Aggressive Behavior Please HELP!! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

HTXgarcia · 10-19-2009, 09:13 AM

Hello,
We adopted a 2yr old yorkie "Sassy" and she seemed very sweet right from the start.

Only that she's been with us about 4 days now and she starting to show a really agrressive

side to her, I was petting her and she tryed to nip at my hand, so I got up and told her no, then she just stared at me snarling and looked as if she was threating to attack me if I walked passed her???? Why would she go from totally sweet to angry? I have a 4 year old and am very concerned. Is this a common behavior for Yorkies? Is this something that can be reversed with training I don't know her past?

MollysMum54 · 10-19-2009, 09:45 AM

Molly was 2 years old when i adopted her. She was fine for the first 2 weeks, then had some agression issues. She would growl and try to bite me if i woke her during the night (she was sleeping on my bed and seemed to think it was her bed!).
Also, if i ever leant over her to reach something she would get very cross and i think she would have bitten me if i hadnt got out of the way quickly!
She is a real sweetheart now, but it was a slow thing. Probably took about 18 months before i felt i could really trust her.
She does sometimes growl if i disturb her in the night, but i'm 99% sure she wouldnt bite me now. I would never trust any rescue dog 100% with small children though, as they are unpredictable.
hope your dog will be ok...hopefully the agression is just for the settling in period.

chicos2009 · 10-19-2009, 09:51 AM

well i have chico and he has growling issue and also he likes peace and quite because if he see my kids runnig he try to bite there legs and i still have problem .just keep saying no also my uncle came up from florida and gave me some tips and started to use them to have him relax .i think its a yorkie thing

but i am 100% he wont bite me but i doback off when he growls jejejejej

joeyandtanksmom · 10-19-2009, 07:28 PM

If you just show that you are the "pack leader", they shouldn't show aggression to you. I've said it a lot, but my boys know I am in charge. They wouldn't dare cross me, but they also know that I love them SO much! They are both mamma's boys, which I love! I would call myself a disciplinarian. I don't let them get away with a whole lot, but they are also VERY spoiled...they're constantly getting new toys, chewies, they go all over the place with me, they are cuddled constantly when I'm home, etc...Just try to let her know that you're the boss, and that you'll protect her and care for her. I wish you luck!!!

livingdustmops · 10-19-2009, 10:37 PM

How did you get her? From where? Was a rescue involved? Did you find her on the street? Did you get her out of the shelter?

This is a very dangerous time so do not allow your child around her until you find out what is going on. Many Yorkies come in scared to death and are very fear aggressive - which means they will bite. Also many Yorkies do not like children especially when they have not grown up with them or grew up with them and it was not a positive experience. Yorkies will usually be sweet at first and then they do become more terrier.

Do not and I repeat, do not start attempting to show her who is boss (pack leader) or it will only get worse. She needs some space of her own and some quite time until she relaxes.

How much exercise is she getting with you? Where does she sleep?

HTXgarcia · 10-20-2009, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by livingdustmops

How did you get her? From where? Was a rescue involved? Did you find her on the street? Did you get her out of the shelter?

This is a very dangerous time so do not allow your child around her until you find out what is going on. Many Yorkies come in scared to death and are very fear aggressive - which means they will bite. Also many Yorkies do not like children especially when they have not grown up with them or grew up with them and it was not a positive experience. Yorkies will usually be sweet at first and then they do become more terrier.

Do not and I repeat, do not start attempting to show her who is boss (pack leader) or it will only get worse. She needs some space of her own and some quite time until she relaxes.

How much exercise is she getting with you? Where does she sleep?

I got her from a rescue that had her placed in a foster home, and i recently talked to the owner of the rescue and i was informed that sassy has been adopted before and return to rescue before and before that they got her from a shelter. So im thinking she does not trust anyone just yet since she been moved around alot . i walk her 30min to 1hr a day and she sleeps in her crate

mistyrain · 10-20-2009, 05:18 AM

Yes. she is definetley showing some alpha behavior. In the four days you have had her you must have unknowingly shown her some cues that she is alpha over you. What are your feeding habits like w/ her? I have often heard you are supposed to make the dog "sit/stay" before taking their food and also let them see you fake eat from their food bowl (b/c the pack leader always eats first). Also collar/leash lead walking is good way to teach pack order. I would start crating her at night b/c she thnks the bed is her's, if she become agressive in bed immediatley place her on the floor. You said she was how old? You can retrain it will jst take persistence and patience.

