Reacts to people lifting up their foot in a kick like form - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Tiberius · 08-03-2015, 12:51 PM

So I adopted a yorkie about 3 months ago we've done some basic training. He's 3 and we put training on hold since he had bladder stone surgery. But about a month ago he bit my grandma when she lifted her foot up and yesterday he did the same with my moms boyfriend. I've tried it with him and he won't go for the bite when I do it but he will growl and snarl. How can I make this better? I'm assuming he was abused in his old home and based on the bladder stones he wasn't very well taken care of. Any tips on how to stop this would be much help!

Magnus · 08-08-2015, 09:30 PM

Something like that... I think the best course of action would be to consult a behavioral specialist. They can direct you to best method of desensitizing...

In the mean time, try giving him treat while moving your foot up slowly. If he's food driven, this would probably help as it'll connect something good with the action.

I know it's very concerning and frustrating but it'll all be worth it so try to be patient~ Good luck!

lillymae · 08-08-2015, 10:04 PM

It deff sounds like this pup has been kicked around in the past. When I adopted my Wolfhound mix from the shelter he had fear reactions to anything like a rope or stick, like the broom, mop, 2 X 4 , shovel, leash, stethoscope. It was clear that he had been beaten in his past home. The vet told me to take the objects in one hand & pet him with the other & inch the objects closer & closer as I petted & then slowly & gently touch & pet him with the object so he would learn that I & the objects would not harm him. After a few weeks of this he started to relax around the objects, it's been almost 13 yrs & he's still doing well with all but the broom, so when I need to sweep the porch I just tell him & show him from a distance that I have the broom & most often he'll just go lay in his bed but for whatever reason some days he wants back in the house or as far away as he can get from that mean ol broom. I would start out by sitting on the floor with your pup & pet him with your hand as you slowly move your foot towards him & eventually replace your hand petting with foot petting, BUT I would take OFF the shoes & put on at least 2 socks on the foot you intend to use for the petting so if he bites your foot it will be protected. Also you can put a treat on top of your foot while it's on the floor then after he gets used to taking it while your foot is on the floor then lift the foot off the floor a bit & put the treat on it, after he does well with this then I would do it with shoes on. This way he will start to associate feet & shoes with good things instead of bad things. My dog will let me pet or rub him with the broom on most days with no fear but every now & then his old fears & memories will sneak back in & off he goes but never during the petting with it only when I pick it up to sweep with it . I hope this helps.

SirTeddykins · 08-09-2015, 01:14 AM

In my opinion, overreaction to quick movements or loud sounds does not indicate abuse in the past. It does indicate reactivity and that is common in small breeds who are always alert, just like the YT, since they are aware of their small size and often skittish around unexpected sounds and movement.

Correction is key. So, whenever he acts like he's going to bite, for whatever reason, ensure that you say 'NO' in a firm voice. Then, wait five seconds after he's stopped biting or snapping and give him a treat.

My dog has never been abused and he acts the same way around things he's unsure of and correcting the problem in the above way has rectified a lot of unwanted behavior.

Hope this helps.

08-03-2015, 12:51 PM	#1
Tiberius Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2015 Location: Bristol Posts: 14	Reacts to people lifting up their foot in a kick like form So I adopted a yorkie about 3 months ago we've done some basic training. He's 3 and we put training on hold since he had bladder stone surgery. But about a month ago he bit my grandma when she lifted her foot up and yesterday he did the same with my moms boyfriend. I've tried it with him and he won't go for the bite when I do it but he will growl and snarl. How can I make this better? I'm assuming he was abused in his old home and based on the bladder stones he wasn't very well taken care of. Any tips on how to stop this would be much help!

08-08-2015, 09:30 PM	#2
Magnus Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 3,192	Something like that... I think the best course of action would be to consult a behavioral specialist. They can direct you to best method of desensitizing... In the mean time, try giving him treat while moving your foot up slowly. If he's food driven, this would probably help as it'll connect something good with the action. I know it's very concerning and frustrating but it'll all be worth it so try to be patient~ Good luck!

08-08-2015, 10:04 PM	#3
lillymae YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,544	It deff sounds like this pup has been kicked around in the past. When I adopted my Wolfhound mix from the shelter he had fear reactions to anything like a rope or stick, like the broom, mop, 2 X 4 , shovel, leash, stethoscope. It was clear that he had been beaten in his past home. The vet told me to take the objects in one hand & pet him with the other & inch the objects closer & closer as I petted & then slowly & gently touch & pet him with the object so he would learn that I & the objects would not harm him. After a few weeks of this he started to relax around the objects, it's been almost 13 yrs & he's still doing well with all but the broom, so when I need to sweep the porch I just tell him & show him from a distance that I have the broom & most often he'll just go lay in his bed but for whatever reason some days he wants back in the house or as far away as he can get from that mean ol broom. I would start out by sitting on the floor with your pup & pet him with your hand as you slowly move your foot towards him & eventually replace your hand petting with foot petting, BUT I would take OFF the shoes & put on at least 2 socks on the foot you intend to use for the petting so if he bites your foot it will be protected. Also you can put a treat on top of your foot while it's on the floor then after he gets used to taking it while your foot is on the floor then lift the foot off the floor a bit & put the treat on it, after he does well with this then I would do it with shoes on. This way he will start to associate feet & shoes with good things instead of bad things. My dog will let me pet or rub him with the broom on most days with no fear but every now & then his old fears & memories will sneak back in & off he goes but never during the petting with it only when I pick it up to sweep with it . I hope this helps.

08-09-2015, 01:14 AM	#4
SirTeddykins aka ♥SquishyFace♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: n/a Posts: 1,875	In my opinion, overreaction to quick movements or loud sounds does not indicate abuse in the past. It does indicate reactivity and that is common in small breeds who are always alert, just like the YT, since they are aware of their small size and often skittish around unexpected sounds and movement. Correction is key. So, whenever he acts like he's going to bite, for whatever reason, ensure that you say 'NO' in a firm voice. Then, wait five seconds after he's stopped biting or snapping and give him a treat. My dog has never been abused and he acts the same way around things he's unsure of and correcting the problem in the above way has rectified a lot of unwanted behavior. Hope this helps.