At my wits end...
 

I am an old Yorkie Talk girl. Haven't been on in a super long time. Anyway, we have two yorkies. Lola and Chewy. Chewy has been a constant problem since the day we brought him home. I love him dearly, but I realize now that his problems are getting worse.

He is agressive towards Lola and to other dogs. When he barks at the door, he sometimes turns around an attacks Lola. He weighs about 9 lbs and Lola weighs less than 3. He is also agressive towards other dogs.

What concerns me the most is that he has shown aggression towards my 13 month old son. We are also expecting another child in May. He has also shown agrression towards two 9 year old boys.

I don't know what else we can do. My husband has taken Chewy to obedience training and we even paid a whole bunch of money for a personal trainer. My husband did not follow his advice and still doesn't.

I quite frankly don't have the time or the energy to devote to his problems anymore and I feel awful for saying that. I think he has a serious anxiety issue and I think we are ill equiped to deal with it.

I don't know if this is a vent or a cry for help. Any advice would be helpful.

Well.. I feel for you. Sounds like you are in a hard spot!! It sounds like he needs a lot of training and if he isnt getting it than he isnt going to get better...

I would think if there is NO WAY you can train with him and try to fix the problem then try finding him a home that can, maybe a home without kids.. and a person that has more time..

Hi, I do remember you and wasn't Chewy rescue? Congrats on your family.:)

Many yorkies act like Chewy and have stronger terrier qualities than some. It isn't the size as my little Bella 3#'s bites everyone in the butt and is the first one out the door and then turns and bites everyone running out. It is just more difficult with a 9# dog and especially with babies. I frankly don't think some of this will change and I do worry for your children and for Chewy.:(

It sounds like chewy has appointed himself pack leader. You and your husband need to sit down and decide if you really want to keep chewy. If you both do ,then you both need to get on board with the training of chewy. If nothing is done then the problem will escilate and if chewy bites someone elses child or the new baby you could be faced with having him put down and we don't want that to happen! Was the trainer a behavorist , it sound like this is what you need. You and your husband have to work together to retrain chewy or its not going to work and could end very badly for the dog.
Hope everything works out for you and chewy.
Eileen

Hi Cindy! Good to "see" you. Hew was not a rescue. We got him when he was a pup. I really wish I could come up with a solution. I have spent many sleepless nights wondering what we can do to change things and quite frankly nothing has changed since day one. I really wish we could send him to doggy boot camp or to Caesar Milan so that we can make him happy. Honestly that is all I want. He seems like such an emotional mess most days.

Just a thought. I remember hearing about an aggressive dog. The woman took her dog to the vet. The vet checked his teeth. The dog needed to have one pulled. Once the bad tooth was gone, he was an all new dog.

Thanks...I am getting old and just couldn't remember...I just sent you a PM..

I just think it is very hard with some of these dogs...they are so terrier and boneheaded...very difficult, especially with families.

My dog did this. I wasn't being alpha enough for him so he started protecting me and going after the cats and other dogs. You just need to let him know that you are the boss and you have everything under control. Be more strict with him. When you start to disipline him for something, your energy level has to meet or exceed his. The first time will be the most dificult, but you need to stand your ground. When he misbehaves, say "Ah, Ah" loud enough to interupt what he is doing. If it doesn't work say it louder and be very firm. You may have to clap your hands, or make a similar loud noise to distract him. Once you have his attention, have him come to you and make him sit. Then tell him 'Good Boy' for coming to you. Then give him something to do away from where he misbehaved. You may have to throw a leash on him if he doesn't listen, and make him come to where you where. Never respond to him in anger and never hit him. Throw your emotions out the window for now. Your attitude should be one of no tolerance for any agression, and any behavior he does that you find unacceptable, and mean it. He doesn't know what you want him to do, you must show him, by interupting him, regaining control, and showing him what you want him to do or will allow him to do. If he doesn't understand, have a place for him to go away from everyone for 5 minutes or till he calms down. When he is civil, let him out again. Eventually he will catch on to the idea when he's misbehaving, he is separated from you and the family. When he is calm and nice, he can be with you. You will know it's working if he looks away from you or avoids you for an hour up to a day or 2. He'll get over it and come around, changed. This should not take a long time, maybe a day or 2, but you cannot let him slip or get away with doing anything you don't want repeated. Good Luck!

Also, keep in mind, it's not him you dislike, it's his behavior you have the problem with. Also, Vet check first is an excellent idea.