Could he look more pitiful?

[tmatherly]

I wanted to add in response to what Gus did at Petsmart-while not condoning biting (I'm sure you were mortified, Monica!) Gus probably just "had enough". The poor little guy is only 2 lbs and the only way to defend himself and make himself known is to use his teeth. A big, scary, stranger was doing something he didn't like. Same goes for your cousin. It doesn't sound like he makes a habit of it, and it sounds like you recognize the situations that make this unwanted behavior occur. Knowing what triggers the behavior gives you the opportunity to correct it. We know Gus is a good boy and all he wants to do is please and protect you!! Yorkies are very sensitive and my Pippa has that look on her face when she gets in trouble, too! I know some people may think dogs don't feel guilt-but if that isn't a true indication that they know they did wrong, I don't know what is!!

[SnowWa]

All the four dogs I have had chewed their way through puppyhood. And, my new Yorkie is doing the same thing.

I give him a lot of things to chew on, and he spends his time with them instead of my shoes or furniture. Plus, I keep everything I don't want chewed on out of his way.

And --- teething puppies also like to chew on the hands that are petting them. They just chew chew chew on everything.

But - they outgrow it......

Carol Jean

[Francie]

Originally Posted by FirstYorkie

You make a VERY good point. Some dogs are more likely to bite than others, but, absolutely, any dog pushed beyond his tolerance can and will bite.

One thing that I've learned recently that I think bears repeating here is that we don't do our dogs a service by punishing them for growling. For most dogs, growling would be a first line of defense before biting. Actually, second. First, for many dogs, would be moving away. Then they'd growl, then they'd bite. UNLESS we've punished them for growling. If we restrain them and have punished them for growling, then they have no choice but to go start to "bite mode".

I'm TRYING, at this point, to not react negatively when my pup growls (I admit that it's still a struggle). Instead, I notice when he does so and realize that he needs more work around whatever it was that prompted it.

Don't reprimand them for growling? Confused...by ignoring it...isn't that giving the pup carte blanche to act "aggressively"? Don't get it...so at what point do you reprimand behavior that is "out of line"? (Gonna take notes here)

Francie

[YorkieShadow]

I think Gus is adorable. and I would not let the kids or cousin hit on your hand so that he can try and protect his mommy. it is teaseing him and even though its cute. He may just make him start being mean towards kids when he gets older. BUt I wanted to thank you for sharing his picture he is a cutie pie.

[FirstYorkie]

Originally Posted by Francie

Don't reprimand them for growling? Confused...by ignoring it...isn't that giving the pup carte blanche to act "aggressively"? Don't get it...so at what point do you reprimand behavior that is "out of line"? (Gonna take notes here) Francie

As I say, this is a bit of a new concept to me, too. I'm not real comfortable with a dog who growls either. But what some trainers are saying these days is two-fold. One, that a dog warns you that he's reachng the end of his rope, so to speak, by growling. Take that away and he has no choice but to go straight to bite mode (if he can't flee). This makes sense to me. The other aspect that I've been reading is that there is no evidence that not punishing a dog when he growls leads to a more aggressive dog.

But, the important part, to me anyway, is what you do with the information about what caused the dog to growl. When Joey was a young puppy, he growled at men in uniforms. The treatment for that was drastically increased socialization so that he learned to be comfortable around people of all different sizes, shapes, colors, clothing styles, etc. He now longer growls at "odd" people. Currently, he occasionally growls when people approach if he has a high value object - for instance, a new bone. The treatment there is a systematic approach to desensitizing him to people's approach in that situation. So far, it is working for us.

So, you see, I'm a looong way from "ignoring" it. But the treatment I'm using isn't punishment.

[suzu1]

I've had poodles in my life for over 20 years Binks is our first yorkie.
All my dogs as puppies always chewed and growled on our hands while playing, and absolutley NONE of them grew up to be biters, this is puppy play and no one can tell me any different.
All my dogs have grown into happy, friendly pets that love everyone and never ever attempted to bite anyone at anytime, even with all the rough house playing in puppyhood which they love I might add.
I think some dogs are more prone to bite than others and it should be addressed, but I don't think it has anything at all to do with how we play with them as puppies.
Anyone can tell the difference between a playing puppy and a dog who is seriously aggitated.

[Latuya]

Ok I am regreting I was the one who posted this thread. We all spend a lot of time on here and I feel I have really gotten to know a lot of you through your postings. I was going to stay away from posting for a while because I know myself with my temper. But I won't let anyone make me stay away from the people I've grown to love and enjoy spending time with. Now I am going to act as if it was someone elses thread sharing my comment,,,,,,,,,

Having gotten to know quite abit about Gus, (I do share a lot) I would say, Gus must have gotten spooked or had just had enough with the stupid hat. I Know you take Gus everywhere and he is used to people and attention. Is this the first time he's bitten? If not then it needs to be worked on changing that behavior. But in his defence although it was wrong, how would you like if some stranger came up to you and starting forcing this hat you dont want on? And by the looks of the picture,,, he looks very sorry.

Having said this I feel better. NOW I will say,,,, I know my dog. I know the difference between and playful growl and the get away, I'm not happy growl. I don't see why I should put a stop to his playful growl. To me it's him form of laughing. And as far as the kids teasing him,,,,, I don't let the kid do that. Yes they get him going with play hitting me. He does not always react to it. If he feels like playing he will get up and play,,, it's just like asking him to get his ball. Sometimes he's in the mood for it sometimes not. And by nipping to me playful nipping is not the same. He does not bit or really use his teeth persay. He uses his mouth along with his paws to get your attention along with that playfull growl. I really don't think I will have a problem with Gus in the future.

