desperate for advice

[Deb16]

i have a little rescue Yorkie, ive had him a year and the vet thinks he may be 10years or more, he has never been neutered and because of his age he thought it best to leave him be. His teeth were rotten so all but 2 were removed.
My problem is I have 3 other dogs mixed sizes but bigger than him,they all rescue dogs who all get on great, but Toby has turned very vicious to them and attacks them, of course they attack back and he gets hurt, its so upsetting, and I don't know what to do, the vet cant find any major problems with his health, he did say I may have to think about having him put to sleep but that is not something I will do, there is no triggers to this, he will just walk past my big soft old dog who is 14yrs and just bite him while he sleeps, I do reprimand him, ive purchased a natural remedy calming drops, and changed his food to 18 percent protein which was recommended by a dog therapist.

has anyone any tips for me to try?

[Posh10]

It’s probably a territorial issue, he’s the Alfa Male. Sounds Behavorial,
You will need to work with him. Please don’t put him to sleep if the Vet says he is medically normal, poor little guy was obviously very abused /trust issues. Can the Vet prescribe something to calm and relax him? Rescue Pets have lots of security issues, just think of a poor foster child who has been bounced from one home to another. He may need to be separated from the pack, maybe he is Jealous or needs more attention. Can you set up a separate area for him. Maybe try to find a behavioral therapist or research online. I am praying for that little guy!

[Lovetodream88]

It could be testosterone. You probably need to get a trainer and or behavioralist to help. I would keep them separate until you can get the issue fixed.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Not a lot of information to work with but here are some thoughts to consider. At his age, is his testosterone level likely high enough to cause aggression? Couldn't his aggression be likely related to his now being an old, weak dog, considered an outcast to most healthy dog packs, yes, even civilized, pampered house pets. And unless you know dog body language, know what to look for in time to stop his attacks B4 they start, he is likely going to get hurt seriously either physically and/or psychologically, with an eyeball punctured, a lip torn open or far, far worse, depending upon the size, viciousness of your other dogs. You can get hurt trying to stop the fight, but of course stop it you must.

Are you certain he doesn’t have pain/fear aggression, resulting from some painful arthritis, which would be pretty likely in an elder dog of 10+ years. Does he ever favor one leg, hold up a paw or hesitate to make jumps he used to? He could have some activity-related cardiac insufficiency growing winded, tired during even short walks, begin to slow down, isolate himself to a quiet room to spend time alone?

If he’s not perfectly fit,feeling well, your other dogs sense that as a weakness, will alert on anything he does to attack, trying to remove him from the pack. This often initially unseen or unwitnessed canine interplay can go on without your knowledge and could be the cause your elder has grown fear-aggressive. He realizes his age, his weakness is sensed, truly outlawed by natural ‘laws’, and that he is a walking target for the other dogs. Anybody or little dog in that situation is bound to react to that situation by trying to stay safe. Best defense is a good offense as most dogs see it so now he strikes first, resulting in all the other dogs’ attacks.

I would strongly suggest you make dead certain he’s not arthritic or otherwise physically impaired or your other dogs will keep trying to eliminate him. Until then, you are his only true defense so will have to work hard to keep him safe from your other dogs, whatever it takes. A good dog behaviorist could help you read situations, dog body language and perhaps work with you in how to better read your dogs, predict trouble, instigate some behavior modification techniques for the dogs.

Until then, keep him with you and protect him, even when it seems he’s the aggressor, as he’s likely overly aware the other dogs want him gone. You might have to consider rehoming him to a pet-free home where he is only-dog, to spend his latter years in quiet and peace.

[ladyjane]

Get him neutered! It may not fix it, but it is a good place to start. He survived a dental..should have no problem with a simple neuter!

[matese]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Not a lot of information to work with but here are some thoughts to consider. At his age, is his testosterone level likely high enough to cause aggression? Couldn't his aggression be likely related to his now being an old, weak dog, considered an outcast to most healthy dog packs, yes, even civilized, pampered house pets. And unless you know dog body language, know what to look for in time to stop his attacks B4 they start, he is likely going to get hurt seriously either physically and/or psychologically, with an eyeball punctured, a lip torn open or far, far worse, depending upon the size, viciousness of your other dogs. You can get hurt trying to stop the fight, but of course stop it you must.

