Behavior problem - YorkieTalk.com Forums

dcoff827 · 05-20-2012, 03:08 PM

I have 2 female yorkies. One is almost 10 and the other is 4. I have had Precious (9 yr old) since she was 9 wks old, I have had Gracie (4 yr old) since she was 1 1/2 yrs old. My problem is with Precious and she has done this ever since I've had Gracie. I have tried everything I know of and suggestions from friends. As of now, nothing works. She is either jealous or territorial. She has an eye problem and I put drops in it several times a day. If Gracie is around when I start to put the drops in, she will snap at me very viciously.
If she is close to me and Gracie wants to get close too, she will growl very loudly and attack Gracie. I could go on and on with examples, but you get the picture. I don't know why she does this but I would really know how to put a stop to it. Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

alaskayorkie · 05-20-2012, 03:49 PM

I'm no expert, but my inclination would be to meet Precious halfway on this. Yes, snapping at people is not allowed, but being restricted while uncomfortable eye drops are put in your eyes is not the best environment for socializing with other pets. Precious probably feels vulnerable and is trying to get out of the intolerable situation.

I would always put the eyedrops in her eyes in a secluded location so it's just the two of you. Then I would reward her with treats generously for tolerance.

But again, I'm no expert. Maybe there's an underlying health issue...

Teresa Ford · 05-20-2012, 04:07 PM

First let me say Welcome to YT. I live close to you I live in Bartow. I suggest you put med in her eye in a room where the door is closed so the other dog can not trigger the aggression.
ADULT Yorkies that BITE

When you raise a dog and they bite as adult
, usually it is your fault. Bet you didn't expect to see that in print. No of course you don't want your dog to bite and you never set out to teach him to be a bratty nipper. We love our Yorkies so much, we let them get away with a lot. We would not allow a 150 pound Rottie to snarl, snap or nip at us. A three pound Yorkie shouldn't be allowed to either. I can give you advice and lessons that will break the guarding, nip cycle. You may not agree with some of the things I want you to do. You may skip some of the steps. That is ok, but my method may not work if you skip steps.
Retraining your dog takes work and repetition. And it is for your Yorkies own good. Biting is never allowed. The law says so, and it can cost your precious Yorkie his life. Yorkies who think they are the boss and biting is ok, are a 100% more likely to be attacked by a bigger dog, be kicked by a frightened person, hit by a car (because they ignore their person calling them), given up, and sadly, even put down.
It is time for Tough Love, from now on
NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE.
Right now there is a problem because, your dog has been allowed to growl, guard things, and nip. You have to remind him he is not allowed to behave this way. You wouldn't allow your spouse, child or employer to scream and slap you. Your Yorkie should not be allowed to treat you that way either. If you are fearful of being bitten, some of these

Teresa Ford · 05-20-2012, 04:08 PM

Part 2
lessons will be scary for you. If you put bare hands near teeth, you may get a nip. Most of the time, I can help you avoid a real hard bloody bite, but you may get a nip. ( If your dog is showing true aggression biting and drawing blood, you need in home help with a live trainer, not this short little lesson.) Still want to do this ? OK lets go. First if he sleeps with you, Sorry but he needs to sleep in his own bed or crate for the next 7 days.
#1. Get your tools ready. You will need : A. Small spray bottle filled with water and set on stream not mist. B. Several rolled up balls of old socks or tennis balls, if you can toss them gently even when upset. C. A swimming tube floaty or a light weight wooden yardstick D. A Noise maker. Choose what feels right for you. You may clap, say No in a firm voice, use a small bike horn, a soda bottle or can with a few dried beans or pennies in it. E. A hand protector if needed, can be an oven mitt, or a towel wrapped around your hand. E. a harness and cloth leash
#2. DAY ONE: Remind your dog of all he already knows. Clip a leash to his harness and let him drag it around. A leash gives you a connection to your dog. Even if you are not touching it. Have him sit before you give him his food. Have him sit or lay down before you take him out. Have him sit and high five or shake hands before you pet or play with him. Take him for a walk and have him heel (if he does not heel that is ok for now just use a short leash and speed walk him.) Don't let him stop and sniff when he wants to. He may sniff and potty when you decide and give him the cue SNIFF AROUND) Pat your leg and cue LETS GO or HEEL and resume your walk. From Day One, Nothing in life is Free. Your Yorkies has to do his chores to get rewards

