I have a biter
 

Hello! I want to start off by saying how much I LOVE my yorkie..but I am having some troubles with this little guy. He's a year and a half old, and I've had him since he was 12 weeks. I've done something wrong because he thinks he is literally "top dog" in my house. I have two little girls (ages 6 and 5) and he bites one of them at least daily...and believe me when I say that there is no roughhousing at all when this happens. For instance, he was asleep on my lap tonight and my oldest came up to pet him on the head. The second she touched him he came off the couch, lunging at her and biting her in the stomach! I don't know what to do. He has never tried to bite me. He is the first yorkie I have owned. I grew up with gentle labs who's nature it is to never bite. What have I done wrong?

Does he only seem to bite when he is on or near you in some way (e.g. your lap, next to you on the couch, etc.)? He might be getting possessive of you.

Wow, that's scary. Sounds like an issue for a behaviorist. Socialization begins when they're still with the litter and is especially important the first few months you have them. They should be exposed to and handled by lots of people. If you did anything wrong, that would be my guess.

I'm not qualified to give you advice on what to do now, but biting humans can't be tolerated. I'd try to find some professional help. In the meantime, make sure the kids aren't surprising him when he's sleeping, and make sure he's getting lots of exercise. Make sure the kids know what sets him off, and teach them how to be cautious around him.

Children and sleeping dogs does not sound like a good combination to me. Many Yorkies wake up like that, my own included. I have tried many ways to break him from biting when being awakened, but nothing has worked, and I stopped trying for fear I would cause him to have a heart attack.

So now we have a rule in the house. Do not approach the dogs when they are asleep. Wake them up by first gently talking to them. Then give them time to get their brains working, and don't try to pick them up right away, especially with Peek a Boo, as he is a senior dog. He has been like this since I adopted him at the age of 5 years.

Once he is fully awake, he is the absolute sweetest dog, and would never think of biting anyone. He does protect my bed, especially with me in it, so he is no longer allowed on the bed unless I put him there with plans of keeping a close eye on him. He has improved 90%, but cannot be fully trusted when other pets are on the bed.

Does he bite when he is on your lap , awake, when your children approach him or pet him? If yes, then he is becoming protective of you, and it an entirely different situation, which can be corrected through training.

I think this is one reason why Yorkies are not recommended as pets in households with children under 12 years old. This is a general recommendation, many people do have Yorkies with young children, but they have to be prepared to deal with the problems that can occur as a result of it.

I agree with the others... biting kids is 100% not acceptable and you need a professional to analyze what could be triggering him!

My kids are actually not allowed to approach the dogs ever. The dogs have to come to them! You may think that affects their relationship negatively but that is just the opposite. My yorkies love my girsl!!! They get lots of cuddle time with my kids on the floor or sofa and even jump into the girls bed and crazy morning kisses.

I suggest sitting down and try to jot down as much information about each and every incident.

Best of luck to you!

I personally wouldn't keep a dog that would bite my child.

I know they make tiny muzzles. But better yet, I think it is a matter of instant correction from the pack leader (you). My granddaughter's flopped down beside me and patted my leg for attention. My Yorkie was on my lap and promptly nipped her thumb. I instinctivly snatched the Yorkie up by the scruff of the neck lifting her off the sofa and gave her a firm shake and said NO NO. I put her on the floor. She never snapped at anyone again. Your Dog must not be allowed to bite, period. Do what ever it takes to solve this problem. Or you will have to give your dog up. I believe that if you wouldn't allow a Doberman to do it, don't let a Yorkie do it either !

I personally wouldn't abandon my dog for something that is fixable. Pups are family too. I don't think that is very fair.Training the dog and attempting to fix the problem has to be made.

Dogs are usually re-trainable, especially if they didn't come from abusive conditions. It isn't like they bite randomly for no reason. You just need to work with them, stick to your guns, and have patience. Bad behaviors come from somewhere, just like good behaviors do. The key is finding the source and correcting it.

You say you've had him for a year & half. Is this a recent thing? How long has this behaviour been going on? What do you do when he bites your kids?