Snappy dogs woes

Dear Connie
We have a problem with our two-year-old dog. We got him from a rescue home at eight weeks old.

He is a small dog, a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a spaniel. He has never really liked children and growls and barks whenever he sees a child. He has become very snappy if anyone comes up to him and I have to warn people not to stroke him as he goes to nip their hand.

He is a loving dog in our own home, but when we take him out I feel nervous because he seems a totally different dog.

I would rather cross the road than walk past other people. He sometimes snaps at people he knows, so you never know what he is going to do.

We have tried a muzzle but he wouldn’t keep it on.

I would appreciate any advice from you.

Carol Jones 

Hi Carol,

You do have a lot of problems. You do not say if he is castrated, if not, that is the first job. Dogs that snap unfortunately get worse.

I would suggest in the first instance you ask your vet to recommend a trainer or better still a behaviourist to help you as soon as possible. It does not take long to change a dog’s behaviour, the problem is changing your way of thinking.

We now say in the profession that there are no dangerous dogs, only dangerous owners!

Any problem getting help on the Costa del Sol, write to me and I will recommend.

Best wishes, Connie