Teresa Ford · 05-20-2012, 04:10 PM

Part 3
DAY 2 ENOUGH, no more, snarl, snap, bite.

Yorkies rarely just start nipping and acting bossy suddenly. Any odd behavior that seems out of character could mean your dog is in pain, even sick. A vet should rule out any health problems. If your Yorkie is healthy and has gradually gotten out of hand, it will take time, repetition, love and determination to put things right.
What I am telling you is not based on some study of wolf behavior, dominance, the alpha dog theory or you acting like the mother dog. It is based on over 30 years training small dogs and loving, Yorkies. Think back when your dog was a puppy, didn't he count on you for everything ? Protection, food, toys, walks, potty time, playing, and grooming ? That is what a good leader provides. Someone in the family has to be the leader. A young child or a Yorkie can not decide when to buy groceries, make a vet appointment, wear a seat belt, what food is the best for them, or always understand the rules. Young children I mean toddlers and Yorkies are a lot alike. They may want to play in the street, never take a bath, or get their teeth brushed, they may cry and protest when you say enough treats, or you need a nap now. As the leader it is your responsibility make good rules, to keep your family safe. Every lesson builds on the lesson they have learned before. If you don't make the rules your Yorkie will. Lessons are for one dog at a time. If you have other dogs they should not be around when you are working with the problem dog. Early on you want to avoid any aggression or competition between dogs.

art 3

Teresa Ford · 05-20-2012, 04:14 PM

I hope this helps. I have more lessons if you need them to retrain. Best Wishes Teresa

gemy · 05-20-2012, 04:22 PM

Teresa; such a great post!

The only thing and I have only 7 years not 30 in obedience training, is that and this somewhat took me by surprise, is that your dog can be fine for 3years or 5 years, and even one year with another doggie in the house, and then whamoo, something happens the first time; then maybe a week or a month goes by, and whamoo again a snap or a serious growl, and not even with the same situation!. The thing is it is not "whamoo", it is just you didn't notice or see, the subtler build ups to the behaviour.

Obedience training happens for-ever over the life of your dogs.

Teresa helped me a lot with Razzle. She knows what she is talking about! Listen to her.

I would also get a health check for her as well. What are the eye drops for? Is she losing vision? And yes when medicating a dog, it is best to go into a private room with her.

dcoff827 · 05-20-2012, 05:42 PM

Thank you so much Teresa. These are wonderful training tips. I will try real hard to put them into practice. I have had her to the vet. She goes about every other week. The drops are for dry eye. She has had it for about 5 years now. She has subaceous cysts that have to be drained quiet often. She has incontinence. She has recently had a complete blood work up done, and no problems showed up. She also had xrays of her bladder because she has frequent uti's. I give both of them a natural multi vitamin daily, salmon oil capsule, cod liver oil capsule, biotin tablet. I home cook all their food. I use everything fresh. Meat based with a variety of vegetables and always 1 apple with each batch. They love it and are doing really well on it. I've been doing this for 3 years because they have so many skin problems and the oil and biotin are really good for dry eye. I want to mention that I had a yorkie when I brought Precious home. Buffy was the same way with Precious as she is with Gracie. She did not want her around. When she was very small Buffy would attack her and pin her down. The poor little thing just stayed back out of the way and watched Buffy. You are right, it is my fault. I didn't know what to do or how to handle it. I lost my dear Buffy to bone cancer 3 years ago, she was only 7 yrs old. I guess I should waited longer before I brought another dog in. Buffy had been gone about 3 or 4 months when I got Gracie. A coworker gave her to me. She is so sweet and easy going. Her disposition is great, she is a real pleasure. Don't think I don't feel the same way about Precious. I adore that little girl. Other than this one thing she is an adorable girl with a wonderful personality. I just thought I would offer some back ground information. Thanks to both of you for your help. If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to share them. I am very open minded.

