We rescued a 2 year old female Shih Tzu. I don't know her history, but she has bitten me multiple times, but has not bitten my husband or any other male. She is very affectionate. She will lay on my lap and let me pet her. When I go to get up, if I try picking her up with me she bites me. I have to push her with my body off my lap before I get up. I've tried cleaning her ears and she snaps at me. I can brush her, but can't cut her hair or nails. I cut one nail once and she was fine. When I went to do the second one she realized what I was doing and bit me. Is there any hope to change her behavior?
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She probably looks at you as the rank & file beneath her in dog pecking order. If you show fear when she does this it only reinforces that behavior. Try grabbing her by the scruff of her neck the next time she bites you. Grab the back of her neck & shake her at the same time saying no very sternly. That's how mother dogs correct their young. Also, don't let her up onto your lap make her lay on the floor next to where you are sitting. This will eventually get her to realize that you are the Alpha dog.
A 2 year old dog will not respond to be shaken and scruffed (except perhaps to bite you again). She is no longer a puppy. I am guessing you are the one who handles her and grooms her, which is why you are getting bit. I dont think she has singled you out. As for the problem of lifting her off your lap, she may be uncomfortable being picked up. I think scooting her off your lap is a great alternative.
The dog was allowed to bite by a previous owner, so she does. It is a way she has learned to get her own way.
As far as letting her on your lap- Shih Tzus are lap dogs. They were specifically bred to be lap dogs, so obviously she must be there.
For the grooming: You've got to be really calm and have lots of patience. Just calmly run the comb or clippers over her while she's lying down. (Make sure she knows the command "Lie Down.") Don't start the grooming until she's calm. If she gets upset, start the relaxation over.
I think it's a great idea to make her wear a muzzle at grooming time, mainly because it makes you more confident and you can relax.
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