We've had our 5 yr old shih tzu, since a young pup. She is peculiar in that she loves attention, loves to play, but she bites! Since the very onset, she has been this way. She bites if you try to pick her up, she bites if you touch any object near her. (Example a remote!) she doesn't seem to even know why she does it. She isn't angry - but the bites are severe - we all have scars! My random story comes to you in hopes of anyone with any similar experience or could offer a trainer recommendation. We were all set with a 4 week training/kennel next week for four weeks - but I canceled when I uncovered a really awful review-- so we are back to square one. (And yes we have heard the suggestion alot- "just put her down!" - we can't do that. She's like a family member - with a handicap :-/ 

muzzle? 

Bite her back?! lol
Sorry, I know it isn't funny for you but I couldn't resist. 

Oh we have tried everything. Lol Even a muzzle. - being a shih tzu, her snout is so short that the muzzle won't latch around. Next. 

Hire a professional trainer. Small dogs have King and Queen complexes- the dog was raised to know this behavior works. Probably the first time she did it y'all backed off and left her alone. And now when she wants to own something she pulls that stunt. My dd's Pom tries that every once in a while and needs to be retrained. Lol she even gets bossy with our big Labs. We tend to baby small dogs- that's not a good thing. What if it was an 80 pound lab???? 

Hire a professional trainer. Small dogs have King and Queen complexes- the dog was raised to know this behavior works. Probably the first time she did it y'all backed off and left her alone. And now when she wants to own something she pulls that stunt. My dd's Pom tries that every once in a while and needs to be retrained. Lol she even gets bossy with our big Labs. We tend to baby small dogs- that's not a good thing. What if it was an 80 pound lab???? 

Natalie Freshour is an awesome dog trainer. She is a behavioral specialist and will come to your house. Here is a link to her.

Dog Trainer 

One thing you have to do is discourage that behavior. Most people unknowingly actually encourage bad habits and bad behavior.

Go to Cesar Milan's website and get some tips on how he handles aggression issues. 

Much appreciated, Andreweggplant! We will follow through with this trainer. We canceled a 4 week training session that was to start next week -'uncovered a very nasty review of awful mistreatment. This looks like a winner. :) 

Much appreciated, Andreweggplant! We will follow through with this trainer. We canceled a 4 week training session that was to start next week -'uncovered a very nasty review of awful mistreatment. This looks like a winner. :)?

She is quite good, she helped me with my girl. She has certifications in all levels. She is a little direct sometimes but knows her stuff and is wonderful with dogs.