Help!! my Baby is biting people!! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

RockysMAMA · 07-08-2005, 11:29 PM

Hi everyone, Its been a while since i logged on, Me my husband and the furbabies have moved back to our home town in Seattle. Anyways
This is the third time I have brought Rocky to seattle and he has always been very protective of me when others come to visit. He usually just growls and barks. But this time He is being very aggressive. On two different occassions I had two different friends come over to our house and He attacked and bite both of them. My friends were not tryin to pet him or anything, they just were walking either in or out of the house and He started barkin and bite them. The bites were not hard but I am still concerned. My friends and family are terrified of him. He does not bite at my dad or my brothers but he does bark at my mom, friends and my little cousins. I try to clamp his mouth and say "NO" in a very harsh tone, but he fights me when I hold him so that he does not attack anyone. I dont know what to do, he is a very sweet dog and I love him so much and I want others to love him just the same. He does not act aggressive when I take him on walks or to the park. It is just when people come over. PLease help me..

new yorkie · 07-09-2005, 02:45 AM

Hey there,

My suggestion would be to isolate him when he acts like that. When you have the people come over that he acts like that with. We experience lots of aggressive dogs at work everyday. Very rarely are they ever yorkies, but you need to get behavior under control. Or it will only get worse. Hope that helps.

Wendy@newyorkies.net

red98vett · 07-09-2005, 04:02 AM

I don't know what to tell you - Chanel guards me in the house too - she's fine in public but gets pretty bold when someone comes over - I hold her to get her used to them when they come in the door -

It's a BIG deal to have anyone in the house since my youngest moved out - she was so used to him and his friends that she was fine - but now I don't have the traffic so she gets REALLY excited....

I would suggest putting your yorkie in a gated off area till you can socialize him or get him used to company -

sylvan · 07-09-2005, 05:07 AM

He is behaving as the alpha in your 'pack' and you need to be the alpha instead. Don't try to hold him up, get down on the floor,grab him at the back of his neck with your hand imitating the momma dogs 'mouth'. Give him a good shakedown(not too hard but very firm) and roll him over onto his back. Get in his face and maintain direct eye contact until he looks away(submissive). Bark at him while you are doing this. You don't actually have to bark, you can yell 'no' or whatever strong deep voice noise you can muster, but barking can be fun. If you feel stupid, remember stupid is better than the horrified feeling you'll have when he bites somone hard.
Make sure you are in control of him at all times during these encounters. When he shows any sign of being calm/submissive, reward him with a lightening of the pressure. Any sign of aggression and you need to react swiftly and firmly, 'til he understands that you are in charge.
There are other little signals that you are probably giving him without realizing it, that are giving him the idea that it is his job to defend the home turf. You need to change the dynamic in the house. Who eats first? who goes through the door first?
Isolating him from the interactions will only add to his fear and not solve your problem. If you want more info/suggestions, you can pm or e-mail me and I'll try to help. Stacy

bellesmommy · 07-09-2005, 05:23 AM

my baby used to be the same way but after i posted about it i got a suggestion to use this stuff called bitter apple dog spray and what you do is when there barking or whatever you just spray it in there mouth. my baby hates it so much that she already knows the bottle! so she has just maybe a little trouble now.http://www.petsmart.com/global/produ...=1120914854429

Stitches29 · 07-09-2005, 01:55 PM

If you can't stop him from biting, then confine him to a room and close the door.

Ashantay · 07-09-2005, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylvan

Isolating him from the interactions will only add to his fear and not solve your problem. Stacy

Yup this is true, I would follow what Sylvan says as it sounds like he is trying to be the protector of the house thus the alpha. If you isolate the dog that just teaches him that strangers are bad and when they come in he gets punished so he becomes more aggressive. Something else you can try is to have a bag of treats at the door so that when people come over they can provide him with a treat showing him that people coming is a good thing and not a bad thing. I guess that would depend on how food oriented the dog is. Good luck

RockysMAMA · 07-10-2005, 04:04 PM

thanks so much everyone for the replies. I will definetly try the bitter apple spray and the submissive positions. I hate having to confine him when people are over. Its like everyone wants to play with Princess (our new puppy) but no one wants to go near rocky. He is my first yorkie and I love him to death. The other day I actually tried doin the submissive postions, he struggled to get out of my arms and my friends begged me to put him in his pen. I hope things will get better. I know he is probaby scared being that we are in a new place and not used to seeing so much people. Once again thanks everyone for the advice.

