Biting from an older rescue yorkie
 

Hi, I rescued a 8/9 year old female yorkie from the pound 7 weeks ago. Since then she had bit my husband twice in the face when he was kissing her and she constantly goes for my 8 year male yorkie. He can't even play around her she pounces on him. Well today I kissed her on the head like I have been doing since we got her and she bit me. I don't know what to do and can we continue like this. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks

I would suggest not kissing her on the head or near the face. A lot of dogs do not like this and find it intimidating and, therefore, will snap. You should correct the problem by saying 'NO BITE' when it happens but certainly do not put yourself in the position to get bit or put her in the position to bite by repeating the behavior. It seems unfair to impose 'kissies' on her if they make her uncomfortable.

Also, it seems like 8 weeks isn't very long for her to have been acclimated to the house yet? It took my puppy a good year or more to understand how to read the body language of my cat. Things do take time so I would try to not worry so much about the two being friends just yet. I think they are still probably just trying to figure things out right now.

However, if you have any concerns, I would call the shelter and ask them for a recommendation for a behaviorist. They will have used their own to vet dogs for adoptability so may be able to provide you a recommendation and training free of charge. I know this has worked for another member in the past when I recommended it and was met with great success. Like you, the other member (and myself) are in the UK.

Hope this helps and maybe some others will come along with their own perspectives and advice.

I agree 8 weeks is not enough time to get settled in. I felt like I had Toto for a good year before he really start to feel at home.

Also agree about not kissing on the head. At least not yet. Some dogs don't like being touched on top of the head at all. Try petting/scratching under the chin or patting on the back or near the butt/tail. When I approach a dog I don't know I never try for the top of the head. I always let them smell my hand first then if I feel the body language is ok I go for a scratch under the chin.

Thanks for the advise. I think it's just I need to give her time and I also need to have patience. I basically did what my hubby did we he got bite and I lectured him about it he shouldn't kiss her like he does Alfie as she is not used to us. I think I was just shocked because it wasn't the first time I have kissed her on the hend. In fact I have done it numerous times and put the biting of hubby down to her not being used to males since her previous owner was an elderly lady.

I have an adopted male neutered rescue 20 months now, he is now 4 yo, he's not to keen about getting kisses around his face and neck area. I do kiss his cheek by his ears, trying to get him use to it. He gives no warning, no growl will just bite, so I have to be careful with my kissing lol, I am very fortunate as I have spoken to a family member of the prev. owner, he was a surrender boy, so I have some history on him, he was not an abused dog, he was loved, cuddled, came to me spoiled rotten, but, there was no kissing of the dog allowed, no body contact when he slept on the bed. Now he is here with me, he has to learn it's ok to kiss me and be kissed, it took me 10 months to get him to sleep with his body touching me. You have this pup a short time, she is a senior, maybe she was raised as Cody. With rescues you need a lot of patience, let them build a trust in you in their time and their terms, force nothing on them. In time she will turn around, you have 8 / 9 years to undo her past life style. Let your DH give her treats, if you walk her let your hubby also walk her, let your hubby put her dish of food down for her and her water bowl, maybe if your DH builds a stronger bond with this senior baby your hubby "may" be able to dole out kisses as well. You are blessed to have a husband that loves this little girl. As for not getting along with your male, I need to ask, is he neutered, is she spayed. Many dogs are not dog friendly, my Cody is not, this is all from prev. owner not socializing the dog with other dogs. I took Cody to obedience school for his dog aggression, I was taught how to control this, now I have to work with him on that, the trainer told me Cody may never be dog friendly, I have no solid advise how to get your rescued girl to get along better with your male. Hopefully more knowledgeable members can offer up suggestions. As SirTeddykins suggested, a behaviorist would be ideal for your situation. Good luck, I hope you can work this out, please keep us up-dated on how she is doing in her new home and life style.And, thank you for rescuing.