Abandoned Yorkie growls very viciously and bites hands
In the middle of November my daughter brought home an abandoned Yorkie who was skin and bones. Now if you try to pick her up when she is sleeping on the bed she growls very viciously and bites your hands (though not through the skin). If you try to hit her she shows her teeth. Also when you pick up a stick or belt she cowers and blinks. She doesn't do this all the time, but how can I break her of this bad habit? I think she was abused.
Aggression is a normal response to threat. Self-defense is justified in any species, and far too often our trusting pets must defend themselves from the abuse inflicted by their keepers, us humans. I understand you are feeling threatened by your little dog's inappropriate behavior, but the question comes to mind: Why are you hitting her? You mention you think she may have been abused, but isn't hitting abusive? Showing a dog either a belt or stick and provoking a fearful reaction also is abusive. There probably is a dominance element contributing to this behavior; your dog inadvertently has learned growling gets things done her way. It causes people to react; they might yell or back off or stop in their tracks, but in most cases it works. She keeps the bed. If you get physical with her it only will increase her defensive aggression. This leaves you stuck between a rock and a hard Yorkie; the bottom line is you need help. Rather than thinking of this as a problem your dog needs "breaking" of, seek re-education, not just for your dog but for you and your family as well. Understanding why a dog is demonstrating aggression is the most important step toward resolution. Symptomatic treatment, responding to her growling or snapping, only will increase her defensiveness and aggression. Ask your veterinarian for a referral to a qualified, kind behaviorist who will be able to meet with you and your dog.
People who viewed 'Abandoned Yorkie growls very viciously and bites hands' also found interest in following articles . . .
- 2½-year-old Toy Poodle jumped up and bit my daughter on the cheek
- Help us figure out how to make him less aggressive and more friendly to strangers
- different ways dogs may be provoked into showing aggression besides the standard teasing, poking, etc.?
- 2-year-old Pug bite, barked and growled at her and jumped at my cousins
- Weimaraner (Dustie) biting and aggression toward my partner as well as my sister
- female chocolate Labrador Retriever constantly licking the floor and/or the carpet
- Is there a recognizable cause for the dog/ cat aggression?
- 1-year-old male Rottweiler killed by a neighbor
- Methods to avoid dogs and cats aggression
- Common Dog Behaviors
Category: