Dixie Cup, violent, unpredictable

[Rhetts_mama]

This isn't going to be a popular opinion, but if you truly aren't willing to surrender her to a reputable rescue then you should consider giving up the other two boys. Dixie needs to be an only dog (at least for a while), both for her peace of mind and the safety of the boys. I can't imagine the stress all 3 of them have to be under living in that kind of situation. Imagine what it would be like to feel threatened, but be muzzled and tethered so you can't 'defend' yourself...that would just make a dog even more anxious and likely to act out any chance it gets. Poor baby.

[dands]

Have you watched or read any shows/books by Ceaser Milan, The Dog Whisperer? One of his specialties is to rehabilitate what he calls "red zone dogs," or dogs that have the capacity to attack/hurt/kill. And training humans on how to be a good, calm and assertive pack leader for their dog.

His show is on national geographic channel and you can get his books on amazon.

[gemy]

This sounds like a terrible situation for all involved; my heart goes out to you.

I'm not going to assume all the trainers you used were incompetent, but they obviously didn't have the skills necessary to help you and Dixie Cup. I'm wondering though if they had any recommendations to trainers that might work.

I agree with another poster that recommended (if not already done), some chemical or neurological imbalance be ruled out as contributing or causative factors.

I have two suggestions; a) Caesar Milan or b) Monks of New Skete. My understanding is both have programs where they will take the dog, and do the intensive analysis and training to remedy your dog's behaviour.
The time away is likely to be benefical for all of you.

Baring that, is a rescue for Dixie Cup. Obviously this rescue must be prepared to handle her behaviour and provide an environment that would help her heal and find her balance again.

I really hope that you can find a solution for everyone's health and happiness.

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

This isn't going to be a popular opinion, but if you truly aren't willing to surrender her to a reputable rescue then you should consider giving up the other two boys. Dixie needs to be an only dog (at least for a while), both for her peace of mind and the safety of the boys. I can't imagine the stress all 3 of them have to be under living in that kind of situation. Imagine what it would be like to feel threatened, but be muzzled and tethered so you can't 'defend' yourself...that would just make a dog even more anxious and likely to act out any chance it gets. Poor baby.

I think I have to agree with this wisdom. It is just too much to have them all living life on the edge. They deserve some peace in their own home, even your aggressive girl. I'm going to "assume" you have had her spayed and that did nothing to help. She may have a pain problem. The only time I knew of a dog like that he was a parvo survivor and we thought he might be having shooting pains from some neurological damage that would make him lash out at whoever or whatever might be nearby.

After 8 1/2 years, I doubt I can come up with anything you have not tried. So, I will just wish you all well. I admire your tenacity at hanging in there with your girl all these years, knowing that there aren't many that would. You might be surprised though. If you are unwilling to rehome your males, you might contact a rescue and see if they do have any potential homes for a special needs dog like yours.

As for this site.....I would look at your computer. I have never had a problem signing in to this site, even from AOL. I have it bookmarked and I just go to it easily whenever I need to. I have had problems writing extremely long posts and losing them before I get them posted. Some would probably suggest I not write such long posts as I have a bad habit of doing that. But I think the problem is still more my computer than the site. I keep getting bumped out of all sites that require a password. It is something on my computer doing it. There are tens of thousands of people using this site and only a handful have problems. That tells me that it is usually our own computers instead of the site causing the problem.

[Bitsy]

Originally Posted by AlicetheYorkie

Really quick before I get to your dog, regarding posting on YT - I've never ever had a problem like that. I take a really long time somtimes to post because I'll have to stop in the middle of it to attend to something, or open another window to access a link for someone, never had a problem. Maybe it's your virus protection software or something giving you an issue - idk, maybe addministration can help you, but we definatly don't all have that problem.

Ok, your dog - there are 2 possibilities here - she's either extremely insecure due to possibly abuse or neglact BEFORE you got her, or she has some sort of neurological disorder. A veterinary neurologist can determin if this is the case (and it's very possible, I've seen a very bad case in a Boston Terrier, nothing could be done for this dog).

If you can have a vet specialist rule out an imbalance, then training by a
highly skilled professional is in order. If this dog is so vicious that you have to do the things you do every day (muzzling etc.) there's is just no way I'm comfortable having you handle this on your own.

How does this happen? Dogs NEED leadership, they are pack animals and packs have orders of hiarchie (there's a "pack leader" and the rest are followers). You're dog is definatly ment to be a follower, I know it probably seems the oposite, but leaders in the dog world are calm and sure of themselves, your dog is definatly NOT. I'm not trying to sound mean here, but you're dog does not feel that you are a strong enough leader to trust and follow and has taken his insecurity to the extreme. It takes someone VERY confident who can keep all emotions in check to deal with a dog this bad. The techinques involved are difficult and not for the inexperienced, and some people are not cut out for it no matter how much they learn.