Dogs have thier limits just like people do. I have learned that I will not let anyone sales person help me out without gaining Gus's turst first. She works with animals all day. She should have known this.

As for my cousin,,,, I told Manny to stop teasing my dog. But he is worse then any kid I know. And was tripping on how this 2 pounder got so pretective. Some of you are acting as if I told him to do it. Gus is used to people and me talking and interacting with them and he never has had a problem with them. But with Manny and him hitting me,,, Gus knew I was upset not that he was hurting me but because he was teasing and therefor Gus reacted. Thats plain old protecting. And I don't have that happening every day. This is the first time Gus has been around that type of situation.

Although I do think this could be a good topic on the subject of bitting, I want everyone to know till I feel I have a problem with bitting or any other problem, I will ask for your opinion. Don't pass judgment on me or any other member on here. Ask questions before jumping down someone throat. I love this site and I try so hard to stay out of drama that goes on around here. I hate that I now have to walk on my toes to avoid setting someone off. You can post more about the sub. Especially if someone is having this problem But don't direct your comments or point your fingers at me or Gus. Just know I'm fine my Gus is a sweatheart and nobody has to worry about us! Just look at his picture. He is sorry.

[yorkieusa]

I wholeheartedly agree with everything you have said. A mountain was made out of a mole hill and I don't recall you asking for a sermon on biting and I was really sorry to see that happen. All we wanted to do was admire a cute face! And he sure is cute!

[Latuya]

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

I wholeheartedly agree with everything you have said. A mountain was made out of a mole hill and I don't recall you asking for a sermon on biting and I was really sorry to see that happen. All we wanted to do was admire a cute face! And he sure is cute!

Thank you so much for saying that!!!

[Gracie21]

Amen!!! Little gus and you are just fine. Much love to you and Gus.

It is a shame that people on here appear so high and mighty.
I know I usually dont post because i myself was jumped on and my feelings were seriously hurt.
This is support to be a support forum and a place for us all to come and share stories, experiences, etc about our beautiful babies.
Noone comes here to be attacked!!

Trena

[toninm]

he is such a pretty boy!!!

[lilfoot]

I love the picture of your baby...he looks so sorry and yet so darn cute (which is what I think you were trying to get at when posting the picture) Maybe next time post the picture with out explantion at least until after Christmas when everyone is so grouchy!

[magnolia]

After reading all the replies, I felt the need to post my story regarding the subject of biting, aggressive behavior, and growling. My Gabby is 8 1/2 years old and has only "nipped" one person....my nephew about 5 years ago. She was eating and he went to pet her, she mistook his action for "taking her food" and she snapped at him, barely got him and didn't break the skin. I had just told him before it happened to leave her alone while she was eating (he was 10 at the time). After it happened, I held my breath not knowing what my sister would say. She looked at my nephew and said you were told not to mess with her while she was eating. After she finished eating, she went over and let him pet her. Other than that, she has not "nipped" or biten anyone...but like someone said, all of them are capable of biting so I'm very aware she could in fact actually bite someone.

As for growling and aggressive behavior, Gabby definitely has her moments. Like you Latuya, she is very protective of me and when people "play" hit at me, she reacts by growling and snapping at them. I have worked with her to "calm down" and she obeys. All I have to say is, "Gabby, it's okay, be nice" and she calms down. Now I may get "flamed" for this next comment but....I do NOT discourage her from this behavior and she will calm down when I tell her to. I live in the country, surrounded by woods, with several break-ins in the neighborhood over the past year. My hubby works for the fire department so when he works, he's gone for 24 hours. Gabby will let me know if she hears anything outside that is not "normal" to her. And I can tell by her bark if it's a bark "just because" or if there is something out there that she doesn't like. Believe me, if someone came in my house, I would have no problem in telling her to "get'em" and know that she would.....that 16 pound Yorkie would take them by surprise!! So, for my protection, and that of my family, I don't discourage this. Make no mistake though, she'd rather lick ya to death than bite ya

I wish you all the best in your working with Gus. Everyone had some great points that they posted to share with you, some of which you may have already known of. Oh, and cute pic! I'll have to get my digital camera from the deer camp and take pics of Gabby (and Gage) to share on here soon.

[Latuya]

Originally Posted by Gracie21

Amen!!! Little gus and you are just fine. Much love to you and Gus.

It is a shame that people on here appear so high and mighty.
I know I usually dont post because i myself was jumped on and my feelings were seriously hurt.
This is support to be a support forum and a place for us all to come and share stories, experiences, etc about our beautiful babies.
Noone comes here to be attacked!!

Trena

I am so sorry to hear that. I'm glad your still around. This is a wonderful site full of wonderful people! But I've seen first hand how things can get carried away. Like I said I'm so happy your sticking around!

[Latuya]

Originally Posted by magnolia

Now I may get "flamed" for this next comment but....I do NOT discourage her from this behavior and she will calm down when I tell her to. I live in the country, surrounded by woods, with several break-ins in the neighborhood over the past year. My hubby works for the fire department so when he works, he's gone for 24 hours. Gabby will let me know if she hears anything outside that is not "normal" to her. And I can tell by her bark if it's a bark "just because" or if there is something out there that she doesn't like. Believe me, if someone came in my house, I would have no problem in telling her to "get'em" and know that she would.....that 16 pound Yorkie would take them by surprise!! So, for my protection, and that of my family, I don't discourage this. Make no mistake though, she'd rather lick ya to death than bite ya

There ya go!!! Very well said.