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Originally Posted by UtahBelle  My Lola is almost 6 months old. We got her when she was 11 weeks old. When I would give her a bone or treat she would go bury it and then lay down by it to guard it. When my kids would get too close she would snap at them. We solved the problem by not giving her bones anymore. Now she is starting to protect her food dish in the same manner. We have no other pets, my kids have never teased her about her food, we never take it away. She has her food out all day everyday. Why does she feel so threatend? It drives my kids crazy because they can't even walk by her without her giving them a warning growl.
I know Yorkies really take to one person in the family and Lola has chosen me. She only does this when I am not around. If I am around they can be by her and pet her and get near her food. It's when I am gone that she does this and she has never done this to me. I am free to change her water and fill her food.
Any ideas why she is doing this? She seems happy and well adjusted otherwise. It isn't all the time either. She just gets into these moods. I'd say 70% of the time she doesn't do this.
Is it normal?
Thanks all!  |
lol well no- it's not normal
sounds like she is unsure of where he place is in the family. she seems to know you are alpha when it is just the two of you around but she seems to think she is alpha to your children. You need to start getting them involved with feeding her Lola understands she is at the bottom of the totem pole. Have Lola sit and have her WATCH your kids prepare her food- she must remain sitting until they tell her it is ok to go get her food.
Have them be the keeper of treats- If Lola gets a treat- ahve one of your kids give it to her- same deal- she has to sit before getting it.
Another way to form an alpha bond is by walking- Have your children take her for walks- even if it is short- and they are in control- meaning Lola is to stay RIGHT by their side- she does not decide where the walk is going- your kids do.
I think it will be easy to correct if you stick with it and your children do too- she is young and should realize - hey- these kids are in charge too- not just mom!