Sable99]

Since Beau was a rescue, my first thought was that a dog similar to Milo had once attacked him. But, you said he gets along with other dogs like Milo. So, my guess is its the scent.

My former boss had a Schnauzer that didn't like black men that he didn't know. His wife had gotten Leader at the District of Columbia Humane Society and they didn't know any of his background. Leader didn't attack anyone -- he just barked at them like crazy! If Leader knew the men he was fine -- it was just the ones he didn't know. I loved it when he brought Leader to the office so I could get my "dog fix"!

[Taltarzac725]

Since Beau was a rescue, my first thought was that a dog similar to Milo had once attacked him. But, you said he gets along with other dogs like Milo. So, my guess is its the scent.

My former boss had a Schnauzer that didn't like black men that he didn't know. His wife had gotten Leader at the District of Columbia Humane Society and they didn't know any of his background. Leader didn't attack anyone -- he just barked at them like crazy! If Leader knew the men he was fine -- it was just the ones he didn't know. I loved it when he brought Leader to the office so I could get my "dog fix"!

I think Beau would attack Milo. He acts like he wants to rip the dog to pieces. I have never encountered a dog that goes as Psycho as Beau does around Milo. It is not me either as the owner is a complete stranger to me. I see her at the Lynnhaven Postal Center and know her name and what her golf cart loos like so I would have no reason to be upset with her. And she does not look like anyone from my past who might spark something in my subconscious mind.

[Bonnevie]

my rescues get along well with other dogs....but once in a great while one comes across one that he seems to take a dislike to....is it a power thing, the scent thing, don't know but I just remove them. who knows what happened in a rescued dogs past that caused it...the stories they could tell.

[Taltarzac725]

my rescues get along well with other dogs....but once in a great while one comes across one that he seems to take a dislike to....is it a power thing, the scent thing, don't know but I just remove them. who knows what happened in a rescued dogs past that caused it...the stories they could tell.

I wish I knew. Guess there is nothing I can do but hope that I can keep these two apart and that Beau does not have this reaction to another dog. I do try to watch how the new dogs at Doggie Doo Run Run interact with other dogs as well before venturing into the mix in various areas of DDRR. This dog park has numerous areas for dogs so if Beau has a problem in one area I can go to another one.

[jojo]

Our rescue dog, Olivia, loves all people and most dogs. However, there are a few dogs to whom she reacts strongly - growls, snaps, barks, gets animated. Fortunately, some of the dogs in the neighborhood she has since befriended. But there are a couple that will set her off. She and a bichon get into it. They were having one of their growling matches and then we walked the two dogs side by side for a long block. However, today they growled at each other again. So frustrating.

[CFrance]

Tal, be happy that Beau only has a problem with this one dog, and you can easily work around that. You can alter your walk route and not ever have to ever have Beau encounter Milo. Who knows why Beau does this. It's enough to just know that he does, and you can avoid the situation before it escalates.

Some things we just will never know the why of. It has to be good enough to just avoid the problem.

[ajbrown]

Whenever there is an issue with my dogs (when they are young and learning) the problem usually lies in the handler.... me. I look into what I am doing that makes my dog nervous or seemingly aggressive... I learn more about handling and I work on my 'presence'. Whether you like the 'Dog Whisperer's methods or not, this is all he ever does, help the handlers be better....

I am not pretending to be an expert here and certainly hope I am not coming across as condescending, but Beau should never do anything that you have not approved no matter the environment...

If me, I would look at the issue of what can I do better as a handler, so Beau is in control around Milo...

good luck!!

[CFrance]

Whenever there is an issue with my dogs (when they are young and learning) the problem usually lies in the handler.... me. I look into what I am doing that makes my dog nervous or seemingly aggressive... I learn more about handling and I work on my 'presence'. Whether you like the 'Dog Whisperer's methods or not, this is all he ever does, help the handlers be better....

I am not pretending to be an expert here and certainly hope I am not coming across as condescending, but Beau should never do anything that you have not approved no matter the environment...

