Abby don't like people - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Stephanie K · 11-16-2006, 07:15 PM

At least in the home Abby had during the summer she was not treated good so I was expecting some problems like her not liking men. I have been trying to work on it when my son comes over/ or my brother have them give her a treat when they come in the door. In between the barking and the nipping of their shoes and ankles she eats the treat and goes right back at barking.

I end up putting her in her crate at times because even if she settles down if they get up or start walking it starts all over again.
I have not had any trouble with Abby around children before so I took her a long with Leo to pick up my grandson from school. That was the wrong thing to do. Abby almost nipped a little girl in the hand. I am sure it was because of all the excitement of so many children but it still worries me.
I don't have the money to take her for professional training at this time but was wondering if anyone might have a tip on some things I can do here at home with her? I have taken her 4 times to the dog park and have not had any problem.

Thanks
Stephanie, Abby

the Dorkie

& Leo

the Rattie

BLowry · 11-17-2006, 07:01 AM

Sadie has always been dog aggressive..she doesn't fight with them or, go after them...it's just if they come near her. When I got Lillie (she is now 22 wks old) Sadie became very protective of her...again she LOVES everyone...never bit or snapped at anybody, but she has viciously attacked Lillie a few times...I WILL NOT stand for this...I called a very good dog trainer in my area...she spoke to me for 45 mins helping me with this problem...I too thought punishing her by putting her in her crate would help, the trainer told me not to do this....if this is where she sleeps she is going to think when you put her to bed, or have to leave for the day, that she is being punished...Now your situation is different than mine being, your little one has been abused but, when Sadie tries to ACT like SHE is the boss I just pick her up, MAKE her look at me (even if I have to hold her face) and very sternly tell her. DON'T DO THAT!! "I" AM THE BOSS! so far this has worked good...still have some work to do but,we are making progress...Again, your situation is different so, maybe you could call a dog trainer and ask for their help? I would love to bring Sadie for training but, I have been out of work since May and just can't afford it right now. Sadie will be 3 in December and the trainer told me that she is NOT to old to train..

This is going to take some time...I wish you all the luck!

ARCHIE · 11-17-2006, 07:31 AM

Before Buddy I had a terrier mix which I rescued from the pound 19 yrs ago.
He was picked up on the street eating out of a garbage can. He was approx 2yrs, old. I soon realized he too did not take to men. Over time with patience, he did accept the men in my household. My son, and sons-in-law. Other than that he would go nuts whenever he saw men. He had, what I believe, was a burn mark on his right front leg. I believe he was burnt by a cigarette by a man. I could not erase it from him mind no matter what. He was 22lbs of love but men he would go nuts whenever he saw one. I understood and never punished him for his behavior because he just could not get over his fear of them.

Stephanie K · 11-17-2006, 09:20 AM

No I don't want to punish Abby either. Putting her in her crate is just to protect company from being nipped. Abby always comes to me when I call her name except when she is barking at someone, then all she can think of is getting to that person. She don't back down. I had her out the other day and a neighbor from down the street was walking there german shephard, it broke loose and came running to me. (such a sweetheart) Abby started attacking her, even when she laid on her back Abby went after her. I was trying to pull Abby off and still hold onto Leo. So that the neighbor could catch their dog. Another time Abby got away from with dragging her leash and went after another neighbors 95 pound Lab. After I regain control she didn't do anything but sniff and a few low growls. I am so use to Leo who barks but then pulls back.
I have held her a couple of times but I will try with holding her face towards me and telling her NO.
In till she is better around children I will just not take her out when the children are coming and going to school.

I am laid off of work right now and my money is very limited right now.

olgap · 11-18-2006, 04:59 PM

Your Abby sounds exactly like my Chico. He also goes crazy trying to get to other dogs or people walking by. I 've posted before about getting a trainer. We've made progress, but it has taken several months for me to really see it. What seems to work best, is have to Chico go into a "down" postition as soon as he starts to see lose it. If I have to, I'll step on the leash near his neck to keep him down. Then I reward him with treat (he loves cheese)and praise him and have him stay till I see he has calmed down. And several times during the walk, I'll have him "sit & down" and give him a treat and lots of praise. He is by no means perfect , but I really feel he will get better and better at it.

Also, we work on the "down" all the time!! Before we put his food bowl down; when the door bell rings; before I touch him when I get home; before he goes in or out the door for walks; or in or out of the car; etc. I think that's the key - that he understands that we control what he gets to do.
I really know what you're going through and I never thought he'd get any better, but he is! It will take time, but keep at it.

