I've created a monster! any advice - YorkieTalk.com Forums

lechy02 · 08-05-2009, 12:09 AM

This is my first post on here but i've been "lurking" for almost a year. This might be long, I apologize but I want to give plenty of background. A year ago I was going through a very bad time, I was severely depressed, had unbelievable panic attacks and was generally just a mess. My daughters were spending the entire summer with their dad and I was sinking further and further into depression. During all of this I received the absolute most wonderful gift ever, my mom bought me a beautiful yorkie baby boy. His name is Motley(like the band, he is WILD&CRAZY). He was only 7 weeks old when I got him(yes my mom and I now know that was way to early). Even though he was so young he was completely potty trained in 3 days, no accidents what so ever. I can def. say he helped so much with my depression, and because of this I completely spoiled him beyond belief he is in total control of this house. In the last 2 months he has became aggressive with every one and every thing but me. He doesn't just growl he has actually bitten. I am heartbroken I can't even take him places with me anymore out of fear he will hurt someone. He gets plenty of exercise and is healthy. I think I just need to find a way to become the "pac" leader. There are so many different methods and confusing advice some say follow Ceaser's methods, others say they don't think his way is good. I would just love some advice from others on how they got their little furbabies to behave. (He's a little over a year old!)

RoscoesMommy42 · 08-05-2009, 03:16 AM

I wish I had some great advice for you, but I don't.

I know others on here will though! I did want to say hello though and welcome to YT! Good luck and be patient. I know everything will work out for you and your little one. Can't wait to see pictures.

sdnylz · 08-05-2009, 03:39 AM

Hi and welcome to YT. I recommend you to go to the training section here on YT. Regarding Cesar's training style, I don't know. There is only one program where I saw him treat a Yorkie. It was for that program that I got Sasha! I just fell in love with this breed.

I can't wait to see pics of your little devil. (just trying to be funny)

QuickSilver · 08-05-2009, 10:48 AM

Don't fret.

People who object to Cesar's methods generally object to more forceful tactics he uses. Everybody agrees on setting clear boundries for dogs. If you want to watch a trainer who is much less controversial, try "It's Me or the Dog" with Victoria Stilwell.

Does Motley know any commands, like Sit? I would say this is the first step. This is easy to do, especially if he learned potty training so quickly. Or try Down. Next, implement "Nothing In Life Is Free". Before you feed him, tell him to Sit. He does not get his food until he does. Before he goes on a walk, he Sits. Before you play with him, he Sits. Before you rub his belly, he Sits. Teach him that you have ALL the resources, and that the way to get those resources is to obey you.

If you feed him at the table, stop. Ignore any barking or whining. Again, you are giving him information that these tactics don't work anymore.

On walks, teach him to Heel. If you are 100% consistent, he should get it reasonably quickly. If he pulls, stop. Don't start until he turns around and checks out what's going on. Commit to do this with TOTAL consistency for 30 minutes at a time (walk around the block so you are not stymied by traffic lights). Be prepared to outlast him, no matter how long it takes.

With aggression - obviously you need to err on the side of caution if he is biting. Don't give him the opportunity to bite anyone who is not ready to forgive him immediately. If you have someone who is willing to tolerate it, practice sitting with him on the couch. Have this very patient person slowly approach you. If he shows any aggression, say NO, and put him on timeout until he calms down. If he is able to tolerate the approach, praise him profusely and give him lots of treats. The Very Patient Person can give him treats too.

Post if you have any more specific situations you are worried about, and we can try to help you out. Good luck!

lechy02 · 08-05-2009, 10:59 AM

Thanks for being so welcoming! Motley does know all of the commands, and with the exception of the come command he will follow. When we are outside practicing the come command he will look at me, and I swear smile and then run the opposite direction

. We are working on it though. He is also learning that he has to share me with my 3 kids, now when they come and sit by me he doesn't growl or try to bite he just has to make sure that I know he's there too. We are slowly making progress! We try to never miss Victoria, I actually think Motley watches too, he sits in front of the tv with his paws on the tv the whole time she's on. He is definatelty my crazy baby.

QuickSilver · 08-05-2009, 11:28 AM

Good, I love Victoria.

She's had a number of eppy's about dogs who are aggressive too, I was basically repeating what she has done. I'm sure if you follow Victoria's methods, you can rein him in. The big challenges with training are consistency and persistence. It's really easy to correct a dog for ten minutes on a walk, and then just give up and let him do whatever he wants. Or let him whine and whine and whine, and just give him some food to shut him up. Be gentle, like rain wearing down a mountain.

