How to stop the dachshund biting the caregiver?

 7 Aug 2022

How to stop this male dachshund biting the caregiver?
Veterinary Stories by Dr Sing Kong Yuen, BVMS (Glasgow)

This 2-year-old male Dachshund bites Maria the caregiver only one one situation. When her employer's wife comes home and she greets her. The dog exhibits aggressive biting behaviour by biting Maria. Very painful bodily wounds. What can I advise her?

1. BE THE DOG'S LEADER. When she dodges the bite, say loudly "NO BITING!". Some owners grip the dog's muzzle as part of the training and has told me it is a successful method. This is similar to the dam who would nip the biting puppy to stop the behaviour. This method is not practical as her personality is gentle and she is not the dog's owner.

2. POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING. When she dodges the bite, say "GOOD BOY" and give a doggy treat or chew toy. It is easier said than done as it will take a lot of time. She is not the dog's owner.

4. OBEDIENCE TRAINING SCHOOL. The dog goes for "training" twice a week. This is unlikely to help unless anti-aggression behaviour is taught and reinforced at home with Maria being coached to prevent any dog biting.

5. NEUTER THE MALE DOG. The male hormones promote aggression in male dogs. It is better to neuter late at 2 years of age than let the dog inflict bodily harm on Maria. As he grows older, he may attack kids or visitors. The owners have changed their mind about neutering.

Stopping dog bites at a young age is important for safety reasons. Positive reinforcement training takes a lot of time. Neuter the male dog when he is 6 to 12 months of age or later at 2 years of age will reduce aggression to the caregiver.  

UPDATES AT:
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2022/08/how-to-stop-dachshund-biting-caregiver.html