Aggressive yorkie puppy, HELP! - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Saragp · 11-21-2005, 10:09 PM

I dont' have a yorkie, but my chi, Abby wouldn't let me hold her and would growl and bite me. Telling her no, tapping her on the nose, putting her in time out didn't work at all. I had gotten to the point that I thought this dog is too agressive and I actually called the breeder for some advice. And then I decided to talk to her like a dog. If I was holding her and she growled and tried to bite me, I put her neck in my mouth, put her between my teeth (I didn't bite, but LIGHT pressure was there) and growled. She would stop instantly. I kept it up and little by little, the events started to dwindle down. And now, she is the sweetest thing. I am actually enrolling her to be a therapy dog next month.

You have to talk to her like you were her momma dog. I know it seems a little unconventional, but hey, I got a great dog now.

I hope it works for you.

luvmymonkies · 11-22-2005, 12:17 AM

Both of my babies did the whole biting thing. Whenever they would bite, I would say "OW!!" and then gently tap the top of their nose and firmly tell them "no biting". Eventually, I could tell when they got the urge to do it (they're just so into playing at the moment, they forget), and before they even got to, I would tap the nose lightly and continue playing without saying a word. I'm no trainer, but it worked for me. Now they're even careful when they play together. They know when they're playing too hard.

kris1922 · 06-18-2007, 06:16 PM

my maddy is 11 months old. she bites me usually when she is trying to tell me something, like she is hungry, or wants to go out in the car for a ride. i think i have spoiled her (she is way too cute, not too!), so, this is just another way of her getting her own way. i think it is time we took a class on communicating better!

Its Destiny · 06-19-2007, 03:18 PM

You have to show him that he is not the alpha dog - you are. You have to show him that you do not accept his biting and aggressive behavior.

Belamia · 08-25-2007, 07:50 AM

I am just wondering how is the bitting? as far as his age i believe my Maxx used to bite everything at this age as well... it turned out to be "teething" that was it.... as soon as he lost his baby teeth it all went better... he used to destroy my sandals or flip flops... i still give him the "KONG" with a bit of peanut butter inside... it kept him entertained by then , it still does the trick now... i am sure your baby is so sweet and just need to massage the gums... loosing or growing teeth must not be fun huh....

jaxmom · 10-30-2007, 01:14 AM

This is my first post and my first time breeding. I did a lot of research before jumping into this and I'm aware that puppies can be aggressive, needing training, socialization and discipline.

My dam whelped 3 puppies in August with no complications. The pups are over 10 weeks old now. Two of of the three pups were adopted a couple days ago. The remaining male pup was the biggest and most dominant of the litter. Mom worked hard to socialize all 3 pups and appeared to be successful with the two that were sold. Their new owners tell me they're energetic but have very sweet natures. The 3rd pup is also very sweet (with humans) yet when my female (mom) Yorkie attempts to discipline him, he now rears back, growls and bites at her. This behavior is very new and started the day after the last pup was sold. Unfortunately, the more he does this, the more frequently she pounces on him demanding submission...it's like a vicious (no pun intended) circle. I'm planning to keep him a little longer so the mother dog can work with him. The problem is, mom is beginning to look fearful of this little (pudgy) guy and backing off. Is this normal? I'm afraid the pup will become out of control. I've tried researching this kind of behavior and not coming up with any concrete answers. Any experienced breeders out there have some words of wisdom?? Is it time to hire a dog trainer? Or could this be"transitional behavior" due to the recent absence of his littermates? Thanks, I appreciate the comments.

sweetr72 · 10-30-2007, 03:51 AM

Everytime the puppy bites let out a LOUD yelp..in their pack that is what the other puppies do to let the agressor know they have gone to far...a tap UNDER the chin is better than on the nose..you dont want the dog to become hand shy when they see you coming down for a pat on the head. What always worked for me with aggression is to immediately lay the puppy on his back until he relaxes and the SECOND he is relaxed let him get back up..timing is really important..you want him to understand the behaviour you want and if you are off even by a second they will get confused. Dont overstimulate a puppy...how can they understand the that SOMETIMES its ok to play rough and other times it isnt?? They cant. Also consistency is EXTREMELY important..you cant let it go even once...again they will get confused and you will start back at step one over and over again..