That being said, I know you said you've used trainers, well the thing is, sooooo many "dog trainers" are just self proclaimed and can not deal with cases like this. The way I see it you have two options if a neurological disorder is ruled out - keep searching for a GREAT trainer who is proficiant at handling cases like this. Option 2 - find a reputable Yorkie rescue to take her and help her.

I'm sorry, but if you are this emotional and distressed (which is 100% understandable) than you are not in a position to handle this dog. I know you want to help him (or her, sorry I can't remember), but the best thing you can do is get a professional to help or take the dog off your hands. It's what's BEST FOR THE DOG. He's sooooo extremely stressed every single moment if he's behaving this way, that he is not having a good life right now. I wish I could direct you to a good trainer or rescue, but I don't live near you, so
hopefully someone else can. Good luck and just remember, you have to do what's best for the dog, not you, and giving him to a rescue with experience people who rehabilitate dogs all the time may if fact be what's best for you both.

Great advice!!!!!

Btw, love the name Dixie Cup!

[Bitsy]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

I think I have to agree with this wisdom. It is just too much to have them all living life on the edge. They deserve some peace in their own home, even your aggressive girl. I'm going to "assume" you have had her spayed and that did nothing to help. She may have a pain problem. The only time I knew of a dog like that he was a parvo survivor and we thought he might be having shooting pains from some neurological damage that would make him lash out at whoever or whatever might be nearby.

After 8 1/2 years, I doubt I can come up with anything you have not tried. So, I will just wish you all well. I admire your tenacity at hanging in there with your girl all these years, knowing that there aren't many that would. You might be surprised though. If you are unwilling to rehome your males, you might contact a rescue and see if they do have any potential homes for a special needs dog like yours.

As for this site.....I would look at your computer. I have never had a problem signing in to this site, even from AOL. I have it bookmarked and I just go to it easily whenever I need to. I have had problems writing extremely long posts and losing them before I get them posted. Some would probably suggest I not write such long posts as I have a bad habit of doing that. But I think the problem is still more my computer than the site. I keep getting bumped out of all sites that require a password. It is something on my computer doing it. There are tens of thousands of people using this site and only a handful have problems. That tells me that it is usually our own computers instead of the site causing the problem.

More good advice!

[AlicetheYorkie]

Originally Posted by dands

Have you watched or read any shows/books by Ceaser Milan, The Dog Whisperer? One of his specialties is to rehabilitate what he calls "red zone dogs," or dogs that have the capacity to attack/hurt/kill. And training humans on how to be a good, calm and assertive pack leader for their dog.

His show is on national geographic channel and you can get his books on amazon.

[lamc]

YorkieSue,

Though I have never personally dealt with a dog like this, I do not believe that giving her up would help this poor baby. It would do the exact opposite, your dog has ovbiously either had something completely traumatizing happen to her BEFORE you picked her up and it scarred her to say the least. I commend you for loving this dog, I really do. Has she seen a psych (i know you mentioned prozac) but maybe its just how she is. To the poster above me, how do you think a new family is supposed to bond with a clearly aggressive dog. 8 and a half years with one person, a new family isnt going to change that many years of "doggy insanity" (if you will). YorkieSue, you truly are a saint.

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by lamc

YorkieSue,

Though I have never personally dealt with a dog like this, I do not believe that giving her up would help this poor baby. It would do the exact opposite, your dog has ovbiously either had something completely traumatizing happen to her BEFORE you picked her up and it scarred her to say the least. I commend you for loving this dog, I really do. Has she seen a psych (i know you mentioned prozac) but maybe its just how she is. To the poster above me, how do you think a new family is supposed to bond with a clearly aggressive dog. 8 and a half years with one person, a new family isnt going to change that many years of "doggy insanity" (if you will). YorkieSue, you truly are a saint.

I agree that the op is a saint for exhausting every option she knew to use. However, it seems Dixie's behavior is stressing the entire family. From what she wrote in her first post that she does not trust this pup, and Dixie has taken to attacking the OP, and her other dogs. I'm sure those that suggested rehoming did not say so because it's the easy way out. It might actually be the hardest option. If Dixie is to be rehomed, she needs to go to a very qualified special home. One with no other dogs, no small children, and with a person that has experience with dogs with behavioral problems. A home such as that will not be easy to find.

It sounds like an overall stressful environment. Dixie is stressed, as she feels everyone in the house is a threat, the other pups in the house are stressed because they no longer have a carefree life, they have to watch out for Dixie.
OP must be stressed because Dixie is stressed and so are her other pups. It sounds like a bad situation all around.