If me, I would look at the issue of what can I do better as a handler, so Beau is in control around Milo...

good luck!!
I like this advice. And there are those dog owners who allow their dogs to become the pack leader of their household, which is a bad idea even with a small dog.

I do allow that Beau is a rescue, however, and not a puppy, and it certainly is easier to train a puppy from scratch than it is to fix an issue in an older dog.

But Tal, maybe you and Beau could benefit from some professional training advice?

[Jima64]

Thankfully Beau has a good home with a person concerned about him.

[Taltarzac725]

Whenever there is an issue with my dogs (when they are young and learning) the problem usually lies in the handler.... me. I look into what I am doing that makes my dog nervous or seemingly aggressive... I learn more about handling and I work on my 'presence'. Whether you like the 'Dog Whisperer's methods or not, this is all he ever does, help the handlers be better....

I am not pretending to be an expert here and certainly hope I am not coming across as condescending, but Beau should never do anything that you have not approved no matter the environment...

If me, I would look at the issue of what can I do better as a handler, so Beau is in control around Milo...

good luck!!

You should meet some of the chihuahua/terrier mixes I know, I am not sure that even Cesar Milan could get them to behave in all situations. He is easy to pick up though. I mean Beau not Cesar. ;) For instance, the last time I saw Milo and his owner at the Lynnhaven Postal Center I had tried to arrange it so that Beau did not encounter Milo, but Milo's owner and Milo stopped to meet up with a dog that look quite a lot like Milo. Beau arrives and starts barking a the highest volume he has. I pick him up and he continues this barking and thrashing even when I tie him into the golf cart. I am pleading with him to calm down but he continues this craziness-- witnessed by probably six other Lynnhaven people at the Mail Center-- up until I get Beau out of sight of Milo. Milo's owner takes off in the golf cart while Milo stares at us thinking probably why this dog goes NUTS whenever he smells him.

I could get a shock collar of some sort. The other problem chihuahua/terrier I know from Doggie Doo Run Run has one of these. Beau and that dog get along quite well and are good friends.

There is a chihuahua/terrier at the Lynnhaven Postal Center that looks quite a bit like Beau and they get along just fine also but if I try to pet him, he will snap at me.

These dogs think they are Great Danes and have a huge attitude.

[ajbrown]

You should meet some of the chihuahua/terrier mixes I know, I am not sure that even Cesar Milan could get them to behave in all situations. He is easy to pick up though. I mean Beau not Cesar. ;)

<stuff snipped for brevity... by Alan

There is a chihuahua/terrier at the Lynnhaven Postal Center that looks quite a bit like Beau and they get along just fine also but if I try to pet him, he will snap at me.

These dogs think they are Great Danes and have a huge attitude.

There are even entire shows about this breed.

This is one here, you will see a common theme with each dog:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_31Pk3nCIY

Much of this show is about El Diablo starting around 19 minute mark...

Caesar makes it look easy, I do not have what he has, his timing is amazing. I had one dog in my life I never could help. She had food aggression issues, never dangerous, but just stiff and growly.

I am sure Ceasar could have fixed pretty quickly, but he is a bit expensive :)

Beau is lucky to have someone, and I hope I do not sound preachy (not my intent at all), but I do believe you have more power than you think...

-good luck!

[Taltarzac725]

There are even entire shows about this breed.

This is one here, you will see a common theme with each dog:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_31Pk3nCIY

Much of this show is about El Diablo starting around 19 minute mark...

Caesar makes it look easy, I do not have what he has, his timing is amazing. I had one dog in my life I never could help. She had food aggression issues, never dangerous, but just stiff and growly.

I am sure Ceasar could have fixed pretty quickly, but he is a bit expensive :)

Beau is lucky to have someone, and I hope I do not sound preachy (not my intent at all), but I do believe you have more power than you think...

-good luck!

Thanks. There are some mean chihuahuas in that video.

[Taltarzac725]

Beau and Milo and their owners now just avoid one another. Milo is showing more attitude now too.

