Severe Aggression Problems with Adult dog

[used to labs]

I've recently had a 3 year old, Male, Non-neutered yorkie come in to my care and I'm encountering some severe behavioral problems. I know for a fact he has spent the majority of his life in a crate (around 22-23 hours a day). I knew of his problems before taking him on, and new he would require some significant work. However, I still agreed to take him because I feared if the family that had him brought him to the humain society he would be eventully put down. I am working to get him updated on his shots, however, due to allergies gone untreated he has dual ear infections. I am in the process of treating this and shots will follow when the dog is healthy, and then eventually the plan is to get him neutured.

He is not house broken and at times can be extremely aggressive (growling, snarling, biting, snapping, and even charging) He'll randomly "freak out" and go bizurk...(usually when I try to get him to do something he doesn't want to do, like go in his crate, get off the furniture, give me something he stole) I have been bit several times, and not just little nips. I have always had labs (which I have raised from puppies) and have never encountered anything like this. I'm not really sure what to do. I'm trying to determine if this is a lost cause.

He's not mean all of the time, sometimes he is very sweet and will show afffection.

I suppose the imediate problems right now is to figure out how to control the aggression and Pottie training. Apparently the owners had used the pottie mats in the past, but the dog would attack and shred them, (but not before "having his way" with them). The pottie training method I've used a lot in the past with my labs, is where you catch the dog in the act, make a loud noise to startle them and then quickly swoop them up and carry them outside... (this has worked wonders in my experience) I tried to do this with the yorkie and he "freaked out" and litterly started charging me and lunging at me and trying to bite me all while snarling.

I can deal with the not being house broken at this point, because its not his fault, but the aggression (at this severe level) I've never encountered and am not sure what to do.

I've been searching online a lot about how to train yorkies, and everything seems to be about yorkies when their puppies. There seems to be nothing about adults. I understand the problem is this dog has asserted himself as the alpha role. Am I correct to understand that you have to be fairly forceful with them and try to break them of this belief. Or will this just make things worse?

He does seem to like people, but only on his terms. I've been toying with the idea of putting a muzzel on him until I can curb this aggression problem. atleast when I have him out of his play pen and he has free rain of the house. (really, whatever room I'm in that is puppy proofed)

The only new thing I've picked up from reading that I haven't yet tried is the spray bottle with lemon juice. I'd forgotten about this, because this never worked with my last lab, because she liked the flavor of the lemon juice.

Any suggestions would be tremendously welcomed!...and mainly an answer to the question about have to "break them" with force. I know the common recommendation may be to get a trainer... However, I've never used one in the past and however, unfortunate it may sound. (if I had my choice it wouldn't be the case) There is a budget concern. :-(

thanks!

[TLC]

YAY ~ Good job from saving him.

The problem here is that he has been severely neglected, not neutered and not trained in any way.

I think the good news is that he is still young (3 yrs) and I do believe with the proper training you may be able to stop his aggression. Although it is going to take serious dedication and time.

Welcome to Dogwise.com - Dog Books is a great site for books on training and aggression.

#1 - Get him neutered ASAP

[TLC]

Also, YES - You need to make and set the rules for your house and YOU being the alpha. NO PUNISHMENTS though.

Positive Training is the best way to go!

I would look into Clicker Training. Yorkies are very smart and I'd bet he would learn rather quickly

[chachi]

I know you say you cant afford a trainer right now but he has severe aggression problems and thats really what you need. One that is a positive trainer

[used to labs]

thanks for the responses. The more I've been reading this forum, people are talking a lot about the power of ignoring the dog as punishment. I may try that tonight when I get home.

I will definitely check out that book. Aggression is something I've never really had to deal with in a dog. (at least this bad)

I've been aware of clickers, I've just never used them. It was something I was considering checking out. He is a very smart dog and picks things up quickly.