-DOnna. Rocky. Princess

milliecorrales · 07-10-2005, 04:42 PM

My Bengie did the same thing after being hospitalized. He started snapping at people. I did the on the floor with him (on his back) between my legs and holding him there, to show that I was in charge. I also started making the boys wait until I left the house or entered the house. Took a few days, but he no longer snaps at anyone. In fact, sometimes he is a little too submissive.

sylvan · 07-10-2005, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockysMAMA

thanks so much everyone for the replies. I will definetly try the bitter apple spray and the submissive positions. I hate having to confine him when people are over. Its like everyone wants to play with Princess (our new puppy) but no one wants to go near rocky. He is my first yorkie and I love him to death. The other day I actually tried doin the submissive postions, he struggled to get out of my arms and my friends begged me to put him in his pen. I hope things will get better. I know he is probaby scared being that we are in a new place and not used to seeing so much people. Once again thanks everyone for the advice.

-DOnna. Rocky. Princess

You may want to try inviting just one or two fake 'visitors' who are willing to help you train him. Have them come in for just a brief 'visit' while you control him down on the floor(use harness and leash if it gives you a better grip), as soon as he calms, even briefly, have them leave quickly and then give him a break for a few minutes and then have them 'visit' again. The food treat at the door(I use cheerios) is an excellent suggestion, but it might take awhile 'til he is at that point. My e-mail address is sylvanyorkies@entermail.net if you want more specific help-Stacy

jwash · 07-10-2005, 04:54 PM

I have the girls' kennels in the den, where all the action is. If my alpha dog, Lacy does this and she will on occasion, I put her in time out in her kennel with the door closed. Then I ignore her until she stops barking and leave her a minute or two. Let her see what's going on. If she stops for just a minute, I open the door, tell her on her level she's not to bark or bite and tell her she was a good girl (if she was) and give her a treat.I use a stern voice, but I whisper in her ear, keeping my face close to hers and my eyes right on hers . If she starts up again, I do the same, I tell her she is going into time out, put her there, close the door until she behaves and reward her if she does. Usually she sees right away that Chloe is out getting attention and having fun and will stop. Repeat as needed, she'll get it. The absolute worst time was when we had a party and my nephew brought his 6 month old baby. Lacey barked and barked, like an alien had landed on her property. I was so embarassed. She hasn't repeated it but I'll bet she will if another baby comes over. For times when they bark, like they hear someone at the door or see a squirrel outside, I lightly touch their nose and tell them in a stern but whisper voice that we don't bark in the house. Again, I stay upright but bend down to get face to face. I can't say they never bark, after all they are dogs, but they are much better at stopping after a few "I'm letting you know what I hear".

RockysMAMA · 07-10-2005, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylvan

You may want to try inviting just one or two fake 'visitors' who are willing to help you train him. Have them come in for just a brief 'visit' while you control him down on the floor(use harness and leash if it gives you a better grip), as soon as he calms, even briefly, have them leave quickly and then give him a break for a few minutes and then have them 'visit' again. The food treat at the door(I use cheerios) is an excellent suggestion, but it might take awhile 'til he is at that point. My e-mail address is sylvanyorkies@entermail.net if you want more specific help-Stacy

Stacy check your messages I PMed you

This is all great advice. Thanks again everyone.

sylvan · 07-11-2005, 04:59 AM

Hey, sorry but there isn't anything from you in my pms, try again? or e-mail me.
Stacy

DollyC · 07-11-2005, 06:16 AM

My problem is that Scooter is attacking my husband. He is great with him on a regular basis, but when Scooter and I are in a room together and my husband walks into the room, he shows his teeth and attacks his ankles. Yesterday he bite his calf. If I get into Scooter face in time and say NO, he will listen for a while, but sometimes I don't get the chance to stop him quick enough. I know he is being protective of me, but this is ridiculous. I hope you things work out for your Yorkie.

