Yorkie temper :(
 

Monty seems to have an 'attitude' and it is getting steadily worse. He growls and tries to snap at us when there is something he doesn't want to do such as putting on his harness to go for his walk (this is getting to be something we all dread). He seems to be getting worse the older he gets (6 months old now). We have tried tempting him with treats to get the harness on, tried being strict with him and saying 'no' when he shows signs of aggression and time outs and nothing seems to help...does anyone here have any words of wisdom for me? I really do not want to have a dog that I can't trust not to bite and right now he still has his puppy teeth so I am really worried about his temper when his adult teeth grow in....HELP!!!! This only seems to happen when we are trying to get him to do something that he doesn't want to do, the rest of the time he is just fine, loves everyone and is good with other dogs too! His personality is wonderful except for these outbursts of temper :(

I am no help but bump maybe someone can

It is just getting worse all the time. This morning he snapped at me and my husband when we tried to get his harness on (this is when we were trying to get it over his head with a treat to make it tempting to put his head through) and then I gave him his bath and went to dry his face and he snapped at me again. He has never been this aggressive and nothing has happened to him at all. We are with him basically 24 hours a day (we both work at our home) and he is treated extremely well, never spanked or yelled at (just a firm voice when he misbehaves and a time out). We don't let him get away with murder and there are no small children present (just my 16 year old daughter) so I am totally at a loss. He was fine during his walk, he met a couple of dogs and was friendly to them and their owners so it isn't that he is just plain mean. I just want him to be well behaved and not be afraid that he will bite us :( Please help if anyone knows any tricks or hints to help us it would be very much appreciated!! I am thinking he is maturing and trying to pull some kind of dominance trick but I want to know the best way of handling him to stop the aggression.

Sounds like he thinks hes the leader of the pack. Have you ruled out any health issues? Ear probs? Sore mouth? If he acts up when putting harness on maybe his head hurts?

Or he thinks hes the pack leader. Id google pack leader training. Waffles was trained on that method and is awesome. She never goes thru a doorway before me, she sits and waits for me to give the ok to enter cracks my mom up, eats after us. Never before. Look it up. It may just explain what your seeing.

Definitely don't do any 'pack leader' dominance nonsense. The people who created that theory have debunked it. It will make things worse. It just sounds like a puppy who doesn't know any better and wasn't ever taught. I have an absolutely amazing dog who was trained using positive reinforcement, and a bit of my own style. I guess I'd call it 'relationship based' training more than anything.

I'm not sure you're actually dealing with TRUE aggression? It's hard to tell from your description, but it just sounds like he lacks bite inhibition and never properly learned. Puppies can be nippy, and bite, etc, and it's not them being aggressive per say ... it's more they lack the social skills they were supposed to learn as a young pup with their mother. How old was he when you got him?

Kikopup on YouTube has some awesome videos. I'd highly recommend checking them out.

Monty was only 6 weeks old when we got him, we have been using positive reinforcement since day one with him and he is currently attending a puppy class that is strictly based on reward training. We had a very hard time with him biting (not aggressive but more puppy biting) when he was younger and he seems to be under control with that but this biting is different and it most definitely is when he does not get his own way, it is growling and snapping at us to make us stop what we are doing to him (which is simply putting his harness on or taking something from his mouth that he is not supposed to have).
I am going to watch the links you sent and hopefully there will be something that we haven't tried yet :) I don't believe in the whole 'pinning the dog down til he gives up' method and yet I don't want to put up with a mean dog either. There must be a happy medium somewhere :)

Whew!!!
 

