Need Help Please

[klncdw]

Tiny used to bite until I started yelling "Ouch". Now even if we are playing with a toy and he acidentally bites then automatically I'm going "OUCH" and he will stop playing until I tell him " it's OK you just got Mommy finger" I think the ouch thing works...I think they know...When they are really hurting you. Tiny even gets upset when Corey or I fake cry...Like when he won't come and see me...I'll fake cry and he gets all interested in what I'm doing and why! They know...THey know exactly what they are doing!

[JeanieK]

LOL

I was just reading this post and comparing it to another one on the same topic. The advice ranges from ignoring, he'll out grow it, to actually physically hitting.

How are these poor people suppose to know what to do.

Take my advice and Go to the experts

Check out Cesar Milan, aka The dog whisperer's website.


http://www.dogchannel.com/experts/ce...aspx?WT.srch=1

[FirstYorkie]

LOL. Yes, you're right, Jeannie, how do people know what to do when there is so much conflicting advice? I guess they have to read it all and weigh what feels right in their specific situation.

I think it's also important to remember that some advice given here - like mine, for instance - *is* based on what the experts say. The fact that a dog expert isn't also an actor doesn't make him/her less of an expert.

The experts whose advice rings true for me are Melissa Alexander, Karen Pryor, Pam Dennison, Patricia McConnell, Morgan Spector, Ian Dunbar, Deb Jones, Shirley Cong, etc, etc. What do these individuals have in common? They are all positive trainers. Melissa Alexander has done a nice compilation of their work on her website.

I agree! Go to the experts!
www.clickersolutions.com

[Bruce's_Mom]

I have been working with Bruce on trying to curb a serious aggression problem! Not biting only because I have always stopped him in the nick of time...I hired a professional behaviorist trainer to work with us, and it has been working. What we have been working on is establishing leadership...The most effective thing I have noticed in at least our situation is that if I reinforce the behavior by reacting it continues and gets worse. If Bruce gets snarly (and presents no threat to another dog or person) I turn away from him and walk away giving him no eye contact, touch, or other attention in any way for at least 5 minutes then the behavior stops. We have been really having success with the "walk away technique" but I think every dog could be different!

[AngelAndMaggie]

I know just how you feel because I felt the same way when my 'brother' dog would act that way with me. I would actually cry, my feelings were so hurt. But I hadn't read anything about dog psychology and what their actions mean and what they feel secure. It was decades ago. Not that I've progressed much since then.

I agree with LinsZooCrew response. From what I've been reading (and testing), it's true that you need to establish yourself as the Alpha dog or he will assume it himself. They have ways of establishing dominance, saying "I'm boss" , that we never even knew of. Like when your dog jumps up and puts both paws on you when you come in the door, that's saying "I'm top dog". When you feed your dog whenever he whines or whimpers or begs, you have lost your Alpha status and he'll keep doing it. Doing things we perceive as disrespect, but it's not really.

Dogs ( most ) can sense your emotions. Some much more than others. So if the dog senses your fears ( emotional pains ) when he's around you, he will begin to respond to them in different ways; even become what you fear/believe he will become. Now I'd say that's with very perceptive dogs. Ones really tuned in. Like companion dogs can sense the needs of their Mommy, or you've witnessed your dog coming to sit beside you when you are weeping over some loss, or sick.... He's probably not that in tune yet, but he definitely needs boundaries. It doesn't make sense in my own mind, but it's proved true.

I used to totally spoil "Puppy" , our family dog. I take him places and let him run, and be boss. Follow him anywhere. Give him table food while I was eating, move over. Everything that the teachings say not to do (though I will never stop all of it. I can't) . So Puppy bossed me around. He saw my father as Alpha dog and me as last in the chain. He would bite me if I tried to pick him up and love on him when he was on Dads bed, or even kick him off my own.

Don't let it hurt your feelings. Please. It takes a while to figure each other out. I first thought he might be acting out of fear - called fearful aggression - but after reading your description of his loving strangers , it doesn't sound like that.

I don't agree that Cesar "the dog whisperer" is the Steve Irwin of canines. Not by a long shot. But I do agree to some of his teachings about the pack psychology. Others have been writing about it for many decades.

For some reason, it works. I've tested my own dog and tried being the Alpha : Being the one to provide food, waiting until they are calm. Taking them for a leash walk, getting them to walk beside or behind me, and it amazed me at how naturally they KNEW what they were supposed to do. Being calm yet assertive. Everyone in the house has to be in on it too. They learn pecking order by watching everyone and testing you.

Blah blah, yadda yadda, I've gone and written a novel here. Can't sleep.
You can look all the dog psychology and what actions mean what, right here (probably). If not, you could leaf through a dog language type of book.
You can also just do whatever you're already doing and he may just come around on his own. But I'd definitely make a strong effort not to allow my feelings to be hurt when he acts out - all that weakness and fear isn't healthy for him, or your relationship. I don't mean to sound harsh. I'm the first one to cry , but now I'm trying to catch myself thinking or fearing the worst around the dogs.

One of my dogs has been around, and spoiled for years, with only minimal structure, but she only rarely acts out, testing me. About once every two months she has to serve time in the Pokie. Time out. Not long, but she gets it real fast and behaves.

I think you'll be just fine once you figure out what the little guy needs to feel safe.

This is all my humble opinion and I'm always learning .
I used the spray on my hands with my Bichon ( my semi spoiled sweetie ) while she was a puppy, but while she was constantly biting everything, she was doing it in play and didn't growl or "bite" , just a constant chewing on me.
She learned. And I learned not to chew on my fingernails with that stuff on my hands.

I feel for you. You were expecting the prize Yorkie everyone talks about, all kisses and snuggles. He will probably turn out to be just that. I'd bank on it.

I hope it turns around quickly for you and you get your love bug .

Control the food - provide structure - all the things we dont want to do .
Take all advise with a grain of salt. Throw out most of mine Take FirstYorkie's advice on seeking out the true experts advice (and she gave you the names of some of them ). You can't know which advice is good and bad until you seek out the experts advice and weigh it for yourself. So see, I'm advising you not to take any advise.

You will be fine. I know it.

Oh my gosh, I think I'm blind.. I can't see the screen anymore...

-Angel and Maggie and Mike

LinsZooCrew[/FONT]