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Good day John,
I have a four-year-old Shih Tzu I've had just over a year. I love him so much, but when he attacks and bites others or me it disturbs me. He will at times turn into "Psycho dog" for no apparent reason; usually when he is slightly disturbed when he's on the couch or the bed.
The trainer who came over to assess him recommended 4-6 week training by me. He said after 20 minutes that the dog has fear issues. I seriously think he has a "bi-polar" side to him that may never go away. - L.B.
Dear L.B:
He might be fearful but I doubt it. I'm reading between the lines of course but I'm guessing if you describe him as bi polar it's because he also has his moments as a good dog. Also, the transformation into Psycho dog when he is disturbed makes me think he's got some of the traits so common with so many Shih Tzus. Many I've worked with don't think they're laying on couches. They think they are reclining majestically on their thrones and no one approaches the throne without head bowed and with permission.
Shih Tzus may only be lap dogs to some but they do have a genetic predisposition for being sentinel dogs. I've read that only the Lhasa Apso is guarding by nature but I've trained too many of both to believe that. They can have tough little dispositions that surface in some more then others. Buddha was said to have travelled with a small dog, thought to be a Shih Tzu as his companion. The dog was said to be able to transform at will into a lion and Shih Tzu translates into English as Lion Dog which they may not look much like but they can have that courageous nature.
I don't believe in dominance but I do believe in vacuum dominance. Nature abhors a vacuum and so does a dog. If the owner isn't clearly saying in dog-speak, "I'm in charge." then a vacuum forms and the dog gets sucked into the position and then it's "You're in charge when I say you're in charge and don't get your hopes up." However, when the owner starts sending clear and consistent "in charge" signals I've not seen the dog that didn't give a sigh of relief.
Your fellow is four years old or give or take around 30 in human years and most of that has been him running the show, so he may initially not sigh so much as gasp if you turn the "who's the boss" tables on him.
I think working with a trainer is a great idea as long as it is a balanced trainer rather then an all-positive trainer. You're dog is already "positive" he's in charge. Also, I'd want a second opinion regarding the fearful aspect. I don't think that's the issue but you need to be sure as approach and expectations are very different if this dog is legitimately fearful. If he isn't fearful the trainer is going to show you how to eliminate every little thing he values from his life and then teach him he can have any of them if he does something for you first. He doesn't have to jump through hoops. It can be as simple as waiting for permission to get up on the couch. I'd have you leave his leash on and have it in hand before you "discuss" items on his wish list just in case he tries to pull another Hannibal Lecter.
I have turned a ton of these Cujos around. You don't have to love them less but you should be thinking "Big tough guard dog" rather then lap dog. I think you'll be surprised when you introduce a little balance into his life.
John Wade