Aggression with strangers
 

I know this has been gone over before, but I am so upset right now I am ready to cry!!! Tonight I went to PetSmart and took Lex with me. She was in her carrier (I am afraid to let her out- haha) and this woman walked right up to her carrier. Lexie freaked out and started snapping and gorwling. the whole store could hear her- talk about me wanting to crawl under a rock!!
Yes- I know all the training "rules"- I have spent more $$ than I can count trying to train her (and I did have a very good trainer that HAS helped to a large extent) She was not abused, has been socialized as a baby. This is making me CRAZY!! For those of you that have never had issues like this, please don't bother replying to pass judgement- I am upset enough and do not need more stress!! Is there ANYONE else in the forum that simply for whatever unknown reason, cannot get their Yorkies to be nice and social? Lexie is FANTASTIC with my family and close friends. She is also GREAT with the groomer,vet,ect. But God forbid someone walk up to her that she doesn't know!! Then its WATCH OUT!!
I am frustrated and feel so alone! I am ready to just start leaving her at home. But I like having her with me. It would help me so much to know that I do not have the only dog in the world like this! By the way, she is almost 3 and I have been dealing with this since the day I got her (10wks old)

Tucker has an aggression problem too, but it's toward strange dogs, not people.

The one thing I would suggest is to closely monitor how you react to strangers who approach her. It seems like she is being aggressive because she is afraid. Well, if she has never been abused or hurt by strangers then it seems like the key would be to figure out why she thinks she has a reason to be afraid and freak out. Do you tense up when someone approaches, do you say a certain thing to her in anticipation of the other person. Does your tone or demeaner change at all.

I'm no expert, but I bet if you pay real close attention to your reaction to strangers approaching and make sure you handle it calmly and like its no big deal there would be a change in her.

Like I said, I'm no expert, but that is what makes sense to me. Tucker really only freaks out around strange dogs if I freak out and pull him away, or start telling him this or that. if I just act casually and let him say hi amd move on when he is ready we don't have a problem

Hope this helps. :)

I feel for you I really do. I dont have any answers for you. My Chachi used to ankle bite strangers when they came to the door and it drove us crazy. We would get on to him and as he got older he quit. He has also had a couple of agressive episodes with us. Scootiebootie is a behavoriist though and might be able to tell you what to do

Mandy is 5 and after her first litter she is agressive to other dogs if she is on the leash only. She also was fine with people prior to her first litter.
Now she will snap if anyone gets near her daughter Chelsey. She is fine alone but with Chelsey she get protective.

I too tried everything and think it is a personality thing with some dogs.

Have you tried her off leash with strangers as I was told they are more agressive in a carrier a little less on a leash and sometimes not at all off leash. You might want to try it and see. It is what happens with Mandy. I found that at an off leash dog park she loves everyone and has no agressive issues at all.

If you have an off leash dog park try it.

I would love to try an off leash dog park, but at this point I am scared to death (which probably contributes to the problem). The last thing I want is for her to bite someone. When she has her episodes, I have no doubt in my mind that she would bite, if given the opportunity. I do not want to be in a situation where that could happen. It is a vicious circle. I avoid situations that are " potential" problems, but then again, it is hard to train them when you avoid the issues- SIGH!! Funny thing is tonight after I wrote this, I went to pick up my son from baseball practice. Lex went with me. My girlfriend (who isn't around hr all that much) went right up to the carrier and picked her up. Lexie was fine- no growling and she didn't even wince!! GO FIGURE!!
Part of me might think that it is my "aura" that sets her off, but tonight during the PetSmart episode, I was looking at something and did not see the person approach her carrier. So in that case, I was relaxed prior to her going nuts!!

She is definitely trying to protect you, because you are holding her. Unfortunately, I do not know how to stop it. Maybe do a Google search on that. I do know it's a protection thing, tho. Sorry I can't be of more help. Good luck.:thumbup:

I have the same and more
 

Tede is up set with every one and every- thing. yes i have done $$$ too. tryed all..so now, i dont want to say it so people pass judjment. but i have started him on reconcile. i havent been here for a while cause I thought people would try to say how bad i am. But we are at the end. it has to change i need a life. I cant have a friend over with out a hour of pure hell. cant take him on a walk. In 2 weeks now he will sit and let a stranger go by with out a fit. so i am not saying go on medss. ALL i am saying is i feel for you and know what its like

I am sorry! I know how first hand how frustrating this is. And the last thing we need is judgement. I just get at my wits end sometimes and need to know I am not in this alone. God knows I have tried everything with her. She is wonderful to me and my family. BUT oh how I can relate to having company over. I usually end up putting her in my bedroom rather than have an episode!!

