Agression - YorkieTalk.com Forums

shopstump · 08-13-2006, 07:41 PM

Any ideas on how to train Stump to not be agressive. We give him these bones that he loves more than anything. And tonight I was playing with him and it's funny because you touch the other end of the bone while hes chewing it and he will growl. I always thought it was cute, and well this time he jumped up and bit my finger. He has nibbled before when he was a pup. But this was a full on bite. My finger is still throbbing from it.

Anyway, my question is how can I teach him to not be like this?I know I probably shouldn't have taken it from him and messed with him while he was chewing it. But I don't want my dog to be agressive, Especially if he were ever around a child who took it away from him. Who knew his small teeth could hurt so bad.

Amber_lv · 08-13-2006, 08:26 PM

there was an episode of the dog whisperer about this and he went in and claimed the soace the dog was in by sitting where the dog was and moving in on him then he took the treat from him and the dog snapped so he firmly said shhhhh and put his hand on the dog to tell him he was in control and if the dog tried to get him again he just kept doing that untill the dog got it. Good luck.

Dougal&Little · 08-14-2006, 12:32 AM

Hi there, It's not so much a case of "training" but asserting your superiority in the pack over the dog. This is an issue that goes beyond just the bone but it is key to your total relationship with your dog. You should be able to take the bone (or any food) off your dog. This is quite important if they've got something they shouldn't have!

I thoroughly recommend the dog listener (Jan Fennell). Here's a link to her website http://www.janfennellthedoglistener.com/. I suggest you get one of her books - your local library may have one. She has really figured out the doggy mentality. She and Monty Roberts are on the same wavelength.

Good luck in building a happy healthy relationship with your dog.

Erin · 08-14-2006, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shopstump

Any ideas on how to train Stump to not be agressive. We give him these bones that he loves more than anything. And tonight I was playing with him and it's funny because you touch the other end of the bone while hes chewing it and he will growl. I always thought it was cute, and well this time he jumped up and bit my finger. He has nibbled before when he was a pup. But this was a full on bite. My finger is still throbbing from it.

Anyway, my question is how can I teach him to not be like this?I know I probably shouldn't have taken it from him and messed with him while he was chewing it. But I don't want my dog to be agressive, Especially if he were ever around a child who took it away from him. Who knew his small teeth could hurt so bad.

Loki is kind of like this, but rather than growl or snap he will get up and run away with his kong/toy/stick/whatever. Even if it's 5 feet away and he's not playing with it. But he will growl if he has something like paper that he's not supposed to have and I take it out of his mouth. So here's what you do:

Trade for better things. Take his kong away and give him a bully stick. Take his kong away, give him a treat, and give it back. Then work on taking it away and giving it back. When Loki is chewing on things I go over and say something like "Can I see that" and I take it, look at it, ask him to sit, then give it back. They learn you aren't taking it away from them.

Next - find a copy of Mine! by Jean Donaldson. Usually you can find them on Amazon or Ebay. It talks about resource guarding and object posessiveness.

I would not suggest hitting or correcting your dog for this. I know, easier said than done. But if you were poked or hit or yelled at each time you didn't want to share something important to you, wouldn't you get MORE defensive? And a dog's defence is retreating, then growling... and then biting... They can't say "Hey don't do that!" or "Suzie is hitting me!"

Make sense?

shopstump · 08-14-2006, 05:46 AM

Thanks, It's just weird, because he doesn't do it with stuff he isn't supposed to have. It was only with that bone, and only that time.

But I'll check up on the reading. Thanks!

JeanieK · 08-14-2006, 05:52 AM

First off, if he is biting you, he is not viewing you as the pack leader. You have to let him know that you are the leader. You should be able to take food or anything you want from them.

Here is a link to the Dog Whisperer that explains pack mentality and how to become the leader of the pack. Also try to catch a few Dog Whisperer shows on the National Geographic Channel. If you don't get that channel maybe someone can record it for you, or you can buy one of his CDs

His method is not cruel or physical, it is just learning to speak to them through body language and mental assertivness.

http://www.dogchannel.com/experts/cesar/default.aspx

I would not try the trading method, you don't bargain with them. They are smart, they will learn that if they want a treat, all they have to do is to take something they are not supposed to have and you will bargain to get it back. That would just lead to another bad habit.

Good Luck and let us know how it works.
We love success stories

Yorkie3 · 08-14-2006, 06:01 AM

There are so many things our little ones do when they are puppies that we think are so cute. That's why I told all the people that bought my puppies to STOP and think ahead. Is that something that will be cute as an adult dog? I tell them to get a hold of bad behavior the minute it starts so it will save them a lot of heartache and pain.

JeanieK · 08-14-2006, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkie3

There are so many things our little ones do when they are puppies that we think are so cute. That's why I told all the people that bought my puppies to STOP and think ahead. Is that something that will be cute as an adult dog? I tell them to get a hold of bad behavior the minute it starts so it will save them a lot of heartache and pain.

Good post. it's just like raising a child something might be cute when they are little, but stop to think of when they are bigger, will it still be cute.

