considering re-homing my yorkie

[Marioana]

One advice I got from a knowledgeable lady that is a obedience instructor is if the dog does something he isn't supposed to do, grab him by the back of his neck and make him lie down on his side. This is a submissive position, and this way he understands that you are the owner and he can not do what ever he likes.
I tried applying this with Chewie when he jumped on me, but he thought I wanted to play and rolled over exposing his belly . But Chewie was never aggressive and he pretty much knows we are the owners ( except when we eat, then he climbs on us trying to steal food )

[lynzy420]

In all my years of owning various large dogs, more than 20 including 2 Pitts, almost all of them more than 3 years old when I got them, almost all of them from bad situations and with problems, WE NEVER had to resort to any form of dominance, we trained all of our dogs, newcomers and puppies with food, love, treats and commands.

One morning while in the yard feeding my pack I told one to STAY cuz she was hyper...she sat and stayed...I went to work and the neighbor called me to come home cuz she was in the yard squealing and howling...I never gave her the command to GO so she STAYED!!! I had to come home and tell her....

My dogs were both watch dog and pet, babysitter and cuddlebug, but they all learned because we took the time and were very routine and consistent. I've had problem dogs etc., but always food and treats and consistent routines and lots of love brought them in to conformation.

I have never EVER had to, or thought of hitting, swatting, humping, forcing, holding etc, to get them to conform. I totally do not believe AT ALL in that form of training. I am above the pack, not part of it...I do not think that any of my dogs have ever looked at me as one of the pack....

I will say this...my Yorkie is spoiled but when I snap my finger and point she puts her head down and creeps away....she is not as well trained as my other dogs...Yorkies are little pissers....hehehehe

[concretegurl]

Originally Posted by Marioana

One advice I got from a knowledgeable lady that is a obedience instructor is if the dog does something he isn't supposed to do, grab him by the back of his neck and make him lie down on his side. This is a submissive position, and this way he understands that you are the owner and he can not do what ever he likes.
I tried applying this with Chewie when he jumped on me, but he thought I wanted to play and rolled over exposing his belly . But Chewie was never aggressive and he pretty much knows we are the owners ( except when we eat, then he climbs on us trying to steal food )

Even trainers who support this method do not recommend it for terriers...maybe the trainer you saw is confused.

[gontygirl]

Originally Posted by pinky71

Ive had my baby since 11 weeks..i got him from a breeder..He is 9 months now and weighs close to 9lbs. i never crated him , instead i used a playpen.He does not have free roam of house.primarily he has access to kitchen and bedroom....i started seeing aggression, dominance and possessiveness towards things and people around 4 months..I chalked it up to him just being a puppy..I put him through obedience school around 16 weeks because i had to wait until he was fully up to date on his vaccinations. he has been surrounded with a lot of love and he is in a wonderful home.. Its just him and me here and grandparents downstairs.i admit that he has been spoiled..He has completely taking over my home and I just happen to live in it..He has bitten me many times and other family members..Basically he gets very aggressive when he doesn't get his way..Ive been working with him about his resource guarding issues..He was neutered at six months and he still humps a lot..what has made me think that i may have to re-home is that he bit my arm pretty bad and my thigh the other night because i was trying to take my underwear from him. I feel like Im walking on eggshells in my own home and to tell you the truth, im now scared of him..Sometimes just having me walk into the kitchen he starts to growl as if im invading his space..The vet has ruled out any underlining medical issues...I feel like he may be possibly be a product of improper breeding..my heart is broken and im not sure what im going to do..I love him dearly but he is very unpredictable which makes me anxious....money is no option..Ive spent a small fortune with a very good trainer who comes to my home who uses positive reienforcement but i see no improvement in him...The vet has suggested that he may benefit from doggy Prozac .ive always looked for Yorkie talk for wonderful advice and support.. I just don't know how many more bites i can take without getting severely hurt..sorry for long post..

This is a prime example of what happens when you let a dog become the ALPHA. I'm tremendously sorry that it's come to this. I wouldn't say this dog is a result of bad breeding so much as he's a product of bad training, no offence. Positive reinforcement is a waste of time at this point. I'm in no way condoning negative reinforcement, I'm merely saying that you have to gain control of his biting. There is so many steps to this but it's soooo completely doable. The very first step is that he learn to be OFF the bed/couch unless invited up. This shows him that you're in charge of the couch and are claiming it. In fact, EVERYTHING in the house has to be "claimed" by YOU so he can see who's in charge. This is the fist rule of thumb. You even need to claim his food after it's in the bowl and on the floor. You should get your trainer to teach you how to "claim". I would begin there. If you have to put cooking mitts to do it!