[lamc]

Originally Posted by DvlshAngel985

I agree that the op is a saint for exhausting every option she knew to use. However, it seems Dixie's behavior is stressing the entire family. From what she wrote in her first post that she does not trust this pup, and Dixie has taken to attacking the OP, and her other dogs. I'm sure those that suggested rehoming did not say so because it's the easy way out. It might actually be the hardest option. If Dixie is to be rehomed, she needs to go to a very qualified special home. One with no other dogs, no small children, and with a person that has experience with dogs with behavioral problems. A home such as that will not be easy to find.

It sounds like an overall stressful environment. Dixie is stressed, as she feels everyone in the house is a threat, the other pups in the house are stressed because they no longer have a carefree life, they have to watch out for Dixie.
OP must be stressed because Dixie is stressed and so are her other pups. It sounds like a bad situation all around.

Agreed!

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by lamc

Agreed!

I forgot to add, while not easy to find, I think re-homing is the best case scenario for Dixie. It will be hard, but once that perfect home is found (I'm thinking rescue) it might be for the best.

[AlicetheYorkie]

Originally Posted by lamc

YorkieSue,

Though I have never personally dealt with a dog like this, I do not believe that giving her up would help this poor baby. It would do the exact opposite, your dog has ovbiously either had something completely traumatizing happen to her BEFORE you picked her up and it scarred her to say the least. I commend you for loving this dog, I really do. Has she seen a psych (i know you mentioned prozac) but maybe its just how she is. To the poster above me, how do you think a new family is supposed to bond with a clearly aggressive dog. 8 and a half years with one person, a new family isnt going to change that many years of "doggy insanity" (if you will). YorkieSue, you truly are a saint.

Your partialy right, she can't just give the dog away to just anyone, it needs to go to a rescue organization that has highly skilled trainers who know how to rehabilitate a dog like this. Simply re-homing is not going to help, you're right, but niether the dog, the OP or the other two dogs in this house can go on living this way. Behavior this bad from a dog indicates SEVERE insecurity. Although I do commend the OP for keeping the dog as long as she has and not giving up on her, she's not doing her any justice by just carrying on the way she is. Of course I can't be positive since I've never met either the dog or the OP, but just from reading her post and the emotion and frustration she has about the situation, she's not in a state of mind to be able to "fix" this dog unless someone who REALLY knows what they're doing comes into the home to help. This isn't normal behavior, this dog is STRESSED every single second of every day, staying where he is in the state of mind he's in is not what's best for him (or the OP or her other dogs), but you are right, simply going to a new home won't fix the problem.

[Perrella]

Originally Posted by DvlshAngel985

I agree that the op is a saint for exhausting every option she knew to use. However, it seems Dixie's behavior is stressing the entire family. From what she wrote in her first post that she does not trust this pup, and Dixie has taken to attacking the OP, and her other dogs. I'm sure those that suggested rehoming did not say so because it's the easy way out. It might actually be the hardest option. If Dixie is to be rehomed, she needs to go to a very qualified special home. One with no other dogs, no small children, and with a person that has experience with dogs with behavioral problems. A home such as that will not be easy to find.

It sounds like an overall stressful environment. Dixie is stressed, as she feels everyone in the house is a threat, the other pups in the house are stressed because they no longer have a carefree life, they have to watch out for Dixie.
OP must be stressed because Dixie is stressed and so are her other pups. It sounds like a bad situation all around.

Thank you! This is exactly what I was trying to say and bring across.

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by AlicetheYorkie

Your partialy right, she can't just give the dog away to just anyone, it needs to go to a rescue organization that has highly skilled trainers who know how to rehabilitate a dog like this. Simply re-homing is not going to help, you're right, but niether the dog, the OP or the other two dogs in this house can go on living this way. Behavior this bad from a dog indicates SEVERE insecurity. Although I do commend the OP for keeping the dog as long as she has and not giving up on her, she's not doing her any justice by just carrying on the way she is. Of course I can't be positive since I've never met either the dog or the OP, but just from reading her post and the emotion and frustration she has about the situation, she's not in a state of mind to be able to "fix" this dog unless someone who REALLY knows what they're doing comes into the home to help. This isn't normal behavior, this dog is STRESSED every single second of every day, staying where he is in the state of mind he's in is not what's best for him (or the OP or her other dogs), but you are right, simply going to a new home won't fix the problem.

I totally agree! My suggestion for all involved is to find a GREAT trainer that you can either do inboard training or you can surrender her to for proper training. Resource guarding many times cannot be "cured" but it can be address and managed. It sounds like your are very stressed and the stress if tumbling over to impeded your issues at hand. Using teethering, muzzling and air horns will never even begin to address Dixie Cup's issues and as you can see have only caused more unwanted behaviors on her part. This entire situation and cycle needs to be broken.

