Aggression in 3 yr old Yorkie is scaring us. Advice?

[walks]

Hello all. We have a 3 yr old female Yorkie (Kelsey) that lately has exhibited some very aggressive behavior that has us very concerned, particularly given we have a 20 mo. old son and another on the way. I'll try to be brief.

We've had Kelsey since she was 8 wks old. Overall, she has been a wonderful pet. Her only formal training was a puppy class when she was 6 months old or so. She did well. She is exercised frequently. Much of the recent behavior issues seem to have coincided with two things: the arrival of our son and moving to a new home about a year ago.

Here are the issues:

She has gone after our son on a few occasions, growling fiercely and biting at his hands. Fortunately she hasn't hurt him. The behavior seems to occur either in the morning or evening and I'm guessing when she wants to be left alone although he doesn't provoke her in any way except that I presume she feels he's in her space.

She will sometimes "attack" me in a similar fashion if she is laying on me and I disturb her. This is not playful biting in any way, it is aggressive and willful and quite startling. Typically happens in the evening.

She has virtually no tolerance for strangers or other dogs. She barks constantly at people she sees out the windows. When someone comes to the door she goes ballistic. I can't even answer the door without locking her in another room. On walks she is better, as long as people or dogs don't get too close. I won't let children try to pet her because I fear she may bite them.

I know Kelsey is a fearful dog. My wife and I are increasingly becoming scared of her behavior, particularly toward our son. I suppose we will opt for professional help, but any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

[xxmxaxrxyxx]

welcome to YT...i hope you can find the answer you are looking for. I am sure someone on here can help you.

[Ladylavender]

I am not an expert so I could be blowing smoke. I have seen this behavior discussed in a couple of dog TV shows. Kelsey is demonstrating behaviors of an alpha dog. She is trying to protect you from others and the chore is so overwhelming to her, because she is so small and the world is so big. Because she feels she must protect you and her "den" the burden is making her anxious and this is leaking out in other areas of your life.

I definitely agree that a professional is warranted. You and your wife's actions, in the past and present (although unconscience) has actually contributed or created this situation. You will need an objective person to observe how you treat kelsey in everyday life and determine what actions you and your wife are doing that has elevated Kelsey to Alpha status.

Once she is in her proper place in the pack, the overwhelming burden will be removed and she will become more relaxed and take her cues from you, so that when strangers or children enter the picture, she will not be so aggressive towards them and she will be a happier dog and not be so aggressive towards you and your son.

Just my thoughts.

[MIZBROWN]

Wow... You definately have reason to be concerned, especially when it comes to your children. What do you all do when she acts this way? Is she told a firm NO or put on "puppy time out" (as I call it) when she acts out? Do you assert your authority as the "alpha" dog in your home? If not, then this is why she acts this way... But, Im not the expert and I havnt had a pup act this way. I would definately try to get a trainer if you can afford it... Or even perhaps a book that addresses this behavior in dogs, might help get you in the right direction. Sorry for your troubles & hope this helps

[nahui]

Aggressive behavior I hear you! My silver yorkie was nicknamed Chain Saw by friends. My dog is so mean that I have to put a muzzle on him around kids and most people. We spent 2,000 dollars for a personal trainer and all my dog can do is sit heal come...

The trainer says my dog needs to be out in public but when I take him out he is a nightmare. If people see me coming they turn around and go back the way they came.

[Bruce's_Mom]

Soon after being attacked by another larger dog Bruce began showing this behavior, but never attempting to actually bite, mainly the barking and the posturing. I was beside myself, so I took him to a trainer and behaviorist...While he is still that way at times it is improved to the point that it is seldom and he is actually considered one of the friendliest at his daycare...This is what we learned to do...Mimic alpha dog behavior and TAKE HIM DOWN when he acted this way...DO NOT WORRY HE HAS NEVER BEEN HURT AND I WOULD NEVER HURT HIM!!! When he became aggressive I was taught to first grab hold of the scruff of his neck then pick him up (not by his neck, picking up his body don't worry) and flip him onto his back and hold him down looking him directly in the eye. About a week of this and he got the hint.

Do not know what the solution to your problem is, but I know there has to be one, and I feel your frustration!

[walks]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I agree that we are primarily responsible for her behavior and I feel awful that we have in some way let her down by our actions. I just can't figured how we went wrong. Money's tight, and while professional help is warranted, it may have to wait. In the meantime, I'll read up as much as I can for insight.

[Magneticgal]

Originally Posted by walks

I know Kelsey is a fearful dog. My wife and I are increasingly becoming scared of her behavior, particularly toward our son. I suppose we will opt for professional help, but any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

You are right about the fearful part. My Lexie is a very fearful dog. I did work with a professional trainer and he helped us tremendously (although it was VERY expensive!) The biggest thing to remember is that YOU have to be the leader- if you aren't demonstrating strong leadership, she will take over and assume that role. Lexie has come a VERY long way but every now and then, her old self will surface. You have a reason to be concerned- especially with the baby. Please don't feel guilty because it isn't always the owners fault when dogs act this way!!! What IS important is that you recognize that there is a problem, and do your best to address it. GOOD LUCK- please PM me if you need to talk furthur!!

