Is your Yorkie mean? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Emmsmom · 04-22-2006, 06:04 PM

My grandmother told me yesterday that her Yorkie took a nice plug out of her husband's finger. He was trying to get something away from him that he had no business playing with and Charlie didn't like it. Granny said that sometimes he will growl at her as well. I told her she had better put a stop to that soon. I have just never heard of a Yorkie being that way. Charlie is pampered beyond belief so I just don't understand it. I wondered if maybe it was his breeding. He is a very strange dog. He is all Yorkie no doubt but he just doesn't seem to act like most Yorkies I have seen. Anyway... Any suggestions ? I will say that classes are out of the question. My grandmother is 78 and doesn't have the energy to do it.

Michelle

JeanieK · 04-22-2006, 06:13 PM

It could be in the breeding. How old is he?

But it also could be because he is spoiled and he thinks he is the boss. If the human in the house does not make it clear who the pack leader is then the dog will take the roll and when that happens it is not good.

Your Grandmother needs to make it clear to the dog that she is taking over as the leader of the pack. Maybe she could watch some Dog Whisperer shows.

linz06 · 04-22-2006, 06:13 PM

How old is Charlie? Layla too has bit me when I try to take away something she shouldn't have. It's not that she means to bite me, but as soon as she loses grip of whatever it is she'll try to grab onto it again, usually with my fingers in the way. The "drop it" command hasn't worked for anything but her pee pad, but I'm still working on it.
As for growling, does it happen often? And what kind of situation is it? Layla is a very quiet dog, she doesn't even bark when other dogs are barking. The only time she growls is when she wants me to play with her. Usually she'll bring me a toy and if I don't notice she'll growl. When I look at her she'll wag her tail and I know she just wants to play.

vincentnyc · 04-22-2006, 06:16 PM

u gotta show him who is the boss!!! he is training your grandparents.

ldenise · 04-22-2006, 06:18 PM

All I can tell you is ...I have been there. fortunately they snapped out of it. biting is not allowed. a firm no is needed. a couple of mine have drawn blood and meant to. with that firmness and not tolerating that kind of behavior it really didn't take long for them to catch on.
Archie, now 6 mo., I thought would be a little hellion. he was down right mean! now he is the sweetest little man.
How old is your grandmothers yorkie?

Emmsmom · 04-22-2006, 06:31 PM

He is almost 2. Well I know that a lot of people on here don't agree with this... I told her to flip his but over and hold him down and tell him NO in a very stern voice and then just hold him there for a min. I don't see her doing it tho. He tried to bit her husband's daughter when she leaned over to give them hugs goodbye. He will also growl everytime they try to take something away from him. He gets into EVERYTHING!! He just had stomach surgery because he had eaten so much crap that he couldn't pass! My grandmother's husband( my papa died 15 years ago and she remarried someone YOUNG) is nuts. He thinks it is funny that he marks his territory IN THE HOUSE. Anyway... I think a lot is his fault from the beginning. He acts like he knows it all and won't seem to take any advice. I have to catch my grandmother when she is alone and try to give her some help.

ldenise · 04-22-2006, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emmsmom

He is almost 2. Well I know that a lot of people on here don't agree with this... I told her to flip his but over and hold him down and tell him NO in a very stern voice and then just hold him there for a min. I don't see her doing it tho. He tried to bit her husband's daughter when she leaned over to give them hugs goodbye. He will also growl everytime they try to take something away from him. He gets into EVERYTHING!! He just had stomach surgery because he had eaten so much crap that he couldn't pass! My grandmother's husband( my papa died 15 years ago and she remarried someone YOUNG) is nuts. He thinks it is funny that he marks his territory IN THE HOUSE. Anyway... I think a lot is his fault from the beginning. He acts like he knows it all and won't seem to take any advice. I have to catch my grandmother when she is alone and try to give her some help.

I have heard of some people holding them down to show them they are the boss. seems to work for them. the ones i am refering to are not yorkies tho. I also see cesar do that. I have never tried the technique.

MyTrixie143 · 04-22-2006, 07:07 PM

Breeding rarely has anything to do with a dog's temperment. His problem is that he was not trained properly when he was a pup not to do this. Teaching a puppy to have a soft mouth when he is young is one of the most important things you can teach him. Question: is he neutered? Dogs that are not neutered tend to have more behavioral problems then neutered dogs, this is not always the case though. He needs to be taught that biting or snapping even if if not intentional will not be tolerated. Flipping them on their back might work for a bigger dog, but not a small dog and I would not do any way. All of my dogs have been taught biting control. This way if he happens to bite you, it will not hurt because he will know how hard his bite is. So if he bites you, you can either yelp like a puppy, or say no in a firm but not raised voice. Then immediately after you do one of these two things, move away from him, and ignore him for a minute. The point to get across to the dog is that if he bites or snaps, no one is going to want to play with him or be around him. He will then quickly learn that if he wants anyone to play with him or be with him, he has to behave and not bite or even snap.

