[Vinniedoggy]

I have a three year-old yorkie/Jack Russel mix I adopted two years ago from the pound. The only thing we were told when adopting him was that he was abused and neglected.

I immediately began working with Vinnie and the results have been astounding. He went from being a dog I could not even take out of the house to a comparatively confident and adaptable little guy. He is perfectly potty-trained and follows basic commands. He's also just the best little dog in the world! We've done doggy school (he passed basic obedience school) and have done tons of socialization (I take him everywhere I go).

Despite all this, he still snaps at people when they approach him in public and barks at people when they go from a sitting to standing position in a variety of environments. He will not do this if I'm not around (he's pefectly behaved at the groomers). In addition, when we're walking outside, he tends to lunge/attack any black males (slightly problematic considering I live in DC). These "barking episodes" are so aggressive and severe that he doesn't seem to notice anything else around him. It's a very high-pitched, fearful bark too.

I am not at my wits end and have learned to deal with Vinnie's unique behavioral challenges. However, I want him to be able to enjoy a range of experiences. Most people just laugh and say he's a little Napolean, but I would never want him to inadvertantly hurt someone (he's bitten a couple of my friends, but only after much provoking). I've tried all the dog training tricks. The only thing I've found effective is "growling" at him while yelling "NO" firmly, but even this doesn't work during one of his barking episodes.

Any suggestions? Do I have the only yorkie out there who is so fearful and loud? He's a little dog, but that bark of his sounds HUGE!

Thanks,