2 year old Yorkie has periods of intense growling, any suggestions?

[Mack]

My two year old Yorkie has had a growling problem since about a year ago. It started with him growling when he had a bone or something to chew and so I took away the bones but now he will sometimes growl just laying down on a couch and if anyone moves he will start growling. When he does this he doesn't stop until he's ready, so ignoring him or acknowledging him have the same effect. He also growls when we bathe him and dry him off. I love my dog but these characteristics are extremely difficult to live with I just don't understand what makes him act this way!

[Maximo]

Welcome to Yorkie Talk. Other than the growling, does your boy seem happy and confident? Is he active playing or going for walks?

Growling with the bone can be an expression of excitement or guarding his prized possession. Sometimes it is an innocent, common behavior and sometimes it is problematic, especially if serious guarding. My Max grunted and growled playfully at that age.

Growling when anyone moves sounds like anxiety and maybe a little guarding. Bath time growling is also probably anxiety.

Since he is also growling while just lying on a couch, I would also consider the possibility that he is experiencing pain from something you might not be able to see. A vet visit might be in order, especially if he hasn't had a recent exam.

Would it be possible to make a video of the growling to share here?

[Mack]

Originally Posted by Maximo

Welcome to Yorkie Talk. Other than the growling, does your boy seem happy and confident? Is he active playing or going for walks?

Growling with the bone can be an expression of excitement or guarding his prized possession. Sometimes it is an innocent, common behavior and sometimes it is problematic, especially if serious guarding. My Max grunted and growled playfully at that age.

Growling when anyone moves sounds like anxiety and maybe a little guarding. Bath time growling is also probably anxiety.

Since he is also growling while just lying on a couch, I would also consider the possibility that he is experiencing pain from something you might not be able to see. A vet visit might be in order, especially if he hasn't had a recent exam.

Would it be possible to make a video of the growling to share here?

Sorry it took so long! I have a video of him doing this, it would make a little bit of sense that it is anxiety because it seems to happen more often when he's not at home or for example in the bath. I don't want to have to put him on medication however it gets very severe and sometimes makes me nervous. He rarely snaps he only does that when I need to move him he will yelp and nip (though it seems like he tries not to actually bite the skin). Would there be any kind of training technique that might work?

[Silver Lace]

Hi and welcome to Yorkie Talk. From what you have said it does not sound as though you need to train your pup. If he is yelping and nipping when you move him he must be in pain from something. I feel in my honest opinion he needs to be checked out by a vet. I hope you can uncover the reason for his behavior and help him out whatever the cause of it. Best wishes and let us know how it goes with him.