Nervous, fearful, growls at others.

[MamaMia]

My Cesar has gone from loving everyone, pets and humans to being fearful, growling and pulling away when meeting other dogs. Even humans, when someone bows down to him he growls.. I think it started when he got sick, we kept him from others because we were told his tear-stains could be contagious.. Im really frustrated and i know that probably doesnt help.. But if anyone have had this problem or have any tips beside my energy it would brighten my day! He was such a good dog..! I wish i could send him to Cesar Millan's center!!

[Alison]

Poor baby,you'll get lots of great advice here.

I haven't had the experiance myself so won't be any help,sorry.I don't like Cesar Milan  much to be honest,he's a bit full on for me,but lots of people do like him.I think you'd be a lot better person to build his confidence again

Good luck with getting him better,Alison

[nzbyrd]

Can you get someone in to assess him? A behaviourist? Theres probably lots of things you can do, and I'm sure our members will come up with ideas for you, but if its available, and you can afford it, I would recommend getting him assessed. The you can get to the root of the issue

[Lizzie]

Something or someone has obviously frightened Cesar for him to go from a fun loving bichon into a nervous wreck.  How old is Cesar. The reason I ask is that puppies can go through this fearful stage.  You will need to re-educate the little man.  Start slowly and introduce him to people as in a couple of friends come round.  They can fuss him and build his confidence.  When he gets growly with people do you get down to him and reassure him and then let them stroke him.  The licking of hands can come later once his confidence has built up.  Another thing you can try - is putting a little Bachs rescue remedy in his water.  This is homepathic and won't do him any harm.  You will of course have to tell him NO when he growls as he has got to realise that this is not appropriate behaviour.  Remember - baby steps, a  little at a time.

[MattiesMom (MaryEllen)]

Not being able to see Cesar and his behavior, it is hard to know what to say.  But, if you are worrying about what you see, it is a real problem.  You know your bichon best!  It sounds like he could be anxious (worried and stressed).  Some bichons develop anxiety as they mature, and especially after being sick and on meds.  This can also happen from their immunity systems taking a hit (like after being vaccinated or a serious illness).   My Mattie has reacted to vaccinations and I now have her titer tested before vaccinating.  This test measures her levels of anti-bodies and I don't vaccinate if they are high.  So, I tend to completely rule out a physical problem before addressing the behavior.  Often the behavior is a result of something physical that is off balance.  So, my first idea is to take Cesar back to the vet and discuss the issue!  Next, I would find a good immunity booster to give him.  
Suggestion: http://www.earthanimal.com/daily-health-nuggets/dr.-bob-s-daily-dog-health-nuggets.html

Then, I would be likely to speak with my vet and see if the vet might prescribe a light medication to reduce anxiety.  If you see a difference with him on this medication, then anxiety is your issue.  If not, there is something else wrong.  There are also more homeopathic remedies for anxiety that you can explore, if you determine that this is the problem.  Drs. Foster and Smith has "Ultra-Calm" which works nicely for my Mattie when she has to be vetted or groomed.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=20510

But, most important is to get him physically checked out.  If nothing is wrong and anxiety is not the issue, then it's time for a qualified behaviorist to look at Cesar.  Best of luck with your boy!  MaryEllen

[Princess Lucy Loulou (Tina)]

I'm so srry to hear Cesar is having problems,  I had a Westie who went form a loving dog to being like this,  I intoduced him to other dogs whilst he was on the lead and he slowly went back to normal,  he was never nasty with humans though,  he as attacked by another dog when he as a puppy,  so I know what caused it.  i do hope Cesar over comes this bless him 

[Freedom (Sandie)]

All I can add is based on behavior modification.

When he does this, he needs a clear strong message that it is not acceptable.  A stern sharp "NO!" from you, perhaps with a foot stomp or a hand clap.  The noise will help break his focus of attention on . . . whatever got him going.

Likewise, when he is doing what you WANT him to do, reward that!  Give him praise, a few training treats as reinforcement.

So , suppose you are walking along and you see another dog walker approaching.  Start praising and treating.  Step to the side so he isn't facing head on to the other dog.  Make sure there is plenty of space so the other person and dog can pass with no contact. (You may need to advise the other person to please keep going past, especially in the early stages of this training).  Keep praising and treating.  He can look at the other dog and back at you.  The moment he pauses and extends that look, or makes the least growly sound, the NO! 

The first time you do that, he may be startled, jump and give his attention to you.  CAPTURE that moment with praise and reward.  He may not catch on the first time, but bichons are quick learners and he will get it.

[Princess Lucy Loulou (Tina)]

Great advice Sandie 

[pam]

You have had some really good advise.  The only thing I can add is that you can get a DAP collar (contains pheremones) that might have a calming influence.  It might work - some people speak highly of them.
Pam

[MamaMia]

I'm so srry to hear Cesar is having problems,  I had a Westie who went form a loving dog to being like this,  I intoduced him to other dogs whilst he was on the lead and he slowly went back to normal,  he was never nasty with humans though,  he as attacked by another dog when he as a puppy,  so I know what caused it.  i do hope Cesar over comes this bless him 

How did you introduce him? When we meet dogs Cesar just pulls away, even tho Hero is being a dog and greets and wants to play with others Cesar just dont get it! i once turned him around myself to let the other dog sniff him and let him be like a dog lol.. But he just growls and pulls away..