Well good news...it took me almost 45 min but he actually got his harness on today with NO growling or biting!!!! I used the reward method and gave him a ton of treats, starting very slowly rewarding him for sniffing without growling and allowing me to approach him with the harness without being aggressive. Eventually I upped the ante with a few bites of cheese, holding the cheese through the opening of the harness so that he had to put his muzzle through to get the reward, eventually I managed to get the harness over his head with no aggression on his part. Now it did take quite a while to get to this point but I am hoping that with a few sessions like this it will just get easier and easier. I also went crazy with the praise through each phase. I guess with Monty and his harness, patience is key...whew!!

i totally agree with brister!! there is so much nonsense with dominance issues..im now working with a trainer for my 7month old for his severe food guarding and aggression issues..i was under the understanding that i needed to be the alpha but that DOESN'T WORK!! its definitely all positive training...good luck..im now seeing my baby getting better because im getting educated on proper techniques..great videos!!

That's great that you are going down the positive training route. Have you tried clicker training .ClickerSolutions Training Articles Contents this is a link to good resource for clicker training advice. Good luck.

I'm wondering if maybe he has some pain or something it's like putting the harness over his "head" drying his "face" maybe it's something he is feeling???

Columbo associates his harness with going out, usually going for a walk or to accompany me in the car somewhere. So all I have to say is "do you want to go for a walk" or "do you want to go bye-bye" and he gets all excited and comes right over to step in his harness. When your pup learns to associate it with fun, I'll bet the attitude stops.

very interesting videos. I like that harness in the last one..where do I get something like that? Anyone know?

I have a problem with Wallee running away when he sees me bring out the harness. He will get excited about going for a walk but when he sees me pick up the harness he starts running.I usually refuse to get involved in his "chase me game" and so go and sit back down like we are not going out. When he isn't suspecting anything I will pick him up and put on his harness. It's weird cause he cowers a little when he knows I am putting it on. I have never done anything but positive/reward training with him so this behaviour seems weird to start. When I do get the harness on him he runs directly to the door ready for his walk...any ideas why the harness is such a big deal? I have tried two different kinds of harnesses. He also doesn't like to put his coat on, however I make him wear it when it is cooler out and am trying to prepare him for the long cold winters here in Canada.

It is intimidating for dogs when we reach out to them to put on harnesses. Learnt this from the positive based trainer that it is naturally scary for them when we reach down for them. Pao has the same issue..he is excited about his walk but as soon as I pull out the harness, he runs away lol.

Well unfortunately Monty STILL is fighting me with his harness :( I spent 45 min yet again yesterday trying to get his harness on and my husband finally had to step in. I have done all of the positive reinforcement, he has gotten a ton of treats for every baby step he makes. He will put his muzzle through the harness to get the treat but immediately backs up knowing what is coming next. I am still trying but it is the most frustrating thing I have ever been through. I do feel if we (I) can master this that perhaps we can stop his aggression in other areas as well. He is teething right now but I don't really think it is related to the harness, he still allows us to put blankets on his head, massage his muzzle, touch his face and head without any signs of it bothering him at all. I haven't even attempted his sweater as this will surely spin him right into an angry frenzy :) He does need to get used to this as he will be spending winters in Canada (as of next year) and it is too cold for him without his sweater. Right now I am fine with his winter coat which does not go over his head but the sweater is better when it is chilly but not really cold. UGGHHHH!!
Thanks everyone for sharing their experiences, I can use all the support I can get on this one.

My husband started making a game out of the harness (playing with it and letting him have some fun playing tug of war with it and then sneaking in the slip over the head) and Monty responded quite positively, I have managed to get the harness over his head twice now in about 10 min!!! I am sooo excited!! He is progressing in leaps and bounds now!!

I think I have a suggestion that could help. You said in your previous post that you have to slip his head through the harness. Columbo's harness isn't like that. I've posted pictures of the type he wears below. It opens up and I just put a leg through each opening. (He even puts each leg out for me to do it) Then is snaps together at his back/shoulders. Then there are two rings, one from each side, that the leash hooks to. If you get one like this that doesn't go over his head, he might fight you less. Then, later when he's outgrown this phase and is more trusting (yes, it will happen) you could go back to the other style harness if that's what you prefer.

that is a really nice looking harness, I am using something like a fleece harness and it cost me the earth so I don't think another harness is in the budget right now :). It is nicely padded for comfort but it is a pain that it needs to go over his head. He is getting a wee bit better but of course it is one step forward, two steps back with him. We shall persist!!

attaching photo's???
 

