Newly Adopted Aggressive Yorkie

[Martha Beachell]

How can I tell if it's a control or fear situation. It appears to be a control thing with him since he doesn't want me to come near the bed or go into the bedroom. That's the only time he pulls this biting, growling behavior. (He reminds me of a wolf that snarls and shows teeth. )
He's been very subdued because I've completely ignored him since this happened earlier today and he's not quite sure what to think and keeps looking at me and he knows I'm unhappy with him. We now keep the door closed to the bedroom where my husband takes him naps so he can't go in or get on the bed. We'll see how things go tomorrow. I do have the gloves ready to try your suggestion should he act like he's going to bite me.

[bphslp]

Yorkies can have an attitude when they are mad. I think he is angry because he has been taken away from his home. Perhaps going into the bedroom means that you are going to pack and leave and he is trying to prevent it. Sometimes you have to think like a dog so closing the bed room is a positive move on your part. Let him get use to his new home and you. I bet he comes around. Our Zeus can have an attitude but usually sweet. I always sit on the floor with a few treats and entice them to come and reward. Gentle moves and soft voice get response. They are like small children. ha. Best to you.

[Martha Beachell]

Charley has been with me longer than he was at his former home. (The lady I got him from only had him about 2/3 weeks tops and I think she realized he had behavior problems but conveniently failed to tell me.) That bad behavior I described has only happened in that one extra bedroom where my husband takes his naps. I no longer allow him on our bed at night and today he didn't even attempt to get on my husbands "nap bed" in the extra bedroom when door was opened and husband laid down for his nap. Last night Charley slept under our bed and never barked one time. He's been very good today but I'm still ignoring him to a good degree. He attempts to jump up on me for attention and I just tell him no, so he goes over and lays down but watches my every move like a hawk. I hardly think he could change his "colors" in only one day, but who knows because he's very smart and catches on to things super fast. I'm hoping he has just been testing the waters as to how much he can get away with like a little child. I'm still ruling with a firm hand (and gloves are ready...ha ha) so only time will tell.

Again, thanks to everyone for helping me understand this incorrigible, adorable little cuss.

[canana]

Originally Posted by Martha Beachell

Charley has been with me longer than he was at his former home. (The lady I got him from only had him about 2/3 weeks tops and I think she realized he had behavior problems but conveniently failed to tell me.) That bad behavior I described has only happened in that one extra bedroom where my husband takes his naps. I no longer allow him on our bed at night and today he didn't even attempt to get on my husbands "nap bed" in the extra bedroom when door was opened and husband laid down for his nap. Last night Charley slept under our bed and never barked one time. He's been very good today but I'm still ignoring him to a good degree. He attempts to jump up on me for attention and I just tell him no, so he goes over and lays down but watches my every move like a hawk. I hardly think he could change his "colors" in only one day, but who knows because he's very smart and catches on to things super fast. I'm hoping he has just been testing the waters as to how much he can get away with like a little child. I'm still ruling with a firm hand (and gloves are ready...ha ha) so only time will tell.

Again, thanks to everyone for helping me understand this incorrigible, adorable little cuss.

I'm so happy for you! It sounds like you're doing great in putting him in his place - such good progress. He probably needed it. It might not be a single-day eureka but if he sees this is a consistent thing, he'll probably accept it and know who's the real boss soon enough

Isn't it fun challenge to solve these behavioural dog issues and try to understand 'dog'? lol I dunno about everyone else, but I find it really rewarding when you're able to calmly figure out what works and everyone's happy.