doggie "aunt" needs help w/aggressive door guarding Hi, Am dogsitting my sister's 12 y.o. yorkie mix, "Chewy" while she is away for a month. My mother sat her first two weeks with no problems, and last nite I picked her up for the last two weeks. Chewy is a happy, affectionate dog, but does have her moments. Right now she has decided that she wants to guard the back door (no doggy door present) to the yard/home exit. Have tried treat baiting and she was not interested. If I get near her she gives a warning growl, ears down and fully in attack mode. I don't need to leave today, but I do need to come up with a way to diffuse this situation, so that we can enjoy our two weeks together. I called a local yorkie breeder who suggested calming tablets. I went to Amazon to research and there are a lot of mixed reviews on their affectiveness and safety. I do have a crate in the garage that belonged to my recently passed dearly missed pet-friend. Chewy has not been crate trained and think it would only make the situation worse. It was also suggested that i throw a blanket over her in order to get to door. This is my first time with my sister's tiny dog and I don't want to add to Chewie's stress. Your input to help me in this situation and hopefully sidetracking similar future episodes are greatly appreciated!! |
Welcome to YT. Can she be blocked off from this area. If she can't get to that door, she can't guard it. I would find a way of keeping her totally away from the door. Throwing anything over this baby will only scare her and may provoke attack mode. Even tho she knows you, she is missing her momma. First her momma disappears, she is transported to your mother, then taken from there to your home. She is scared and confused. Do not even "think' about calming tablets, this is not your dog, you don't know how she will react to something like that, or if her digestive system can handle it. You have to eliminate the problem by finding a way of keeping her away from that door by blocking it off, keep her in another room and block the doorway. You cannot crate a dog that is not use to crating. Sorry you are off to a rough start with this baby, but you need to understand she is scared, confused and she's a senior which adds more stress to her momma disappearing on her. |
matese's response is spot on. Throwing a blanket over her would definitely make it worse - you could even maybe cause some permanent emotional damage too! And same thing about the calming tablets. If something bad happened, you wouldn't be able to live with yourself. Restricting access is really the best thing you could do for her. |
I see Hurricane Harvey is heading towards Texas tonight. Be prepared for a very scared, nervous, anxious and perhaps aggressive dog with this storm. If she has a good relationship with you she will need lot of comforting while this storm is in effect, just giving you a heads up. |
How did you and Chewy survive Harvey? Praying that you and yours are all safe. |
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My sister's flight, although delayed in coming home made it and has been united with Little Chewie and sll is well! :) |
Wonderful news that you were safe and the pup is now back with his momma. Thank you for the up-date. |
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