Parker's Mum · 04-22-2006, 07:18 PM

I'm glad someone asked this, because Parker can be very mean. He growls so horrible, he sounds like a gremlin, and bites me. Usually when I try to brush him, dry him after a bath, or touch his paws, but also when I try and give him trouble. I've tried telling him a firm no, yelping, ignoring him, a water bottle, but nothing has seemed to work. He definately thinks that HE is the boss, I just don't know what to do about it.

jkat · 04-22-2006, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emmsmom

I told her to flip his but over and hold him down and tell him NO in a very stern voice and then just hold him there for a min.

My family and I do this to Aggie when we need her attention and for her to calm down. As a daily routine, we also give her belly rubs.

The thing is, when they're on their backs, they know YOU're the boss, You're the Alpha Dog. Sad thing is, your "grandfather" (I know you don't consider him to be, so I put him in quotation) doesn't listen to any suggestions. If your grandmother is willing to work at it, the dog will take HER seriously, and not her husband.

Dogs are very perceptive of who their "owners" are.

txshopper73 · 04-22-2006, 07:24 PM

hmmmm...all of my dogs are very friendly towards other people. When I had Chester, he bit the cable guy once (only person he ever bit) but that's because the cable guy walked in and immediately tried to pet Chester.

Anyway, Gracie is NOT friendly towards dogs that she doesn't know. She doesn't go after them, by any means, but she lets them know right away to stay away from her.

I don't know what to say about your little one. Anxiety, maybe?

romeos mommy · 04-22-2006, 07:29 PM

my mom has a 4lb yorkie who is mean. she bites and growls at other dogs and some people. my friend's 140lb german sheppard is afraid of her. she is 100% pure yorkie & spoiled. my vet said to hold her on her side without hurting her just to let her know she's not in charge. it does work. my vet showed me with my dog when he was acting up one day. it's a power struggle.

Sidney · 04-22-2006, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeanieK

It could be in the breeding. How old is he?

But it also could be because he is spoiled and he thinks he is the boss. If the human in the house does not make it clear who the pack leader is then the dog will take the roll and when that happens it is not good.

Your Grandmother needs to make it clear to the dog that she is taking over as the leader of the pack. Maybe she could watch some Dog Whisperer shows.

I agree with you're comment about it possibly being in the breeding. I know that it can be inherited. We've got one... We've done everything to be in control of this dog. After 15 years she is finally mellowing out. We've got 5 other yorkies with great temperments.

Snow Yorkies · 04-22-2006, 09:30 PM

I haven't had this problem with any of mine and I have 10. I could take their favorite treat, toy whatever from them and it wouldn't matter..

I think I would try a different method of training, but unless "ALL" household members are willing to be included in the training method to me only confuse the dog...JMO

SnowWa · 04-22-2006, 09:51 PM

"Pampered beyond belief" is probably part of the problem. A little more discipline is probably in order.

For sure - I don't want to come across mean -- but their little Yorkie may be just spoiled rotten and has total control of the entire household. I agree that at their ages, it is hard to start over training a little dog - but for their own good (and the dog's), some changes need to be made.

You can't have a little dog that bites and is aggressive and still enjoy it's company - and vice versa....the dog is as happy as it should be either.

Good luck!

Carol Jean

04-22-2006, 06:04 PM	#1
Emmsmom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 989	Is your Yorkie mean? My grandmother told me yesterday that her Yorkie took a nice plug out of her husband's finger. He was trying to get something away from him that he had no business playing with and Charlie didn't like it. Granny said that sometimes he will growl at her as well. I told her she had better put a stop to that soon. I have just never heard of a Yorkie being that way. Charlie is pampered beyond belief so I just don't understand it. I wondered if maybe it was his breeding. He is a very strange dog. He is all Yorkie no doubt but he just doesn't seem to act like most Yorkies I have seen. Anyway... Any suggestions ? I will say that classes are out of the question. My grandmother is 78 and doesn't have the energy to do it. Michelle

04-22-2006, 06:13 PM	#3
linz06 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 3,154	How old is Charlie? Layla too has bit me when I try to take away something she shouldn't have. It's not that she means to bite me, but as soon as she loses grip of whatever it is she'll try to grab onto it again, usually with my fingers in the way. The "drop it" command hasn't worked for anything but her pee pad, but I'm still working on it. As for growling, does it happen often? And what kind of situation is it? Layla is a very quiet dog, she doesn't even bark when other dogs are barking. The only time she growls is when she wants me to play with her. Usually she'll bring me a toy and if I don't notice she'll growl. When I look at her she'll wag her tail and I know she just wants to play. __________________ Lindsey and Layla, Lucy, and Kash

04-22-2006, 06:18 PM	#5
ldenise YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Rancho Viejo, Tx Posts: 2,698	All I can tell you is ...I have been there. fortunately they snapped out of it. biting is not allowed. a firm no is needed. a couple of mine have drawn blood and meant to. with that firmness and not tolerating that kind of behavior it really didn't take long for them to catch on. Archie, now 6 mo., I thought would be a little hellion. he was down right mean! now he is the sweetest little man. How old is your grandmothers yorkie? __________________ Buckeye, Ahia, Tressie, Archie & LDenise Dogs are really people with short legs in fur coats