Carolina girl · 07-11-2005, 08:41 AM

Your husband needs to walk Scooter and make sure he doesn't let Scooter walk in from of him. This establishes dominance. Its a easy solution. The walk is the most basic of things but you will notice in the wild the dominant dog leads the pack.

07-08-2005, 11:29 PM	#1
RockysMAMA Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Seattle Washington Posts: 76	Help!! my Baby is biting people!! Hi everyone, Its been a while since i logged on, Me my husband and the furbabies have moved back to our home town in Seattle. Anyways This is the third time I have brought Rocky to seattle and he has always been very protective of me when others come to visit. He usually just growls and barks. But this time He is being very aggressive. On two different occassions I had two different friends come over to our house and He attacked and bite both of them. My friends were not tryin to pet him or anything, they just were walking either in or out of the house and He started barkin and bite them. The bites were not hard but I am still concerned. My friends and family are terrified of him. He does not bite at my dad or my brothers but he does bark at my mom, friends and my little cousins. I try to clamp his mouth and say "NO" in a very harsh tone, but he fights me when I hold him so that he does not attack anyone. I dont know what to do, he is a very sweet dog and I love him so much and I want others to love him just the same. He does not act aggressive when I take him on walks or to the park. It is just when people come over. PLease help me..

07-09-2005, 04:02 AM	#3
red98vett Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston TX Posts: 33,590 Blog Entries: 1	I don't know what to tell you - Chanel guards me in the house too - she's fine in public but gets pretty bold when someone comes over - I hold her to get her used to them when they come in the door - It's a BIG deal to have anyone in the house since my youngest moved out - she was so used to him and his friends that she was fine - but now I don't have the traffic so she gets REALLY excited.... I would suggest putting your yorkie in a gated off area till you can socialize him or get him used to company - __________________ Villette, Chanel & Cheri www.DesignsByVillette.net Custom Address Labels and Note Cards using YOUR Photos! Just Click HERE!

07-09-2005, 05:23 AM	#5
bellesmommy Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2005 Location: edmond Posts: 28	my baby used to be the same way but after i posted about it i got a suggestion to use this stuff called bitter apple dog spray and what you do is when there barking or whatever you just spray it in there mouth. my baby hates it so much that she already knows the bottle! so she has just maybe a little trouble now.http://www.petsmart.com/global/produ...=1120914854429 Last edited by bellesmommy; 07-09-2005 at 05:28 AM.

07-09-2005, 01:55 PM	#6
Stitches29 My Little Magwad Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 1,739	If you can't stop him from biting, then confine him to a room and close the door. __________________ "My Furkids" Maggie, Molly and Meme...

07-10-2005, 04:42 PM	#9
milliecorrales YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 516	Submissive My Bengie did the same thing after being hospitalized. He started snapping at people. I did the on the floor with him (on his back) between my legs and holding him there, to show that I was in charge. I also started making the boys wait until I left the house or entered the house. Took a few days, but he no longer snaps at anyone. In fact, sometimes he is a little too submissive.

