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Discussion: Toddlers
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Meac |
Toddlers
Oct 25 2009, 11:05 AM EDT
Our Yorkshire terrier first showed aggression 2 years ago when he was a year old when a relative visited with his 2 year old son, prior to this a young child had never visited us, he was fine while the babies parents were in the room but when we all left the house to go into the garden and I returned on my own with the baby our dog lunged at him and would have caused him serious injury if I hadn,t grabbed him. We have a grandson aged aged 18 months, they only visit us about every 2 months as they don't live near us and we have always put the dog in kennels, last time they were visiting I picked the dog up before they set off for home, I muzzled the dog which I have always done if friends visit with babies and young children and thank goodness as once again he would have injured our Grandson had he not been muzzled. We love our little dog but he is a bossy little thing but has never shown any aggresive behavior towards us or any other adults, quite the opposit but he has shown aggression towards other dogs. Please please help us
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Keyword tags:
dislikes toddlers
need help
training
yorkie
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meyati |
1. RE: Toddlers
Oct 26 2009, 9:23 PM EDT
I really don't have any experience in this. I'm featuring this and I'll send a message to all members so that someone can help you. This is so sad-and distressing. You are taking all of the proper steps to protect the babies. I'm sure that this is breaking your heart. No matter what anybody says or how wonderfully successful a trainer is, I'd neverstop using the precautions -muzzle-whatever-both the babies and your Yorkie are too, too precious for either one to be in danger.
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VickiH |
2. RE: Toddlers
Oct 26 2009, 10:33 PM EDT
Sounds like Mr. Yorkie thinks he owns his mommy and doesn't like any other dog-sized creatures (toddlers) getting the attention that is "rightfully" his. I suspect you're treating the dog like your baby when company isn't around. It's common with the tiny dogs, but they can get an oversized attitude from it. I'd suggest you get in touch with a good trainer who can help show you how your handling of your dog is contributing to his behavior. I don't mean to offend you and hope you won't take it that way. This is a very common problem. Obviously you're being responsible in managing the situation for now, but this a problem that can be solved with good guidance.
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Meac |
3. RE: Toddlers
Oct 27 2009, 6:45 AM EDT
Thank you very much, any help would be appreciated.
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Meac |
4. RE: Toddlers
Oct 27 2009, 6:47 AM EDT
You are right, I think Mr Yorkie does think he owns his Mommy, I am not a bit offended, thank you for your advice, will contact a trainer ASAP
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roverdale |
5. RE: Toddlers
Oct 27 2009, 8:12 AM EDT
| Post edited: Oct 27 2009, 8:19 AM EDT
Sounds like he is territorial and likes to be an "only child"? Hard to change the focus on children when he only sees them infrequently, and you already know he must NEVER be allowed to be loose or unsupervised with kids. Do you scoop him up and carry him around much when you are out? In dong so you are transmitting your anxiety to him, and creating an unnatural elevation that may cause aggression issues between him and other dogs. Do you have a dog park in your area with a small dog specific run? A lot of dog/dog aggression is actually being caused by human handling. Left to their own devices, without being scooped up or constrained by a leash so the have the ability to move freely, the frustration created by confinement or unnatural elevation is taken out of the picture and the anxiety is greatly reduced. However safety, common sense, leash laws are a priority and introductions and behaviour modification should definitely be done under the supervision of an experienced dog trainer with a strong background in behaviour and not in any way that is going to put other dogs at risk.As a boarding kennel operator and Border Collie Rescuer, I deal with dogs that their owners believe are "dog aggressive" all the time. They are amazed when they come to pick up their pet and it is out in the exercise yard with other dogs. I would not just throw dogs together willy-nilly, but do it carefully (carefully choosing their playmates) and sometimes initially muzzled until they are no longer showing anxiety. I am located in Ontario Canada. There are some training schools who offer "growl classes" designed specifically to address dog/dog socialization issues. I hope you can find one in your area. Do you find this valuable? |
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roverdale |
6. RE: Toddlers
Oct 27 2009, 8:14 AM EDT
I forgot to add - I assume he is neutered? If not, he should be.