YUP - Got one two....IT SUCKS :(

TJ seems to do better, when he is 'free' and he is ignored, this way he can choose who he wants to 'visit' with. But I have to *fix* this problem as well. :(

Treats
 

I have heard that if you can get some friends or neighbors that trigger an aggressive response to walk by the pup, no eye contact, and drop a treat, that soon the dog will love to see a stranger coming...

That would be reconditioning her...

I saw Victoria Stilwell re-train two yorkies on her show with this method and it seemed to really work.

I had a foster dog that was just like that, beginning at 8 weeks old. She was beautiful, so everyone wanted to touch her, and it made me very nervous. So I do understand your fear and anxiety over the situation.

Good luck to you...:)

have you ever watched the gog whisperer? if you get it where you live..its on national geographic channel...i would watch that every chance you get..he is very very good and if you watch it i bet you can pick up some tips on what to do and more imporantly what NOT to do.

My Yorkie Arnold was always like this. I used to warn people please don't touch him he'll bite. I really have no idea why.

Luckily my two girls are both so friendly with people. Too friendly sometimes.

I don't think you'll change him. People who don't ask first deserve to be bitten.

Hugs Shirl x x :bee:

I know where you are coming from, Bentley is the same, was over at my mothers last week and my niece and her children came over, Bentley barked, lunged and growled for an hour before he settled down. Then yesterday he got out and ran barking and growing at the neighbours kids. We are going away for a couple of days and have to take him and Im dreading it, nobody can even walk by without him going off. I have never had a dog liked this before, my maltipoo barks at people but does'nt have a mean bone in her body and has never growled or would never bite, she would just lick you to death. When we get back Im going to try and find someone that can help me so if anyone has any help would be greatly appreciated for me too.

I am so glad to see this thread. It does help to know that you aren't alone, and you certainly aren't. I got Sebastian at 10 weeks old as well, and since he was about 5 months old he has barked aggressively at strangers, and strange dogs. He is fine with me, me 3 small children, my husband, and members of my extended family and friends that he met when he was a small puppy. But, when we go on walks he freaks out at everyone he sees. I have been watching Cesar Millan's show and reading as many books as I can get my hands on. Learning to be calm when confronted with a situation that has triggered an aggressive response in the past makes a huge difference! He is not cured by any means, but he has shown dramatic improvements. And, I just know that there are certain situations that I can't trust him with yet. When I have playgroups with other small children around I have to put him upstairs because he's just not trustworthy around small children that he doesn't know. But, I think that taking them out on a walk every day is important. I have much more control, and he gets to see lots of strange people and dogs on a daily basis. It can be stressful as he does tend to freak out occassionally, but he has gotten so much better, and rehabilitation is not an overnight process. I have also spent $$$$ on trainers, but it is soooo hard to find a good one! I wasn't getting anywhere until I started watching The Dog Whisperer and implementing his Exercise, Discipline, Affection program. Good luck, and don't beat yourself up! You are obviously doing your best to try to help her.

I got 5 yorkies.. 2 great one, 2 puppies in training.. and one MONSTER!!!

Mika bark after anyone she see... including anyone coming to my house, other dogs.. a monster!! And I have know one to blame as she is from one of my own litter.lol. Her parents are great, love my guess.. behave in the park.. but I just gave up on Mika and apologize to whoever she bark after...:rolleyes:

Believed me I feel for you..

:big_hug:

:aimeeyork:aimeeyork:aimeeyork:aimeeyork:aimeeyork

Great post by the way!

I was just reading this and had a thought :lightbulb

Pebbles can be horrid and when I take her out. Not aggressive with strangers but she pulled on her harness whenever I would take her out with me. I talked to the vet and he suggested a Gentle Leader collar. It really works when I walk her and now I won't go out of the house without it.

The idea is that it goes around the upper part of their mouth (it's not a muzzle and sits far back along the jaw) and then around the back of their head and simulates the submissive response. ****I asked about using one here last week and all responses were positive and other use it as well.

Now when I take her out with me, she sits, doesn't pull and LISTENS to me in public. I realize that listening is not what your issue is but it sounds like there is a loss of control when strangers approach you and she is in protection mode. This makes you more in control. Also, part of using the Gentle Leader is treats so this is not a punishment and seems to be very effective.