As far as the trainer. I agree, you are most likely correct that a trainer would be the best course of action. However, if its between having the money to neuter or the trainer... I'm thinking I might go with the neutering first. and then go with the trainer at a later date.

The one positive I hadn't mentioned in my first post, is that if I keep him active and tire him out a ton... his disposition does improve... atleast it has over the past couple of weeks.

Any comments or thoughts about the use of muzzels? I had never thought about it until my vet recommended it for cleaning out the dogs ears. I don't know if it would make the dog more mad. Anyone have experience using these or thoughts?

[chachi]

I normally dont like to hear of someone using a muzzle but I can see in your case where it is most likely needed. I would just make sure that any training you do is positive. Good luck

[browniesmom622]

Has the vet run test's for other Health problem's?

[Juliealfies mum]

Try www.clickersoulutions.com or if you want a good book I would read Click to calm by Emma Parsons. There are some good tips on aggression and how to deal with it . Best of luck,

[Juliealfies mum]

Sorry this should be ClickerSolutions Training Articles Contents hope this works this time.

[YorkieMother]

WOW I like what I am reading so far with the suggestion to look at clicker solutions .... Way to go your guys and taking things Gentle.

Ok sadly I think the best course of action is to bite the bullet and get someone hands and eyes on at least to start.
They should be able to set you up in a program and guide you from there.
Clicker solutions has a trainers list and one should be in your area and if you say it a rescue you may just get a deal.
Peaceable paws and Pat Millar be a suggestion to reach out an chat with.
Seminars where your dog can be the demo dog the teacher uses is a great way to get help and a life line for life.
Just watch who you are going to gentle only for fearful dogs... ok any dog but especially socialization challenged little ones.

Do not try to break with force you will end up with a dog that is already afraid being afraid of you so slow and stead and extremely gentle.
He been taught that Humans are bad and are not to be trusted and pushing him around will prove it and you will loose any chance of reaching him.
Anther thought look up the K9 Aggression support sight and see if the link is there for support.
It also has a ton of info on how to help.

Vet run as well is needed you need a thyroid check, teeth, hips and all joints as well as eyes and ears.
Ears aches make them cranky as all get out.
If in pain they will bite. if not seeing well they will bite. if the thyroid is off they will be grumpy.
make sure his food is lamb and low protein as carbs/sugar slows and calms dogs.

Last give him some time to settle in he just had his whole life tossed upside down and he got more freedom and info coming into that brain then he has ever had so he over whelmed.

Get some great off the wall social treats and toss them to him and see if he like to make contact with you as you sit on the floor.

As for potty training this boy may do better with a pee pad see if you can find a frame so he can not shred them slowly moved from inside to out side and no grabbing and running.
Also try to find a DAP diffuser it can help him settle down by putting pheromones in the air.
As for getting off things try luring you get off I give you a treat... ahh yous say that bride yes it is but it the start of clicker work and also treats will come to an end.
So lure off and say yes.... that yes or click should be loaded first so that he knows treat comes after the yes. Then lure off say yes and treat. and do this every time he gets on something you do not want him on.
Now once he seems to start moving off the couch you can add the word off.
Yes and treat. then off is used as the cue word to get off the couch and you have not touched him... with allergies they are very sensitive to touch so hands off is best.
Swapping things he was and should not you again take the treat and switch.. here is the treat if you give me that... you need to work on swapping things he likes even a toy for the stolen item.
Muzzles are not a bad thing while working on gaining his trust but you can not back him into the corner and slap one one unless it an emergency. You have to on and off and desensitize slowly and I am not sure he up to you being that close yet.
the other thing I would suggest is a haltie and collar set up for walking for now.
This dog is not trying to run the world he is scared the worlds never been anything but hurtful and he knows so little about it it is all very worrying to him. He needs love and time and attention and gentle.