For Come, try doing it with a leash first. With Thor, I started giving him a treat every time he came back to me, two treats if I called him. Come is a tough one, because you should be 100% happy and positive with your dog when he returns, no matter how badly he performed it. Don't use this command if you need to leash him up, or anything else unpleasant, just go get him (or give him a BIG treat and praise in addition).

Once he knows the Come command and is proficient at it, failures to Come should be regarded as major infractions, with major consequences. He should be physically brought to the spot where you called him from, and you should leave the park, or put him on a short leash for five minutes. Something big. This is only when you know he's really on top of the command, though.

Zanders' mom · 08-05-2009, 11:35 AM

Discipline just like you do with your children. When he does something that is wrong, tell him NO, put him in a time out, xpen, crate. After a few times of this he will get that you are not putting up with the behavior. Watch a few episodes of Cesar and adjust the learning experience to fit you and your situation. Good luck and congrats on the furbaby.

delicatepuzzle · 08-05-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lechy02

This is my first post on here but i've been "lurking" for almost a year. This might be long, I apologize but I want to give plenty of background. A year ago I was going through a very bad time, I was severely depressed, had unbelievable panic attacks and was generally just a mess. My daughters were spending the entire summer with their dad and I was sinking further and further into depression. During all of this I received the absolute most wonderful gift ever, my mom bought me a beautiful yorkie baby boy. His name is Motley(like the band, he is WILD&CRAZY). He was only 7 weeks old when I got him(yes my mom and I now know that was way to early). Even though he was so young he was completely potty trained in 3 days, no accidents what so ever. I can def. say he helped so much with my depression, and because of this I completely spoiled him beyond belief he is in total control of this house. In the last 2 months he has became aggressive with every one and every thing but me. He doesn't just growl he has actually bitten. I am heartbroken I can't even take him places with me anymore out of fear he will hurt someone. He gets plenty of exercise and is healthy. I think I just need to find a way to become the "pac" leader. There are so many different methods and confusing advice some say follow Ceaser's methods, others say they don't think his way is good. I would just love some advice from others on how they got their little furbabies to behave. (He's a little over a year old!)

I know how you feel (depression, and along comes my hero a gorgeous yorkie boy). If it weren't for him I'd be so sick right now, if not dead. Does he enjoy treats? Have people who are willing to do this with you!! Have them give him treats (start off with them tossing the treats towards him, make sure they do NOT make eye contact with the dog). People means treats. Does he know sit and wait? When letting people in the house (if you don't trust him, put him on a leash) make him sit and wait. The person entering is to give him a treat.

Love_Capone · 08-06-2009, 07:32 AM

I've seen this several times on tv. I believe an episode I'm thinking of with Victoria Stilwell she said the dog was trying to protect the owner who was in a similar situation. I believe she had different people come in and treat the dog any time he wasn't aggressive, even if it was just for a few seconds so he realized other people weren't bad. I don't know where you can find episodes of "It's me or the dog" online, but i love it, it's a good show. Only thing is if I used that many treats on my dog he'd be a chunky monkey

So I try to treat with toys and affection. I have never really caught Ceasar's show, I wish I had DVR so I could see his methods. Good Luck!

Love_Capone · 08-06-2009, 09:35 AM

Watch It's Me or the Dog Online Free - Full Episodes, Latest Seasons, Stream Videos & Clips - Yidio

Here are some episodes of Victoria Stilwell! Good Luck.

JoeyP · 08-06-2009, 10:30 AM

Great that you are seeing some improvement in your dog's behavior

Sometimes we place responsibilities on our dogs that we are unaware of
responsibilities that they are neither equiped or prepared to take on
You said that you were depressed and that he became very important to you during that time
Unfortunately he saw that and he became for better or worse
your protector
That sounds like it might be a good thing but it made him frightened and confused .... this isn't a dog's world and he can't cope under those conditions making him act out aggressively
Now that you are better it's time to take back your role as leader and it's time to become his protector now ... as it should be

Enjoy each other

Marissa101 · 08-06-2009, 10:34 AM

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...-you-boss.html

I was in the same boat as you. Snickers growled, and even bit someone. I followed this way and now Snickers is fantastic

It really helped and it also helped him get over his food agression. I stick my hand is his bowl everytime he eats and mess with him and he just moves over

I hope this can help you as much as it helped me. Good luck

It's a link to a thread I posted, with a link in my original post, that's the one you want

harleyyorkie · 08-06-2009, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lechy02