I wonder if you tried this at the dog park and gave treats when strangers came near and she stayed calm and sat, if it would help?

I truly understand
 

I truly understand and I hope for the best...

I definitely know how you feel... princess does the exact same thing... i cant stop it.. ive tried everything there was (even wrote a post similar to this a couple years ago) and i even hired a private trainer.. didnt like her techniques.. and tried to retrain her.. nothing.. i dont bring her out anymore for this reason... too many ppl always want to pet her and i always have to say 'sorry she bites'.. it sucks because i cant even show her off :( i just gave up.. she is 3 now and i guess i realized this is who she is.. and so yeah... but good luck to you though.. it is hard to talk about this with people who have no experience with aggressive dogs because they tend to blame it on the owner but i do believe it is part of who she is and not how i trained her because she too was never abused, neglected or anything.. the trainer said i spoiled her too much but i dont want to stop either.. otherwise.. what is the point of a dog.. she told me things like to ignore her when i get home for 15 minutes, dont sleep with her, cant chase her, she always has to walk behind me, push her off me when she jumps on my lap... so yeah thats a no! if you ever find a solution that doesnt involve ignoring her... let me know!! :p

Hello
All, Similar to Kyancer and Madsy, I have experienced my 5mths old Yorkie becoming aggressive with strangers. I noticed he has some aggression issues with items he would pick off the ground, kleenex rocks, sticks etc...I tried to take them away and he growled. Well this Sat was the first time I experienced what he is capable of. We had 2 guest come over and he wanted to attack both of them and would not give in. It was an awful scene where my friend was afraid of my tiny puppy. He was soo nippy and growling and barking,I did not know what to do. We tried everything from treats to using the leash and he would not let up. He will be getting neutered next week so I am hoping that that will help because I can't live with out having my guests be afraid of my yorkie. also on Walks he wants to attack anyone that is passing by. I hope it's a stage. It is very frusterating.
Anta

Kris I wish you the best of luck with Lexie. I know how frustrating it can be to have a dog that you feel you can't take out in public. It is very embarrassing but don't give up, or things will never get better. You say that she was socialized as a baby, and she is 3 now? I'm curious why did you stop socializing her? Has she always been aggressive towards strangers?

My golden retriever is an old grump. She started getting aggressive after she was attacked while on leash by a dog who had escaped from his yard. For years my mother was too scared to take her to an off leash park because she was certain that she would snap on another dog. When Lucy came to live with me, I started socializing her more and taking her to dog parks with familiar people and dogs. She is fine off leash, on leash she still shows aggression to other dogs but is getting better.

My golden also has a problem with my roommates dog, we've tried all sorts of things to try to help the aggression between the two dogs. I even once tried a Dog Whisperer. She did aligned all my dog's chakras and communicated with my dogs spiritually.

Catrina - it isn't about ignoring her, it is about showing her who is the alpha and I've seen this method of training be very effective. An aggressive dog isn't always a result from being abused or neglected.

She afraid of strangers and is allowed !!! Anyone, I mean anyone walking into up to or near my dog without expressed written ok and rules laid out needs their hand bite. Go touch your own dog and hands off mine. Sorry but a stranger walking up and touching a human child without ok from a parent be in hot water back off my dog.

Socialization does not fix genetic fear and aggression and chemical issues in the brain.

What you are dealing with I live with and I have one suggestion just one.
I am not sure where you live but go find a behaviorist a PHD board certified one or a vet with behaviour... yes there is a big big difference in that and a trainer.... they can do the testing to see if it a chemical embalance, they skills most trainers can not even get close to. They got tricks and ways that those of us using them get a chance to see and play with and pass around.

Sadly no one told you that you have to help rewire the dogs brain before they are three years old or what you see is what you get ... oh but changes still can be made.

Not sure what or who you have worked with but I also look into Control unleashed book.

Your never alone I am a PM away and lived this nightmare and wonderful learning for a lot longer then you and because of my brat I have become a trainer.

JL

barking and aggression
 

Hi, It helped to read this. Lily, sweet little less than 5 pound girl went after a HUGE dog this week. It's head was bigger than her by double. The Bouvier was held back by its owner, but I thought is she stupid or what? She is fine in our dog class, it is out walking. I'll keep reading but I'll try treats when she pays attn to me, not others...sigh........she is really protective which I'd rather do without. She is at the office with me, and I need her to behave. She gets lots of cuddles and socializing.