shelimcallister · 05-20-2012, 06:46 PM

Teresa is awesome!! Thanks for being so descriptive!

luvtheyorkie · 06-20-2012, 07:15 PM

I have a 5 yr old female(spayed) & a 3 yr old male(neutered), they have been together for 3 yrs now and have loved & played great with one another, until a few months ago when the female started attacking the male for no reason..we got woke up @ 1:30 in the morning to the female peering at the male under the covers & just all of a sudden went after him, she always ends up hurt but keeps going back. We have tried separation, ignoring bad rewarding good and now even prozac but now she's losing weight & sleeping all the time & still wants to fight him..

Any and all suggestions are very much welcome..

05-20-2012, 04:07 PM	#3
Teresa Ford Therapy Yorkies Work Donating Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Central, Florida Posts: 3,863	Guarding Behavior First let me say Welcome to YT. I live close to you I live in Bartow. I suggest you put med in her eye in a room where the door is closed so the other dog can not trigger the aggression. ADULT Yorkies that BITE When you raise a dog and they bite as adult , usually it is your fault. Bet you didn't expect to see that in print. No of course you don't want your dog to bite and you never set out to teach him to be a bratty nipper. We love our Yorkies so much, we let them get away with a lot. We would not allow a 150 pound Rottie to snarl, snap or nip at us. A three pound Yorkie shouldn't be allowed to either. I can give you advice and lessons that will break the guarding, nip cycle. You may not agree with some of the things I want you to do. You may skip some of the steps. That is ok, but my method may not work if you skip steps. Retraining your dog takes work and repetition. And it is for your Yorkies own good. Biting is never allowed. The law says so, and it can cost your precious Yorkie his life. Yorkies who think they are the boss and biting is ok, are a 100% more likely to be attacked by a bigger dog, be kicked by a frightened person, hit by a car (because they ignore their person calling them), given up, and sadly, even put down. It is time for Tough Love, from now on NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE. Right now there is a problem because, your dog has been allowed to growl, guard things, and nip. You have to remind him he is not allowed to behave this way. You wouldn't allow your spouse, child or employer to scream and slap you. Your Yorkie should not be allowed to treat you that way either. If you are fearful of being bitten, some of these __________________ Teresa & Rubin, Gracie, Abba, Ginny Joy and Julia Rose Act like a dog, be kind, forgiving, and loyal.

05-20-2012, 04:08 PM	#4
Teresa Ford Therapy Yorkies Work Donating Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Central, Florida Posts: 3,863	Part 2 lessons will be scary for you. If you put bare hands near teeth, you may get a nip. Most of the time, I can help you avoid a real hard bloody bite, but you may get a nip. ( If your dog is showing true aggression biting and drawing blood, you need in home help with a live trainer, not this short little lesson.) Still want to do this ? OK lets go. First if he sleeps with you, Sorry but he needs to sleep in his own bed or crate for the next 7 days. #1. Get your tools ready. You will need : A. Small spray bottle filled with water and set on stream not mist. B. Several rolled up balls of old socks or tennis balls, if you can toss them gently even when upset. C. A swimming tube floaty or a light weight wooden yardstick D. A Noise maker. Choose what feels right for you. You may clap, say No in a firm voice, use a small bike horn, a soda bottle or can with a few dried beans or pennies in it. E. A hand protector if needed, can be an oven mitt, or a towel wrapped around your hand. E. a harness and cloth leash #2. DAY ONE: Remind your dog of all he already knows. Clip a leash to his harness and let him drag it around. A leash gives you a connection to your dog. Even if you are not touching it. Have him sit before you give him his food. Have him sit or lay down before you take him out. Have him sit and high five or shake hands before you pet or play with him. Take him for a walk and have him heel (if he does not heel that is ok for now just use a short leash and speed walk him.) Don't let him stop and sniff when he wants to. He may sniff and potty when you decide and give him the cue SNIFF AROUND) Pat your leg and cue LETS GO or HEEL and resume your walk. From Day One, Nothing in life is Free. Your Yorkies has to do his chores to get rewards __________________ Teresa & Rubin, Gracie, Abba, Ginny Joy and Julia Rose Act like a dog, be kind, forgiving, and loyal.