11-16-2006, 07:15 PM	#1
Stephanie K Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Midwest Posts: 24	Abby don't like people At least in the home Abby had during the summer she was not treated good so I was expecting some problems like her not liking men. I have been trying to work on it when my son comes over/ or my brother have them give her a treat when they come in the door. In between the barking and the nipping of their shoes and ankles she eats the treat and goes right back at barking. I end up putting her in her crate at times because even if she settles down if they get up or start walking it starts all over again. I have not had any trouble with Abby around children before so I took her a long with Leo to pick up my grandson from school. That was the wrong thing to do. Abby almost nipped a little girl in the hand. I am sure it was because of all the excitement of so many children but it still worries me. I don't have the money to take her for professional training at this time but was wondering if anyone might have a tip on some things I can do here at home with her? I have taken her 4 times to the dog park and have not had any problem. Thanks Stephanie, Abby the Dorkie & Leo the Rattie

11-17-2006, 07:01 AM	#2
BLowry My furkids Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 4,625 Blog Entries: 1	Sadie has always been dog aggressive..she doesn't fight with them or, go after them...it's just if they come near her. When I got Lillie (she is now 22 wks old) Sadie became very protective of her...again she LOVES everyone...never bit or snapped at anybody, but she has viciously attacked Lillie a few times...I WILL NOT stand for this...I called a very good dog trainer in my area...she spoke to me for 45 mins helping me with this problem...I too thought punishing her by putting her in her crate would help, the trainer told me not to do this....if this is where she sleeps she is going to think when you put her to bed, or have to leave for the day, that she is being punished...Now your situation is different than mine being, your little one has been abused but, when Sadie tries to ACT like SHE is the boss I just pick her up, MAKE her look at me (even if I have to hold her face) and very sternly tell her. DON'T DO THAT!! "I" AM THE BOSS! so far this has worked good...still have some work to do but,we are making progress...Again, your situation is different so, maybe you could call a dog trainer and ask for their help? I would love to bring Sadie for training but, I have been out of work since May and just can't afford it right now. Sadie will be 3 in December and the trainer told me that she is NOT to old to train.. This is going to take some time...I wish you all the luck! __________________ Brenda

11-17-2006, 07:31 AM	#3
ARCHIE No Longer A Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NEW YORK Posts: 16,218	Before Buddy I had a terrier mix which I rescued from the pound 19 yrs ago. He was picked up on the street eating out of a garbage can. He was approx 2yrs, old. I soon realized he too did not take to men. Over time with patience, he did accept the men in my household. My son, and sons-in-law. Other than that he would go nuts whenever he saw men. He had, what I believe, was a burn mark on his right front leg. I believe he was burnt by a cigarette by a man. I could not erase it from him mind no matter what. He was 22lbs of love but men he would go nuts whenever he saw one. I understood and never punished him for his behavior because he just could not get over his fear of them.

11-17-2006, 09:20 AM	#4
Stephanie K Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Midwest Posts: 24	No I don't want to punish Abby either. Putting her in her crate is just to protect company from being nipped. Abby always comes to me when I call her name except when she is barking at someone, then all she can think of is getting to that person. She don't back down. I had her out the other day and a neighbor from down the street was walking there german shephard, it broke loose and came running to me. (such a sweetheart) Abby started attacking her, even when she laid on her back Abby went after her. I was trying to pull Abby off and still hold onto Leo. So that the neighbor could catch their dog. Another time Abby got away from with dragging her leash and went after another neighbors 95 pound Lab. After I regain control she didn't do anything but sniff and a few low growls. I am so use to Leo who barks but then pulls back. I have held her a couple of times but I will try with holding her face towards me and telling her NO. In till she is better around children I will just not take her out when the children are coming and going to school. I am laid off of work right now and my money is very limited right now.

11-18-2006, 04:59 PM	#5
olgap Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Southern CA Posts: 131	Your Abby sounds exactly like my Chico. He also goes crazy trying to get to other dogs or people walking by. I 've posted before about getting a trainer. We've made progress, but it has taken several months for me to really see it. What seems to work best, is have to Chico go into a "down" postition as soon as he starts to see lose it. If I have to, I'll step on the leash near his neck to keep him down. Then I reward him with treat (he loves cheese)and praise him and have him stay till I see he has calmed down. And several times during the walk, I'll have him "sit & down" and give him a treat and lots of praise. He is by no means perfect , but I really feel he will get better and better at it. Also, we work on the "down" all the time!! Before we put his food bowl down; when the door bell rings; before I touch him when I get home; before he goes in or out the door for walks; or in or out of the car; etc. I think that's the key - that he understands that we control what he gets to do. I really know what you're going through and I never thought he'd get any better, but he is! It will take time, but keep at it.