Ill tempered anti-social dog?
June 4th, 2009 | 
Author:
AnswerFiend asked:
One of my dogs, Ruby, a Yorkshire Terrier (5 lbs) is very loving to my wife and I. But when outside upon meeting another dog she goes beserk. When other people try to pet her she is aloof and sometimes barks at men and small children.
One of my dogs, Ruby, a Yorkshire Terrier (5 lbs) is very loving to my wife and I. But when outside upon meeting another dog she goes beserk. When other people try to pet her she is aloof and sometimes barks at men and small children.
She'll also try to break free and chase down squirrels or rabbits. She's at home with another Yorkie, and they get along well. The play fight and run around the other Yorkie is more dominant.
When we got her she was supposed to be six months old but the Vet said she was more like four months.
What's going on here? Different techniques and attempts to correct her behavior have not worked. We pick her up when ever we come upon another dog but she'll still bark like crazy and try to escape.
Create a video blog...instantly.
Posted in Dogs
Caffeinated Content
call ceaser
anti bark
In cases like this, it is you the owner that needs to be trained and not the dog (sorry to say).
Caffeinated Content – Members-Only Content for WordPress
I have a Chinese Crested about the same size who is the same way. She even tried to take on an alpaca one day….
I’ve never been able to stop her, so – if you get a good answer……
Caffeinated Content
Okay when you see other dogs try to take her mind off the dogs like play with her or get a toy. I think she could be barking at everything and doesn’t like other kids because she is saying that yall are her property and she doesn’t want to share except with the other yorkie sometimes.
You get what i mean.
Website content
Yorkies (as well as other Terriers) are rodent-hunting dogs. This is probably why she chases down the rodents in your yard. Yorkies are also VERY territorial dogs and do not recognize their size. They will protect their owner and home with their lives. It’s just the way that breed is, but if it’s becoming something that you’re worried about (such as her biting a small child), I would suggest scolding her when she barks at your friends or telling them to be gentle so the dog does not feel threatend. She’s only trying to protect you! =]
Create a video blog…instantly.
How old is she now?
It’s fairly obvious that she wasn’t well-socialized as a puppy.
Did you get her from a breeder or a pet store or where?
The breeder should have seen to it that she was socialized as a puppy, but unfortunately, many breeders are no better than puppy mills.
Fortunately it’s not too late! However, I don’t have the expertise to explain how to socialize an adult dog.
The first step I would recommend is buying a book (try Walden’s or other popular store) that is geared toward training and socializing an ADULT dog. Do not buy a puppy book, because the techniques are completely different. If that doesn’t work, I would get in contact with the national Yorkie club. They’ll be associated with AKC, but even if your dog isn’t registered they’ll be able to direct you to a trainer in your area.
Good luck!
anti bark
As far as people and other dogs, it’s probably got something to do with the dog not being socialized properly (before you got it). The description you give shows that the dog gets along well with its ‘pack’ and has problems with outsiders. We’ve always been instructed that, in that situation, picking up the dog only reinforces that behaviour, the one you don’t want.
I know how it might sound but you have to think like a dog- You have to assert your authority. You might want to find someone local to help you with ideas or a plan on specific techniques for that. Continuing to socialize Ruby is good but it will go much easier when Ruby knows you are in charge and what behaviour is acceptable.
Website content
Aw, she is so little and cute and she gets away with being a witch. It is typical of these small dogs to act like a big dog, all bad and barkie. And they get away with it cause they are so little and cute.
You have to nip the behaviour fast and serious when it happens. Don’t worry about hurting her feelings. They are like kids and will do whatever they feel they can get away with. So let her know to cut the crap, a firm no-nonsense tone and mean it. And attempts should be made to let her interact with dogs other than her size. A friend’s dog, with supervision.
I foster all ages, breeds, mixes. They all learn to get along. But the little dogs are bad about letting their mouth overload their **** until a bigger dog calls their bluff–not in a bad way. But keeping her isolated is not the answer. Possibly check into doggie school for her through local pet store or your vet.