Is the Behavior "fairly" common??

[Emmsmom]

This is NOT another socialization question! I know some have heard me complain about my grandmother's dog but what she told me last night really shocked me. She said that her dog has bitten 2 people. He has bitten her husband and his 19 year old daughter. She then went on to tell me that her husband sat out in the car while she went into the store and while she was gone the dog lunged at the window trying to get after a little girl and her mom. I know that some dogs are guard dogs by nature but out of a little one like this I was shocked. My own dog goes nuts when anyone comes to the door that he doesn't know. However he doesn't bite. You pick him up and he is just as shy and calm and will let the person touch him. Her dog seems to be getting more aggressive by the month. The vet even said he nipped at the lady grooming him. My grandmothers husband AND my grandmother seem to find it cute. He laughs and she says he is just defending his momma. What she meant is that her husband will have to love on him first before he can kiss my grandmother goodbye. Oh by the way he isn't fixed still poops and pees in the house and will mark anything inside and out. I have told her to get a belly band. She says she will but who knows. He also isn't fixed and I told her that fixing him MAY help. I will be honest I have made up excuses not to go see her when I am in town because of this. For 1. I don't want him biting my daughter and 2. I am scared Diesel might take a plug out of him if he starts to get aggressive while playing.
I am mainly asking all of this just to see how common this is with Yorkies or any other small breed dogs.

Michelle
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[Peters]

i don't think that's common and cute it's bad behavior they should get him in some training classes quickly even though it's a small dog it could really hurt someone!

[Emmsmom]

I agree! She seems to think he is too old. He is a little over 2 years.

Michell

[chachi]

They are never too old to learn better behaviors. My two are going on two years old. We would never take them out because they would bark at people. We took them to an event where there were alot of people and dogs and they were so god never barking. We are going to take them to many more places now. isnt it your grandmas dog that never leaves the house. I think they are always in protective mode when that happens

[Emmsmom]

No she takes that dog EVERYWHERE! Even places she shouldn't take him. She will take him to the park and let him run and swears he is fine. She takes him to the grocery store with her and makes her husband sit outside with him. She takes him IN CVS, the library, Lowes,Wal-Mart and many other places.She even takes him walking all the time. Thats why I am shocked that he is this bad.I honestly think age is hitting her and she really doesn't want to deal with it. She is going on 78.She is really set in her ways and won't listen to much.I have tried to help her and have suggested several things but she won't have any of it. It makes no sense to me. I would love to show her this forum but she doesn't have a computer and wants no part of one.

Michelle

[chachi]

Well i would say he needs a trainer then.

[JESSY_RN2B]

I don't think they will think it's cute when the dog does hurt someone seriously and they are liable. Hope they find a solution soon!

[Emmsmom]

Those were my exact words to my husband. I told him that she is going to sued before it is all said and done! I think they deserve to be sued if he bites someone. They should at least keep him home instead of taking him out if they aren't going to train him. He has a fenced in backyard and he can run all day.

Michelle