Britster · 10-20-2009, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeyandtanksmom

If you just show that you are the "pack leader", they shouldn't show aggression to you. I've said it a lot, but my boys know I am in charge. They wouldn't dare cross me, but they also know that I love them SO much! They are both mamma's boys, which I love! I would call myself a disciplinarian. I don't let them get away with a whole lot, but they are also VERY spoiled...they're constantly getting new toys, chewies, they go all over the place with me, they are cuddled constantly when I'm home, etc...Just try to let her know that you're the boss, and that you'll protect her and care for her. I wish you luck!!!

Sounds Jackson for sure! He's such a Mama's boys and very attached to me, but he knows who is boss (99% of the time

) He's still doted on and spoiled VERY much so though.

JeanieK · 10-20-2009, 05:51 AM

It does not sound like alpha behavior. It sounds more like fear and mistrust.

Rescue dogs do not always respond to the pack leader theory because they have never learned how to be a dog.

That is why Cesar will sometimes take a dog back to his pack so they learn how to be a dog first.

Livingdustmops understands rescues. she is a good source of advice.

I would think the rescue that you got her from would have explained her agression issues before you took her.

Britster · 10-20-2009, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeanieK

It does not sound like alpha behavior. It sounds more like fear and mistrust.

Rescue dogs do not always respond to the pack leader theory because they have never learned how to be a dog.

That is why Cesar will sometimes take a dog back to his pack so they learn how to be a dog first.

Livingdustmops understands rescues. she is a good source of advice.

I would think the rescue that you got her from would have explained her agression issues before you took her.

I agree

DaisyMom · 10-20-2009, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeanieK

It does not sound like alpha behavior. It sounds more like fear and mistrust.

I agree. I think the trick will be to get her to associate positive things happening to her during the times when she is most anxious. Really tune into her physical cues, 'think like a dog,' and break down what you are trying to accomplish into baby steps.

I admire you for taking on this challenge. Best wishes.....

livingdustmops · 10-20-2009, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HTXgarcia

I got her from a rescue that had her placed in a foster home, and i recently talked to the owner of the rescue and i was informed that sassy has been adopted before and return to rescue before and before that they got her from a shelter. So im thinking she does not trust anyone just yet since she been moved around alot . i walk her 30min to 1hr a day and she sleeps in her crate

Sorry but more questions...???

How did she respond at the Foster mom's...??? Was she with other dogs? What rescue did you get her from?

Was this an only Yorkie rescue? I am guessing not because a reputable Yorkie rescue would probably not adopt to any one with a young child for this very reason.

Is the rescue willing to take her back?

You are doing a good job and it has nothing to do with you...just that this poor girl has been bounced around...it is her only defense...

How much does she weigh and how long is she? Do you think she was breed before?

HTXgarcia · 10-20-2009, 08:47 AM

the foster mom said that she snap at her and her daughter because they would bother her when she was sleeping , no other dog around at the fosters house and i adopted her from a rescue called tip of tex in harlingen tx and they will take her back but i fell bad knowing that she has been bounced around alot and nobody trying to take the time with her so then they just move her around but im trying really hard she has been breed before when we got her they told use she was still lactaing i think i spelled it right she weighs 10 lbs thanks for the advise

JoeyP · 10-20-2009, 09:59 AM

Jeanie is right This sounds like a scared little dog
She was in shelter ..... and then got shot off to home to home

Of course she's going to be afraid and mistrust people
The outcome is unfortunately going to be determined by the shelter conditions she came from when she was a puppy

If she had some human contact when she was a pup
With some care and loving she'll come around
If she didn't the outcome will be much harder
She'll likely attach onto one in the family and be very wary of everyone else

ladyjane · 10-20-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HTXgarcia

I got her from a rescue that had her placed in a foster home, and i recently talked to the owner of the rescue and i was informed that sassy has been adopted before and return to rescue before and before that they got her from a shelter. So im thinking she does not trust anyone just yet since she been moved around alot . i walk her 30min to 1hr a day and she sleeps in her crate

What rescue did you get her from?

10-19-2009, 09:13 AM	#1
HTXgarcia YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: harlingen,tx,usa Posts: 6	Aggressive Behavior Please HELP!! Hello, We adopted a 2yr old yorkie "Sassy" and she seemed very sweet right from the start. Only that she's been with us about 4 days now and she starting to show a really agrressive side to her, I was petting her and she tryed to nip at my hand, so I got up and told her no, then she just stared at me snarling and looked as if she was threating to attack me if I walked passed her???? Why would she go from totally sweet to angry? I have a 4 year old and am very concerned. Is this a common behavior for Yorkies? Is this something that can be reversed with training I don't know her past?

