Aggression/protectiveness in Yorkies

[olgap]

Exact problem with my 10 mo old Chico. I had stopped walking him because of the wild agression towards people, dogs or any type of wheels. I was getting to believe I had an agressive dog and felt terrible that I must have ruined him somehow. Anyhow, we contacted a trainer and Chico was a perfect dog for him immediately-couldn't believe our eyes! He sat on the front lawn and let people with dogs and strollers walk by without making a peep. So the problem is me! I need to learn to correct him in a way that commands his attention. Yes, this trainer does use the leash pops -but he only had to do it once or twice combined with a stern voice. He uses a correction collar (like a choke chain, but made of leash material instead of chain). I'm still not able to get the response that the trainer gets, but I can see improvement and feel much better about Chico. And the best part is that I know that his agression can be controlled, but it's up to me. So I also suggest talking to a trainer. Good luck!

[aliash]

Oh my goodness, I went online this morning hoping to get some words of wisdom regarding Bella's aggressive behavior, and read your story. All I can say is . . . me too! Same exact behavior. I hope we get some good feedback, because I don't know what to do. What do you think about obedience classes? Do you think that would help? I am anixiously awaiting all the advice I can get.

[aliash]

I forgot to mention that Bella is 19 months old. Is she too old for classes?

[Magneticgal]

Originally Posted by aliash

Oh my goodness, I went online this morning hoping to get some words of wisdom regarding Bella's aggressive behavior, and read your story. All I can say is . . . me too! Same exact behavior. I hope we get some good feedback, because I don't know what to do. What do you think about obedience classes? Do you think that would help? I am anixiously awaiting all the advice I can get.

I have a trainer coming over Sunday that uses high pitched whistles to train. I personally can't stand the thought of using harsher methods. (although I am sure a lot of them work) I will let you know what I find out!! I am so relieved that I am not the only person with this problem!!

[Magneticgal]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to update you on Lexie!! I have had 2 lessons with an area trainer. He uses a method called the "Dog Master". It is a unique teaching sound catalyst tuned to the dogs mind alone for mental directions and control. Yes- I was VERY skeptical- how on earth can this work? HOWEVER- one session made a believer out of me! Lexie did a COMPLETE turnaround. Part of the problem was that she thought SHE had to be in control at all times, which was very stressful on her. It was a MAJOR relief to her when she realized that I WAS the one in control and making the decisions. This trainer had Lexie totally under control WITHOUT ANY PHYSICAL FORCE AND WITHOUT YELLING or even RAISING his voice- it was absolutely the most amazing thing I have ever seen. If I hadn't have seen it with my own eyes I would never have believed this was possible. This works for a multitude of issues from barking to jumping to the aggression issue I have dealt with. I had another lesson tonight and she did AWESOME! Thank GOD!!!! There is hope for my baby!! If anyone is interested in any more info on this, please let me know. I am definately the new DOG MASTER marketing person- this is GREAT!

[Cheska's Bella]

WOW! That sounds like it worked out REALLy well for you guys!!!! That's great!

I do need some major help w/Bella. She can be a maniac when we are outside and another dog gets anywhere near us! She's decent around other adults, but little kids??? Eeeeeks! She'll take after them like they are a piece of meat. It's terribly frightening and it's gotten to the point where we don't want to take her out!!!

[JeanieK]

Cesar Milan addresses this issue. It is all about the dog recognizing you as the pack leader. Here is a link to his website.

http://www.dogchannel.com/experts/ce...aspx?WT.srch=1

[DANP]

Originally Posted by Magneticgal

God Bless you for posting this- I feel SO alone in this- like I am the only Yorkie mama with a crazy baby!!!
I did speak to a trainer tonight- I really like her and agree with her philosophy. HOWEVER (and this is a BIGGIE!) she uses choke chains and that terrifies me. She said she would take Lexie for 10 days and work with her and then come to my house for several visits to train me (boy,apparently I need it!) I have got to get this under control. My son does have friends over and I live in constant fear she will bite.

Let me give you some of my experience. We have a 2 yr. old yorkie (who we have had for a year) that was abused by his previous owner. He is an OVERLY aggressive dog - read: bites people, breaks skin, bites ME if he can't get to them - very bad things. Now, a lot of this had to do with the previous owner, but a lot of it had to do with the way we trained him (or didn't) when we first got him. We were way too lenient with roaming around the house, treats, sleeping in the bed, not going into the crate, etc. As a result he sort of took over and the aggression got much worse. I posted about this here about a year ago.

Since then, we've tried positive training, food-based, clicker, etc. NOTHING worked. We then got a trainer who uses a training collar. It feel ridiculous training a yorkie like this (hes all of 7lbs), but we did get better results at controlling the outbursts.

I also use a muzzle when I know many people are coming in, or if I try to walk him in public (something I now try to avoid). The good thing about the muzzle is you can know for sure he cannot hurt someone. He can walk up to people with the muzzle on, and often times in a couple seconds he is ok with them - it's just the initial anxiety.

My advice - give the trainer a try. Many people will tell you that you are doing the wrong thing, but if positive training is not working, it can be effective. Get ready, however, because training collar corrections are difficult (not to mention upsetting) to do to your dog, especially when they are small. You need to really make sure the person training YOU knows what they are doing, and does not leave you to it until you are very comfortable and are not hurting the dog. Good luck!