Hope this helps somewhat..

Dawn

RMKC · 10-30-2007, 07:24 AM

When Apollo was a pup and bit i would let out a yelp and say , no bite. also he is probebley teething, i would have lots of chewy toys or hard treats like Bully sticks or Flossies .
Welcome to YT !

yorkieromeo · 11-02-2007, 06:15 AM

I've been watching the "Dog Whisperer" on National Geographic channel and I've gotten some really great insight from him. He knows how to think like a dog. We use human psychology on them, and it doesn't work. He's never mean or hurts them, but he's darned effective. I've had dogs large and small my whole life, including two yorkies, and I'm finding his ideas really helpful with our new yorkie puppy. When our little one nips, I do what his mom would do, which is an immediate, quick, firm but gentle correction. I hold him down and say no (OK, his mom wouldn't talk), then I let him right up and offer him a chew toy. It calms him down. Since it's been going on for a while, it may take longer for this technique to work for you. I wish I'd known about this when our cockerpoo was a pup. Correct, then redirect. The nipping isn't just about teething, it's a dominance thing. He's testing you to see if he's still in charge. Holding him down tells him he's not. I hope this works for you too. I've also been walking him and playing fetch with him to burn off his excess energy. He's much more gentle and calm when he gets real exercise.

crystalsmom · 11-02-2007, 06:55 AM

I didn't read the thread but I would say when pups are teething they bite down on just about anything they can get their little teeth on at the moment. Is there a growl along with it, if so then there may need to be more help.

Welcome to YT. I see you joined two years ago.....reading alot huh

kathrynS · 11-02-2007, 08:47 AM

HI, I know what you're talking about. I have had Romeo for 5 weeks now. The
first two days He slept on my head. Then this little demon appeared. LOL. I was going crazy with his biting. Then I found this board and listened to the members and tried their suggestions. It's been four weeks and Romie has calmed down to where I tell him to get his rope and I'll play ( his favorite toy). Sometimes he just brings it to me. So be paitient. and listen to the members on this board, cause I don't know where I would be without them. Now if I can just get them to train my hubby to follow through. I tell him he deserves every bite on the nose he gets. LOL

Rocky-Baby · 07-19-2009, 01:02 PM

I am so happy to read these replies - as my Rockstar, now about 16 weeks (bad at math - he was born on March 28, I got him at just 8 weeks), is sitting in his crate on "time out". He also does the growl and snap - though the biting has gotten MUCH better from where he was at 12 weeks - he responds better to commands such as "no bite" now. I paid a trainer to come to my house last week to assess him and he said Rocky's behavior is normal for the breed at his age. After an hour he had Rocky whipped! Sitting, laying, and standing all on command!

Darlene68 · 07-19-2009, 01:23 PM

My 14 week old puppy bites when playing too, I make a loud scream and it stops him from biting so hard, but he still bites! most puppies grow out of this though..eventually

Rocky-Baby · 07-19-2009, 01:24 PM

I am so happy to read these replies - as my Rockstar, now about 16 weeks (bad at math - he was born on March 28, I got him at just 8 weeks), is sitting in his crate on "time out". He also does the growl and snap - though the biting has gotten MUCH better from where he was at 12 weeks - he responds better to commands such as "no bite" now. I paid a trainer to come to my house last week to assess him and he said Rocky's behavior is normal for the breed at his age. After an hour he had Rocky whipped! Sitting, laying, and standing all on command!

Gigi485 · 07-20-2009, 01:43 PM

Google "Pack Leader Rules" and follow them and you will see they work wonders.

They are never too young to start discipline which is different from punishment. Cesar Milan show and books are also FABULOUS teaching tools.

Nip it in the bud. Exercise, discipline THEN affection.

