Barking and Growling at Everything - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Deeni · 08-29-2005, 04:56 AM

Rocco is 8 months old and recently started barking and growling at every person or animal that he sees. It has been getting really embarrasing to take him on a walk. Everyone looks at him like he is nuts and looks at me like I can't control my dog. Also, there are a lot of large dogs in the area and I am afraid he is going to pick a fight with the wrong dog! I say "no" and "quiet" in a low voice to try to get him to stop but it doesn't work at all.

Does anyone else's Yorkie do this? Is it standard for this breed? Any suggestions for stopping this behavior? He is also a nipper. We are trying to work on that also. We are afraid he is showing signs of being aggressive.

TIA!!

Sabrina · 08-29-2005, 05:31 AM

I don't have an answer for you, but if you get one i would surely appreciate it. Hailey will be a year in 2 weeks and started barking nonstop about a week ago. Nothing I seem to do quiets her down.

Ladylavender · 08-29-2005, 05:36 AM

It may be that he has adopted the alpha role and is simply protecting his terriority, be it his home, yard, and even you, when going for walks, (yes you are a possesion in his mind). Showing aggressive behavior can be a sign that a dog has assumed the Alpha position, also.

You need to get back control of the authority, in every aspect of his life, and this behavior should taper off.

It is amazing what you think you have control of, but don't (in the eyes of a dog). There are a couple of threads on this forum that addresses these issue that you may be able to access in the search engine.

Hope that helps.

lickthestar · 08-29-2005, 05:36 AM

Archie used to not bark at all when I first got him and I was told that he doesn't know how to yet and he will figure it out when he gets older. well, around 8 months old, he sort started barking and now, at over a year, he can fully bark. Maybe it's just like talking. As for the nipping, dogs that do that are usually taken away from their litter too early and start to think that you are their litter mate, and not the "mommy"

Thorsmomma · 08-29-2005, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deeni

Rocco is 8 months old and recently started barking and growling at every person or animal that he sees. It has been getting really embarrasing to take him on a walk. Everyone looks at him like he is nuts and looks at me like I can't control my dog. Also, there are a lot of large dogs in the area and I am afraid he is going to pick a fight with the wrong dog! I say "no" and "quiet" in a low voice to try to get him to stop but it doesn't work at all.

Does anyone else's Yorkie do this? Is it standard for this breed? Any suggestions for stopping this behavior? He is also a nipper. We are trying to work on that also. We are afraid he is showing signs of being aggressive.

TIA!!

I wish I had some good advise for you. I totally understand you. My dog didnt used to bark at everyone and thing (even when he is in my car he will bark at someone else in their car!!!) and its very embarressing (sp?). I too feel out of control. I would love an answer, or help to this. One thing that I have done is on his walks when we pass someone or an animal that I know he is goign to bark at before he starts I tell him "be a good boy, be nice" in a low tone, and I put his collar (although I am a harness person, you can't slid it up on their neck for optimum control) up really high on his neck and hold him tight (not much slack) and as we walk by I keep telling him hush even if he doesn't bark, and if he does. I think its helping a little, but when I take him out to pee at 2:00 in the morning if he see's a bird, person, etc., he will go nuts and I worry about the neighbors... I hope I was a little helpful, good luck! Hannah

chachi · 08-29-2005, 09:39 AM

My dogs are both barkers and they are just as you described. The only thing that we have found that helps is to have a squirt gun and give them a squirt when they bark. You could take it with you when you walk. It usually just takes one time and they calm down and get the message.

miezzi · 08-29-2005, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chachi

My dogs are both barkers and they are just as you described. The only thing that we have found that helps is to have a squirt gun and give them a squirt when they bark. You could take it with you when you walk. It usually just takes one time and they calm down and get the message.

Or--if they happen to like being squirted with a water gun, try getting a can of some sort, such as a pepesi can, and put some pennies in it. Shake it at them when he starts to bark. I have only had to do that a few times, and Luig got the hint!!! He loves the water gun!!!!!!!!!!!

Kodiesmom · 08-30-2005, 06:33 AM

I've tried everything possible.. nothing worked.. I know try an alternative behavior when he does that... such as ask for his paw or something positive that I taught him. It does work... but he begins to bark again after giving paw... soo i'm still perfecting it. haha.. I think this whole barking issue is a small dog problem!

Deeni · 08-30-2005, 12:43 PM

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'm gonna keep working on it!

08-29-2005, 04:56 AM	#1
Deeni Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 77	Barking and Growling at Everything Rocco is 8 months old and recently started barking and growling at every person or animal that he sees. It has been getting really embarrasing to take him on a walk. Everyone looks at him like he is nuts and looks at me like I can't control my dog. Also, there are a lot of large dogs in the area and I am afraid he is going to pick a fight with the wrong dog! I say "no" and "quiet" in a low voice to try to get him to stop but it doesn't work at all. Does anyone else's Yorkie do this? Is it standard for this breed? Any suggestions for stopping this behavior? He is also a nipper. We are trying to work on that also. We are afraid he is showing signs of being aggressive. TIA!! __________________ Deeni

08-29-2005, 05:31 AM	#2
Sabrina Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 270	I don't have an answer for you, but if you get one i would surely appreciate it. Hailey will be a year in 2 weeks and started barking nonstop about a week ago. Nothing I seem to do quiets her down. __________________ Sabrina Hailey

08-29-2005, 09:39 AM	#6
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	My dogs are both barkers and they are just as you described. The only thing that we have found that helps is to have a squirt gun and give them a squirt when they bark. You could take it with you when you walk. It usually just takes one time and they calm down and get the message. __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

08-30-2005, 12:43 PM	#9
Deeni Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 77	Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'm gonna keep working on it! __________________ Deeni

08-29-2005, 05:36 AM	#3
Ladylavender YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Soddy Daisy, TN Posts: 733	It may be that he has adopted the alpha role and is simply protecting his terriority, be it his home, yard, and even you, when going for walks, (yes you are a possesion in his mind). Showing aggressive behavior can be a sign that a dog has assumed the Alpha position, also. You need to get back control of the authority, in every aspect of his life, and this behavior should taper off. It is amazing what you think you have control of, but don't (in the eyes of a dog). There are a couple of threads on this forum that addresses these issue that you may be able to access in the search engine. Hope that helps.

08-29-2005, 05:36 AM	#4
lickthestar YT Addict Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NY Posts: 360	Archie used to not bark at all when I first got him and I was told that he doesn't know how to yet and he will figure it out when he gets older. well, around 8 months old, he sort started barking and now, at over a year, he can fully bark. Maybe it's just like talking. As for the nipping, dogs that do that are usually taken away from their litter too early and start to think that you are their litter mate, and not the "mommy"

08-30-2005, 06:33 AM	#8
Kodiesmom Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 183	I've tried everything possible.. nothing worked.. I know try an alternative behavior when he does that... such as ask for his paw or something positive that I taught him. It does work... but he begins to bark again after giving paw... soo i'm still perfecting it. haha.. I think this whole barking issue is a small dog problem!