Quote:
Originally Posted by Luvdogs2  Also, the last bit was over 6 months ago - for what that is worth. The growling is still persistent though. Another thing is Bdog will get a chew treat and come sit right next to you and either chew it or sit on it. If you move, even to get up - it's bare teeth and growling/barking. Any idea on discouraging this behavior? It sucks trying to have a conversation, watch a movie or simply sit on the couch and have some close time with the future wife. |
Okay... a few things bother me.... one is that she came from a pet shop. This means that more than likely she was removed from her Mom and the litter way too early. Also that she more than likely came from a puppy mill, so her parents are not of the best disposition/lineage. She may have benefited from additional time with her Mom and littermates, not that this is an excuse for her behavior, but a possible reason for it.
Chew toys are a choking hazzard, I agree to remove them from the house. Does she still growl if she doesn't have the chew treat and is sitting next to you when you decide to move? If yes... try to distract her first... find a food treat like Cheerios that you could toss on the floor to get her to move first, before you attempt to get up. The idea behind this is to prevent or avoid the agressive behavior, and eventually she will stop doing it in that situation. Also, she'll associate you with 'good' things....
Is there anyway to lose the crate, but still confine her in one room that is easy to keep clean? Like the kitchen maybe? I know crates are difficult to clean, so if she acts okay in the one room (with peepads) maybe it would be less stressful. Like when you come home first, take her out to potty, then a little meet and greet playtime, and some Cheerios when you confine her in the kitchen, so you can study. (And just a note: Yorkies do not see it as fair if they are confined when there is someone home.)
And another question: Does she use the same spot or spots when she is sneaking a poop? If yes, I'd place peepads in those spots until she can get her bowels under control.
Also, just a thought, my older dog sometimes goes out to potty then comes right back in the house, but I learned to watch him bc sometimes he will potty again inside. I think he gets distracted and forgets to go when he's out the first time, so if I see him searching for a spot, I just let him back out again. It used to upset me but now he knows it's okay if he needs to go out again right away. Also, bc he's older, sometimes I add cut string beans to his food... makes the poop move easier through their system, so he's more likely to poop outside the first time. JMHO: Hard poops are okay... but I adjust their diet to acheive a bit softer movement, as he appears to strain less if it's softer.
Still waiting to hear the kind of food she's eating....