Tibbs Bit the baby :(

[Valenie]

Originally Posted by 107barney

That's fine.

Dogs need training. Any dog. My dogs are trained DAILY to reinforce good behaviors. You can't have a free for all in your home. If you honestly can't locate a trainer in your area, then perhaps you can talk to Britster who can give you some tips for training at home. She has trained Jackson herself and I think she may be able to give you some guidance.

I would make the dog work for everything. Sit before meals, sit before going out, etc. Use food rewards and if you can use a clicker to train, it will go faster. You can change his mental state fast with this kind of obedience training. Also, movement is safety for dogs. If you sense something is about to happen, you need to redirect the dog. Keep him on a leash at your hip and work with him all day. Prevent the behaviors from happening. If you're a stay at home mom, you are at a great advantage as dogs learn best in short bursts. You can train and reinforce several times a day.

Good luck.

Thanks so much I will and can do that I'm a stay at home mommy I got plenty of time! We live in the little town of Harlan and their is not anything here we only have 1 wal-mart and a goodies and a few supermarkets. I have to drive at least 2 -3 hrs to even get to a pet smart.

[heatherm0890]

I would for sure try and talk to a trainer and maybe even let them observe you and your family in your home. When 107barney said that it isn't the dog's fault and it is something the humans were doing, I don't think she was trying to be harsh or say that he did something right then, but sometimes we humans can be doing something we don't even realize that can trigger it.You said he was playing and then ran across the room? Maybe he was just all hyped up from playing? I would get a trainer, it may seem drastic, but hopfully they could qickly identify the problem and put an end to it.

[Valenie]

I want to get a trainer anyone know how or where to find one??

[heatherm0890]

i would probably just start with a google search! Good Luck! <3

[Valenie]

Thanks so much !

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by Valenie

So Tibbs has been becoming more and more agressive it seems My mom was down here 2 days ago and said he was trying to bite her hand. I thought he was probally just trying to play. But yesterday he bit the baby The baby had fallen asleep on the couch and Bella was sleeping at the baby's feet. Tibbs was playing with his ball in the kitchen then all of a sudden he came running into the living room he started barking I shhhhhh at him so he hushed then I seen him jump on the couch I thought he was going to sleep to (They both usually sleep with Adam) Then I heard him growl and I looked over and about that time he bit the baby on his chin. I'm beside my self I do not know what to do I got Tibbs and scolded him 3 times and crated him. My husband is fighting me to give him away he said we can't keep a dog that's gonna bite our kid. I love Tibbs he is my baby!!! My first Yorkie my love. But I agree he can not bite my 3 year old in the face especially for no reason. Please help any advice??

It should like he was guarding your son. HUGE issue is I am correct about this. I would not allow Tibbs on the couch and your son needs to be put to sleep in his bed. As for training I totally agree with this suggestion to address the guarding issues which will only increase if not addressed immediately and properly.

[Sammy Mommy]

I feel so bad that Tibbs bit the baby. Is Tibbs feeling OK? Maybe he doesn't feel well. I'm just guessing here. Hope you can sort this situation out. Good Luck!

[Micah my love]

Valenie i was wondering Tibbs may have got tired playing and wanted to jump upon the couch and lay by Bella to rest...and Adam was in his place..I have seen Micah be a little snippy & growl at the other dogs if he wanted to lay down where they were....I hope you can get it all taken care of

[Bitsy]

I too think ALL dogs need training. He is still a puppy and needs to be taught the right way to do things. Your son is a toddler, and could very possibly have done something to aggravate Tibbers at another time. You may not believe that or want to hear it, but I'm a mom of three kids and I speak from lots of experience.

When my daughter was about three or four I saw her tap (lightly hit) Sophia on the nose. I couldn't believe my eyes. I asked her why she did it and she said because she wanted to see what Sophia would do. (My daughter is now 10 and LOVES animals sooooo much...she has a very tender heart for them - she isn't some sociopath or anything. )

I am a stay at home mom, am VERY attentive to my kids and dogs, and yet this happened. So, my point is, anything could happen. You can't watch your pets or kids every single second of the day.

It's not fair to Tibbers to punish him if he hasn't been given any training. I hope your husband is not being mean to him. I know you didn't say he was, but from what you said he is saying it concerns me.

I would not freak out about this. Tibbers needs direction and training. And it's very possible that your three year old needs teaching in how to treat dogs.

[Baily341o]

I think it might be a jealousy issue. Since you know have to keep him in the gate a lot, once he got out he was upset at you and got it out on the baby. Good job for scolding him. I know when Bailey gets in trouble, she knows by the look on my face and she DARTS to her kennel. I'm sure your a great mom to both your furbutts and your skin kids. Google for a trainer in your area or even petsmart for your last option. Consider all possibilities befor rehoming your dog. I know this is a sensitive time for you and your dogs but I wish you the best and keep us updated!

[Carlea]

Originally Posted by Valenie

I'm not trying to twist anything I'm just responding to what I read. I've never had to train my do....he has always been good never attempted to bite anyone until recently.Sorry to me it felt like you were saying that I was just going to throw Tibbs out like the trash.And Im not.

I am a new Yorkie owner and I have never had to train any of my previous dogs. (Min Pin and Chi) They were both well behaved although now after reading this forum and other sites I have researched I have realized maybe they weren't as well behaved as I thought.

When we got Gizmo a week ago I looked up the breed and everything I read said they needed to be trained or they would get small dog syndrome. We are retired so what we thought was good behavior from our previous dogs is not good enough for our Great Grand Baby.

Gizmo is 11 months old and I am making sure I train him so that he doesn't become aggressive. I agree with everyone you need to find a trainer or if you can't find one there is tons of training hints online. I would start training him "yesterday" starting with becoming "the pack leader" in your house. You said he has the run of the house which gave me the impression that he thinks he is "Alpha Dog". Why he bit your baby I do not know unless it was to assert his position as Alpha.

We have always allowed our dogs on our couch but with Gizmo we make him ask permission first. This has been hard for us because we love when he cuddles. Sounds like he is in a great home but maybe needs additional training. Please don't let this go or it will only get worst.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by megansmomma

It should like he was guarding your son. HUGE issue is I am correct about this. I would not allow Tibbs on the couch and your son needs to be put to sleep in his bed. As for training I totally agree with this suggestion to address the guarding issues which will only increase if not addressed immediately and properly.

Very good advice!!!!

[KendraE]

I wish you te best in figuring it out!! Sounds like tibbs may have been a bit jealous! Almost like he knew he had to be quiet because your skin child was asleep!! Best of luck!

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by Micah my love

Valenie i was wondering Tibbs may have got tired playing and wanted to jump upon the couch and lay by Bella to rest...and Adam was in his place..I have seen Micah be a little snippy & growl at the other dogs if he wanted to lay down where they were....I hope you can get it all taken care of

Also, as a slightly different thought - did your baby have a milky smelling chin? Or something else Tibbs might love? We had a cat, many years ago, which did exactly the same thing - completely out of character.

Good luck with it all Sally + Harry x

[southernbelle04]

I do not have any advice, but I did want to say so sorry this happened. I hope you can find someone to help with your Tibbers! Best of luck to you!