After months of stress, two neuter surgeries, vet visits/bills for injuries, and constant segregation to protect our rescue Yorkie-Poodle mix from attacks by our male yorkie (and sometimes our even smaller female), our date with the professional trainer is drawing near. Next week, we will finally begin re-training our mini-pack and working to get our fearful/aggressive pup back to a normal state.
It's been a long summer.
We understand (I think) what triggered the aggression, and the wait to get help, unfortunately, has permitted habits to form. But our primary aggressor is not often food-motivated. He has always been a picky eater, so most training treats don't interest him. We have had success in training him to go to his kennel with Wellness Petite Treats, but that's when there is no competing distraction--i.e. the rescue pup that he charges and chomps.
Both boys will be going to training next week, but with one picky eater and one who has had horrible stomach problems since his adoption in April (bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, some pancreatic involvement). I'm concerned that I won't be able to provide safe and enticing motivation for the boys.
They are accustomed to getting chicken breast at home as part of Finn's special diet, so that may not be a big motivator. I know Keegan LOVES the smell of cheddar cheese, but I worry that letting them have bits of it could trigger more health problems. I read that Cheerios are great for some, but cause constipation in others. Finn apparently had Animal Crackers in his prior life, but I know that's not a good option for either boy...
Any ideas on what treats would be safe for a very sensitive stomach, not too rich, yet highly desirable to a picky eater???
Also welcome would be any suggestions or tips from those who have had experiences with training headstrong male yorkies. We have one fearful/aggresssive/Napoleon complex who has forgotten his manners from the most basic training and one 2-lbs-larger exuberant/clueless/bouncier-than-Tigger former stray. (The remaining pup, the little girl will hopefully follow the lead of the aggressive one if he changes course.)
I am so ready for my little mini-pack to be happy again.