The neutering part is important... he may still have hormones floating around in his system for a bit (a few months) before you notice any change in his behavior. (hardheadedness, protecting...etc.)
Also, Yorkies are different... if they don't absolutely know that you are the pack leader, then they will seek to control situations that arise if you don't. Ex: Doorbell rings. Dogs run barking to the door. If you do nothing, dogs continue to bark at the door and may run out when the door is opened. Bad situation. When you do something, it would be to go to the door and claim the area in front of the door as yours, by making them quiet down and back away. This action tells them they can relax, you are in charge, you are handling the situation, and can open the door if you wish without worry.
I think I understand where you head is in regards to your dogs. I had a GSD, a Maltese, and had just got a 'new' 5 year old from the Humane Society. My dogs acted appropriately til this Yorkie came along.
I watched all the shows on TV about training, bought books and did research. I decided this Yorkie's behavior needed to stop, the protecting me by going after other pets, and in general running the show.
I didn't want to change him, just some of the things he did. I had never told him 'no' don't do that, I just accepted what he did as part of him. I finally realized (after two vet visits for fighting wounds) that I was going to have to put my foot down and get a handle on this cute little monster.
So begins training. Not easy, bc before I was used to just enjoying my dogs, and to keep a constant eye on him would literally be work, and I wasn't sure if I was up to the task or not.
Well, the first time I caught him ready to pounce and told him 'no', he got upset with me and wouldn't even look at me for hours... almost a day and a half. I had been warned this may happen, but not to give in. He got over it, and the first thing I noticed was a more relaxed attitude on his part. Basically, I regained the position of Alpha in his eyes, and he gave up feeling the need to control everything, which can be difficult for such a small dog to attempt to do. He's still not perfect, but he's getting there.
Yorkies, in general, need to be treated like little children. They need to have limits set for them, and they need rules. The fact that he resists or hesitates when doing simple commands tells me he doesn't quite see you as his Alpha. And you do need to get a handle on this situation before he gets himself in trouble.
Walking them together as a group will help to establish bonds between them, and you. Plus, it tires them out so they will be less interested in starting stuff.
Forget about where and what he came from. You can't change it, let it go. He's with you now, that is what he knows, and what he cares about. Don't feel sorry for him. Be 'in the moment' always.
Don't tolerate behavior that you do not want to see repeated.
I hope this all makes sense to you.... I think maybe a puppy class may even be helpful (basic training class) to help you learn how to train him and help him in responding to you. |