help!! 3month old scottie/yorkie mix is such a handful!! He's so growly and snappy. Sometimes even really mean

Answer 1

You both need to enroll in an obedience class asap!

Answer 2

I agree, an obedience class would be really helpful. Also, go to your local library and check out some books specifically about Scotties and Yorkies. They do tend to be a bit yappie, but they shouldn't be mean. You might try to network with other owners of dogs of the same breed. They might be able to give you breed specific tips. Also, this is not something you should really put off. It might be easier to fix because he's still a puppy. Good luck.

Answer 3

That attitude is the Yorkie. I have a Terrier/ShiSuz mix. She is absolutely adorable. She will demand that I get off the computer or if she is napping & we get a little loud, she will honestly raise up and bark at us. My sister has two Yorkies & they are really demanding. They race around the house like two/two year olds. We are trying to teach (Phoebe)respect, if not she goes to the kennel. She knows why. I have found recently that walking her makes a big difference, she is not as demanding & she is too tired to be mean. Try it maybe this will work for you. She is young you can train her, Phoebe was 4 years old when I found her. She was abused. If you make Phoebe mad & leave to go somewhere she can't go, she will honestly pooh on the floor & not the pad. I almost gave her up last week, she did this & then turned around & wiped her butt on my carpet. I was furious!

Answer 4

Google "Nothing In Life is Free" get him on the program ASAP! Then, enroll him in a puppy class. It is never to early to start training. If you take him to lessons, the instructor should be able to help with your particular problems. Take him on good long walks. The fact that he's little doesn't mean that he doesn't need exercise. A tired dog is a good dog!

I've edited this to say that NILF may be a little too strict for a puppy, a trainer would be able to tell you better (I really don't know on that one), but I'd still research it and use most of the principals. Just adjust it to keep in mind that the dog is still a puppy.

Answer 5

Obediance class is for those who can AFFORD THEM. All you need is to establish that your the Leader of your house, and stop letting the dog be the leader. I recommend the book by Cesar Malon called "Cesars Way" very easy read and if you love dogs and want to see their life fulfilled like your own, get the book read it! Take it all to heart, I had problems with my two huskies at my home and read that book and they are problems no longer. I took leadership of my home, and now the dogs follow me everywhere, look to me for what to do next. Your dog is trying to be the leader that is where many problem-pets get bad raps. Be sure you correct it NOW before he does hurt anyone. Remember dogs live in the now and can change seemingly overnight. They will since you "calm-assertive energy" and LET you take over. They do not want to be leaders of the packs. You MUST be. Read the book it will help a ton, I promise! GOOD LUCK

Answer 6

That's because you're letting him think he's the boss. There's only room for one alpha dog in a house, and that's you.
When he growls, tell him NO. When he snaps, tell him NO.
Until you become the boss in your house, your puppy will continue to do this nonsense.
And if he's really mean, get him into obedience training.
If you don't do that, then you're going to end up with a mean dog, and if he ends up biting someone you may have to put him down.
He's young...and you can do it. Remember. You're the boss.

Answer 7

Sounds like you may need some formal dog training.

Are you letting him get on your bed/couch. Dogs will think they are alpha if you let them up on your level (in your bed, on your couch or chair). Dogs always try to gain the alpha roll and if you give in at all (show fear when he snaps) he learns to do it again and again. Do not allow him to be the boss! But don't hurt him either.

You need to find a way to give him positive rewards for the behavior you want from him.

If he snaps at you when you do something, push him aside. Don't let him think you are scared of him- it will only get worse. You need to show that you are in charge. But again, do not be violent or abusive!

Answer 8

I would say to use a muzzle on him. You can pick one up at a pet store, they come in all different sizes .Take it off while he eats and drinks. Training would do some good as well. Have him neutered when your vet says it's time. You have to nip this in the bud asap. Hope this helps!

Answer 9

Obedience class seems to be the way to go in your case. However, if obedience class is too expensive you can try training him yourself. Pick up some books on training at your local pet store. Or you could find something that he hates. For instance, my moms dog hates water and she uses to nip at my little sister. We bought a spray bottle, and whenever her dog used to try and nip we'd spray it iwth the bottle. It stopped pretty quickly.

Answer 10

Terriers are independent and feisty dogs. All puppies, though, will try to mouth things in their environment. This is a natural and normal thing that all puppies do when they're growing. They are not "being mean". Here are some links to help:
http://www.jersey.net/~mountaindog/berner1/bitestop.htm
http://www.amazon.com/After-You-Get-Your-Puppy/dp/1888047011