Are you certain he doesn’t have pain/fear aggression, resulting from some painful arthritis, which would be pretty likely in an elder dog of 10+ years. Does he ever favor one leg, hold up a paw or hesitate to make jumps he used to? He could have some activity-related cardiac insufficiency growing winded, tired during even short walks, begin to slow down, isolate himself to a quiet room to spend time alone?

If he’s not perfectly fit,feeling well, your other dogs sense that as a weakness, will alert on anything he does to attack, trying to remove him from the pack. This often initially unseen or unwitnessed canine interplay can go on without your knowledge and could be the cause your elder has grown fear-aggressive. He realizes his age, his weakness is sensed, truly outlawed by natural ‘laws’, and that he is a walking target for the other dogs. Anybody or little dog in that situation is bound to react to that situation by trying to stay safe. Best defense is a good offense as most dogs see it so now he strikes first, resulting in all the other dogs’ attacks.

I would strongly suggest you make dead certain he’s not arthritic or otherwise physically impaired or your other dogs will keep trying to eliminate him. Until then, you are his only true defense so will have to work hard to keep him safe from your other dogs, whatever it takes. A good dog behaviorist could help you read situations, dog body language and perhaps work with you in how to better read your dogs, predict trouble, instigate some behavior modification techniques for the dogs.

Until then, keep him with you and protect him, even when it seems he’s the aggressor, as he’s likely overly aware the other dogs want him gone. You might have to consider rehoming him to a pet-free home where he is only-dog, to spend his latter years in quiet and peace.

[matese]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Get him neutered! It may not fix it, but it is a good place to start. He survived a dental..should have no problem with a simple neuter!

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Not a lot of information to work with but here are some thoughts to consider. At his age, is his testosterone level likely high enough to cause aggression? Couldn't his aggression be likely related to his now being an old, weak dog, considered an outcast to most healthy dog packs, yes, even civilized, pampered house pets. And unless you know dog body language, know what to look for in time to stop his attacks B4 they start, he is likely going to get hurt seriously either physically and/or psychologically, with an eyeball punctured, a lip torn open or far, far worse, depending upon the size, viciousness of your other dogs. You can get hurt trying to stop the fight, but of course stop it you must.

Are you certain he doesn’t have pain/fear aggression, resulting from some painful arthritis, which would be pretty likely in an elder dog of 10+ years. Does he ever favor one leg, hold up a paw or hesitate to make jumps he used to? He could have some activity-related cardiac insufficiency growing winded, tired during even short walks, begin to slow down, isolate himself to a quiet room to spend time alone?

If he’s not perfectly fit,feeling well, your other dogs sense that as a weakness, will alert on anything he does to attack, trying to remove him from the pack. This often initially unseen or unwitnessed canine interplay can go on without your knowledge and could be the cause your elder has grown fear-aggressive. He realizes his age, his weakness is sensed, truly outlawed by natural ‘laws’, and that he is a walking target for the other dogs. Anybody or little dog in that situation is bound to react to that situation by trying to stay safe. Best defense is a good offense as most dogs see it so now he strikes first, resulting in all the other dogs’ attacks.

I would strongly suggest you make dead certain he’s not arthritic or otherwise physically impaired or your other dogs will keep trying to eliminate him. Until then, you are his only true defense so will have to work hard to keep him safe from your other dogs, whatever it takes. A good dog behaviorist could help you read situations, dog body language and perhaps work with you in how to better read your dogs, predict trouble, instigate some behavior modification techniques for the dogs.

Until then, keep him with you and protect him, even when it seems he’s the aggressor, as he’s likely overly aware the other dogs want him gone. You might have to consider rehoming him to a pet-free home where he is only-dog, to spend his latter years in quiet and peace.

Very good advice. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for a beloved furkid is to put their needs before yours. I understand the pain of placing a beloved furkid because of aggression. I was faced with the same decision many years ago. Although it broke my heart, placing my Chizzie with my DIL was the best decision for all concerned.

If you have done all you can to be sure the aggression isn't pain related, and you can't ease the tension in your pack maybe he would be happier as an only dog.

[sandy simpson]

My friend Kim rescues yorkies. She has one female Bella who does Not get along with the others. Bella has her own room and bed and bowls. Never would she put her to sleep!
Shame on that vet for saying that! I would not ever go to him! Put that little sweet dog in his own area. You can carry him around but watch him if he is on the floor. He needs you and your love. Poor fella. Bless you for rescuing him!