I tell my children, concerning my grandchildren. Don't start ANYTHING that you don't want to become a habit.

HisNameIsHarley · 08-14-2006, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shopstump

Any ideas on how to train Stump to not be agressive. We give him these bones that he loves more than anything. And tonight I was playing with him and it's funny because you touch the other end of the bone while hes chewing it and he will growl. I always thought it was cute, and well this time he jumped up and bit my finger. He has nibbled before when he was a pup. But this was a full on bite. My finger is still throbbing from it.

Anyway, my question is how can I teach him to not be like this?I know I probably shouldn't have taken it from him and messed with him while he was chewing it. But I don't want my dog to be agressive, Especially if he were ever around a child who took it away from him. Who knew his small teeth could hurt so bad.

I also recommend watching the dog whisperer but I can tell you first hand how I dealt with a dog who had the same aggression problem. When you try and touch or take his bone and he growls it may seem cute but it's nothing of the sort. He is telling you that he is in charge and that he owns the bone and that he owns you. What you must do, is when he has the bone in his mouth you must take it from him. Period. If he fights you, growls or snaps you must correct him with a easy but assertive tap on the back of his neck muscle with your pointer and middle finger and say "No!". The Chi I dealt with this problem was really bad. He has attacked both myself and our trainer at work and drawn blood. He first started with only a growl and gave up the bone, toy or treat. Then he would snap and give warning bites which stung momentarily but did not leave marks or break the skin. Then he progressed to following through with his snaps which became bites and drew blood. We corrected him with the finger prodding, the word "No!" and laying him on his back for submission where we kept him until he fully submitted to us both. Dusty, (the chi) was a really bad case however and took us several weeks of continuous behavioral work to get him to submit. Once he gives up the bone you must keep it with you in your possession because you are claiming it. He must walk away and leave the bone to show that he has allowed your dominance and to show that he realizes that he is no longer the alpha. It's also imortant to know that these types of corrections are not going to harm your dogs in either physical or emotional ways. Dogs are happier in the follower position and both of your lives will run smoother in this way. The whole picture is simple. He simply believes himself to be the leader and you are the follower. This conception must be flipped around because you are the pack leader and he must follow you or there will always be dominance aggression from him and he will also dominate anyone who enters your home or anyone he encounters on the street including other dogs which could seriously get him into trouble if he starts a fight with a huge dog. Please visit Cesar Millans website and check out some of this stuff. I don't know where I would be without his guidance. Here's the site - http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/

Erin · 08-14-2006, 06:37 AM

You could just teach the "drop" command.

What I described is called conditioning. It's psychology and it does work. A conditioned response is like, chocolate = happy. The goal is to get your dog to think that taking his toy away is a good thing. Loki "steals" things like socks all the time and if I don't chase him he just leaves it alone. If he's good and he bring it to me and drop it at my feet, I am sure going to give him a treat for it. What if he stole something dangerous? I'd sure rather he bring it to me! It's my job to keep danerous things out of his way - he's a terrier - he shops in the laundry basket for dirty socks. Sometimes the biggest reward is just giving something back to him. If I drop a piece of junk mail he will pick it up. Not steal like run away, just pick up. I ask to look at it, and half the time I give it back to him to shred. That way he knows I don't always spoil the fun.

FirstYorkie · 08-14-2006, 09:34 AM

There's good news and bad news, Shopstump.

The bad news is that I'm afraid that you've inadvertantly made this problem worse by letting this happen repeatedly (ie the sequence of you reach for the bone, he growls, you not only retreat but have positive feelings about it all).

The good new is that many, many dogs object-guard. And while it may be a serious problem, it alone does not indicate that your dog will be aggressive in other situations. The other good news is that it is treatable.

If it is only a certain type of bone that he guards, then I'd stop giving it to him. Why even go there? If he guards other objects as well, then you'll have to address it.

Erin is absolutely right. The best way to handle this problem is to teach 2 things 1) a "drop it" command and 2) that good things come from hands approaching him when he has a bone. What you don't want to do is make him more defensive when he has a bone.

Joey used to have a similiar problem. This article from ClickerSolutions.com (an excellent website BTW - have a look around) is basically what my trainer told us to do. It is also very similiar to Jean Donaldson's approach in her book, Mine!, that Erin referenced.
http://www.clickersolutions.com/arti...ctguarding.htm

If you don't make rapid progress and/or his guarding to spreads to more objects, I would definitely consult a positive trainer!

Good luck to you!

08-13-2006, 07:41 PM	#1
shopstump Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 344	Agression Any ideas on how to train Stump to not be agressive. We give him these bones that he loves more than anything. And tonight I was playing with him and it's funny because you touch the other end of the bone while hes chewing it and he will growl. I always thought it was cute, and well this time he jumped up and bit my finger. He has nibbled before when he was a pup. But this was a full on bite. My finger is still throbbing from it. Anyway, my question is how can I teach him to not be like this?I know I probably shouldn't have taken it from him and messed with him while he was chewing it. But I don't want my dog to be agressive, Especially if he were ever around a child who took it away from him. Who knew his small teeth could hurt so bad.