07-09-2005, 02:45 AM	#2
new yorkie Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2005 Location: ohio Posts: 17	Hey there, My suggestion would be to isolate him when he acts like that. When you have the people come over that he acts like that with. We experience lots of aggressive dogs at work everyday. Very rarely are they ever yorkies, but you need to get behavior under control. Or it will only get worse. Hope that helps. Wendy@newyorkies.net

07-09-2005, 05:07 AM	#4
sylvan YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 2,484	He is behaving as the alpha in your 'pack' and you need to be the alpha instead. Don't try to hold him up, get down on the floor,grab him at the back of his neck with your hand imitating the momma dogs 'mouth'. Give him a good shakedown(not too hard but very firm) and roll him over onto his back. Get in his face and maintain direct eye contact until he looks away(submissive). Bark at him while you are doing this. You don't actually have to bark, you can yell 'no' or whatever strong deep voice noise you can muster, but barking can be fun. If you feel stupid, remember stupid is better than the horrified feeling you'll have when he bites somone hard. Make sure you are in control of him at all times during these encounters. When he shows any sign of being calm/submissive, reward him with a lightening of the pressure. Any sign of aggression and you need to react swiftly and firmly, 'til he understands that you are in charge. There are other little signals that you are probably giving him without realizing it, that are giving him the idea that it is his job to defend the home turf. You need to change the dynamic in the house. Who eats first? who goes through the door first? Isolating him from the interactions will only add to his fear and not solve your problem. If you want more info/suggestions, you can pm or e-mail me and I'll try to help. Stacy

07-10-2005, 04:04 PM	#8
RockysMAMA Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Seattle Washington Posts: 76	thanks so much everyone for the replies. I will definetly try the bitter apple spray and the submissive positions. I hate having to confine him when people are over. Its like everyone wants to play with Princess (our new puppy) but no one wants to go near rocky. He is my first yorkie and I love him to death. The other day I actually tried doin the submissive postions, he struggled to get out of my arms and my friends begged me to put him in his pen. I hope things will get better. I know he is probaby scared being that we are in a new place and not used to seeing so much people. Once again thanks everyone for the advice. -DOnna. Rocky. Princess

07-10-2005, 04:54 PM	#11
jwash YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 723	I have the girls' kennels in the den, where all the action is. If my alpha dog, Lacy does this and she will on occasion, I put her in time out in her kennel with the door closed. Then I ignore her until she stops barking and leave her a minute or two. Let her see what's going on. If she stops for just a minute, I open the door, tell her on her level she's not to bark or bite and tell her she was a good girl (if she was) and give her a treat.I use a stern voice, but I whisper in her ear, keeping my face close to hers and my eyes right on hers . If she starts up again, I do the same, I tell her she is going into time out, put her there, close the door until she behaves and reward her if she does. Usually she sees right away that Chloe is out getting attention and having fun and will stop. Repeat as needed, she'll get it. The absolute worst time was when we had a party and my nephew brought his 6 month old baby. Lacey barked and barked, like an alien had landed on her property. I was so embarassed. She hasn't repeated it but I'll bet she will if another baby comes over. For times when they bark, like they hear someone at the door or see a squirrel outside, I lightly touch their nose and tell them in a stern but whisper voice that we don't bark in the house. Again, I stay upright but bend down to get face to face. I can't say they never bark, after all they are dogs, but they are much better at stopping after a few "I'm letting you know what I hear".

07-11-2005, 04:59 AM	#13
sylvan YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 2,484	Hey, sorry but there isn't anything from you in my pms, try again? or e-mail me. Stacy

07-11-2005, 06:16 AM	#14
DollyC YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 2	I'm going threw the same thing My problem is that Scooter is attacking my husband. He is great with him on a regular basis, but when Scooter and I are in a room together and my husband walks into the room, he shows his teeth and attacks his ankles. Yesterday he bite his calf. If I get into Scooter face in time and say NO, he will listen for a while, but sometimes I don't get the chance to stop him quick enough. I know he is being protective of me, but this is ridiculous. I hope you things work out for your Yorkie.

07-11-2005, 08:41 AM	#15
Carolina girl YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Aiken, South Carolina Posts: 320	Your husband needs to walk Scooter and make sure he doesn't let Scooter walk in from of him. This establishes dominance. Its a easy solution. The walk is the most basic of things but you will notice in the wild the dominant dog leads the pack. __________________ Love is... when your puppy licks your face even though you left him alone all day! Izzabella and Cindy