Yes she does need to be a good girl but she should also be allowed to say no in a nice way. Some dogs just do not like being handled sometimes and just cause she cute does nhttp://www.trulydogfriendly.com/blog/?page_id=4ot mean she must. If she was a pit bull and said no we back up... if it was a pit bull and wanted hugs many would back up. Yorkie or not she still needs her space just to hang.
Tight leashes cause leash aggression and fights and tension down the leash and from the other dog and owner is a great trigger for problems.
My dog can work in class on leash and a little away from other dogs as long as the other dogs have good manners. If not it on them and willing to tell them off.

JL

We have an aggressive little guy too!
 

I was about to post a question similar to yours, until I read your post and saw you were asking about much the same issue. I have had 3 yorkies the first 2 were/are sweet as can be and love(d) to greet other people and dogs, but our 7 month old Gatsby is a terror when ever he sees anything strange outside (usually strange dogs or people, but he also may freak out if he sees a sprinkler or a ball or anything that is different).

I used to think that this problem was limited to more aggressive breads such as Dachsunds, Chihuahuas or Chow Chows, because all the Yorkies we ever met were always so sweet, while some members of these often more aggressive breeds would act anti-social, but now I know that yorkies can have this problem too.

I read in one book that you should grab and shut their muzzle and growl at them when they do this; I have tried that and it may have some impact, but it does not really work as well as I would have hoped. And its hard to do this when walking two at once. Also, when Gatsby acts like this, he often gets his sister to act aggressive as well, and before we got him she was as sweet as could be. WHen he gets her started, there is no way I can effectively train them. I am hoping to control him at the YorkieTalk MeetUp next year. I think all those other little dogs will get him used to the idea that there is no reason to be aggressive.:aimeeyork

aggression
 

Hi, I am making progress with what my trainer told me. As soon as I see something I suspect she'll react aggressively too, I distract her by calling her name, clicking and then treating her when she turns to me. I have deflected several potential issues this week and then praise her like crazy. Today two bicycles went by us, a couple people, and the skateboard - well she barked but I was able to redirect with calling her, treating, getting her to sit, lie down (treats with everything). She loves the Pup-peroni sticks. Good luck. Keep me posted

Way to go ! Keep up the good work.

JL

I was just going to recommend that too I've just seen the same show -- if you can get a copy of it somehow I thoroughly recommend it. (The programme's called 'It's me or the dog'.)

You could also try carrying treats - I do this all the time so I can teach my two (and bribe them back to me if there are joggers!). try sitting somewhere calmly at the shop with your dog and using a calm voice as people approach talk to your dog - try asking her to do something to distract her from the people - ask her to sit or down and reward her. Don't say "it's ok" or anything when she's going crazy because that's reinforcing the behaviour. And keep the exposure to a short period of time. it's a lot for a wee dog to take in! and if she's good for the whole time (even if it's only 2 mins) praise praise praise!

I say give it a go at the park off leash -- being 'trapped' on leash or in a cage with no way to escape from perceived danger can exacerbate the problem. Again take lots of treats and keep her focused on you - ask her to sit or down - run with her - try a little heelwork and she won't be worried about people because she'll be all about getting those treats!! keep it short - 5 mins - and just slowly build her confidence in herself and in you. If someone does approach ask them to ignore her until she approaches them and then treat her. we've met a few really scaredy dogs at the park - best way to handle them is ignore them and let them approach at their own pace.

It'll take a while but it'll be worth it.

hope this helps.

LOL Dixie does that to Dougal - if they're on lead she attacks Dougal when there are on-coming dogs! Poor Dougal. These guys were originally bred for going down rat holes! There's quite a bit of agression required for that!

I have 2 angels and one little devil. I have been taking him out more around people and he is doing pretty good sometimes. If I see some one approaching I have him sit and I tell people to ignore him until he comes close to them and let him sniff them. Then he is ok. But I have notice if I say hello to someone then he will bark and act stupid and he could bit. But if I say good morning or how are you he doesn't do anything. So I have to watch what I say to walkers. If I see someone coming to my door I usually pick him up and let them in and tell them to ignore him. Once he shuts up I get a treat and give it to them to give it to him. After I couple times then he is find with them.
He doesn't like bikes petal or motor. And he doesn't like them running by him either. We're still working on all of this to. C.J. is 18 months old.
I'm glad this problem was asked. It makes me feel better to knowing I'm not the only one with a little stinker either.
Good luck everyone