I tried to attach a photo of Monty in his harness (it is def photo worthy) but the file is too big...does anyone know how to upload photos here? Everytime I have tried it has given me this message :(

I'm so happy it's getting a bit better.

Sometimes our babies sense our stress and tension and they respond to that...

When someone else steps in a bit more relaxed it seems to do the trick. When you mentioned your husband stepped in I got scared I thought he was upset :(, but I see he is making progress by playing and making it a game, he is probably feeling real proud of himself :)

You need to resize it to a smaller file size that can be uploaded to the web. If you don't know how to do that, I think they have directions on this site somewhere.

Google and download Photoscape...downsizing is easy...saving is easy...and upload the photo. There is a sticky I think on the 'photo's' part of YT, but if you do the regular REPLY and click the little paper clip at the top of the reply window, the instructions (buttons) are pretty simple and you'll know if the size is acceptable or not right away.

I am sorry you're having this trouble. A step-in harness is nice...I don't like the over-the-head kind and switched Brody out of one because I don't like pulling it over his head.

I would make an effort to make putting the harness on be fun...desirable...take him somewhere special...maybe even leave it on all day, maybe just until he can take a special walk before you remove it...even if you just put the harness on and just drive him around the block, if he likes to ride, etc. Even putting the harness on for indoor playtime or treats...even feeding, not just for potty time walks, then remove it...or maybe only remove it after a walk if you put it on for feeding...and if using it to treat don't give him more treats UNLESS he has the harness on until he gets more used to it. You can offer the treat, but not give it unless he puts the harness on.

He's in the 'terrible two's' and you'll likely need to divert attention AWAY from the harness and TOWARD a better experience so the harness becomes an unimportant but necessary 'thing' to get to where he wants to be or get his prize.

I would also look for any possibility that the harness is uncomfortable in any way...or the process hurts him in any way...maybe even put the harness on while he's up on a counter or something.

Monty will respond to praise significantly more than he will to verbal admonishment (although that is also needed). i'm absolutely convinced that the trick to all training is teaching them to please us, to WANT our praise. All that gooey baby talk can come in handy for that. Once they learn that, ANYTHING is possible. Same way with furless babies. Sounds like Monty is getting a handle on that; good job, mom!

Hi Everyone: what would you do if your baby ran away every time you went to put the harness on. I had him in puppy class and they taught us to get them to come and to reach down with the other hand so they got used to the hand coming to them. When he is just in the house doing nothing, I can get him to do that easily.
When it is time to go for a walk, totally different story. I have been walking him 2 or 3 times a day since I got him and he loves his walks. I have tried every kind of harness out there.
He runs away if he even thinks I am going to put anything on him. Once I do get it on him, he immediately runs to the front door to go for his walk like all of it meant nothing.
I try not to get frustrated as I know that only makes it worse, but I am getting tired of him running away and it taking 20 minutes to get his harness on before I can take him for a walk.
Putting the harness physically doesn't seem to be an issue by the way. It is just getting ahold of him to do it.:confused:

Oh I feel for you...it's an exercise program for sure!:p

You know...this sounds like the "Gingerbread Man" game Brody plays sometimes...you know..."Catch me if you can 'cuz I'm the Gingerbread Man" from the fairy tale...and I was thinking about what I did that eventually turned him around...mostly...:p

If that is what is happening, maybe if you play 'the game' at other times, when you're not planning to walk him...to disassociate the game with harness and/or walk time...maybe he just feels that is the ONLY time he gets to play that game that he loves.

