I have heard that puppies and babies are alike in the sense that they explore the world with their mouths. My only concern is that his ears slick back, he growls and lunges at ME. He backs into a corner and screams bloody murder if I try to touch him in any way. My only concern is what seems to be irrational aggression, from reading here, little Bubba may be fearful, and being stern may not get the correct response.

I'm still learning

Labs and Yorkies .. different oh yessss
In the 70s and 80s we bred, trained, showed and were involved with Labs. We even worked with service dog trainers for the blind and physically impaired. As a breed I would feel safe in the general statement, Labs want to work for people. They thrive on praise and reward type training. Of course there are always exceptions. I Do not think (forgive me this is not mean to start rebuttals) Labs are on the high end of intelligence. They would rather someone else be the rule maker and leader. Nor would I consider them independent thinkers or problem solvers. Well trained Labs are are amazing. Once they get past the long puppy stage and reach maturity Labs make wonderful, faithful, companions. NOW Yorkies are a different sort of dog. I found that out when I started working with them in the 1980s. Some were treat motivated, some weren't. Smart ? You bet ! Not smart like German Shep. or Border Collies (Who I think are smartest dogs ever) Yorkies seem to know how to get what they want. I have seen Yorkies change assertive behavior to begging and submissive to get what they want. Perhaps it is because they have spent so many centuries as companions and lived with people, in their home. I think Yorkies do what people want them to, when it pleases them to do so. I think they understand training perfectly, but it is secondary to what they want. I am teasing a bit, but really I think Yorkies are very human, they have so many of our finer behaviors, like love, loyalty, and compassion. But they can also be temperamental, moody, selfish, possessive, and self important. I have enjoyed training them for almost 30 years. I never use a harsh tone, firm voice, but not harsh. I also use a lot of praise and physical touch when working with Yorkies. Physical comfort I think is far more important to Yorkies. Labs can bash into a garden wall while playing, or dive into icy water and barely notice. Yorkies cringe when it rains or they have a knot in their fur. I think their sense touch is very close to our own. I often have to remind people to let Yorkies walk. They tend to carry them way too much. Yorkies can become wonderful, well trained companions as well as any Lab.
I kind of think about it like this, a Lab is like a not so bright child may be a joy to parent, and so easy to love. They obey the rules and seldom cause a problem. When they are an adult they will be hard working, kind and fit into society perfectly.
Yorkies are like, an independent, intelligent, and creative child. They may drive you crazy and challenge your authority. They study human behavior and know how to get people to work for them. As a teenager they may do some dangerous and experimental things. When they mature they still retain their child like curiosity and fun nature. As adults they really listen and care about the WHY of everything. They are never boring, and you love having long conversations with them, because they do understand the delicate, and subtle things about life.

I agree. That type of aggression does sound like fear and it must be dealt with very carefully. If your dog was never handled properly as a pup or was mishandled you have a whole different thing to deal with. It's almost like dealing with a feral animal. It certainly is not hopeless but being very kind and patient is the key. Move slowly and quietly around him to help calm the fear factor. Nice treats given as incentive to good behavior will help though you may have to give from a distance at first. Get down on his level. I have had some experience with feral dogs but more with feral cats. It takes time and patience to overcome the fear but it is possible and once you do gain that trust it is a wonderful thing to see.

:thumbup: Excellent post Teresa Ford!

You have described Charlie (lab) and Bubba (yorkie) to a Tee. I stated earlier in this thread that Charlie, even as a pup was always eager to please. He wanted not just the treat but the attention of the training. Bubba seems indifferent to it, the commands he has learned have been taught after exercise and before his meal, so he is hungry and needs to get it. Once he does get it, its food and praise. Then it feels like he won't do the command at any time just for a treat, but instead, just to be baby talked and to be rubbed and scratched.

One of the biggest tell tell signs of their temperament, is how they "play". Charlie instinctively came to you with the toy/stick and would try to engage you. Bubba it seems, is just fine to get the toy and have you watch him play. If you have a toy that he wants, he scurries over, snatches it, prances around and commences to play alone. If you get up and leave, he will follow. Bubba's idea of playtime is, "Mom just supervise, tell me how fast and good I am, make sure you watch me though 'cause I really like to play, and use the excited baby voice or I'll be able to tell you're not into it."

You are so right, more like a person than a typical dog.

Love the post by Teresa Ford!