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05-04-2010, 09:01 AM | #1 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member | Looking for opinions and advice I have read several threads on this and am still confused. I am afraid that Bridget is becoming aggressive. What confuses me is that she is not aggressive with her food (mostly because there isn't a food that she loves). It happens when she has a toy (usually a chewy toy) or a treat such as a bully stick. When you approach the item she stiffens up, stops what she is doing for just a split second and whips her head around toward you and snaps and lets out a yap. Yesterday she had a little ice cream from my spoon and some dripped on the floor, when I went to pick it up before it melted - she snapped. Almost no warning (no pre-growl or anything) - it's not like when she has a toy that she wants to play with.....she has a playful nip - actually never bites down. She has a huge supply of both toys and treats and is free fed. So she can't be worried about not getting more, and like I mentioned earlier....it's not with her food. She will go right over and push my cats away from their food dishes, but heaven help them if they want to check hers out...or their own for that matter. But normally not as aggressive with them as with me, maybe because they just back off. Bridget is a little over 6 months old and I have read in threads that a pup that young does not normally exhibit aggression. So - if it's not aggression - what is it, and how do I stop it either way. I have 2 grandchildren, 1 of which is only 9 months old, but the other is 5 and has been taught not to go near a dog that has something that it is chewing or eating, but children forget and I would just like to be comfortable taking things from her in the event she gets something she shouldn't have, such as when a bully stick gets too short. Do I distract her with something else first? Do I scold her when she snaps? Or is this just normal Yorkie behavior? I don't want to make matters worse so I'm coming to the place where I know someone can help. Thanks everyone for listening - any and all suggestions or thoughts are very welcome and appreciated.
__________________ Proud member of the CrAzYcLuB Donna......owned by Bridget and Greta (and wouldn't have it any other way!) |
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05-04-2010, 10:25 AM | #2 |
Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan USA
Posts: 3,317
| At 6 months she absolutley needs to learn that snapping is unacceptable. You need to clearly let her know you are not happy with that kind of behavior. She's testing you. When Sophie was younger she would get possessive of some things. She has never snapped at us but would give a low growl. We would take immediate action by telling her no growl, hold her firmly in place while keeping our voice low and serious and take away the item of issue. She caught on quickly. Now she is 16 months and has a lighter, playful growl when playing tug or with one of her toys and that's fine. She is very gentle with our hands and such. You might check out the YT Training Forum for more suggestions.
__________________ Jackie Loves Sophie R.I.P ."Baby" our little girl 1993-2009 |
05-04-2010, 11:08 AM | #4 |
Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland
Posts: 17,814
| ^^ Agree with post above. Also, you say She has a huge supply of both toys and treats and is free fed maybe she needs to be given less affection (meaning toys, loving, cuddles, treats, etc) and more leadership. I personally leave food down all day but if a dog was exhibiting this behavior, you need to let them know YOU own the food, toys, treats, etc... not the other way around. Nothing in Life is Free (NILIF program)... she must SIT in a calm manner before being fed, or given a treat, or a toy. She must work for it. We as humans have jobs and have to work in order to make money and earn our places in this world, dogs need the same thing. She needs a 'job' to do whether that is tricks, a long brisk walk for the day, exercise, discipline, and then affection - not the other way around. Hope this helps a little bit!
__________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier |
05-04-2010, 11:17 AM | #5 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member | Thanks - this is the second time today I've seen NILIF referenced. I'll definately check it out. It does make sense. I do make her sit and I count to 3 before I throw a toy to play fetch, but I've never given much thought to using it at any other time. I am certainly doing it backwards!!! I guess this is why I'm here....to learn from those that know! Thanks again
__________________ Proud member of the CrAzYcLuB Donna......owned by Bridget and Greta (and wouldn't have it any other way!) |
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