As for the timing out issues, that is not an issue with YT but is on the OPers end. You must have some type of setting where you do not stay logged in to the site after a set amount of time. It's never happens to me and something I've been known to walk away from a post and come back hours later to find that I never hit submit

[AprilLove]

Originally Posted by YorkieSue

Here is the shorter version of the new thread that I TRIED TO POST on this frustrating site but lost...again. A nice woman responded and suggested that if I am going to be longer than two or three minutes writing on the site that I first write it elsewhere and then copy and paste it as the thread when I get to the site. Doesn't this seem ridiculous to have to do? What is the matter with the Webmaster or whomever on this site that after two or three minutes, your effort to submit is totally lost!! This is THE MAIN REASON I have stayed away from YorkieTalk--I cannot stand the frustrations on this site and I am surprised that others don't complain bitterly. They should because half the time I cannot even get onto the site from aol..I have to go to Firefox. What is wrong with this picture and how can so many people support nonsense like this??

Having said the above, I wrote earlier about a Yorkie I have had for eight years. Some of you may remember or think you do, my writings about a little dog called Dixie Cup. She was going to be the Apple of my eye after the death of the most beloved dog I have or will ever own again. When Phoebe Snow died, I died a little. But my hopes soared when Dixie Cup become available in S.C. (I live in NY). I drove there, got her, the day after I bought her, on the way back home, I knew I had trouble. Dixie has been "off" for eight and half YEARS and I have agonized over her temperment. And she doesn't just have a tough terrier temperament either...she's damaged or something akin to this. She truly seems schizophrenic as she can change on a dime. I've been bitten (twice badly) about six times and threatened by her so many times I have lost count. I"ve had in trainers, been to umpteen vet appts, written to scads of people, worked with her for hours on end FOR YEARS and still she is untrustworthy, aloof, sometimes vicious, and very dangerous. Every time I let my guard down I get hurt. She is a resource guarder (I am her prime target, her dog bone if you will) bar none. She is territorial, possessive and dangerous when guarding whatever it is she finds to guard. It is not just one object and sometimes it not an object at all--it's a space or section under the bed.

Last nite as I walked by her as she was chewing her treat WHILE TETHERED (i ABSOLUTELY NEVER leave her free in the house at night..she's too flaky and she hates my two little boy dogs I rescued who are so sweet it is unbelievable. They do not deserve to be injured by her and two trainers have warned me that she will do more than just hurt them...she is vicious)she suddenly growled and before I could blink had her teeth in my left thigh. I am so depressed over this little dogthat there are no words. She is not a pal or companion at all as I have learned over the past 8 1/2 years and my heart is broken. Even tethered I have to be careful around her. When she is not tethered she is muzzled as I will not have my two boy dogs hurt or killed if I Need to shower...and sometimes I do need to take care of me!! Yes, yes, I use crates too but basically, Dixie would spend 24/7 in a crate if anyone but me had her...she simply cannot stop guarding and attacking...doesn't matter what it is. Last nite really destroyed me. I have tried everything but a shock collar. I've crated, gated, separated, muzzled, tethered, tranquilized (prozac)and shot off air horns at her. NOTHING BUT NOTHING MAKES A DENT. sHE is dangerous.

The suggestion is always the same. Give her up, why bother keeping her, get rid of her etc. etc. etc. WEll, my response to this is, "would you get rid of your child because she was emot. disturbed or autistic?" I suppose some would, but I am not some. No one would keep this dog, this I know. She would be euthanized or worse...abused terribly. It wouldn't take her two seconds to bite a kid in the face if a family, swayed by her cuteness, adopted her. Nope, she stays with me because I couldn't live with myself if I gave her to a shelter or family (who would not keep ker after the first bite) and well, I can barely live with her either. This is sickening and I am close to being emotionally destroyed over this gorgeous, once show dog. She is a mess and I am lost for any remedies to EVEN JUST CALM DOWN THE SITUATION. I have no life at night because she won't stop barking at ME, attacking the boys (even tethered) and 'killing' the leash she is tied with. She is hurting her throat now because she is violent with her leash now that she has damaged her trachea and is now coughing. I am without hope.

Anyone ever had a dog like this? One that you can barely enjoy and that takes 24/7 monitoring??? Dreadful....thanks for listening. YorkieSue

You've gotten many good responses about your situation with Dixie Cup. Just wanted to ask if when you log on, are you checking the box next to your log on name /pasword that says "remember me"?
If not, that is why you are getting kicked off if taking a while to write a post. It happened to me for awhile before I figured that out, lol