10-19-2009, 09:51 AM	#3
chicos2009 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: newyork Posts: 115	hi well i have chico and he has growling issue and also he likes peace and quite because if he see my kids runnig he try to bite there legs and i still have problem .just keep saying no also my uncle came up from florida and gave me some tips and started to use them to have him relax .i think its a yorkie thing but i am 100% he wont bite me but i doback off when he growls jejejejej

10-19-2009, 07:28 PM	#4
joeyandtanksmom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Kuna,ID,USA Posts: 557	If you just show that you are the "pack leader", they shouldn't show aggression to you. I've said it a lot, but my boys know I am in charge. They wouldn't dare cross me, but they also know that I love them SO much! They are both mamma's boys, which I love! I would call myself a disciplinarian. I don't let them get away with a whole lot, but they are also VERY spoiled...they're constantly getting new toys, chewies, they go all over the place with me, they are cuddled constantly when I'm home, etc...Just try to let her know that you're the boss, and that you'll protect her and care for her. I wish you luck!!! __________________ Sandy: Joey & Tank's Mom Jackson Ryan

10-19-2009, 10:37 PM	#5
livingdustmops Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,728	How did you get her? From where? Was a rescue involved? Did you find her on the street? Did you get her out of the shelter? This is a very dangerous time so do not allow your child around her until you find out what is going on. Many Yorkies come in scared to death and are very fear aggressive - which means they will bite. Also many Yorkies do not like children especially when they have not grown up with them or grew up with them and it was not a positive experience. Yorkies will usually be sweet at first and then they do become more terrier. Do not and I repeat, do not start attempting to show her who is boss (pack leader) or it will only get worse. She needs some space of her own and some quite time until she relaxes. How much exercise is she getting with you? Where does she sleep? __________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products!

10-20-2009, 09:59 AM	#14
JoeyP YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Miami, FL,USA Posts: 1,005	Jeanie is right This sounds like a scared little dog She was in shelter ..... and then got shot off to home to home Of course she's going to be afraid and mistrust people The outcome is unfortunately going to be determined by the shelter conditions she came from when she was a puppy If she had some human contact when she was a pup With some care and loving she'll come around If she didn't the outcome will be much harder She'll likely attach onto one in the family and be very wary of everyone else __________________ Mike and Zach's Dadd

10-19-2009, 09:45 AM	#2
MollysMum54 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: England,UK Posts: 1,176	Molly was 2 years old when i adopted her. She was fine for the first 2 weeks, then had some agression issues. She would growl and try to bite me if i woke her during the night (she was sleeping on my bed and seemed to think it was her bed!). Also, if i ever leant over her to reach something she would get very cross and i think she would have bitten me if i hadnt got out of the way quickly! She is a real sweetheart now, but it was a slow thing. Probably took about 18 months before i felt i could really trust her. She does sometimes growl if i disturb her in the night, but i'm 99% sure she wouldnt bite me now. I would never trust any rescue dog 100% with small children though, as they are unpredictable. hope your dog will be ok...hopefully the agression is just for the settling in period.

10-20-2009, 05:18 AM	#7
mistyrain Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: springfield Posts: 48	Yes. she is definetley showing some alpha behavior. In the four days you have had her you must have unknowingly shown her some cues that she is alpha over you. What are your feeding habits like w/ her? I have often heard you are supposed to make the dog "sit/stay" before taking their food and also let them see you fake eat from their food bowl (b/c the pack leader always eats first). Also collar/leash lead walking is good way to teach pack order. I would start crating her at night b/c she thnks the bed is her's, if she become agressive in bed immediatley place her on the floor. You said she was how old? You can retrain it will jst take persistence and patience.

10-20-2009, 05:51 AM	#9
JeanieK Donating YT 12K Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Council Bluffs Iowa Posts: 12,552	It does not sound like alpha behavior. It sounds more like fear and mistrust. Rescue dogs do not always respond to the pack leader theory because they have never learned how to be a dog. That is why Cesar will sometimes take a dog back to his pack so they learn how to be a dog first. Livingdustmops understands rescues. she is a good source of advice. I would think the rescue that you got her from would have explained her agression issues before you took her.

10-20-2009, 08:47 AM	#13
HTXgarcia YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: harlingen,tx,usa Posts: 6	the foster mom said that she snap at her and her daughter because they would bother her when she was sleeping , no other dog around at the fosters house and i adopted her from a rescue called tip of tex in harlingen tx and they will take her back but i fell bad knowing that she has been bounced around alot and nobody trying to take the time with her so then they just move her around but im trying really hard she has been breed before when we got her they told use she was still lactaing i think i spelled it right she weighs 10 lbs thanks for the advise