This is my first post on here but i've been "lurking" for almost a year. This might be long, I apologize but I want to give plenty of background. A year ago I was going through a very bad time, I was severely depressed, had unbelievable panic attacks and was generally just a mess. My daughters were spending the entire summer with their dad and I was sinking further and further into depression. During all of this I received the absolute most wonderful gift ever, my mom bought me a beautiful yorkie baby boy. His name is Motley(like the band, he is WILD&CRAZY). He was only 7 weeks old when I got him(yes my mom and I now know that was way to early). Even though he was so young he was completely potty trained in 3 days, no accidents what so ever. I can def. say he helped so much with my depression, and because of this I completely spoiled him beyond belief he is in total control of this house. In the last 2 months he has became aggressive with every one and every thing but me. He doesn't just growl he has actually bitten. I am heartbroken I can't even take him places with me anymore out of fear he will hurt someone. He gets plenty of exercise and is healthy. I think I just need to find a way to become the "pac" leader. There are so many different methods and confusing advice some say follow Ceaser's methods, others say they don't think his way is good. I would just love some advice from others on how they got their little furbabies to behave. (He's a little over a year old!)

I know it sounds weird but hold him to your face and bite his nose (just hard enough for him to know you're not playing). Works like a charm

08-05-2009, 12:09 AM	#1
lechy02 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 93	I've created a monster! any advice This is my first post on here but i've been "lurking" for almost a year. This might be long, I apologize but I want to give plenty of background. A year ago I was going through a very bad time, I was severely depressed, had unbelievable panic attacks and was generally just a mess. My daughters were spending the entire summer with their dad and I was sinking further and further into depression. During all of this I received the absolute most wonderful gift ever, my mom bought me a beautiful yorkie baby boy. His name is Motley(like the band, he is WILD&CRAZY). He was only 7 weeks old when I got him(yes my mom and I now know that was way to early). Even though he was so young he was completely potty trained in 3 days, no accidents what so ever. I can def. say he helped so much with my depression, and because of this I completely spoiled him beyond belief he is in total control of this house. In the last 2 months he has became aggressive with every one and every thing but me. He doesn't just growl he has actually bitten. I am heartbroken I can't even take him places with me anymore out of fear he will hurt someone. He gets plenty of exercise and is healthy. I think I just need to find a way to become the "pac" leader. There are so many different methods and confusing advice some say follow Ceaser's methods, others say they don't think his way is good. I would just love some advice from others on how they got their little furbabies to behave. (He's a little over a year old!)

08-05-2009, 03:16 AM	#2
RoscoesMommy42 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Morristown, TN Posts: 3,736	I wish I had some great advice for you, but I don't. I know others on here will though! I did want to say hello though and welcome to YT! Good luck and be patient. I know everything will work out for you and your little one. Can't wait to see pictures. __________________ Hello and hugs from Kristie & the furbabies! A world without yorkies is not a very bright one

08-05-2009, 03:39 AM	#3
sdnylz Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woodland Park, NJ Posts: 251	Hi and welcome to YT. I recommend you to go to the training section here on YT. Regarding Cesar's training style, I don't know. There is only one program where I saw him treat a Yorkie. It was for that program that I got Sasha! I just fell in love with this breed. I can't wait to see pics of your little devil. (just trying to be funny) __________________ sdnylz and Sasha

08-05-2009, 10:48 AM	#4
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	Don't fret. People who object to Cesar's methods generally object to more forceful tactics he uses. Everybody agrees on setting clear boundries for dogs. If you want to watch a trainer who is much less controversial, try "It's Me or the Dog" with Victoria Stilwell. Does Motley know any commands, like Sit? I would say this is the first step. This is easy to do, especially if he learned potty training so quickly. Or try Down. Next, implement "Nothing In Life Is Free". Before you feed him, tell him to Sit. He does not get his food until he does. Before he goes on a walk, he Sits. Before you play with him, he Sits. Before you rub his belly, he Sits. Teach him that you have ALL the resources, and that the way to get those resources is to obey you. If you feed him at the table, stop. Ignore any barking or whining. Again, you are giving him information that these tactics don't work anymore. On walks, teach him to Heel. If you are 100% consistent, he should get it reasonably quickly. If he pulls, stop. Don't start until he turns around and checks out what's going on. Commit to do this with TOTAL consistency for 30 minutes at a time (walk around the block so you are not stymied by traffic lights). Be prepared to outlast him, no matter how long it takes. With aggression - obviously you need to err on the side of caution if he is biting. Don't give him the opportunity to bite anyone who is not ready to forgive him immediately. If you have someone who is willing to tolerate it, practice sitting with him on the couch. Have this very patient person slowly approach you. If he shows any aggression, say NO, and put him on timeout until he calms down. If he is able to tolerate the approach, praise him profusely and give him lots of treats. The Very Patient Person can give him treats too. Post if you have any more specific situations you are worried about, and we can try to help you out. Good luck! __________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger.