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CAPNEOHIO |
7. RE: Toddlers
Oct 27 2009, 10:59 AM EDT
HIBeing a dog trainer and also a owner of a Yorkie (2.5 yrs old) I can probably shed some insite. Yorkie's as you know are great dogs, BUT are big dogs in a little dogs body and I call them little napoleans. They want order and calmness and will demand it. An Example: when we adopted Tommie and brought him home to our house with the 2 other dogs ( a pug and a German Short Hair Pointer) he immediatle stepped in and took over and settled them down. No more rough housing in the house for them. Outside is another matter. Also, the other dogs can not get close to the wife unless he approves it. We had fought this till I releized it was just the nature of the bred. They have to have order and are very stuck on their master. WHat I would do is this 1. Nuzzle him when the todder comes over 2. Make him sit or lie next to you at all times. Practice and enforce this at all times. 3. Put a leash on him whe the toddler is over. 4. Do not let the toddler play with him Enforce this at all times. It will take time but it will work out Thanks Bob Do you find this valuable? |
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pullanoa |
8. RE: Toddlers
Oct 27 2009, 3:04 PM EDT
I agree with the leadership exercises and the Napoleon syndrome that others have mentioned. However I did want to add that normally, in cases where a dog exhibits aggression solely to small children, toddlers, and infants, and NOT adults (since you did not state any incidences with adults I'm assuming that the only aggression your Yorkie is exhibiting is towards the children), it is normally fear-based. This is not unusual as most dogs do not realize that kids are people too - they look different, move erratically, make weird noises, and smell different. Solely applying leadership and obedience protocols is unlikely to help unless you also work to desensitize/counter-condition the dog's fears.It is best to consult with an experienced trainer in your area, if you let us know where you are located, maybe someone can help refer you. A safe way to start the desensitization/counter-conditioning process is to take one of the baby's blankets or clothing, and while the child is NOT around, present the item for the dog to sniff then immediately praise and hand the dog an especially delicious treat (think fried chicken livers). Repeat about 20-30 times in each session, then take a break and repeat later in the day. Do this several times a day for a couple weeks - you are looking for the dog to show excitement/happiness when presented with the item that smells like the baby (to test this, exchange the original item for a different one - the smell should elicit positive memories/associations). Hope this helps! Angie Pullano www.FusionDogTraining.com Cincinnati, OH 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
DoggieAcademy |
9. RE: Toddlers
Oct 27 2009, 9:35 PM EDT
I agree with pullanoa, what you're seeing is very likely a fear based issue. However, we can only hypothesize so much without meeting the dog and getting more background information.The best thing you can do is manage the situation (muzzle or kennel him whenever a kid is around) until you hire a professional trainer who will give you a training protocol. 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
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meyati |
10. RE: Toddlers
Oct 28 2009, 1:51 AM EDT
| Post edited: Oct 28 2009, 3:09 AM EDT
Another thing that is often said is that toddlers are eye level with a dog. The dog is looking in the eye of the child to defend his territory from the child. The child isn't backing away-averting his gaze and keeps staring at the dog or ignoring it. That's basically why so many small children are attacked. I don't know much about Yorkies-I've heard on "Dog 101" that they can get quite aggressive. I do know that one jumped out of a car's open window this July. It ran across a parking lot and bit my 70 lb Bluetick's nose. My hounds picked it up and shook it-the owner came out and took his dog. My hounds immediately sat down. He said that it wasn't hurt and drove off. Lots of people take their dogs-especially little dogs to basic training once a year. We all need to get out of a rut in how we baby our dogs. PS-you don't have to carry a dog around for it to get attitude-large dogs get territorial too. I always have a hound within 10 ft of me. I had to remind the Bluetick that he's a dog and I'm the god. I just patted the kitchen counter and yelled, "No!!" He just whined and became submissive. My 40 year old son had yelled, "No" to get the dog down. The dog obeyed, and my son yelled some more. The dog didn't show any teeth-he didn't growl nor snarl- but he barked at my son- "Like what are you talking about? Why can't I check for food?" My son started laughing because the dog wasn't fearful nor aggressive. But I needed to back my son up.