11-21-2005, 10:09 PM	#16
Saragp YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 335	I dont' have a yorkie, but my chi, Abby wouldn't let me hold her and would growl and bite me. Telling her no, tapping her on the nose, putting her in time out didn't work at all. I had gotten to the point that I thought this dog is too agressive and I actually called the breeder for some advice. And then I decided to talk to her like a dog. If I was holding her and she growled and tried to bite me, I put her neck in my mouth, put her between my teeth (I didn't bite, but LIGHT pressure was there) and growled. She would stop instantly. I kept it up and little by little, the events started to dwindle down. And now, she is the sweetest thing. I am actually enrolling her to be a therapy dog next month. You have to talk to her like you were her momma dog. I know it seems a little unconventional, but hey, I got a great dog now. I hope it works for you. __________________ Sara & "The Kids" Visit ALL my fur-kids through Bailey! Bailey: www.dogster.com/?151175

11-22-2005, 12:17 AM	#17
luvmymonkies Donating YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 416	Both of my babies did the whole biting thing. Whenever they would bite, I would say "OW!!" and then gently tap the top of their nose and firmly tell them "no biting". Eventually, I could tell when they got the urge to do it (they're just so into playing at the moment, they forget), and before they even got to, I would tap the nose lightly and continue playing without saying a word. I'm no trainer, but it worked for me. Now they're even careful when they play together. They know when they're playing too hard. __________________ Heather, Monkey & Lil Maddie Play in peace my sweet Maddie girl. We miss you so much. 1/02/06

06-19-2007, 03:18 PM	#19
Its Destiny Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: MAINE Posts: 64	aggressive behavior You have to show him that he is not the alpha dog - you are. You have to show him that you do not accept his biting and aggressive behavior.

08-25-2007, 07:50 AM	#20
Belamia Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Salem Posts: 119	How is the bitting? I am just wondering how is the bitting? as far as his age i believe my Maxx used to bite everything at this age as well... it turned out to be "teething" that was it.... as soon as he lost his baby teeth it all went better... he used to destroy my sandals or flip flops... i still give him the "KONG" with a bit of peanut butter inside... it kept him entertained by then , it still does the trick now... i am sure your baby is so sweet and just need to massage the gums... loosing or growing teeth must not be fun huh.... __________________ "You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, `My God, you're RIGHT! I NEVER would've thought of that!'" - Dave Barry

10-30-2007, 01:14 AM	#21
jaxmom YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: California Posts: 4	Aggressive Puppy This is my first post and my first time breeding. I did a lot of research before jumping into this and I'm aware that puppies can be aggressive, needing training, socialization and discipline. My dam whelped 3 puppies in August with no complications. The pups are over 10 weeks old now. Two of of the three pups were adopted a couple days ago. The remaining male pup was the biggest and most dominant of the litter. Mom worked hard to socialize all 3 pups and appeared to be successful with the two that were sold. Their new owners tell me they're energetic but have very sweet natures. The 3rd pup is also very sweet (with humans) yet when my female (mom) Yorkie attempts to discipline him, he now rears back, growls and bites at her. This behavior is very new and started the day after the last pup was sold. Unfortunately, the more he does this, the more frequently she pounces on him demanding submission...it's like a vicious (no pun intended) circle. I'm planning to keep him a little longer so the mother dog can work with him. The problem is, mom is beginning to look fearful of this little (pudgy) guy and backing off. Is this normal? I'm afraid the pup will become out of control. I've tried researching this kind of behavior and not coming up with any concrete answers. Any experienced breeders out there have some words of wisdom?? Is it time to hire a dog trainer? Or could this be"transitional behavior" due to the recent absence of his littermates? Thanks, I appreciate the comments.

06-18-2007, 06:16 PM	#18
kris1922 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ri Posts: 26	my maddy is 11 months old. she bites me usually when she is trying to tell me something, like she is hungry, or wants to go out in the car for a ride. i think i have spoiled her (she is way too cute, not too!), so, this is just another way of her getting her own way. i think it is time we took a class on communicating better!

10-30-2007, 03:51 AM	#22
sweetr72 REECE & SOLEIL Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 6,111	Everytime the puppy bites let out a LOUD yelp..in their pack that is what the other puppies do to let the agressor know they have gone to far...a tap UNDER the chin is better than on the nose..you dont want the dog to become hand shy when they see you coming down for a pat on the head. What always worked for me with aggression is to immediately lay the puppy on his back until he relaxes and the SECOND he is relaxed let him get back up..timing is really important..you want him to understand the behaviour you want and if you are off even by a second they will get confused. Dont overstimulate a puppy...how can they understand the that SOMETIMES its ok to play rough and other times it isnt?? They cant. Also consistency is EXTREMELY important..you cant let it go even once...again they will get confused and you will start back at step one over and over again.. Hope this helps somewhat.. Dawn __________________ Reece ~ Soleil ~ Pixie

