Aggression/protectiveness in Yorkies
 

Hi! I have been having issues with Lexie behaving VERY aggressive towards people and other dogs. It is not all the time, but rather a random, sporatic event. It freaks me out because I am literally afraid to have her around other people and dogs, for fear she will bite (and I have absolutely NO doubt that she would!) I got her when she was 10wks old (she is now 14mos old) and I socialized her like crazy, did everything "right" that I was supposed to do. I read a great deal before I got her so I thought I was all prepared and she would not be like this! If I didn't get her at such a young age, I would swear she came from a horrible home!!(but I know 100% this is not the case!) Do you think it is an environmental thing (something maybe I am doing and don't know it?) Or is it just the Yorkie breed? Or could it be genetics? I love her so much and like to take her everywhere with me but now I am scared to, which I know will just make this worse!!!She is a very loving girl with us and I want people to see that side of her. Is it just my dog that is like this?? Please- any advice??!!!!!

I just posted a similar issue...hope we can get some input on this one!

Thanks for your reply-I am glad I am not the only one... I feel like such a bad mom that I am somehow failing her....!!! It is discouraging!

You are NOT a bad Mom!! I have a 2 1/2yr old and a new puppy (16weeks) for the most part Sadie has excepted the pup but we had an episode tonight that kinda upset me...(I have a post on this) Sadie barks at people when they come in but it's more a happy thing...Like she thinks they are coming to see her...she jumps alot and will nip but not to hurt...it's a playful thing..I am trying to break her of this which, is hard because my husband and I let her do it to us...I guess we all allow some things that we shouldn't. I am going to call the woman my Mom brought her dog to for obedience training...I figure it can't hurt and I believe Sadie is still young enough for obedience training..I too have socialized her with other dogs...A LOT! and it didn't seem to matter...I just hope this doesn't rub off on Lillie.

If you find some that works please let me know,....and I will you.

Good Luck

Magneticgal,

You really, really need to consult a trainer. The level of aggressiveness you describe is quite serious and is unlikely to go away on its own. Do be sure that the trainer is a positive one - someone who uses leash pops and other corrections is likely to make the problem worse!

Best of luck to you!

My Sebastian has become the same way. I recently purchased a gentle lead collar for him for walks. He has progressively gotten bad when walking. He has started to lunge at people walking, on bikes, skateboards etc., barks, goes crazy with other dogs, pulling etc. I have walked him all his life but for some reason he's gone crazy :eek: .

I have struggled with the Gentle Lead being mean and feeling bad like I can't control my lil' 6 lbs dog. Like you I have had Sebastian all his life and he is spoiled rotten. He is very protective with me so much so that he barks and growls at my kids when they come close to my bed. ..

The Gentle Lead has worked out GREAT its a miracle. Does anyone else use one?

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.

By the way, what IS the gentle lead?

I'm having the same issue with Max however, he is not aggressive toward people--just dogs lately. I'm really worried that he is going to get hurt one of these days. So I contacted a reputable behaviorist my area. She's supposed to come to my home next Wed (10/18). Hopefully she'll be able to help the little guy because I don't know what to do :confused:

Look at Petmart.com

http://www.petsmart.com/global/produ...N=2025643&Ne=2


for Gentle Leader. It changed Sebastian instantly!! I would be a little scared of a choke Collar i have heard/read yorkies are prone to collasped treachea's. Something that is being tugged around their throat could be a problem.

Good Luck!! Let me know who it goes Ü

Isn't there anything an owner can do without having to hire a specialist to come in and take over? You see on tv where they put the dogs thru a series of tests to see if they are adoptable. they toss them a chew and then try to take it away. If they get agressive they don't pass the test. ..........Ahia would not pass that test.
she is extremely good with food, other dogs, and people but not with her special toys or chews.
is there some training technique that they use to overcome this problem? If they can do it why can't I?

That would terrify me, too.:thumbdown

ldenise, what you describe is called "object guarding" and is quite common. The good new is that it is one of the easiest forms of aggression to treat!

Have a look at this article:
http://www.clickersolutions.com/arti...ctguarding.htm

Good luck!

I had the same issues with Chloe. She wasn't aggressive when I got her, but after about 3 weeks, no one except for myself could touch her. Then I signed up for obedience classes, she was the worst behaved dog in the first class, but now, after 4 weeks, she is the best behaved dog in class. My instructor scolded me in the first class for having her on my lap, and he said she was the "alpha" in my house. I totally changed her world upside down after that class, and the first 72 hours was miserable. No more sleeping on my bed, she has to sit for her food or she doesn't get it, I eat first, she can't sit on any furniture, I go out the door first, I heel her for her entire walk, and I command the walk - both pace and direction. It was so tough in the beginning, but the results are amazing. She now goes up to the all the dogs in class, and she is sniffing people, and letting some touch her. She no longer growls at people, but will back away if she doesn't want them to touch her. I know some of this training sounds harsh, but she had to realize I was to protect her, she wasn't to protect me. Get a good instructor, do all the homework each night, and hopefully you will get a good payoff too. Good luck!

My girl is 10 months and if me and my boyfriend are together shes fine (like in stores and what not) if hes not with me or walks away is someone gets to close for comfort with her she will start growling, its weird she picks her people it seems like.