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conexxions3 |
11. RE: Toddlers
Oct 28 2009, 9:14 AM EDT
| Post edited: Oct 28 2009, 9:20 AM EDT
"Our Yorkshire terrier first showed aggression 2 years ago."Ok.. first, I am not an expert but I know dogs. Yorkie's have alot of nervous energy bundled up - it usually doesnt take alot to release some of it. The children aparently represent a threat to him and his dominance in the house. FIRST - are YOU the DOMINANT one of your pack (You and him)? I believe he is trying to exert himself as the leader and he's trying to get the others (Read - children) in line. Remember too, there are different bites.. there is a NIP.. then a real BITE .. then a MAULING. In the dog world all those have a place and meaning. Because he's a Yorkie you may be "babying" him too much - that will tell him that HE is the dominant one in the partnership.. no matter how silly that sounds its true. You must re-establish dominance over him and when you do.. THEN you can correct him with his attitude with the kids. It wont be too hard if you follow the rules.. Dont baby the dog.. its not a baby. Give the dog praise after he has done something. If he comes and "sits" (not lays) in your lap without your request - thats a show of dominance... stop him. When you get control back.. use a leash when the kids come over.. as soon as he attempts to nip or bite.. lightly tug the leash. If he doesnt respond then tap him on the shoulders... not the butt. Once you get him to understand he isnt the boss.. you should be ok. Excercise is good to get rid of the excess nervous energy that good ole SGT Yorkie has.. LOL.. I hope that helps.. BTW.. I have a "Pack" of 7 dogs ~ I MUST be the Pack leader or I will loose control. Sometimes my wife cannot control them because they stop recognizing her as a leader. Its a DAILY thing! Its not as crazy in my house as you would think either. Speak with authority in your voice - short commands and low pitch. 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
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meyati |
12. RE: Toddlers
Oct 28 2009, 11:24 AM EDT
From fredhassen: Feel free to have them have one of our locations give them a free evaluation and demonstration before the people get to make any decisions. Shouldn't be any problem at all as we deal with this stuff a lot. www.sitmeanssit.com/dog-training-locationsfrom meyati: Fred has a training school franchise in many states-I'd go to members-do a search for his name and send a message- The site has improved where I can copy and paste-I need to write each members name down-there are many good points and a really good one about the two types of muzzles Do you find this valuable? |
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meyati |
13. RE: Toddlers
Oct 28 2009, 11:29 AM EDT
From offleashk9: A good trainer can help get the dog under control. In addition, here's an article on child-dog safety:http://offleashk9.com/articles.aspx#19. Do you find this valuable? |
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pullanoa |
14. RE: Toddlers
Oct 28 2009, 11:29 AM EDT
| Post edited: Oct 28 2009, 11:30 AM EDT
" You must re-establish dominance over him and when you do.. THEN you can correct him with his attitude with the kids. "For a correction of this type to work, the dog must fear the handler/handler's correction more than he fears the child. This is very difficult to do with a dog that has a high level of fear and a history of being babied by his owner. It is also much more difficult for women than men, which is probably one of the reasons why your wife continues to have issues sometimes while you do not. Being a woman myself and working with many families with children I prefer to use techniques that are easier to perform by women/children. While I am not against using corrections and will/do use them (failure to perform a known command, etc), fear-based aggression contra-indicates their use. Working through the fear through positive methods results in the aggression disappearing since the root cause is now resolved. Getting the dog to inhibit its aggression thru fear of correction by the owner can potentially cause a dangerous situation when the dog is presented with a child while the owner is not present (and therefore its aggression is not inhibited), or the dog may choose "freeze" option and then lash out "unexpectedly" as the pressure builds (kid approaching closer/touching dog (he was just sitting still!)) when the owner is present since it has been punished for giving any warning signs. Suzanne Clothier gives another good description of this type of training work in this article http://www.nesr.info/images-english-shepherd/He-just-wants-to-say-hi.pdf Her website is www.flyingdogpress.com but I just discovered you must register now to get access to the same article. Angie Pullano www.FusionDogTraining.com Cincinnati, OH 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
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meyati |
16. RE: Toddlers
Oct 28 2009, 11:43 AM EDT
