Do we need a shrink?

[katy-yorkie]

Buster will be two years old in a couple of weeks. For about the last month when it is time for him to be combed, teeth brushed, etc, he acts like he wants to bite me. He will roll his lips back, he doesn't really snap at me but I believe if it were anyone else he would. When he starts this, I let him go. Tonight when I was trying to brush his teeth, he acted like he wanted to bite me but before I could put him down, he was hyperventilating. I did not put him down until I had him calmed down. I have never seen him act this way. We have had Maggie for a year and I know he does not like her. Finding another home for Maggie is not an option. Sometimes they get along, sometimes they don't. The vet has suggested that I give her a "good girl" when she bites him or torments him but I have not done that. Any advice anyone???

[luvfla]

I don't think encouraging bad bahavior is ever a good idea.

[Ladylavender]

Whether you know or it not, every time you put him down when he begins to snarl, you are reinforcing this behavior.

He is getting what he wants. Whatever you are doing is not what he wants. Putting him down and letting him go and not completing the task is what he wants. So unintentionally you have let him know that when he does this snarl/growl thing he will get what he wants.

So my best advise to you is when this starts, you will need to lay him down on his side and hold him that way until he gives up the snarl/growl and relaxes. Then you continue with the task at hand. And you continue to do this until he becomes compliant or submissive and allows you to do what you are needing to do.

Never ever back down. This is a show of submissiveness on your part to any dog.

[katy-yorkie]

Originally Posted by Ladylavender

Whether you know or it not, every time you put him down when he begins to snarl, you are reinforcing this behavior.

He is getting what he wants. Whatever you are doing is not what he wants. Putting him down and letting him go and not completing the task is what he wants. So unintentionally you have let him know that when he does this snarl/growl thing he will get what he wants.

So my best advise to you is when this starts, you will need to lay him down on his side and hold him that way until he gives up the snarl/growl and relaxes. Then you continue with the task at hand. And you continue to do this until he becomes compliant or submissive and allows you to do what you are needing to do.

Never ever back down. This is a show of submissiveness on your part to any dog.

Thanks for the encouragement!! I thought I should make him submit but did not know if I was being cruel. Also, since he is so small I did not want to take the chance of hurting him. I also worried about his feelings toward me if I did hold him and continue with the combing, etc. I don't want him to hate me as he is very loving and loyal. But I will take your advice and see how it goes. Again, thanks for the advice.

[Ladylavender]

Originally Posted by katy-yorkie

Thanks for the encouragement!! I thought I should make him submit but did not know if I was being cruel. Also, since he is so small I did not want to take the chance of hurting him. I also worried about his feelings toward me if I did hold him and continue with the combing, etc. I don't want him to hate me as he is very loving and loyal. But I will take your advice and see how it goes. Again, thanks for the advice.

Well I would not hold him down and continue to brush him. you need to hold him down until he submits and then go about your task. You can even treat him while combing him so he can associate the task with something positive.

Also I think he will respect you more if you do make him submit. His feeling won't be hurt. He won't see you as a wuss, he will see you as the leader.