YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community


Welcome to the YorkieTalk.com Forums Community - the community for Yorkshire Terriers.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. You will be able to chat with over 35,000 YorkieTalk members, read over 2,000,000 posted discussions, and view more than 15,000 Yorkie photos in the YorkieTalk Photo Gallery after you register. We would love to have you as a member!

Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please click here to contact us.

Go Back   YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community > YorkieTalk > General Yorkshire Terrier Discussion
Register Blogs FAQ Calendar JavaChat Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 09-19-2006, 08:53 AM   #1
Yorkie Talker
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Pa
Posts: 14
Default Aggressive puppy?

So Gus is now about 12 weeks old and he has been showing some signs of being aggressive. If we try to pick him and he doesn't want to be held, instead of just squirming or whining he goes into full attack mode, growling snarling and biting. So far we have told him "no bite" and ignore him when he does bite. He will do this when we walk by him also. At first I thought it was play, but he is totally serious

He has pretty much full run of the house, except if I can't watch him, then he gladly sleeps in his crate(finally!), he gets tons of attention and outside time.

I do have two children but they are always supervised when playing with him and are very gentle and respectful of him.

I really need to nip this in the bud, any advice?
TIA, Erin
GusGus is offline   Reply With Quote
Welcome Guest!
Not Registered?

Join today and remove this ad!

Old 09-19-2006, 10:16 AM   #2
My furkids
Donating Member
 
BLowry's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 4,625
Blog Entries: 1
Default

Sadie was about that age and became aggressive with me ONCE! She was going after something on the floor that I didn't want her to get...She bit my shoe!! I picked her up looked her straight in the eye and yelled.."NO! DONT' YOU DO THAT TO ME!!" then I put her down and walked away from her...I wouldn't pick her up when she came over to me...(a dog trainer told me to do this) that was the first and last time she did that to me. Or,.....maybe you could call a dog trainer and ask what they suggest...
__________________
Brenda
BLowry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2006, 10:21 AM   #3
YT 3000 Club Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: El Paso, Texas
Posts: 3,065
Default

The only thing I can suggest is like the above poster mentioned look them in the eye and let them know you are the leader, not them. Also several times a day make the puppy lie on his back with his belly up - this is a submissive position that shows you are in charge.
Lacy's Mom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2006, 10:23 AM   #4
Owned by 3 furballs
Donating Member
 
JESSY_RN2B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Texas
Posts: 6,581
Default

Definitely be firm when you say NO!
__________________
JESSY_RN2B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2006, 11:05 AM   #5
I Love My Yorkies
Donating Member
 
chachi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Posts: 37,147
Default

One time when Chachi tried too bite me, and it wasnt a play bite, My Husband grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and told him no. That was the last time Chachi ever tried to bite anyone
__________________
Chachi's & Jewels Mom
Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431
Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427
chachi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2006, 11:07 AM   #6
YT 1000 Club Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: American in London
Posts: 1,739
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by GusGus
...he goes into full attack mode, growling snarling and biting.
At 12 weeks old, he is actually snarling and biting? Does he draw blood?

I gotta tell you, if he is acting as aggressively as you describe at his age, that would REALLY concern me. Granted all puppies bite (mostly in a teething manner) and they may "try out" growling. But snarling and biting when you pick him up or walk by him is excessive.

Has he been treated rough, to your knowledge, at your house OR at the breeders?

If it really is as bad as you describe, I'd call the breeder. Ask her nicely (don't make her defensive) if this has happened with any of her other pups. Ask what she recommends in this case. If she recommends physical punishment, you have a pretty good idea that your pup has been mistreated there. And that, as they say, is a whole different ball of wax!
__________________
FirstYorkie
We Love Clicker-Training!
FirstYorkie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2006, 11:08 AM   #7
Donating YT 12K Club Member
 
JeanieK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Council Bluffs Iowa
Posts: 12,552
Default

He is not respecting you as the leader of the pack. visit the Dog Whisperers website and it will explain it all and tell you what to do.

http://www.dogchannel.com/experts/ce...aspx?WT.srch=1
JeanieK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2006, 11:31 AM   #8
YT 500 Club Member
 
irishawk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 695
Default

Your guy is young, so that's hopeful. First off, I would not be giving him full run of the house. At that age, they should be attached to you via their leash at all times in the house. I found that this helps with potty training and leadership issues. My dog is 6 months old now and at 12 weeks he seemed a little aggressive as well. Not quite as bad as what you describe, but he certainly loved to bite and growl and bark. I've found that age is helping him calm down a lot. He's starting to figure out who's boss. When he starts to get into one of his fits where he barks and growls I pick up a pepsi can filled with coins and shake it. The noise stops him dead in his tracks. If he starts to bite at me I immediately pull my hands away, clap them in front of his face and say very sternly NO BITE.

Have you thought about puppy classes? They offer them at Petsmart. They aren't miracle workers, but it certainly was a step in the right direction with Howie's training.