I now play the Gingerbread Man game with Brody when I get home from work. I know how hard it is to catch that little furry "C" while it is spinning wildly, bouncing, yipping, and play-biting...grinning from ear to ear. :p When we play, I 'errrrr' at him and he 'errrrrs' at me, and we go at it for a little while...at the same time I am also kissy-facing with Mia and petting her little golden spinning, bouncing furry "C" with the advantage that she is 'velcro' and will stick with me as I 'gingerbread' around the room with Brody. Incidentally, if I get too far from Brody, he will move back into a 'just out of reach' location, too.

Maybe all you need to do is make his walks a bit 'disorganized'...snatch him up for a walk when he is not expecting it...pull him out of a nap, maybe, hold him and dress him in his harness...or leave it on during the day to remove that piece of the problem...and play 'the game' when going out is NOT on your list of things to do right now so you can just walk away when YOU get tired of the game. I cannot swear it would fix it permanently...Brody really loves the game and occasionally plays it at walk time...but it may help. Oh, and only praise, reward and treat when he comes to you...if you are NOT playing the game, just monotone whatever you say, and or walk away to indicate a 'game over' condition. Do try NOT to let on that you are frustrated...walking away/not participating in 'the game' should let him know you are displeased.

Another thing that may help...and I've done this with Brody, too...is, when he plays the game and you are dead set against it but MUST get his attention, just walk away from him, get something HE WILL WANT...with Brody, a crinkly bag that MAY contain a toy is sufficient, and play 'keep away' with it keeping him from getting it temporarily until you can get hold of him, then he can have the treat after a few minutes lag time, or after his walk, etc. but at least until after the harness in on. A toy works better for Brody, except that if I give him the toy afterward, that little 'Yorkshire Terrior Retriever' will then tote the toy, clenched in his teeth, around the yard and NOT do his bit BECAUSE he'd have to lay down the toy for that business and he is convinced Mommy will STEAL it! :p:D

Good luck!

soooooooooooo frustrated!!!!
 

Well, this whole "running away" thing is starting to get out of hand. I just don't understand what is happening. I have never ever used any form of negative punishment with this little guy. Not only is it "impossible" to walk over to him with a harness in my hand, he is starting to even back away every time I reach for him "period". He refuses to jump up on the couch by himself, (which is ok by me) however he has always come to me to lift him up. It seems now when I reach to pick him up, he backs away. Same reaction any time I approach him and try to reach down to him. Doesn't matter if I even bring myself down to the floor to his level. I just don't understand it. Part of his puppy training was to get him to come and give him a treat with one hand and reach for his "pretend collar" with the other so he gets used to me reaching down to him in case he was running away. He did that great every time in puppy class, but now as soon as he sees the other hand coming towards him he backs away.....ugggh...I have to sneak up to him to pick him up to put on the harness. I don't even approach him with it in my hand. If he sees me coming towards him, he runs....H E L P !!!!!:eek:

Maybe you should try a harness that does not have to go over the head if that is an issue with him. A step in harness may be a better option. Does he ever wear clothing? I wonder if he has an ear sensitivity? I just mentioned in another thread that we have friends whose dog bite their daughter and attempted to bite another person before they found he had a serious ear infection and was in a lot of pain.

If the harness going over the head is really bothering him I would try a step in harness in order to make the process a happier event. He has already learned to hate the one you have. Some Yorkies do have stubborn streaks and forcing them can create more problems. If one method does not work try something else. If you have hit a wall in training then you have to find a way around it. It is not giving into him, it is just working with his particular personality. Dogs sometimes have fears and phobias that appear to manifest as aggression.

This is a good example of the step in harness. I have one that I bought from a YT member, chattiesmom. She makes silk harnesses that are adjustable in various colors. When Gracie was a puppy we used the Puppia step in vest harness that was more confining and I was able to control her puppy antics with. Now that she is older the silk harness works great. She loves it and kisses it every time I get it out.