08-05-2009, 10:59 AM	#5
lechy02 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 93	Thanks for being so welcoming! Motley does know all of the commands, and with the exception of the come command he will follow. When we are outside practicing the come command he will look at me, and I swear smile and then run the opposite direction. We are working on it though. He is also learning that he has to share me with my 3 kids, now when they come and sit by me he doesn't growl or try to bite he just has to make sure that I know he's there too. We are slowly making progress! We try to never miss Victoria, I actually think Motley watches too, he sits in front of the tv with his paws on the tv the whole time she's on. He is definatelty my crazy baby.

08-05-2009, 11:28 AM	#6
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	Good, I love Victoria. She's had a number of eppy's about dogs who are aggressive too, I was basically repeating what she has done. I'm sure if you follow Victoria's methods, you can rein him in. The big challenges with training are consistency and persistence. It's really easy to correct a dog for ten minutes on a walk, and then just give up and let him do whatever he wants. Or let him whine and whine and whine, and just give him some food to shut him up. Be gentle, like rain wearing down a mountain. For Come, try doing it with a leash first. With Thor, I started giving him a treat every time he came back to me, two treats if I called him. Come is a tough one, because you should be 100% happy and positive with your dog when he returns, no matter how badly he performed it. Don't use this command if you need to leash him up, or anything else unpleasant, just go get him (or give him a BIG treat and praise in addition). Once he knows the Come command and is proficient at it, failures to Come should be regarded as major infractions, with major consequences. He should be physically brought to the spot where you called him from, and you should leave the park, or put him on a short leash for five minutes. Something big. This is only when you know he's really on top of the command, though. __________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger.

08-05-2009, 11:35 AM	#7
Zanders' mom Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,351	Discipline just like you do with your children. When he does something that is wrong, tell him NO, put him in a time out, xpen, crate. After a few times of this he will get that you are not putting up with the behavior. Watch a few episodes of Cesar and adjust the learning experience to fit you and your situation. Good luck and congrats on the furbaby. __________________ With GOD .... All things ARE possible!

08-06-2009, 07:32 AM	#9
Love_Capone YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Norman, OK, USA Posts: 359	I've seen this several times on tv. I believe an episode I'm thinking of with Victoria Stilwell she said the dog was trying to protect the owner who was in a similar situation. I believe she had different people come in and treat the dog any time he wasn't aggressive, even if it was just for a few seconds so he realized other people weren't bad. I don't know where you can find episodes of "It's me or the dog" online, but i love it, it's a good show. Only thing is if I used that many treats on my dog he'd be a chunky monkey So I try to treat with toys and affection. I have never really caught Ceasar's show, I wish I had DVR so I could see his methods. Good Luck!

08-06-2009, 09:35 AM	#10
Love_Capone YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Norman, OK, USA Posts: 359	Watch It's Me or the Dog Online Free - Full Episodes, Latest Seasons, Stream Videos & Clips - Yidio Here are some episodes of Victoria Stilwell! Good Luck.

08-06-2009, 10:30 AM	#11
JoeyP YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Miami, FL,USA Posts: 1,005	Great that you are seeing some improvement in your dog's behavior Sometimes we place responsibilities on our dogs that we are unaware of responsibilities that they are neither equiped or prepared to take on You said that you were depressed and that he became very important to you during that time Unfortunately he saw that and he became for better or worse your protector That sounds like it might be a good thing but it made him frightened and confused .... this isn't a dog's world and he can't cope under those conditions making him act out aggressively Now that you are better it's time to take back your role as leader and it's time to become his protector now ... as it should be Enjoy each other __________________ Mike and Zach's Dadd

08-06-2009, 10:34 AM	#12
Marissa101 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Nevada USA Posts: 818 Blog Entries: 1	http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...-you-boss.html I was in the same boat as you. Snickers growled, and even bit someone. I followed this way and now Snickers is fantastic It really helped and it also helped him get over his food agression. I stick my hand is his bowl everytime he eats and mess with him and he just moves over I hope this can help you as much as it helped me. Good luck It's a link to a thread I posted, with a link in my original post, that's the one you want __________________ Yes, we made a fan club for our obssession of Johnny Depp Snickers Not just a delicious candy bar Last edited by Marissa101; 08-06-2009 at 10:36 AM.