Dog Community

Duke the Attacker

Posted : 6/13/2006 4:32:51 PM

I have a 1 year-old, male Yorkie-Poo. I love him to death! He is the most sweetest little man, most of the time. He is extremely stubborn, and we have had problems with him trying to be 'pack leader'. We have taken him to obedience classes, and all of the trainers tell us the same thing.... they have never seen a dog so stubborn and don't know what to do for us!

My big problem is that he attacks us, (my husband an I). He used to attack us in certain circumstances, like when he would try to take food from us or if we tried to move him while he was sleeping. But we manage to avoid those situations now and that has been working. But lately, (and especially since we got the new puppy, which is understandable), he has been snapping at us for no reason. I think that the reason why he does it is because he is scared of us for some reason. Its weird because we have never ever hit him or hurt him in any way. But as soon as he gets in trouble for anything (if I tell him "no barks";) he growls at us, and if you go near, he bites! Now he is a small dog, so he doesn't do much damage, but it worries me as to why he would be like this.

I had bought him from a puppy-mill, and I think that might have something to do with it. I know, I know... I should never have supported the Puppy Mill, but I didn't know I was going to one. Once I got there and saw him, I had to rescue him, it killed me!

Anyways, if anyone has ever had a dog like this before or knows of someone who has been in this situation, please help me to find some guidance. I love him so much, and he can be such a sweet dog when he isn't afraid. Putting him down is not an option, I feel it is my responsibility to make it work with him, one way or another.

Firestorm

Posted : 6/13/2006 5:23:09 PM

Have you tried taking him to a behaviorist? I think you need to put him on the NILF program at home. You may also want to get him vet checked to make sure it isn't a physical or other medical type problem.

tiffy

Posted : 6/13/2006 9:10:47 PM

I also recommnd NILIF. My bfs mother has a pom/chi. x and they think its so cute when he growls or bites. Hes just a little dog, is what they say. yYeah, hes little, but no dog should act like this. NILIF.

HofmannGestalt

Posted : 6/20/2006 2:39:56 PM

I would definately take him to a vet asap. Tell them the problem, and where you obtained him from. Could be genetic or physical.

Do put him on NLF. Don't free feed. I would start one piece droped in the food dish at a time, slowly. Drop one, wait until he looks up at you, then another, ect. He needs to know you provide his food, and it can be taken away!
Don't let him lay on the back top of the couch or on the bed. The floor in a pet bed or in a crate is best. Alpha dogs position themselves higher up than other pack members!

Jake steed

Posted : 6/20/2006 5:20:19 PM

why are the smallest dogs the crazy ones??? Do they have something to prove?

Firestorm

Posted : 6/20/2006 5:31:57 PM

Aww come on...not all small dogs are like that. My Shih Tzu isn't. That's unfair to say. Some are some aren't.

Xerxes

Posted : 6/21/2006 9:56:55 AM

ORIGINAL: HUSTLEandFLOW

why are the smallest dogs the crazy ones??? Do they have something to prove?

It's not the dogs, it's the owners (AGAIN.) They think that some of the behaviors that the small dogs have are cute, especially when the little ones are tiny, cute fuzzy puppies. They don't socialize their dogs. If the dog feels the least bit threatened the owner picks them up, which only serves to reinforce the small dogs fears. So the tiny dog's anxieties are reinforced and the little ones are allowed to "lash out" and develop aggressive behaviors unchecked.

Every dog needs socialization and every puppy behavior needs to be assessed, if it's a behavior you don't want in your adult dog...curb the behavior and redirect that energy into a more desirous behavior.

Firestorm

Posted : 6/21/2006 10:06:17 AM

I agree, any dog with socialization and training can be a wonderful dog. I spend lots of time working with Harley and he is a good boy. If I didn't spend the time with him, and let him get away with things cuz he is cute and small I would have a terror on my hands.

Owners must spend time training and socializing their dogs. So there aren't any crazy dogs big or small.

Xerxes

Posted : 6/21/2006 10:12:26 AM

Harley is a cutie! I think that all dogs need the same basic training and socialization, if they are companion animals. Working dogs are a bit different. Keep up the good work and spread the word!

Firestorm

Posted : 6/21/2006 11:02:51 AM

Thanks! Xerxes is a Handsome guy too!