From mylittlechi.com: Hello meyati. Most small breeds have a sense that small children can and will hurt them. In some cases the child doesn't even have to react, before the dog will try to show the child who's boss. If your dog has ever had it's ears, tail, or fur pulled on by any child in its life, that enough to ruin it for life against kids. It is just easier to put your pooch in a quite room, in a crate so you can be sure that biting from your dog will not occur. If children ruffed up this dog when it was a puppy, and because of this type of play, now show aggression toward kids, you must unravel the damage the has been done. Separation from any toddlers is a must so you can begin the learning process that your dog must learn. From meyati: This is wise and valid advice-but I have 70 lb. treeing coonhounds that think they're teething toys and pillows for little ones. Also a toddler can grab a tail to be pulled around the house. When the hound gets tired-it just lies down. Do you find this valuable? |
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meyati |
17. RE: Toddlers
Oct 28 2009, 11:48 AM EDT
From dbspn: I would call an expert, re: dog whisper expert, I do not know where the pup came from, rescue? Or if maybe given to her? However toddlers are rough with pups. I teach my twins easy, easy when petting my champion German Shepherds, I will say this they follow them around and watch them carefully. They literally love them. Shepherds are very intelligent dogs. Learn Commands easily!! We just had 6 pups from Miza the daughter of Bastin Vom Koketalon Oct 13th they are already walking and their eyes are open. Positively GORGEOUS. Daddy is Sable and pure DDR. Mom of course is Bi-colored looks like her 5 time world champion DAD. Later, wish I could help more, many times it takes an expert!! Do you find this valuable? |
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meyati |
19. RE: Toddlers
Oct 28 2009, 11:56 AM EDT
From msjamielynn1: check out "the dog whisperer". he shows many amazing, simple things. a lot of it is training the owner after brief corrections with the dogs.from meyati: This is good advice, as you see other owners dealing with their dogs and you can see that you're not alone. Do you find this valuable? |
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meyati |
20. RE: Toddlers
Oct 28 2009, 12:07 PM EDT
From KrystynaBasara12: Muzzle is bad, it makes them more aggressive unless it is the caged muzzle where the dog can still breathe and open mouth freely. I would start with 1 child about the age of 5 and do some therapy. The child must be supervised and when the dog approaches the child the dog must be rewarded with a great treat. This must be done cautiously and supervised. The dog most likely was annoyed by a young child and expereinced something negative. I hope this advice helps.From meyati- don't forget that dogs cool off by panting- if a dog can't drink-it probably can't pant--when dogs get excited they sometimes start panting. I really think that a crate in a locked room would be best-it'll help prevent an accidental escape-even when you go in. I'd crate the dog a little everyday-where it doesn't associate the crate with company-make it pleasant- Also Conexxions3 recommended a walk-that would help calm your dog down before company comes and probably make it easier to get into a crate and give it a treat. Do you find this valuable? |
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meyati |
21. RE: Toddlers
Oct 28 2009, 12:37 PM EDT
From adorable 1007: try slowly introducing the toddlers with treats for the yorkies until it is comfortable around toddlers and try to discourage the toddlers from doing the regular child things like rough playing with them because that may be the problem my dog is the same way. From meyati: this is really where you should have a behavoirist dog trainer working with you, as food could escalate the problem with a child. So many shows are about dogs becoming aggressive to others only about food. All dogs are different, so this probably has worked very well for adorable1007, her dog and her energy level-calm vs nervous is different. Another thing is that you probably feel and show relief after the toddlers leave. The dog picks up on this- I'd leave the dog locked up or muzzled or what ever for an hour or so after company leaves. I would completely ignore it-not talk-pet or give a treat-that will tell the dog that the company isn't creating this-it will teach him that he's the boss and somehow he saved you by even feeling aggressive. To him it's control over you that he's fighting for. When you take the muzzle off or let him out of the room-whatever-don't praise him or cuddle him. Put him on a leash and put him through his paces-"Sit" Heel-down and whatever else he knows-even 3 minutes of this will send the message that you are a god and he's your dog. If you have trouble doing this-get him in the first availiable dog training class-I wouldn't waste any time. Missy was showing aggression toward little dogs-people would carry them up to the bay window and tease my hounds. I got her in a class with 26 toy dogs-she had a basket muzzle on and a prong choke chain. I took the muzzle of the 4th week. She now ignores them and neither one of us is nervous. Do you find this valuable? |
