Hastings chihuahua named as one of 'Britain's worst behaved dogs'

Danielle Cowell's 21-month-old chihuahua-terrier cross Pixie does not fit her cute name as she rips up mail, barks at everyone and everything and is an accomplished escape artist.

As such she and five other naughty dogs have been shortlisted for Royvon Dog Training's competition - the two winners will receive training to turn around their behaviour.

Danielle's long list of complaints, from chewing shoes to attacking other dogs, said 'as much as I love her she is the worst behaved dog ever'.

"She won't walk and just freezes (although I think this is fear). She is aggressive to strangers and animals. Growls at every person walking past and even attempts to attack them," she said.

"She doesn't listen to a word I say. Oh and she's an escape artist! If the back gate is left open she jumps over to neighbours' properties and will keep going.

"I have to go over their gardens like a robber as I fear if I knock on their door to get her she will attack them.

"I'm being ruled by my mini aggressive disobedient canine, help!!”

Other dogs in the running include a non-stop barking Yorkshire terrier, an aggressive German shepherd, another 'nightmare' chihuahua and a jumpy doberman.

Royvon managing director Darren James said: “We expected to get interest in the competition but were overwhelmed with the response.

"The scope of problems that people are dealing with varies from chewing items and destruction, attacking other dogs and people, and dragging and lunging whilst out walking.

"Some of these problems have a very negative effect for the owners and their families, and this means that the enjoyment and fun of having a dog is ruined as they are constantly dealing with the issues.

“We have now chosen six dogs from the entries we have received and over the coming days will be reviewing the details before making our choice and putting two of the dogs through training.”

Of the entries Royvon received, most owners were dealing with aggression issues and their dogs were attacking other dogs and, in some cases, people.

Constant barking came high on the list of complaints about behaviour and pulling on a lead and lack of recall when out for a walk was also a problem.

And the owners are constantly on edge when their pets are around, with some saying that they have to walk their dog in the middle of the night, stop visitors from calling or always have to leave someone at home with the dog.

The two dogs chosen as winners will undergo training at Royvon, one on the complete training programme, a three-week residential course and the second winning one week of intensive one-to-one training.

For more information about Royvon Dog Training visit www.royvon.co.uk.

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