Quote:
Originally Posted by sandyapk  A friend brought her 2 year old over to swim. Mia has played with this little girl before and usually showers her with kisses. Mia is obsessed with her blue ball, and while we were in the pool this little girl kept taking it from her. Eventually she would return it.
While I was preparing dinner I heard some scuffle and a weird noise from Mia, like a growl. When I came over to investigate the mother said Mia snapped at her. It totally surprised me. 5 minutes later she did the same thing. I put her in her crate for some safe time out. Things settled down after that, then.
Later after dinner Mia was sitting on my lap, the little girl came up and rested her head on the foot stool near me. Mia moved towards her and snapped into the air, near this child's face. (3 or 4 inches away) and let out the snarl growl sound.
So now what? Mia has never showed any sort of aggression ever before. My grand daughter is coming for a visit for 3 weeks this summer and she is only 1! OMG what to do?? Any advice would be appreciated. |
You stated at the start of this post that Mia is obsessed with her blue ball and the little girl kept taking it - right there is the root of your problem - Mia has a favorite toy and it's hers - end of story - she is thinking the baby is going to take her toy - they are very smart but they do not reason as we do and Mia finds it threatening - Its best to take the blue ball away and out of Mia's sight until the baby leaves - I find this works with mine - if they are very protective of one item - i simply put it up untill the one that wants that item is gone - am i making my self clear ? i hope i am explaining it right as it is sort of like a child that comes over and takes your human childs favorite thing and it upsets your child. Don't punish Mia either with actions or by withholding affection - this will only make it worse - however don't let her develope this either - tell her firmly when she growls that that is a NO- and if you say it sharply she will know you are unhappy with her actions. I am not a trainer but i have owned and raised dozens of Yorkies and have learned what works.