I'm sure that your new puppy isn't the spawn of Cujo! He's a puppy and doesn't understand leadership roles yet. Good luck!!
__________________
Howie & Sarah
Check us out on dogster: http://www.dogster.com/?327817
irishawk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2006, 12:17 PM   #9
Yorkie Talker
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Pa
Posts: 14
Default

I *saved* him from a puppy mill type kennel. The person that was originally going to buy backed out and the lady gave him to me at a discounted price. He hadn't had much human interaction at that point, 8 weeks old.

Yes, he has drawn blood. I tell him no and clap my hands at him. The leash idea is a good one, I will have to try that.

He plays with our lab, who puts him in his place regularly, LOL. We live in the boonies, so no Petsmart or puppy classes around here.

I will def check the website out, he seems to get worse everyday. His unsocialable attitude concerns me more than the biting I thought yorkies were "velcro dogs"? I want him to want to be with us all the time and he doesn't seem to want anything to do with us.
GusGus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2006, 05:01 PM   #10
YT 500 Club Member
 
Martie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Huntsville AL
Posts: 800
Default

I agree with Lacy's mom. Our Sammy was aggressive and bitie (drew blood)... my groomer in Huntsville AL was also my dog trainer. She was absolutly wonderful. She helped train "me". It only took several times and Sam was a different pup. We also watch the Dog Whisperer show and alot of what he does makes good common sense.
__________________
May I be the person my furbabies think I am
Sammy, Sophie, Isis', Fergus and and kitties Eddie and Fiona
Martie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2006, 05:15 PM   #11
Senior Yorkie Talker
 
olgap's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Southern CA
Posts: 131
Default

I vote for a trainer to evaluate him. A professional could tell you if he is truly "agressive", or just a good puppy with "issues" that needs help to get past this.
olgap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2006, 05:32 PM   #12
YT 500 Club Member
 
irishawk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 695
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by GusGus
I *saved* him from a puppy mill type kennel. The person that was originally going to buy backed out and the lady gave him to me at a discounted price. He hadn't had much human interaction at that point, 8 weeks old.

Yes, he has drawn blood. I tell him no and clap my hands at him. The leash idea is a good one, I will have to try that.

He plays with our lab, who puts him in his place regularly, LOL. We live in the boonies, so no Petsmart or puppy classes around here.

I will def check the website out, he seems to get worse everyday. His unsocialable attitude concerns me more than the biting I thought yorkies were "velcro dogs"? I want him to want to be with us all the time and he doesn't seem to want anything to do with us.

Where at in PA are you? Just curious. Quite a few of us YTers are from PA as well.

I know it may be expensive, but there are trainers you can hire by the hour to come out to your house and evaluate him in his environment. Your vet would probably be able to help you out with finding one.

How long has your new puppy been in your home? He may settle in a little and start behaving a little more positively.
__________________
Howie & Sarah
Check us out on dogster: http://www.dogster.com/?327817
irishawk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2006, 06:07 PM   #13
YT 2000 Club Member
 
ldenise's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Rancho Viejo, Tx
Posts: 2,698
Default

Archie was like that at the same age. I thought I was going to have some major problems with him. good firm no and let him know that he is not to do that to me and he is the most loving little thing now.
__________________
Buckeye, Ahia, Tressie, Archie & LDenise
Dogs are really people with short legs in fur coats
ldenise is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2006, 07:35 PM   #14
♥Love My Puppies!♥
Donating Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: US
Posts: 5,786
Default

Daisy used to snap at me when I was trying to get her to do something she didn't want to do and I would put her up to my face and hold her beard hair and tell her in a stern voice "I won't have that". She would look surprised and then give me a sheepish little kiss.

At first she didn't like to be very close either. Now she loves to be held, petted, brushed and likes to sleep snuggling us. I think she was just really independent and stubborn and wanted to show us that she could get her own way by acting like that. Now she knows better. I think her obedience training has helped too. I agree that you can get some good ideas from the Dog Whisperer.
Doodlebug is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2006, 11:52 PM   #15
YT 1000 Club Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: American in London
Posts: 1,739
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by GusGus
I *saved* him from a puppy mill type kennel. ...
I was afraid that might be the case.
Quote:
He plays with our lab, who puts him in his place regularly, LOL.
That's a good thing. As long as the lab doesn't get too aggressive (draws blood), I would let your lab help teach this pup some manners without interfering.
Quote:
Yes, he has drawn blood. ...he seems to get worse everyday. His unsocialable attitude concerns me more than the biting
I understand your concern. As Olgap & IrisShaw suggested, I think consulting a trainer is really important. Aggression like you describe sounds - to me - to be in excess of normal puppy behavior. I don't think you should try to treat it on your own.

