Aggression?????

[Bizzymammabee]

Ok last night we were sitting on the sofa watching a movie. My son was being a bit all over the place so I grabbed his hand and told him to slow down. I didn't want him to hurt Lex or himself. Anyhow Lex growled and grabbed my and my son's hand in his mouth. He didn't exert any pressure. But I was taken back by it. At first I thought he was protecting my son. Then a little later something similar happened and he did it again but this time he only went at my son. Now I know he was warning him but do you think it can develop into more problems. I have seen at a lot of rescue sites that they will say a particular yorkie can't be in a home with small children. I love the dog but I love my son more and wont' keep an animal here that will bring harm to my children.

Your advice is desperately needed. Should I be overly concerned?

[BLowry]

Originally Posted by Bizzymammabee

Ok last night we were sitting on the sofa watching a movie. My son was being a bit all over the place so I grabbed his hand and told him to slow down. I didn't want him to hurt Lex or himself. Anyhow Lex growled and grabbed my and my son's hand in his mouth. He didn't exert any pressure. But I was taken back by it. At first I thought he was protecting my son. Then a little later something similar happened and he did it again but this time he only went at my son. Now I know he was warning him but do you think it can develop into more problems. I have seen at a lot of rescue sites that they will say a particular yorkie can't be in a home with small children. I love the dog but I love my son more and wont' keep an animal here that will bring harm to my children.

Your advice is desperately needed. Should I be overly concerned?

I posted to this already....dont' know what happened to it!! LOL!! so...if this gets duplicated I apologize now...


My adult yorkie is dog aggressive...if there is alot of excitement going on around her like (when my daughters dogs are around...2 big goldens) and they jump around or come in from outside...Sadie will go after them...and if she can't get to them she goes after Lillie (our new furbaby...now 6 months old....I have spoken to a trainer and we are currently working with this issue...things are now getting better....slowly...but getting there.) she has NEVER nipped at a human...she loves everyone...jumps on them and gives them kisses...will even lay on their lap...Has you little boy maybe hurt him? Little kids don't know how to be gentle...Maybe he accidentally kicked him or picked him up wrong and hurt him....
Alot of breeders will not sell to someone with small children because of this reason...Maybe you could talk to a trainer and see what they suggest.

Good Luck to you.

[FirstYorkie]

It would be useful to let your son be "the keeper of good things" with regards to Lex. Have him feed Lex, give him treats (only when Lex is being well-behaved, of course), let him be the one to give him new toys, etc.

If Lex knows any commands like sit, have your son give Lex commands periodically (which naturally are always rewarded with a treat!). Your son and Lex will need your help. If Lex hasn't been taught to obey commands from your son, he probably won't understand what is happening at first.

If this type of behavior escalates, I would definitely consult a positive trainer.

Good luck!

[Bizzymammabee]

Lex is the one that likes to play rough with my son. He is almost ten pounds so I let them but I also monitor to be sure that my son doesn't hurt him. But this time it was like he was defending me. It has never happened before. Lex has become my shadow...if I have to go pee he wants to be in the room with me. I told him no immediately so he knew he did wrong. I know he is also adjusting because we have Lulu now.

I noticed if she would come near he would run and push her out of the way. But as I noticed it I told him "no", "sit" and then made him stay while I petted her and then turned to him. I want him to know that he is not running things. I don't want him to think his bad behaviour will be allowed. I don't carry one without the other. I sit on the floor and let them both come to me and rub and play equally. He has to get use to the pecking order here. I just lined up the kids and the dogs and told them that the only sheriff here is me and they are going to listen or be punished. (the kids were fighting too...lol)

[FirstYorkie]

Originally Posted by Bizzymammabee

But this time it was like he was defending me.

Yes, I understand. That's why I recommended exercises to help Lex see that your son is not a threat.

Originally Posted by Bizzymammabee

He has to get use to the pecking order here. I just lined up the kids and the dogs and told them that the only sheriff here is me

Understandable. I think it would also be useful for Lex to learn that he must also "take orders" from your son. That was the reason for having your son practice giving and rewarding commands.