Help! Anna bites! Anna needs help. We got her about a month ago from a shelter. She is absolutely a doll. We adore her and she loves us.....well some of us. She loves me and my husband and is tolerating my youngest son who lives at home when not at college. However, when other family members visit, she acts crazy. I have been using canned air and spraying it near her (not at her) when she has crazy barking fits to show my disapproval. She is better about the barking, but when our guests get up to leave she will bolt and try to nip their legs. She has bitten my MIL several times. My MIL is great about it. She has been bringing doggy treats and trying to bond with Anna, but my brother in law is getting tired of it. She seems to hate him more than she does our other family. He is a police officer and she acts much worse when he's in uniform. I've noticed that she does not do this when we are away from our house, such as trips to the park and vet. Actually at the vet's a complete stranger walked up and petted her. I tried to warn the lady that she's a biter, but Anna just licked her and acted sweet. Go figure?? I think the poor baby thinks she's protecting me. What should I do? I've never had an angry dog before. |
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Both are rather good qualities (in moderation) and should be carefully adjusted, so as not to suppress them completely. I'd say continue with your present corrective measures, and possibly create a "time out" area, where she can be placed for a short period. This can be very effective, since she will loose her privilege of being near you. Dogs are SO much like people when it comes to who they like, and don't. It's quite possible that there may never be any resolution to her dislike of your BIL. This happens. |
She's not angry..she actually is protecting you. If she doesn't do it away from the home, it is a protecting the home deal. That doesn't mean it is okay. It does need to be trained out of her. Until it is trained out of her, you may want to have her in a separate room or hold her as your guests get up. Just imagine how overpowering a tall human standing up must appear to a small Yorkie close to the ground. There are ways to train Anna so that she doesn't think she has to protect you or the home...that you've "got this." I am the last person to try to give advice as I have a male dog (not a biter, but a big time barker) who does this protecting at home thing. I am the one at fault as I haven't put in the time and effort to properly re-train his brain and behavior. I will hope some that are good at this, like Jeanie for one), will see this and give you some advice. When they do, take note and try it because these ladies that understand behaviors and training know what they are talking about. Basically, I'm telling you that your Anna isn't aggressive, she is possessive and protective. It's a big difference. (My vet told me this). It is up to YOU to re-train her brain and behavior. And again..until that is done...I would keep her out of the situation of being able to bite..hold her or separate her from the room. :) ETA: "these ladies AND gents" (per the post before mine :D ) |
Thanks for the advice. It makes me feel better to know she's not angry. She really is amazing. She's even learning how to play with Barney. I just can't believe how well adjusted she seems in every other sense except for this biting thing. But it is a big issue. My BIL is a large guy. That may be why she is more aggressive toward him. He also has a german shepherd police dog. She might smell the dog on him. I really don't know. It's odd because Barney, our other dog, adores him. He will even get between Anna and BIL when she's having a melt down. |
MandiesMom, Ha, thank you for the inclusion :D barneysmommmy, Ya never know, she just may not like Cops :D |
it may be a good idea to leash her when your bil is expected to visit and your mil. Biting is never acceptable for whatever reason... you could lose your dog if she bites the wrong person. Quick and harsh correction is in order when this happens. |
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I appreciate the suggestions I am receiving and I will continue to work on this. I just worry that she will bite the wrong person and we will have to make a very tough decision. |
I understand. You see that in her mind, she is protecting you, and the longer she is with you the more attached she is becoming to you and therefore more protective. She has become the lead boss here and she is showing her "worth". She has to learn that YOU are the main boss and do not need her protection thanks a bunch. You are protecting her by training her that it is not permissable to bite anyone. Your hubby has to back off, even for a 20 minute "time out"... (dogs do not forget, especially little terriers). Repetition and consistancy is the answer here. You are being harsh when she 'loses it' to protect her. In the meantime, keep her on a leash when company is in the house. |
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you are very welcome, and good luck with your training!! it will be soooo worth it! |
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