Until you get a trainer, I would do 2 things. First, I absolutely would NOT respond to his aggression with more aggression (forcing him on his back, grabbing him by the scruff of his neck, any form of physical punishment). You are likely to make the problem worse.

Second, I would put him on the NILIF (Nothing In Life Is Free) program. It will help establish you as the leader and is a well-respected protocol amongst trainers. I'll post it below since this is getting long.

Please do try to find a trainer or animal behaviorist.
__________________
FirstYorkie
We Love Clicker-Training!
FirstYorkie is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks



Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is Off
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are Off




Google
 

SHOP NOW: Amazon :: eBay :: Buy.com :: Newegg :: PetStore :: Petco :: PetSmart


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 08:51 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2003 - 2018 YorkieTalk.com
Privacy Policy - Terms of Use

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360 361 362 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 371 372 373 374 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 399 400 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 420 421 422 423 424 425 426 427 428 429 430 431 432 433 434 435 436 437 438 439 440 441 442 443 444 445 446 447 448 449 450 451 452 453 454 455 456 457 458 459 460 461 462 463 464 465 466 467 468 469 470 471 472 473 474 475 476 477 478 479 480 481 482 483 484 485 486 487 488 489 490 491 492 493 494 495 496 497 498 499 500 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 508 509 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518 519 520 521 522 523 524 525 526 527 528 529 530 531 532 533 534 535 536 537 538 539 540 541 542 543 544 545 546 547 548 549 550 551 552 553 554 555 556 557 558 559 560 561 562 563 564 565 566 567 568 569 570 571 572 573 574 575 576 577 578 579 580 581 582 583 584 585 586 587 588 589 590 591 592 593 594 595 596 597 598 599 600 601 602 603 604 605 606 607 608 609 610 611 612 613 614 615 616 617 618 619 620 621 622 623 624 625 626 627 628 629 630 631 632 633 634 635 636 637 638 639 640 641 642 643 644 645 646 647 648 649 650 651 652 653 654 655 656 657 658 659 660 661 662 663 664 665 666 667 668 669 670 671 672 673 674 675 676 677 678 679 680 681 682 683 684 685 686 687 688 689 690 691 692 693 694 695 696 697 698 699 700 701 702 703 704 705 706 707 708 709 710 711 712 713 714 715 716 717 718 719 720 721 722 723 724 725 726 727 728 729 730 731 732 733 734 735 736 737 738 739 740 741 742 743 744 745 746 747 748 749 750 751 752 753 754 755 756 757 758 759 760 761 762 763 764 765 766 767 768 769 770 771 772 773 774 775 776 777 778 779 780 781 782 783 784 785 786 787 788 789 790 791 792 793 794 795 796 797 798 799 800 801 802 803 804 805 806 807 808 809 810 811 812 813 814 815 816 817 818 819 820 821 822 823 824 825 826 827 828 829 830 831 832 833 834 835 836 837 838 839 840 841 842 843 844 845 846 847 848 849 850 851 852 853 854 855 856 857 858 859 860 861 862 863 864 865 866 867 868 869 870 871 872 873 874 875 876 877 878 879 880 881 882 883 884 885 886 887 888 889 890 891 892 893 894 895 896 897 898 899 900 901 902 903 904 905 906 907 908 909 910 911 912 913 914 915 916 917 918 919 920 921 922 923 924 925 926 927 928 929 930 931 932 933 934 935 936 937 938 939 940 941 942 943 944 945 946 947 948 949 950 951 952 953 954 955 956 957 958 959 960 961 962 963 964 965 966 967 968 969 970 971 972 973 974 975 976 977 978 979 980 981 982 983 984 985 986 987 988 989 990 991 992 993 994 995 996 997 998 999 1000 1001 1002 1003 1004 1005 1006 1007 1008 1009 1010 1011 1012 1013 1014 1015 1016 1017 1018 1019 1020 1021 1022 1023 1024 1025 1026 1027 1028 1029 1030 1031 1032 1033 1034 1035 1036 1037 1038 1039 1040 1041 1042 1043 1044 1045 1046 1047 1048 1049 1050 1051 1052 1053 1054 1055 1056 1057 1058 1059 1060 1061 1062 1063 1064 1065 1066 1067 1068 1069 1070 1071 1072 1073 1074 1075 1076 1077 1078 1079 1080 1081 1082 1083 1084 1085 1086 1087 1088 1089 1090 1091 1092 1093 1094 1095 1096 1097 1098 1099 1100 1101 1102 1103 1104 1105 1106 1107 1108 1109 1110 1111 1112 1113 1114 1115 1116 1117 1118 1119 1120 1121 1122 1123 1124 1125 1126 1127 1128 1129 1130 1131 1132 1133 1134 1135 1136 1137 1138 1139 1140 1141 1142 1143 1144 1145 1146 1147 1148 1149 1150 1151 1152 1153 1154 1155 1156 1157 1158 1159 1160 1161 1162 1163 1164 1165 1166 1167