Beau gets along well with other Lynnhaven/Belvedere/Ashland dogs like with the very amusingly named Bo Derelict, Obi Wan Kenobe, Bailey, Gidget, Smidgeon, Buddy, and others at Doggie Doo Run Run like Scout II, Cooper, Lillie, Jack, One Eyed-Jack, Jon Snow (love that name), Jade, Bailey, Lillith, Roscoe, Lilly, Petie, Maggie, and sometimes Barrister (a very good name for this tiny thing that always get the last word).

[redwitch]

Tao, you made a couple of telling comments. One, you said that Beau "pulled" around the pool to get to Milo. Two, you pleaded with Beau to calm down. The other thing is your picking him up. Basically, you're letting Beau be the alpha dog. When he starts to take the lead, make him sit and then heel until he gets the message that stretching out to full lead is not okay. When he sees Milo, make him sit. You do not move from your spot until he has sat and stayed sitting enough for you to see some control. Picking him up defeats all messages that you're the alpha. It may get him away from a situation, but it teaches the dog nothing.

[redwitch]

Also, you've got a mix that has two very stubborn breeds. That means that training will be hard work and you'll never be allowed to let up. The one day you let Beau take the lead or not sit is the day training will have to start all over. Good luck, tis not easy task but it can be done.

[Taltarzac725]

Also, you've got a mix that has two very stubborn breeds. That means that training will be hard work and you'll never be allowed to let up. The one day you let Beau take the lead or not sit is the day training will have to start all over. Good luck, tis not easy task but it can be done.

I just have a 5 foot or so leash. No lead. I do not like those really long leads. It is only this dog Milo that Beau dislikes and he has never been close enough to Milo to even smell his butt or do anything else. I pull him in the other direction.

Beau is an alpha dog but he is a happy alpha dog. Beau I admit is quite spoiled.

Jon Snow is about the same mix of breeds. Also a stubborn pooch but he seems quite happy. Smidgeon too but Beau is OK with him.

Milo's owner and I kind of just work it out so we are at the postal center at different times or she keeps Milo at one end while I am at the other.

There are a few dogs on-and-off at Doggie Doo Run Run that do not get along with Beau. I just pick him up and go to another part of the dog park, go home if that does not work or go to some other dog park or some other place to walk.

Milo is a very sweet beta dog and that may be the problem.

[Dynsol]

Heard lady in store the other day who took her dog to some kind of dog whisperer or medium. possibility?

[kittygilchrist]

I just have a 5 foot or so leash. No lead. I do not like those really long leads. It is only this dog Milo that Beau dislikes and he has never been close enough to Milo to even smell his butt or do anything else. I pull him in the other direction.

Beau is an alpha dog but he is a happy alpha dog. Beau I admit is quite spoiled.

Jon Snow is about the same mix of breeds. Also a stubborn pooch but he seems quite happy. Smidgeon too but Beau is OK with him.

Milo's owner and I kind of just work it out so we are at the postal center at different times or she keeps Milo at one end while I am at the other.

There are a few dogs on-and-off at Doggie Doo Run Run that do not get along with Beau. I just pick him up and go to another part of the dog park, go home if that does not work or go to some other dog park or some other place to walk.

Milo is a very sweet beta dog and that may be the problem.

I too hate inadequate long leashes giving the dog nearly total control to make mayhem!

I use a few strategies...most important is to shorten hold on the leash so that the dog is directly under me. This makes my hold a lever with maximum power to keep the dog in position. Second is to have an adequately thick lead to allow dog to feel the tension at the neck. A police dog trainer was impressed that my large dog responds perfectly with only a thick canvas lead, not needing leather. Third is to place my body between the animals to block their view.

Merry Christmas to you and Beau!

[Taltarzac725]

I too hate inadequate long leashes giving the dog nearly total control to make mayhem!

I use a few strategies...most important is to shorten hold on the leash so that the dog is directly under me. This makes my hold a lever with maximum power to keep the dog in position. Second is to have an adequately thick lead to allow dog to feel the tension at the neck. A police dog trainer was impressed that my large dog responds perfectly with only a thick canvas lead, not needing leather. Third is to place my body between the animals to block their view.

Merry Christmas to you and Beau!

Thanks. Merry Christmas as well to you.