04-22-2006, 07:07 PM	#8
MyTrixie143 Mom to 6 Beautiful Furkids Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,409	Breeding rarely has anything to do with a dog's temperment. His problem is that he was not trained properly when he was a pup not to do this. Teaching a puppy to have a soft mouth when he is young is one of the most important things you can teach him. Question: is he neutered? Dogs that are not neutered tend to have more behavioral problems then neutered dogs, this is not always the case though. He needs to be taught that biting or snapping even if if not intentional will not be tolerated. Flipping them on their back might work for a bigger dog, but not a small dog and I would not do any way. All of my dogs have been taught biting control. This way if he happens to bite you, it will not hurt because he will know how hard his bite is. So if he bites you, you can either yelp like a puppy, or say no in a firm but not raised voice. Then immediately after you do one of these two things, move away from him, and ignore him for a minute. The point to get across to the dog is that if he bites or snaps, no one is going to want to play with him or be around him. He will then quickly learn that if he wants anyone to play with him or be with him, he has to behave and not bite or even snap. __________________ A dog is a furry person! http://www.dogster.com/?300866 Tracey and the gang DestinyHarmonyScamperGracieLillieKiwi Hershey Peppi

04-22-2006, 07:24 PM	#11
txshopper73 Donating YT 14K Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 14,226 Blog Entries: 1	hmmmm...all of my dogs are very friendly towards other people. When I had Chester, he bit the cable guy once (only person he ever bit) but that's because the cable guy walked in and immediately tried to pet Chester. Anyway, Gracie is NOT friendly towards dogs that she doesn't know. She doesn't go after them, by any means, but she lets them know right away to stay away from her. I don't know what to say about your little one. Anxiety, maybe? __________________ As always...JMO (Just My Opinion) Kimberley

04-22-2006, 06:13 PM	#2
JeanieK Donating YT 12K Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Council Bluffs Iowa Posts: 12,552	It could be in the breeding. How old is he? But it also could be because he is spoiled and he thinks he is the boss. If the human in the house does not make it clear who the pack leader is then the dog will take the roll and when that happens it is not good. Your Grandmother needs to make it clear to the dog that she is taking over as the leader of the pack. Maybe she could watch some Dog Whisperer shows.

04-22-2006, 06:16 PM	#4
vincentnyc BANNED! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 36	u gotta show him who is the boss!!! he is training your grandparents.

04-22-2006, 06:31 PM	#6
Emmsmom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 989	He is almost 2. Well I know that a lot of people on here don't agree with this... I told her to flip his but over and hold him down and tell him NO in a very stern voice and then just hold him there for a min. I don't see her doing it tho. He tried to bit her husband's daughter when she leaned over to give them hugs goodbye. He will also growl everytime they try to take something away from him. He gets into EVERYTHING!! He just had stomach surgery because he had eaten so much crap that he couldn't pass! My grandmother's husband( my papa died 15 years ago and she remarried someone YOUNG) is nuts. He thinks it is funny that he marks his territory IN THE HOUSE. Anyway... I think a lot is his fault from the beginning. He acts like he knows it all and won't seem to take any advice. I have to catch my grandmother when she is alone and try to give her some help.

04-22-2006, 07:18 PM	#9
Parker's Mum Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada Posts: 86	I'm glad someone asked this, because Parker can be very mean. He growls so horrible, he sounds like a gremlin, and bites me. Usually when I try to brush him, dry him after a bath, or touch his paws, but also when I try and give him trouble. I've tried telling him a firm no, yelping, ignoring him, a water bottle, but nothing has seemed to work. He definately thinks that HE is the boss, I just don't know what to do about it.

04-22-2006, 07:29 PM	#12
romeos mommy YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Pennsauken , NJ Posts: 4,068	my mom has a 4lb yorkie who is mean. she bites and growls at other dogs and some people. my friend's 140lb german sheppard is afraid of her. she is 100% pure yorkie & spoiled. my vet said to hold her on her side without hurting her just to let her know she's not in charge. it does work. my vet showed me with my dog when he was acting up one day. it's a power struggle.

04-22-2006, 09:30 PM	#14
Snow Yorkies Biewer Passionate Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southern AL Posts: 1,684	I haven't had this problem with any of mine and I have 10. I could take their favorite treat, toy whatever from them and it wouldn't matter.. I think I would try a different method of training, but unless "ALL" household members are willing to be included in the training method to me only confuse the dog...JMO __________________ Dare to Dream Biewers Charter Member of BAPPC

04-22-2006, 09:51 PM	#15
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	"Pampered beyond belief" is probably part of the problem. A little more discipline is probably in order. For sure - I don't want to come across mean -- but their little Yorkie may be just spoiled rotten and has total control of the entire household. I agree that at their ages, it is hard to start over training a little dog - but for their own good (and the dog's), some changes need to be made. You can't have a little dog that bites and is aggressive and still enjoy it's company - and vice versa....the dog is as happy as it should be either. Good luck! Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.