Books

On Talking Terms with Dogs by Tuird Rugass
Click for Calm by Emma Parsons
The Other end of the Leash by Patricia McConnell
Click for Joy by Melissa Alexander
Control Unleashed By Leslie McDewitt
The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson

I live with an aggressive little one and I know the effort it takes to keep them alive. I strongly suggest finding someone that can mentor you close to home as this will be a big learning event and that may be the trainer you reach out and to.

JL

[mollymae]

I just have to say you are a Godsend to this precious dog. I sold my little Cody and he has potty training issues. The lady is bringing him back and he has only been there since Monday. He didn't get along with my nine year old pekapoo and she is giving up on Cody already.

God bless you for what you are doing. I hope everything turns out wonderful for you and that precious yorkie.

Jan

[Peters]

unfortunatley i do not think he will ever learn to behave ,he doesnt know any better and hasnt been handled, socialized or trained .he has been ruined from poor ,irresponsible owners . hes lucky your willing to try. i hope it does work out .

[YORKIE_mom_2008]

You are going to need to assert yourself as the leader the same way you would one of your labs. If he does something minor (not listening, barking) I would suggest a quick, firm poke around his hips accompanied by whatever noise/sound you use to scold him. If he gets severly agressive (charging, snapping etc) then you are going to pin him down into the submissive postion (flat on his side) and keep him there until he stops struggling. He gets up when you say he can up. That is the end of it. No more scolding, grudges nothing. Then move on. It most likely won't happen overnight but keep at it! And PLEASE keep me posted!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by used to labs

I've been searching online a lot about how to train yorkies, and everything seems to be about yorkies when their puppies. There seems to be nothing about adults. I understand the problem is this dog has asserted himself as the alpha role. Am I correct to understand that you have to be fairly forceful with them and try to break them of this belief. Or will this just make things worse?


thanks!

Yes, I believe that to be forceful will make it worse! I know a lot of people think you have to show a dog who is boss. I am not one of them. Don't get me wrong. I don't think you let them run all over you....but you are not even sure why he is doing this. I would give him some time to really watch his behaviors to see what is making him tick.....

I had a yorkie walk in front of my car in 1995 and he was a holy terror! I had stopped to help him and he came at me like a wild animal. I went back to my car to get a treat and put it down on the ground. He started eating it and I thought that he would then allow me to pick him up...wrong!
I then decided to just contact the police since I had to get my son to school. When I went back to the car, he followed me and jumped in and sat at my feet. That was pretty funny....I have some hilarious stories about how we got him out of the car. He was very territorial and whenever he claimed a spot..look out. That first day was a trip and a half as was the next 11 years with him.

I never found his owner...and time told me why. He had been mishandled. He was simply terrified and his teeth were all he knew to protect himself.
It does not sound like this dog was abused; however, I don't know why a dog would bite out of the blue to get his way. Clearly he is in control.
My Maxwell was like that...he used his teeth to get his way. The beginning was rough...he would lift his leg on something and I would try to pick him up to take him outside and he would come after me.

Finally, I just gave it all up. I did not try to do anything with him but let him know he was safe and loved. I let him basically do anything until he was comfortable. It also gave me time to see just what made him tick. It took months....in the beginning he would only stand next to me..would not sit or lie down. I would rub his belly with him standing next to me. I think it was about 8 months before he actually rolled over...I was SO happy!
I have tons of very funny stories about the things he did. He bit a lot of people over the years (he never totally stopped, BUT it was all predictable and I warned people what not to do to set him off...sometimes they made mistakes). It actually became a little joke with my son and his friends...how Maxwell bit them and they still loved him. Everyone loved the little bug...the vet...everyone. My heart still aches at times and it was two years this past July that he passed.

Try to hang in with him. I believe they do these things for a reason .. unless of course it is something medical that is causing it...and I believe that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Good luck and thank you for saving him! You are correct...he would have been euthanized and he does deserve a chance!

Actually, I have another one right now that is a foster...and he came to me like a wild animal. He is on the Haven website. His name is Matty. He is still timid with new things, but a totally different pupster with me and my friends.

Linda