05-20-2012, 04:10 PM	#5
Teresa Ford Therapy Yorkies Work Donating Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Central, Florida Posts: 3,863	Part 3 DAY 2 ENOUGH, no more, snarl, snap, bite. Yorkies rarely just start nipping and acting bossy suddenly. Any odd behavior that seems out of character could mean your dog is in pain, even sick. A vet should rule out any health problems. If your Yorkie is healthy and has gradually gotten out of hand, it will take time, repetition, love and determination to put things right. What I am telling you is not based on some study of wolf behavior, dominance, the alpha dog theory or you acting like the mother dog. It is based on over 30 years training small dogs and loving, Yorkies. Think back when your dog was a puppy, didn't he count on you for everything ? Protection, food, toys, walks, potty time, playing, and grooming ? That is what a good leader provides. Someone in the family has to be the leader. A young child or a Yorkie can not decide when to buy groceries, make a vet appointment, wear a seat belt, what food is the best for them, or always understand the rules. Young children I mean toddlers and Yorkies are a lot alike. They may want to play in the street, never take a bath, or get their teeth brushed, they may cry and protest when you say enough treats, or you need a nap now. As the leader it is your responsibility make good rules, to keep your family safe. Every lesson builds on the lesson they have learned before. If you don't make the rules your Yorkie will. Lessons are for one dog at a time. If you have other dogs they should not be around when you are working with the problem dog. Early on you want to avoid any aggression or competition between dogs. art 3 __________________ Teresa & Rubin, Gracie, Abba, Ginny Joy and Julia Rose Act like a dog, be kind, forgiving, and loyal. Last edited by Teresa Ford; 05-20-2012 at 04:11 PM.

05-20-2012, 04:14 PM	#6
Teresa Ford Therapy Yorkies Work Donating Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Central, Florida Posts: 3,863	I hope this helps. I have more lessons if you need them to retrain. Best Wishes Teresa __________________ Teresa & Rubin, Gracie, Abba, Ginny Joy and Julia Rose Act like a dog, be kind, forgiving, and loyal.

05-20-2012, 04:22 PM	#7
gemy YT 2000 Club Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Huntsville,Ont,Canaada Posts: 12,335 Blog Entries: 2	Teresa; such a great post! The only thing and I have only 7 years not 30 in obedience training, is that and this somewhat took me by surprise, is that your dog can be fine for 3years or 5 years, and even one year with another doggie in the house, and then whamoo, something happens the first time; then maybe a week or a month goes by, and whamoo again a snap or a serious growl, and not even with the same situation!. The thing is it is not "whamoo", it is just you didn't notice or see, the subtler build ups to the behaviour. Obedience training happens for-ever over the life of your dogs. Teresa helped me a lot with Razzle. She knows what she is talking about! Listen to her. I would also get a health check for her as well. What are the eye drops for? Is she losing vision? And yes when medicating a dog, it is best to go into a private room with her. __________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018