08-13-2006, 08:26 PM	#2
Amber_lv Peeka Boo I See You! Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Salt Lake Posts: 7,161 Blog Entries: 3	there was an episode of the dog whisperer about this and he went in and claimed the soace the dog was in by sitting where the dog was and moving in on him then he took the treat from him and the dog snapped so he firmly said shhhhh and put his hand on the dog to tell him he was in control and if the dog tried to get him again he just kept doing that untill the dog got it. Good luck. __________________ Peeka-Boo-Daisy-Designs <---Click Here Peeka's MyspaceDaisy's Myspace Peeka's Dogster

08-14-2006, 12:32 AM	#3
Dougal&Little Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: New Zealand Posts: 944	Hi there, It's not so much a case of "training" but asserting your superiority in the pack over the dog. This is an issue that goes beyond just the bone but it is key to your total relationship with your dog. You should be able to take the bone (or any food) off your dog. This is quite important if they've got something they shouldn't have! I thoroughly recommend the dog listener (Jan Fennell). Here's a link to her website http://www.janfennellthedoglistener.com/. I suggest you get one of her books - your local library may have one. She has really figured out the doggy mentality. She and Monty Roberts are on the same wavelength. Good luck in building a happy healthy relationship with your dog. __________________ Dougal (card carrying member of the Teapot Club) & Dixie (aka Evil Wee) Dougal's Facebook Dixie's Facebook

08-14-2006, 06:01 AM	#7
Yorkie3 Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,685	There are so many things our little ones do when they are puppies that we think are so cute. That's why I told all the people that bought my puppies to STOP and think ahead. Is that something that will be cute as an adult dog? I tell them to get a hold of bad behavior the minute it starts so it will save them a lot of heartache and pain. __________________ Janet

08-14-2006, 06:37 AM	#10
Erin Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago Suburbs Posts: 3,306	You could just teach the "drop" command. What I described is called conditioning. It's psychology and it does work. A conditioned response is like, chocolate = happy. The goal is to get your dog to think that taking his toy away is a good thing. Loki "steals" things like socks all the time and if I don't chase him he just leaves it alone. If he's good and he bring it to me and drop it at my feet, I am sure going to give him a treat for it. What if he stole something dangerous? I'd sure rather he bring it to me! It's my job to keep danerous things out of his way - he's a terrier - he shops in the laundry basket for dirty socks. Sometimes the biggest reward is just giving something back to him. If I drop a piece of junk mail he will pick it up. Not steal like run away, just pick up. I ask to look at it, and half the time I give it back to him to shred. That way he knows I don't always spoil the fun. __________________ Erin, Sammy & Loki Sewing patterns and tutorials @ www.dogundermydesk.com

08-14-2006, 05:46 AM	#5
shopstump Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 344	Thanks, It's just weird, because he doesn't do it with stuff he isn't supposed to have. It was only with that bone, and only that time. But I'll check up on the reading. Thanks!

08-14-2006, 05:52 AM	#6
JeanieK Donating YT 12K Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Council Bluffs Iowa Posts: 12,552	First off, if he is biting you, he is not viewing you as the pack leader. You have to let him know that you are the leader. You should be able to take food or anything you want from them. Here is a link to the Dog Whisperer that explains pack mentality and how to become the leader of the pack. Also try to catch a few Dog Whisperer shows on the National Geographic Channel. If you don't get that channel maybe someone can record it for you, or you can buy one of his CDs His method is not cruel or physical, it is just learning to speak to them through body language and mental assertivness. http://www.dogchannel.com/experts/cesar/default.aspx I would not try the trading method, you don't bargain with them. They are smart, they will learn that if they want a treat, all they have to do is to take something they are not supposed to have and you will bargain to get it back. That would just lead to another bad habit. Good Luck and let us know how it works. We love success stories

08-14-2006, 09:34 AM	#11
FirstYorkie YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: American in London Posts: 1,739	There's good news and bad news, Shopstump. The bad news is that I'm afraid that you've inadvertantly made this problem worse by letting this happen repeatedly (ie the sequence of you reach for the bone, he growls, you not only retreat but have positive feelings about it all). The good new is that many, many dogs object-guard. And while it may be a serious problem, it alone does not indicate that your dog will be aggressive in other situations. The other good news is that it is treatable. If it is only a certain type of bone that he guards, then I'd stop giving it to him. Why even go there? If he guards other objects as well, then you'll have to address it. Erin is absolutely right. The best way to handle this problem is to teach 2 things 1) a "drop it" command and 2) that good things come from hands approaching him when he has a bone. What you don't want to do is make him more defensive when he has a bone. Joey used to have a similiar problem. This article from ClickerSolutions.com (an excellent website BTW - have a look around) is basically what my trainer told us to do. It is also very similiar to Jean Donaldson's approach in her book, Mine!, that Erin referenced. http://www.clickersolutions.com/arti...ctguarding.htm If you don't make rapid progress and/or his guarding to spreads to more objects, I would definitely consult a positive trainer! Good luck to you! __________________ FirstYorkie We Love Clicker-Training!