Need help - sometime violent Yorkie
 

We got a Yorkie from a rescue about 6 months ago. She was a little skittish at first and we gave her plenty of time to get accustomed to us. She had some bad habits that we took to be residual from being abused. For example, if she was under out bed and saw my feet with boots, she would sometime runs out and attack the boots. We thought perhaps she had been kicked. So we worked with her very patiently. Then, one night, I bathed her. Everything was just fine until I tried to dry her with a towel. Somehow the towel scared her and she drew blood from my thumb. I tried to calm her but it was no use for about 1/2 hour. I could not get near her or reach for her. Occasionally, she growls or something sets her off and she just goes nuts. Three nights ago, my daughter's friend rang our doorbell and Meagan and I both went to the door. She picked up Lizzie she she would not run out the door. Then she handed the dog to me. I had her under my arm and took a few steps to put her in another room so she would not jump on the company (she hasn't learned yet) and, out of the blue, she ripped into my hand. I was close to needing sutures. Then yesterday, as we were leaving our lake house, my daughter tried to get in the car. Lizzie was in the floorboard. Meagan closed the door and Lizzie attacked her foot, biting through her cloth shoe. My wife tried to pull her away with the leash and Lizzie bit my daughter on the arm drawing a little blood.

We love this little dog but we just cannot let this continue. We have nieces and nephews with small children. Lizzie could seriously injure a small child. And we could not say that she has never done anything like that before, so the legal liability is great also.

We know that she was returned to the rescue once before we got her. We suspect this is why. If we take her back she will probably be put down.
We do not know what the problem could be. Neurlogical disorder?

I am so sorry you guys are in this situation. Poor Lizzie - whatever is wrong. Either she has something medical going on (pain from something maybe or neurological) or she must be so scared. With not knowing her history it's hard to tell - maybe she has learned to bite first to protect herself. Sometimes all the love in the world can't correct this. Have her checked out by your vet first for any medical problems. You could also contact an animal behavorist to see if they can help. If you can't find anything medical to correct and the behavorist doesn't work you may have to return her to the rescue. It's not ideal but if you are worried about your daughter or other kids it might be the best for everyone involved. Did you adopt her from a Yorkie rescue or from a shelter? Most good rescues would not adopt out a dog who has a known history of biting (liability problem). I bet the rescue either wasn't told about this behavior or Lizzie didn't have it then.
I'm sure you love Lizzie and want the best for her. Good luck

Teresa

She needs to be checked for a medical reason for this first. Then you need a professional trainer.