05-20-2012, 03:08 PM	#1
dcoff827 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: lakeland, fl usa Posts: 18	Behavior problem I have 2 female yorkies. One is almost 10 and the other is 4. I have had Precious (9 yr old) since she was 9 wks old, I have had Gracie (4 yr old) since she was 1 1/2 yrs old. My problem is with Precious and she has done this ever since I've had Gracie. I have tried everything I know of and suggestions from friends. As of now, nothing works. She is either jealous or territorial. She has an eye problem and I put drops in it several times a day. If Gracie is around when I start to put the drops in, she will snap at me very viciously. If she is close to me and Gracie wants to get close too, she will growl very loudly and attack Gracie. I could go on and on with examples, but you get the picture. I don't know why she does this but I would really know how to put a stop to it. Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

05-20-2012, 03:49 PM	#2
alaskayorkie Banning Thread Dictator Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Anchorage Posts: 30,843 Blog Entries: 57	I'm no expert, but my inclination would be to meet Precious halfway on this. Yes, snapping at people is not allowed, but being restricted while uncomfortable eye drops are put in your eyes is not the best environment for socializing with other pets. Precious probably feels vulnerable and is trying to get out of the intolerable situation. I would always put the eyedrops in her eyes in a secluded location so it's just the two of you. Then I would reward her with treats generously for tolerance. But again, I'm no expert. Maybe there's an underlying health issue... __________________ Mike ~ Doting Dad to Jillie, Harper, Molly, Cooper, Eddie (RIP), Lucy (RIP), Rusty (RIP) and Jack (RIP). Check us out on YouTube

05-20-2012, 05:42 PM	#8
dcoff827 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: lakeland, fl usa Posts: 18	behavior problem Thank you so much Teresa. These are wonderful training tips. I will try real hard to put them into practice. I have had her to the vet. She goes about every other week. The drops are for dry eye. She has had it for about 5 years now. She has subaceous cysts that have to be drained quiet often. She has incontinence. She has recently had a complete blood work up done, and no problems showed up. She also had xrays of her bladder because she has frequent uti's. I give both of them a natural multi vitamin daily, salmon oil capsule, cod liver oil capsule, biotin tablet. I home cook all their food. I use everything fresh. Meat based with a variety of vegetables and always 1 apple with each batch. They love it and are doing really well on it. I've been doing this for 3 years because they have so many skin problems and the oil and biotin are really good for dry eye. I want to mention that I had a yorkie when I brought Precious home. Buffy was the same way with Precious as she is with Gracie. She did not want her around. When she was very small Buffy would attack her and pin her down. The poor little thing just stayed back out of the way and watched Buffy. You are right, it is my fault. I didn't know what to do or how to handle it. I lost my dear Buffy to bone cancer 3 years ago, she was only 7 yrs old. I guess I should waited longer before I brought another dog in. Buffy had been gone about 3 or 4 months when I got Gracie. A coworker gave her to me. She is so sweet and easy going. Her disposition is great, she is a real pleasure. Don't think I don't feel the same way about Precious. I adore that little girl. Other than this one thing she is an adorable girl with a wonderful personality. I just thought I would offer some back ground information. Thanks to both of you for your help. If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to share them. I am very open minded.

05-20-2012, 06:46 PM	#9
shelimcallister Max Main's Mamma Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Orlando, Florida, United States Posts: 1,101 Blog Entries: 1	Teresa is awesome!! Thanks for being so descriptive! __________________ Max and Sheli

06-20-2012, 07:15 PM	#10
luvtheyorkie YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Galion, Ohio USA Posts: 1	Please help me!! I have a 5 yr old female(spayed) & a 3 yr old male(neutered), they have been together for 3 yrs now and have loved & played great with one another, until a few months ago when the female started attacking the male for no reason..we got woke up @ 1:30 in the morning to the female peering at the male under the covers & just all of a sudden went after him, she always ends up hurt but keeps going back. We have tried separation, ignoring bad rewarding good and now even prozac but now she's losing weight & sleeping all the time & still wants to fight him.. Any and all suggestions are very much welcome..