I believe that both bitting and been jumpy is the same problem. Bitting is a reaction of been afraid.
Believe me a frighten dog is harder to rehabilitate than an aggressive one.
Your situation as you describe it looks to me that your little one has issues form his previous life. Most probably as you said with children handling him the wrong way.
I have two Yorkies and my little one has some fear issues. She was like this from day one (I have her since she was 2 months old)
I never pet her when she seams frighten. I try to get her attention to something else like a toy.
When something like a noise makes her tense I touch her and put her down on her back very gently and hold her like that until she relaxes. If you do that very affectionate and gentle she gives in and she forgets what made her afraid.
I also try to ignore anything that is out of the ordinary and act normal. Of course saying NO when he bits and leave is the right thing to do.
When you brush him is a very good time to touch his legs, ears nose and mouth. Try to brush him when he is ready for bed (Tiered) and don't force the brush on him, your goal is to make him calm, not groom him. Try also to massage gently his legs and his back. It's not easy but gradually he will understand that it's a relaxing experience and he will look forward to you touch.
The walk is a great way to make him less afraid of things. When I get my Yorkies for a walk it's not the walking that make them tiered it's the input they get. They see people they smell different things etc. Some times we just go to the nearest park (5 minute walk) and we just sit there so they can relax and see different things passing by. When we return home all they want to do is sleep. That time is perfect to massage them and groom them.
Hope I helped and let us know how he's doing
Maria |