[missPenny]

I am thankful for this thread just to know we are not alone. We brought Penny home at 5 1/2 months old, and she has always been an anxious dog. Her behavior has just worsened as time has gone by, and at almost four we know we have to do something soon. We have spoken by e-mail with a well-known local trainer who suggested we start her on a gentle lead halter. She is now used to it (though she dislikes it), and we plan to get her in for one-on-one training as soon as we can afford it.

She does the same ballistic behavior when someone comes to the door, out on walks, etc. She will occasionally growl if she is lying down and we nudge her or sit too close. That gets her moved immediately as I won't put up with it. We've tried the alpha behavior back to her but it makes no difference.

I will be watching this thread for suggestions and will share any other advice we receive.

I know it can be hard to see your baby behave this way. Any other time, Penny is the most lovable, sweet, cuddly dog. It's hard to believe that she's the same animal some days.

[bdbmamaw]

I have two females that will fight periodically. Especially when in heat. We did the alpha thing (hold them down, put my face in their neck and growl really, really loud!). It worked for me. Now when they look even the least bit interested in starting a fight, I just have to snap my finger and say 'No'. They immediately back off and are best friends again.

As noted above in previous posts, sometimes this will work and sometimes it doesn't. It's certainly worth a try. You may have to do it several times before the biting ceases. Just make sure that you do it consistently, even if all you see is that 'look' that says he's thinking about it. Catch it before it escalates and nip it in the bud!

Good luck, girl! PM me if you want more info.

[abbie's mom]

Originally Posted by Ladylavender

I am not an expert so I could be blowing smoke. I have seen this behavior discussed in a couple of dog TV shows. Kelsey is demonstrating behaviors of an alpha dog. She is trying to protect you from others and the chore is so overwhelming to her, because she is so small and the world is so big. Because she feels she must protect you and her "den" the burden is making her anxious and this is leaking out in other areas of your life.

I definitely agree that a professional is warranted. You and your wife's actions, in the past and present (although unconscience) has actually contributed or created this situation. You will need an objective person to observe how you treat kelsey in everyday life and determine what actions you and your wife are doing that has elevated Kelsey to Alpha status.

Once she is in her proper place in the pack, the overwhelming burden will be removed and she will become more relaxed and take her cues from you, so that when strangers or children enter the picture, she will not be so aggressive towards them and she will be a happier dog and not be so aggressive towards you and your son.

Just my thoughts.

And, good thoughts they are. Thanks, Sheila.

We've had Abigail since she was 8weeks, also. And, we've made some mistakes with her, apparently. I've allowed others to 'pretend' attack me, because they thought it was so cute how this little package protects me. Well, now, dh can't even enter the room without her growlng a warning, if she's in my lap. And just forget it if I'm asleep - she snarls, growls and snaps at him. And she does not dislike him! He's very good to her, and she gets all excited when he comes in from work. She will even curl up and sleep in his lap - but, it must be on her terms. I've taken to telling her "no" when she warns him away; and if she continues, I just put her down - no fuss, no fanfare - just ignore her. It breaks her bitty heart . It never occurred to me that she might actually feel the weight of 'the protector'.

[yogisdad]

I have no experience in this but ive seen it done. Just try it out and see what happens. next time your yorkie gets aggressive with you or anyone else take her down. pin her to the floor with yur hand firmly around her mouth keeping it shut and totally dominate her. keep her like that for about 5-10 minutes and do it everytime she goes nuts. firm NO's are in order as well. you need to dominate her in a different way than in the past. make her remember who is the boss and dont ever let her get away with it. light smacks on the nose and doing what i said above are not going to physically hurt your yorkie. violence is not the key but sometimes in the right doses it could be the right medicine.

hope you can fix this

[Sean]

I am not an excpert but have raised yorkies as well as many of the protection breeds. The above 3 posts on being Alpha are your only chance. A trainer will be costly! Both you and your wife must buy into this, both of you will have to be able to roll her(describe in above posts) and get her in her place. If she even looks at your son wrong roll her, it will take paying attention, consistency and timing. You would not stand for this in a big dog and you sure shouldn't from a small dog but you have allowed it to happen and it WILL get worse.You will have to get over the fear of being bit, because she will try to bite you when you do this. If done right she will not be able to, but can you mentally do this? With the baby on the way this must be done, or it will not be, if she bites the baby but when! I am not trying to scare you but this is serious and it is the truth.. You may have to think of rehoming if you can't accomplish this. Just my opinion.
Sean

[parker]

I am not sure if I am allowed to do this but CESAR, he has a book out I think it would be great to get it and take a look at it. He is amazing and his show is even more amazing. I have seen him work with dogs just like this and in a matter of a few hours they act completely different. The one thing I have learned is being the leader of the pak and not allowing the dog to as they say "rule" the house! I sure hope this helps and good luck with it all!!

[Ladymom]

Her behavior is very serious as you know and you really do need to get a behaviorist come to your house and work with her. Even little dogs can do serious damage to a child's face. A receptionist at my doctor's office adopted a Maltese who bit her husband in the face when he accidentally rolled over in bed into "her space". He needed stitches.

Until you can afford a behaviorist, you could try the Nothing in Life is Free program. I know many people who have had success using this method early on, before the behavior has escalated to the point Kelsey's has.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/nothingfree.htm

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/ou...echniques.html

http://www.k9deb.com/nilif.htm