Yorkie vs grand baby
 

My 6 yr old yorkie, Charlie, is possessive of me. So much so, that he attacks my 3 yr. old grandson every time he gets near me. A new grand baby will be here in 6 months. I love Charlie very much, but I can't let him keep me from my grandchildren. Is it possible to break him of this unruly behavior?

Do you share a home with your grandson or is this happening during visits?

I would start with making sure Charlie gets plenty of exercise. Work on obedience/trick training with him too. Have yummy treats for when your grandson is around and reward Charlie for when he behaves.

If your grandson is visiting, take Charlie out for a walk first, or do something special with him. When your grandson arrives, make Charlie sit and perform other tricks for treats. Try not to show anger or frustration when correcting Charlie or he will associate your grandson with everything bad.

Trainer Victoria Stilwell has videos and books with more suggestions.

Finally, exercise extreme caution with Charlie around your grandkids. If all else fails, exercise Charlie before visits from family, and then pen him or put him in a room with a comfy bed and toys.

I understand...
 

I don't have children yet, but I do have a 5 year old sister, which is like 20 years younger than me, I know, I know, my mother... :) Milo at first played a little too rough for my liking, but so did she, they also did not always get along, he would steal things from her, stand on her, and attempted to "chastise" her quite often. My suspicions were that he thought that she was lowest in the pack order. My sister was three at the time, but I would give her treats and have her try and make him do something as simple as making Milo sit, supervising and advising her on technique. I even corrected her tendency to cry when he wronged her, teaching her not to be the victim, but trying instead to tell him NO and then telling me so I could further correct him. We also began to go on walks together, I would allow her to hold on to the leash, showing her how to hold it firmly, and I would take it for the hard parts like crossing the street, at least until we got to the park. This worked wonders for them, and in time they became very good with each other. Even at three, I think kids can be taught to handle a rough pup, it is just about supervision and establishing the pack order.

My grandson visits me, or sometimes Charlie and I go to my grandson's house. Thank you for the advice. I will heed it and implement immediately.

Than you for the advice. I will work on implementing it immediately!

Bella is the same way with my grands.

What do you do with Bella?

I agree that obedience training with a lot of positive reinforcement will teach him that you are the alpha in the house and that he does not need to protect you. Right now he is feeling that he runs things in your house. He thinks he has to take charge of situations. Once you become the teacher he will realize that you don't need his protection and he will stop the aggressive behavior.

Lots of exercise is always important for a dog to be well balanced in his temperament.

Referencing the milo/pack order post above- heck yeah! Pack order is an amazing thing. My three year kid knows he is an alpha and the turkeys would never dream of attacking him but my ten year old daughter gets sent up to fees the sheep and the next thing you know she is getting butted by the ram. Establishing a pack order is important and most of all that you are the leader and if you choose to pet another dog or pick up a grand baby that you get to choose tha because you are the head lady, the alpha and the decision maker. Your dog will be more comfortable if he or she is firm in what their role is anyway :aimeeyork