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Cody'sMom · 06-25-2008, 08:03 AM

Our 8 month female yorkie, Cheyenne, was a great addition to our family. But, at 12 weeks old, she did come into the house with an alpha attitude from day one. We also have a sweetie male that is now 3 years old. They are both fixed. They play constantly and there haven't been many biting issues. Cheyenne is extremely protective of the food and toys though and it is bothersome. Although she has been a great playmate of Cody's and he adores her, he seems a bit fearful of her. She intimidates him. There have been times when she has attacked Cody and bit him after baths. She does not recognize his smell and sees him as a different dog entirely. CRAZY!!! If I use the same dog shampoo I normally do, she is okay. If I use something different, she has outright attacked and bit him on a few occasions. He has been shaking in a corner after those attacks.

I've recently been working on some techniques to show her that I'm the boss. (VERY RECENTLY as in a couple days.) I'm no longer free-feeding them and hoping this will help. We're also removing her from the feeding area and telling her "NO" when she is guarding the pet dishes while Cody is trying to eat. It doesn't turn into a fight there, she just WATCHES him within inches of the dishes and makes him a bit nervous. she does "allow" him to eat at least. But we have to change that!!! He doesn't need her permission!!! This 4 pounder shouldn't be in charge. They don't sleep with us so we already have that battle won.

Although they would certainly like to! Cheyenne is a really good listener and does listen when I tell her not to do something or to stay. she seems fairly smart although somewhat stubborn (read . . . housebreaking isn't quite where I want it to be, but close).

The major problem that we have with Cheyenne is OTHER DOGS!!

She is a major attack dog and while she is on the leash walking through the neighborhood, she has gone after HUGE dogs in a very aggressive manor. I'm afraid she is getting a bad reputation. I don't think I'll be able to hide behind the "she is just a scared puppy" excuse much longer. I know she seems very afraid of these dogs and I think that is why she is acting out this way. She seems afraid of people, too, and won't go near them. (If they come into the house, she loves them after a minute or two.)

Any help for this puppy? She is super sweet and very loving toward all of us. She loves to cuddle and I absolutely CANNOT give her up.

Thanks for your help.

Dawn
Cody

and Cheyenne

06-25-2008, 08:03 AM	#1
Cody'sMom Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 36	Help with Aggressive Alpha 8 Month Female Our 8 month female yorkie, Cheyenne, was a great addition to our family. But, at 12 weeks old, she did come into the house with an alpha attitude from day one. We also have a sweetie male that is now 3 years old. They are both fixed. They play constantly and there haven't been many biting issues. Cheyenne is extremely protective of the food and toys though and it is bothersome. Although she has been a great playmate of Cody's and he adores her, he seems a bit fearful of her. She intimidates him. There have been times when she has attacked Cody and bit him after baths. She does not recognize his smell and sees him as a different dog entirely. CRAZY!!! If I use the same dog shampoo I normally do, she is okay. If I use something different, she has outright attacked and bit him on a few occasions. He has been shaking in a corner after those attacks. I've recently been working on some techniques to show her that I'm the boss. (VERY RECENTLY as in a couple days.) I'm no longer free-feeding them and hoping this will help. We're also removing her from the feeding area and telling her "NO" when she is guarding the pet dishes while Cody is trying to eat. It doesn't turn into a fight there, she just WATCHES him within inches of the dishes and makes him a bit nervous. she does "allow" him to eat at least. But we have to change that!!! He doesn't need her permission!!! This 4 pounder shouldn't be in charge. They don't sleep with us so we already have that battle won. Although they would certainly like to! Cheyenne is a really good listener and does listen when I tell her not to do something or to stay. she seems fairly smart although somewhat stubborn (read . . . housebreaking isn't quite where I want it to be, but close). The major problem that we have with Cheyenne is OTHER DOGS!! She is a major attack dog and while she is on the leash walking through the neighborhood, she has gone after HUGE dogs in a very aggressive manor. I'm afraid she is getting a bad reputation. I don't think I'll be able to hide behind the "she is just a scared puppy" excuse much longer. I know she seems very afraid of these dogs and I think that is why she is acting out this way. She seems afraid of people, too, and won't go near them. (If they come into the house, she loves them after a minute or two.) Any help for this puppy? She is super sweet and very loving toward all of us. She loves to cuddle and I absolutely CANNOT give her up. Thanks for your help. Dawn Cody and Cheyenne __________________ Dawn (Cody & Cheyenne's Mom)