[AngelAndMaggie]

I know just how you feel because I felt the same way when my 'brother' dog would act that way with me. I would actually cry, my feelings were so hurt. But I hadn't read anything about dog psychology and what their actions mean and what they feel secure. It was decades ago. Not that I've progressed much since then.

I agree with LinsZooCrew response. From what I've been reading (and testing), it's true that you need to establish yourself as the Alpha dog or he will assume it himself. They have ways of establishing dominance, saying "I'm boss" , that we never even knew of. Like when your dog jumps up and puts both paws on you when you come in the door, that's saying "I'm top dog". When you feed your dog whenever he whines or whimpers or begs, you have lost your Alpha status and he'll keep doing it. Doing things we perceive as disrespect, but it's not really.

Dogs ( most ) can sense your emotions. Some much more than others. So if the dog senses your fears ( emotional pains ) when he's around you, he will begin to respond to them in different ways; even become what you fear/believe he will become. Now I'd say that's with very perceptive dogs. Ones really tuned in. Like companion dogs can sense the needs of their Mommy, or you've witnessed your dog coming to sit beside you when you are weeping over some loss, or sick.... He's probably not that in tune yet, but he definitely needs boundaries. It doesn't make sense in my own mind, but it's proved true.

I used to totally spoil "Puppy" , our family dog. I take him places and let him run, and be boss. Follow him anywhere. Give him table food while I was eating, move over. Everything that the teachings say not to do (though I will never stop all of it. I can't) . So Puppy bossed me around. He saw my father as Alpha dog and me as last in the chain. He would bite me if I tried to pick him up and love on him when he was on Dads bed, or even kick him off my own.

Don't let it hurt your feelings. Please. It takes a while to figure each other out. I first thought he might be acting out of fear - called fearful aggression - but after reading your description of his loving strangers , it doesn't sound like that.

I don't agree that Cesar "the dog whisperer" is the Steve Irwin of canines. Not by a long shot. But I do agree to some of his teachings about the pack psychology. Others have been writing about it for many decades.

For some reason, it works. I've tested my own dog and tried being the Alpha : Being the one to provide food, waiting until they are calm. Taking them for a leash walk, getting them to walk beside or behind me, and it amazed me at how naturally they KNEW what they were supposed to do. Being calm yet assertive. Everyone in the house has to be in on it too. They learn pecking order by watching everyone and testing you.

Blah blah, yadda yadda, I've gone and written a novel here. Can't sleep.
You can look all the dog psychology and what actions mean what, right here (probably). If not, you could leaf through a dog language type of book.
You can also just do whatever you're already doing and he may just come around on his own. But I'd definitely make a strong effort not to allow my feelings to be hurt when he acts out - all that weakness and fear isn't healthy for him, or your relationship. I don't mean to sound harsh. I'm the first one to cry , but now I'm trying to catch myself thinking or fearing the worst around the dogs.

One of my dogs has been around, and spoiled for years, with only minimal structure, but she only rarely acts out, testing me. About once every two months she has to serve time in the Pokie. Time out. Not long, but she gets it real fast and behaves.

I think you'll be just fine once you figure out what the little guy needs to feel safe.

This is all my humble opinion and I'm always learning .
I used the spray on my hands with my Bichon ( my semi spoiled sweetie ) while she was a puppy, but while she was constantly biting everything, she was doing it in play and didn't growl or "bite" , just a constant chewing on me.
She learned. And I learned not to chew on my fingernails with that stuff on my hands.

I feel for you. You were expecting the prize Yorkie everyone talks about, all kisses and snuggles. He will probably turn out to be just that. I'd bank on it.

I hope it turns around quickly for you and you get your love bug .

Control the food - provide structure - all the things we dont want to do .
Take all advise with a grain of salt. Throw out most of mine Take FirstYorkie's advice on seeking out the true experts advice (and she gave you the names of some of them ). You can't know which advice is good and bad until you seek out the experts advice and weigh it for yourself. So see, I'm advising you not to take any advise.

You will be fine. I know it.

Oh my gosh, I think I'm blind.. I can't see the screen anymore...

-Angel and Maggie and Mike

LinsZooCrew[/FONT]