I have a 2 year old Yorkshire Terrier and although he obeys me, he has no regard for my wife or my 5 year old daughter. He growls at them, nips them and, today, he bit my daughter just above her eye when she sat down on a couch next to him. He has been to training - he sits, lays down and stays very well. He clearly likes males as both my father and my father in law have no troubles with him. There is obviously more work to do with him but I'm not sure I want to spend the time and effort. Dogs are supposed to be enjoyable and he is, but only about 75% of the time. At other times he is growling because we walk too close to his food or nipping at my daughter's feet as she skips in our house. What are my options- I'm really not leaning one way or the other. If the answer is get rid of him, I would love some suggestions on what to do i.e. pound, ad in paper, rescue. Thanks a lot!
2006-12-13 13:08:21 · 8 answers · asked by James S 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I hope you never leave your daughter unsupervised with the dog.
She needs to establish herself as higher in the pack than the dog. Have her feed him, but she should have him sit before she puts the bowl down. If she spends a few minutes each day practicing obedience with the dog, he'll know that he has to do what she says and he shouldn't be growling at her.
Consider not allowing him on the furniture anymore, since he is being protective of his space on the couch.
Try the NILIF (nothing in life is free) program. It's a good, safe, nonconfrontational way of establishing leadership with your dog. Here's a good site explaining it: http://www.k9deb.com/nilif.htm
2006-12-13 13:23:46 · answer #1 · answered by pescalle2 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Watch the Dog Whisperer on Nat'l Geographic Channel. He deals with this kind of thing a LOT.
Basically, your wife and child need to be pack leaders, not just you. When he starts being aggressive, even the least little snarl of the lip, a correction must be given. This can be a single word, a tug on the leash, but it must be done calmly and confidently. Do not abuse the dog.
A child that young must be supervised around a dog, anyway. But none of you should fear going near the dog when he's eating. Take away the food bowl if this happens. If you have to, make him sit before each piece of kibble. You should be able to put your hand in his food bowl while he's eating, with no fear.
2006-12-13 13:17:32 · answer #2 · answered by Michelle F. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you plan to get rid of him, please be honest with the shelter or new owners so that they know what to expect. I would imagine a shelter would not take the risk of rehoming him though, and would probably put him to sleep. Knowing this might happen, I would suggest you took him to the vet yourself. You may find yourself in all kinds of legal trouble if you knowingly sell/give someone a snappy dog.
If you want to keep him, bring a trainer into your home (such as Barkbusters) so that they can see how everyone interacts with the dog. Most dogs will be on their best behaviour off their own territory.
2006-12-13 13:28:04 · answer #3 · answered by Cara B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most people have no idea that small dogs are more aggressive than large ones. It's just becasue they do not do the damage with thier bites people never think of it. I had a poodle-x that necer grew out of his aggressive nature. It is really funny my pit bull is sweet as sweetcanbe and everyone is scared of him. The little toy poodle that is across the street as biten 10 people and everyone thinks he is sweet.
2006-12-13 13:15:16 · answer #4 · answered by gothicmidnightwitch 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Since he respects you, when something happens you're going to have to step in and punish him. It'll mean more to him if you do it than if the females he dislikes does. When he growls at them or nips, scold him, maybe even slap him. This may be harsh, but if he hates being alone, like my beagle, lock him in a dark room alone for 10 minutes if he gets really mean.
2006-12-13 13:11:42 · answer #5 · answered by Judgerz 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
oh you could give him to me i have a 7 year old Yorkie very loving very protective with me, try a squirt bottle of water or a rolled up news paper.... good luck
do not lock him in another room for punishment it will make matters worse.
2006-12-13 13:12:13 · answer #6 · answered by Kathy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think i would get a shock collar and whe he is a bad boy I would say no and then zap just a little make sure babby isn't touching the dog at this time.
2006-12-13 13:36:36 · answer #7 · answered by BIG SON 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well...if he isn't neutered, I'd start with that.
2006-12-13 13:13:37 · answer #8 · answered by dvm78 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