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Originally Posted by zekie's mom  My Zekie is very self centered and thinks he is the only one, and we are here to do his bidding. I think it maybe a Yorkie thing, or maybe a small dog or terrier thing. |
I don't really like blaming it on a breed, or type of dog. I really believe they should be treated in this order: dog first, then breed, then name (aka Jackson). Because of course certain breeds are going to have different characteristics and genetics bred into them but with training and a balanced life, you can have a dog do anything.
It's not the DOG, it's the human. Small dogs in general tend to get spoiled and get away with a lot more than a large dog. Most people wouldn't allow a Great Dane to jump up on somebody, but most people think a 5lb yorkie is cute doing it. Most would also not allow a Great Dane to aggressively bark/nip/growl at anyone (esp. their kids) without being taken to a pound or shelter for "aggression" issues; but when a Yorkie does it, it's often shoved under the rug.
I go to the dog park often and this little 4lb yorkie is constantly guarding the gate and barking at the big dogs on the other side of the fence, will growl at any dog that approaches him and try to bite... and the owner is sitting there video taping and laughing, not even trying to stop it! Omg, if that were a Pit doing it, people would be throwing a fit.
It sounds to me like he thinks he owns you when it should be the other way around!
When he growls or "protects" you while you're holding him, put him down on the ground. I often notice when a dog is growling, the owner will pet or caress the dogs head to calm them down, but all that is doing is reinforcing the behavior and saying "good dog for growling." Just don't allow it... try to catch him before he does it too. When you sense he may begin barking, quickly tell him "no!" before it even happens and he if barks anyways, put him down on the ground and let him know he will not get his way by acting this way. Praise and treat him when he does the right thing!
I definitely recommend basic obedience training as well. Teaching him the "quiet" command, etc would be useful in this type of situation. Letting your children have treats in their hand when they approach him so he knows they mean no harm to you or him could be very useful in this kind of situation.
But typically speaking -- it's human's error, not dog!