An example of "claiming" would be: Put a toy on the floor (or his food even better...). Wrap a thick towel around your lower legs and duck tape it on you to give you protection in the case that you are afraid to be biten. As he's about to go for his food put your body between you and his bowl...saying "Leave it" in a strong tone (not yelling) and have him back away. Take his bowl up...repeat 20 times till he just sits there looking at the bowl waiting for you to allow him to eat. Each time he's backed away and sitting and waiting...you reward him with a little bite of his food and say, "Good boy". This is a process. He WILL learn to respect you and STOP BITING all together once he gets that it's not his job to be in charge. He isn't happy...he deeply WANTS you to take over. He has no peace in his life. Once you "claim" all of this stuff he'll start to relax and then you can begin your relationship. I promise this works. You have to ask your trainer to show you how to do this so you may have a calm dog. Prozac is a vets alternative support for those that won't/can't train their dogs...they don't want to see you give up your dog. He just needs some training... SOMEONE had to be in charge...he just thought it was HIM.

[Hrossen11]

My puppy started showing aggression around 4 months and was horrible at the groomers. I did not want that and recieved lots of advice like shoving my finger down its throat. What worked for me was covering his eyes. Every time he started getting mean I picked him up and held my palm over his eyes for a few minutes or until he calmed down. It showed him I was in control and did not hurt him. After struggling with that for a week, he finally got the idea. It is now a month later and I only do it on the rare occasion. The groomer said it is a night and day difference.

[pinky71]

i want to update since my last post..thank you all for your advice..there are days when he is ok but for the last couple of days his aggression has escalated again.. after the advice my vet gave me im now going to take him to a animal behaviorist..who can really evaluate him...ive invested so much time, love, training and not to mention the expenses, but i am committed too see this through....

[gracielove]

Originally Posted by Hrossen11

My puppy started showing aggression around 4 months and was horrible at the groomers. I did not want that and recieved lots of advice like shoving my finger down its throat. What worked for me was covering his eyes. Every time he started getting mean I picked him up and held my palm over his eyes for a few minutes or until he calmed down. It showed him I was in control and did not hurt him. After struggling with that for a week, he finally got the idea. It is now a month later and I only do it on the rare occasion. The groomer said it is a night and day difference.

Well, I'm glad you didn't stick your finger down his throat! I can hardly believe there are people who would do such a thing!

[gemy]

Originally Posted by pinky71

i want to update since my last post..thank you all for your advice..there are days when he is ok but for the last couple of days his aggression has escalated again.. after the advice my vet gave me im now going to take him to a animal behaviorist..who can really evaluate him...ive invested so much time, love, training and not to mention the expenses, but i am committed too see this through....

Truly I think this is best. You need to work closely with someone, consistently with your dog, and be observed doing so. So specific, unique to you and your dog corrections are demostrated and explained.

At this point you have had so many good suggestions. Now is the time to go forward with your plan and to follow one corrective trainer route.

It certainly can be done! I wish you much success.

[Teresiana]

I think a behaviorist is a great idea. I can tell you're worried about your little pup I wish you the best of luck & I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

[yorkiemini]

I have had experience with your situation.
A behavioralist is probably a good idea IF they are well trained and know terriers and small dogs.

No one has discussed medication.
Medication and basic obedience training worked very well for me. It took may hours of work, but sounds like you are already investing lots of time and effort with your pup. I applaud you for that ! BIG TIME!

I would ask that be open to using medication along with your training. They key however is finding knowledgable individuals to help and I am aware that many out themselves forth as experts that are really not. So be prepared to work through that. I was so desperate for help that I got a lot of bad advice and and experts who were not expertness.

All of that investment finally came together to give me a sweet loving Yorkie once the anxiety issues were positively addressed. I will say again, medication was key for a while.

[pinky71]

thank you yorkie mini..i am seeing a very well respected behaviorist..He is from Tufts Veterinary school in Grafton ma..I guess he has written many books on dog behavior and has appeared on TV as well...His name is Dr.Nichols Dodman.. I am open to medication.. ive always been very aware of being the alpha in the house, teaching him drop it, and leave it..He is very smart and responds well to many commands.. but i truly think he is a little crazy or a product of bad breeding...

[littlesev]

I reread your original post and I realised that it's exactly how my dog, GG behaves towards my brother. Twice he kicked his playpen out of frustration and GG has been anxious / afraid of him ever since. Thankfully he hasn't resorted to biting, just growling whenever he thinks my bro is getting too close for comfort and he'll quickly eat his food if he sees my brother. Doing the alpha role thing definitely never pays off. It only makes the dog more aggressive Like people, dogs have varied temperaments, some are placid/good and some are a lot feistier.

What do you do when he bites you? Mine used to aim for my ankles (ouch) so what I did was to pick him up, hold him under my arm gently with my palm covering his chest area (sort of like carrying a baguette). I can feel his heartbeat and it does calm him down immediately.

I myself have been advised against medication, especially for a puppy, but I haven't seen your dog and can't make that judgment. Best to get professional opinion like you already have All the best with that pinky.