Attacking Yorkie

[friscomom]

yorkiejunkie, do you have any new information? I just ran into the clip below on dogbreedinfo.com and thought of your new trouble. It sounds dog whisperish, only you can judge what is going on with your dog having all the facts. I do think most dogs do NOT like to be pet by strangers who are not following proper doggie protocol, but when taught that they must tolerate it they will for the most part. If his nature is suspicious and not friendly, that is healthy and normal, but of course biting is just no good with humans. Maybe it is only a matter of taking control of all greeting situations for a little while.

Yorkshire Terriers seem oblivious of their small size. They are very eager for adventure. This little dog is highly energetic, brave, loyal and clever. With owners who take the time to understand how to treat a small dog, the Yorkie is a wonderful companion! Affectionate with their master, but if humans are not this dog's pack leader, they can become suspicious of strangers and aggressive to strange dogs and small animals. They can also become yappy, as the dog does their best to tell you what THEY want YOU to do. They have a true terrier heritage and need someone who understands how to be their leader. They are often only recommended for older, considerate children, simply because they are so small, most people allow them to get away with behaviors no dog should display. This changes the dogs temperament, as the dog starts to take over the house (Small Dog Syndrome). Yorkies who become demanding and dependant appearing to need a lot of human attention and/or developing jealous behaviors, snapping if surprised, frightened or over-teased, have owners who need to rethink how they are treating the dog. Owners who do not instinctually meet the dogs needs can also find them to become over-protective, and become neurotic. Yorkies are easy to train, although they can sometimes be stubborn if owners do not give the dog proper boundaries. They can be difficult to housebreak. The Yorkie is an excellent watchdog. When owners display pack leadership to the Yorkshire Terrier, they are very sweet and loving and can be trusted with children. The problems only arise when owners, because of the dogs cute little size, allow them to take over the house. The human will not even realize it, however know, if you have any of the negative behaviors listed above, it's time to look into your pack leader skills. These are truly sweet little dogs who need owners who understand how to give them gentle leadership. If you own a Yorkie who does not display any of the negative behaviors, high five for being a good pack leader!

[teacup0819]

I had the same problem with my yorkie, Biscuit. He was very protective, especially of me. I found that when we went to the vet, I would have to drop his leash and then he would stop his aggression towards other dogs and people.

At home, I would have guests ignore him until he approached them a few times. Eventually, with his being ignored, he would climb on their labs and nudge their hands to pet him....imagine that!

When I walked him though, I would have to tell everyone not to pet him as he is a very protective little guy.

I also could never be holding him when a stranger approached...that was almost an invitation to war as far as he was concerned. But, if I put him on the ground....he was a different dog!

Hope this helps.

[yorkiejunkie]

Friscomom, I think you hit the nail on the head. I was watching CM this weekend, and though I thought I had it under control, I was reminded of a few things. For instance, when he is going "off like a rocket", I need to jerk, and release... duh... my bad, I think I have been holding him back.
We had a successful walk to work this morning, and passed 2 people, and one walked behind us for a block! Yeah!!
Also, I have started tying him at his bed, at work. Away from the door, and not approaching people, just like when he was a puppy.
I think we are on the right track... I'M THE BOSS!!! (well I am trying...)

[yorkiejunkie]

Teacup, I think we are on that track now. Back to basics! Thanks for your input. This forum is a great sounding board!

[yorkiejunkie]

Hired a personal trainer, for private lessons. What I have been doing IS helping, but not in all situations! Fingers crossed!

[BabyBrizzy]

Let me know how it goes! I wish you the best of luck!

[yorkiejunkie]

We had our first session with the trainer, on Saturday, in the park. It went well, no out bursts at people, unless they had dogs. The other thing that triggered him, was narrow areas, where he felt trapped. Like a bridge, or areas of the path that had no apparent escape route.
Also we have two assignments...
#1. Learn to make eye contact with Mum, on a one word command. Going pretty well...
#2. Have people we know come to visit, and give a treat for "not going off like a rocket". So far so good. Few explosions since Sat.(but we have stayed away from target rich environments)

So we are practicing "LOOK" at Mum, and the little beggar has started looking around, to see what I am trying to distract him from! lol Smartie pants!