I think my Yorkie hates other dogs!!

[AshleyJefferson]

I LOVE my little Milano and I know he loves me as well. We're almost always together. He rarely ever barks and he socializes will with friends, family, and strangers. The only thing is, he seems to hate other dogs! No matter the age, breed, or size, if Milano see's a dog, he will charge after it like a bull with red eyes! I can't begin to explain how many times he has tried to attack other dogs while on our daily walks. One time in particular, I almost thought we were both going to die when Milano went running after an aggressive Pit-bull. (I used to allow Milano to walk without a leash but after that fearful day, I don't do that too much anymore.) I must say, it's sort of cute watching my little 5lb piece of joy try to defeat what looks like a 40lb beast. But I know this is not a healthy way of living. If anyone has any suggestions as to why Milano might be so aggressive towards other canines and how I can help him become more accepting of them, please let me know. I would really appreciate the advice.

[Rem&Silkmom]

Has he had any obedience training? Sometimes trainers can help you to address that issue. But like you said that is not good because he might get hurt. I would definately look into a trainer who can give you good tips on how to get him to be not so aggressive towards other dogs.

[rnnw62]

I agree with the above poster. I think you need to enlist the
help of an experienced trainer to work on his socialization
issues. While his behavior may seem cute it could be very
dangerous if he reacts like that with the wrong dog.

[SnowWa]

QUOTING YOU -- I must say, it's sort of cute watching my little 5lb piece of joy try to defeat what looks like a 40lb beast..

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I know you really don't mean this.



Carol Jean

[AshleyJefferson]

Thanks for the reality check! I really needed that. The thing is I almost forgot about trainers because I was able to do much of his training myself. I trained him to calm down on his barking, to not jump on the sofa, and even to wait until his walks to go to the bathroom. I've worked with him on so much that I guess I just figured I could take care of this situation as well. But I see we all need help sometimes. I can't do everything myself!

And yes, I do think it's cute that Milano thinks he's much larger and stronger than he is. He has such a Napoleon complex. Fortunately, he hasn't been hurt by another dog yet. But it's better I get an experienced trainer now, then cry over his loss later. I don't know what I'd do without him.

As far as trainers are concerned, do you recommend the ones at the stores like Petco and Petsmart, or would it be better to have a personal one.
It may be a silly question, but I just want what’s best for him.

[Erin]

Originally Posted by AshleyJefferson

And yes, I do think it's cute that Milano thinks he's much larger and stronger than he is. He has such a Napoleon complex. Fortunately, he hasn't been hurt by another dog yet. But it's better I get an experienced trainer now, then cry over his loss later. I don't know what I'd do without him.

This is why you need a trainer. He might not think he's a big dog. He might be scared. Loki is fine until he gets within 5 feet of a dog he doesn't feel right about. He's fine with some dogs, mostly smaller or familiar dogs, and not OK with large new dogs. He will act like he wants to play with them, but he gets nervous and scared and then starts barking and getting a little snarly at them. It's not a solid "someone's at the door" bark, it's a wimpy bark that sounds like a gobble - he's scared. He's never hurt a dog or gotten hurt, even when i send him to daycare (at the trainer's) with other dogs, because he's never interacted with the "wrong" dog. (In fact, he doesn't pull that stuff there. Either he feels safer OFF leash, or he trusts the trainer, or he knows the dogs or something? She makes a little fort for him to retreat to if he wants to.) I'm careful with him on walks when we meet new dogs and the trainer is not present because he might react. He just barks really loud and then kind of retreats. It's startling though - it doesn't startle me anymore but it would definately freak out another dog parent (or dog). I thought he was being a "bully" and one of the trainers said no, he's scared. His body language shows that too. I've taught Loki lots of tricks too but for this you need a behaviorist. You need to find out why he's doing it - is he being agressive, is he scared, is he being territorial, etc.? A behaviorist can tell you these things.

I think it's "cute" when Loki plays nicely with the big dogs and tries to wrestle them when his head is the size of their paw. I do not think it's cute when he tries to "attack" them, even if in his mind he is trying to scare them off. He's like the kid that says "I know Karate don't mess with me". He's just a big baby. We're working on building his confidence.

[Rem&Silkmom]

its "cute" because it is a small dog but if a large dog acted this way with the same behavior it would not be cute...you might be getting sued. Yorkies don't know they are small sometimes so wether large or a small dog it is something that should be addressed by a professional trainer. Personally i would not go to petco or petsmart but maybe get a reference from your vet.

[SnowWa]

Small dogs have many more aggression problems than larger dogs do. So, it is something that all we small dog owners have keep an eye on.

And, don't think small dogs can't do a lot of damage. Their little teeth are very sharp and their bites can hurt a lot. A pom-mix killed a little girl recently. This certainly shows what a small dog is capable of doing.

I'm sure these little dogs behavior is fear-based aggression - it is understandable since they are so small, but it still needs to be stopped as soon as possible.

Good luck! Carol Jean