10-30-2007, 07:24 AM	#23
RMKC Rosi & Poli's Mom Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Washington State Posts: 5,426	When Apollo was a pup and bit i would let out a yelp and say , no bite. also he is probebley teething, i would have lots of chewy toys or hard treats like Bully sticks or Flossies . Welcome to YT ! __________________ ROSI & POLI Love my Babies

11-02-2007, 06:15 AM	#24
yorkieromeo YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Manchester, NH Posts: 1	yorkie behavior I've been watching the "Dog Whisperer" on National Geographic channel and I've gotten some really great insight from him. He knows how to think like a dog. We use human psychology on them, and it doesn't work. He's never mean or hurts them, but he's darned effective. I've had dogs large and small my whole life, including two yorkies, and I'm finding his ideas really helpful with our new yorkie puppy. When our little one nips, I do what his mom would do, which is an immediate, quick, firm but gentle correction. I hold him down and say no (OK, his mom wouldn't talk), then I let him right up and offer him a chew toy. It calms him down. Since it's been going on for a while, it may take longer for this technique to work for you. I wish I'd known about this when our cockerpoo was a pup. Correct, then redirect. The nipping isn't just about teething, it's a dominance thing. He's testing you to see if he's still in charge. Holding him down tells him he's not. I hope this works for you too. I've also been walking him and playing fetch with him to burn off his excess energy. He's much more gentle and calm when he gets real exercise. __________________

11-02-2007, 06:55 AM	#25
crystalsmom No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Stow, Oh Posts: 6,228	I didn't read the thread but I would say when pups are teething they bite down on just about anything they can get their little teeth on at the moment. Is there a growl along with it, if so then there may need to be more help. Welcome to YT. I see you joined two years ago.....reading alot huh

11-02-2007, 08:47 AM	#26
kathrynS Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: MA Posts: 726	HI, I know what you're talking about. I have had Romeo for 5 weeks now. The first two days He slept on my head. Then this little demon appeared. LOL. I was going crazy with his biting. Then I found this board and listened to the members and tried their suggestions. It's been four weeks and Romie has calmed down to where I tell him to get his rope and I'll play ( his favorite toy). Sometimes he just brings it to me. So be paitient. and listen to the members on this board, cause I don't know where I would be without them. Now if I can just get them to train my hubby to follow through. I tell him he deserves every bite on the nose he gets. LOL

07-19-2009, 01:02 PM	#27
Rocky-Baby Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NY, United States Posts: 23	I am so happy to read these replies - as my Rockstar, now about 16 weeks (bad at math - he was born on March 28, I got him at just 8 weeks), is sitting in his crate on "time out". He also does the growl and snap - though the biting has gotten MUCH better from where he was at 12 weeks - he responds better to commands such as "no bite" now. I paid a trainer to come to my house last week to assess him and he said Rocky's behavior is normal for the breed at his age. After an hour he had Rocky whipped! Sitting, laying, and standing all on command!

07-19-2009, 01:23 PM	#28
Darlene68 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 1,418	My 14 week old puppy bites when playing too, I make a loud scream and it stops him from biting so hard, but he still bites! most puppies grow out of this though..eventually __________________ Proud mom to my beautiful furbutt Bailey!

07-19-2009, 01:24 PM	#29
Rocky-Baby Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NY, United States Posts: 23	I am so happy to read these replies - as my Rockstar, now about 16 weeks (bad at math - he was born on March 28, I got him at just 8 weeks), is sitting in his crate on "time out". He also does the growl and snap - though the biting has gotten MUCH better from where he was at 12 weeks - he responds better to commands such as "no bite" now. I paid a trainer to come to my house last week to assess him and he said Rocky's behavior is normal for the breed at his age. After an hour he had Rocky whipped! Sitting, laying, and standing all on command!

07-20-2009, 01:43 PM	#30
Gigi485 YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Methuen, MA USA Posts: 253	Be the Pack Leader Google "Pack Leader Rules" and follow them and you will see they work wonders. They are never too young to start discipline which is different from punishment. Cesar Milan show and books are also FABULOUS teaching tools. Nip it in the bud. Exercise, discipline THEN affection.