Yorkie temper :(

[pinkpatty]

Show me any terrier who at six months is not testing you. Positive training is the answer. Not just with terriers either. But I do have to say they generally are the worst. You have to remember what terriers were used for, going to ground for rodents. Not a job for a sweet little lap dog.

[Wallee]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I am not sure if it is actually the harness or not. I have a step in one as well. Once I actually catch him and pick him up, I can then put any kind of harness/colar on him. He will then eagerly run to the door knowing it means he is going for his walk. The problem seems to be more me "reaching" to touch or pick him up. I have never ever done anything to hurt him in any way and don't believe in striking an animal so it couldn't be that, however the behavior is like he is "afraid". I am very puzzled by his behavior and just can't seem to get him by it. Sometimes he won't even come close for his treats. He acts "cautious" and if I try to reach for him even with a treat he will run away. Soooo confused....

[pinkpatty]

Keno is two and really smart, if he gets mouthy I tell him No Bite and he quits and tries to kiss me. He knows exactly not to bite but sometimes he just can not control his terrier blood. I had a Jack Russell Terrier for 17 years and know a little about the terrier mind.

[gracielove]

Is it possible that Wallee has had a bad experience with someone else that could have caused him to become afraid of someone or something coming toward him? If he is exhibiting signs of fear something may have happened that has put some apprehension in him. You may not remember it but it may have been enough to cause he to be extra cautious when you do certain things. Using a lot of patience, moving slowly and speaking softly are the best methods of dealing with that kind of reaction. I know when you want to go out you are probably wanting to get going but Wallee is telling you he is not comfortable with that.

Yorkies tend to be very vocal. Many try to communicate by "talking" which many times involve a type of growl. I would listen to what he is saying and try to work with him in trying to find what is triggering these episodes.

[Montysmom2]

We have all but given up getting Monty's harness on him. We have tried and tried and everytime it seems like we are making a bit of progress he ups the game and it gets worse. Now we can't even get close to him and no amount of bribing or praise will get him to respond. We have spent HOURS and days on this and nothing is getting better. He hasn't been for a walk in days due to this and today we are going to resort to a 'collar' *sigh*

[Wallee]

Hi Monty's mom
I am so sorry to hear that your little guy is giving you so much grief. I thought I had a problem with Wallee however he does not show aggression. More of a fear thing. These little guys are quite a challenge I do have to say, although we you look into their sweet faces it always feels worth the effort.
I will keep my fingers crossed for you that something will change, and keep trying to work with my little guy as well until he hopefully "grows out of" this fear.

[BiewerYorkie]

Of my 6 little guys, three show aggression. My 11 year old Chihuahua, Twinkie, has always been a grumpy old man. The older he gets, the worse he gets.

Gizmo, the only "mutt" we own is different in her aggression. We got her at 7 months of age from the animal shelter. She is going on 5. We should have known by her coat (half short, soft and smooth and half long and wirey) that she had some terrier in her.

When we had my Chinese Crested (PTS this year from old age), McGee was "alpha dog" and we had no problems with Twinkie or Gizmo. She was not physically aggressive but let them know who was boss in other ways. NOW however, the other two both think they are alpha. Gizmo is much younger and a little bigger but Twinkie won't stop the growling and snarling. About once a day they get into it physically, usually at meal time, but it is not really serious. Gizmo WILL snap at US and we have learned how to deal with it so she won't have a chance. That seems to happen mainly when she is excited.

My two Japanese Chin's are pretty much laid back. They will growl occasionally and the smallest will defend her food/treat. B, my tiny long hair Chihuahua wouldn't hurt a fly.

Zachary, my Biewer Yorkie, gets into fights occasionally. But I have noticed it is mainly when he gets EXCITED. He seems to just lose control.

Having 6 dogs of ANY breed is a challenge. I don't think you can have a aggression free house with that many. Caesar Milan may be able to do so but I suspect he is the only one that can.

My guys spat but it is usually more bark than bite. Nobody has ever been hurt, just scared. I wish I had a solution on how to stop it all but I haven't found it yet and doubt if I ever will.

Louise