Rescue Yorkie snappy
 

Hi everyone,

It has been 3 weeks since we adopted our 6 year old male Yorkie. He is settling into a routine. He is house trained, is getting better with his walking, not reactiving so much to people and other dogs. He is now sleeping downstairs as he wouldn't settle upstairs and he sleeps all night no crying or barking.

He is very loveable and enjoys company but he still has snapping issues. If is he sitting on my knee getting petted and he hears a noise that frightens him he snaps. I know it is a fear reaction, he is getting better as sharing his toys. And will give you the toy if he wants to play, but would be snappy with chews.

All in all his behaviour is good but the snappiness worries me, my husband and I are careful not to put him a in position that he would be afraid but we can't forsee every outcome.

Many dogs can have issues with being snappy w/ chews - this is called "Resource Guarding" -- google that term for possible solutions.

As far as general snappiness, I would probably consult with a trainer. Do you need to worry about him around kids in the family...?

Thanks Wylies mom, thankfully it is just me and my husband, no kids so we don't need to worry about that. Our previous dog didn't like visitors so we are used dealing with that.

I don't want to bring in a trainer just yet as he is still getting used to us, and don't want to expose him to another stranger.

The best thing to do would be to consult a trainer or behavioralist for help with that issue.

I can't afford a trainer at the minute. Does anyone know what a trainer would suggest? Thanks

I don't know what a trainer would say but I would just try to ease his fear when he snaps. If he sitting on your lap pet him calmly and reassure him him all is OK. Maybe a treat when he calms down? It took a while for him to develop that trait so it won't be cured overnight. Like I said i am not a trainer so this is just my opinion.

Good luck!

Training is Easy.
 

I train service dogs and there is a very real possibility that the dog was abused. What you have to do is not react negatively to the snapping. It is not something you want to reinforce with your baby. I had a GSD trained to protect my German aunt that had been in WW2 forced labor to interpret for Hitler forces against the allies. Prince was out in the blueberry gardens along with myself and my cousin. I petted Prince and when I stopped he grabbed my arm. Instead of jerking away, I let him just hold on. From that moment I was able to play with Prince whenever we were went to the farm. This would not have been the case had I jerked back.

With this being said, I want you to go to petsmart type store and purchase a cheaper clicker. Doesn't have to be expensive. Then go to Wal-Mart to get your puppy their favorite treats. I like pup a roni because I an sit there and cut them into bite sized pieces. You want them to mostly chew not more than once or twice so they can swallow and stay focused.

Day 1. Teach the click get a treat. No commands and no talking. Just click it and give the treat. You want your puppy to learn to associate click with the treat. Do this 2 - 4 minutes 3 times a day.

Day 2 - 5 repeat step one.

Day 6- 9. First command. Sit. Click and treat. You want a command for something your baby already knows since it's a rescue. Again just 2 - 4 minutes 3 times a day. Whenever ever your baby gets snappy say NO when the snappiness stops click and treat.

Day 10 - 14. Commands are sit and down (whatever words you use).

This is the better way to train any animal. Even See World uses this type of training. They use one tweet on a whistle in place of the clicker. I have also trained my 3 cats with this method. Works wonders.

Every week add 1 new command while reviewing the previous ones. Never work more than 7 minutes after the first month.

Once you get your baby doing seven to ten commands start mixing the order of giving them up. You need to do this because YOU must become the pack leaders. Both you and your husband need to be active in the training.

Problems or questions anyone can send me a pm. I'm always happy to help with this method of training.

In my opinion aggression is a big deal that can go wrong so I always suggest a trainer.

Resource guarding does not mean they were abused. Puparoni isn't really good for dogs in fact most of the treats at Walmart are made in China and terrible. You also don't have to use a clicker you can just use treats. Dogs do not see humans as there pack that is myth that has been debunked. Training is going to form a bond but probably won't fix the issue.

To each his own....I personally think if a dog wants his treat, let him have it. I see far too many dogs euthanized these days because of stupid temperament testing that is over the top....I might bite someone if they tried to take a piece of chocolate out of my mouth.

Don't misunderstand....I don't think we should let a dog rule the roost...but a little thing like this is not something I would freak out over. Probably in time, he will understand he is safe and secure and does not have to worry about losing his treats.

Just my two cents. I have two crazy foster pups in my home right now...I wish the only time they got testy was over a treat. LOL

I said NOTHING about the resource guarding. The owner and several replies said things that were addressing that.

I have NEVER had a problem with pup a roni. I have used it almost entirely since it came out. In fact, I have had many problems with the so called "healthy" treats. Even the ones from the vet.

I have trained dogs for over 50 years. Whether you think I know anything or not does not mean anything to me. All of my dogs know I am pack leader. They follow me and my commands without hesitation. I don't know where you get your information from but I know what my dogs do and I am pack leader.

My offer to assist thru pm's stands. My dogs are allowed to go everywhere (with minor exceptions) by Federal law. I have trained over 3,000 dogs to date and will be conducting another class within the next few weeks. I do limited numbers per class. I even allow individuals to train their own dog. However, the individuals must come to my classes and pass the exact same testing as my dogs do to graduate. It is not an easy program but is not supposed to be.

Only going to address the one point. I personally don't and won't give Pup Peroni ... I am not a holistic freak either. I just have learned over the years that yorkies can have extremely sensitive stomachs and are prone to pancreatitis. I also believe I have seen these treats involved in recalls in the past.

I don't know if you are a yorkie owner....or just here to advertise your training...but, this is from my experience dealing with many yorkies.

No offense meant.

What the op described is resource guarding and you said it seemed like the dog was abused. I was simply saying how the dog is acting dosent mean it was abused. But to each there own. As you feel confident as a traininer I feel confident as a vet assistant and have come across big issues with puperoni. Dealing with aggression is a lot different thing severive dog training. Your dogs do see you in charge but not as a pack leader because they don't see you as a dog. I am by no means attacking your training abilitys I just simply disagree with things outside of the training.

sounds like this is rooted in insecurity..if I understand correctly this guy is a rescue and has been with you for just 3 weeks. 3 week s is rather short to undo the insecurity of a rescue...many take months to feel secure. When he is on your lap and he hears a noise make sure he can easily leave your lap. It is a flight or fight reaction..it is probably how he lived and survived prior to being rescued. If chews are a catalyst why not stop chews until the behavior changes. I understand tight financial resources. Arm yourself with knowledge its usually free :)