Rescued Yorkie

[glenbar]

My daughter has recently adopted a Yorkie from the dog pound. For the first few days he was a bit scared, but now he is so agressive and growls at the least little thing. She has been told to ignore him not give him any fussing at all. Apparently he must not be allowed to go first when she goes out of the door and must not be put first in any way. I understand what they are getting at, but does anyone have experience of this and did it work?
Hope so this dog has cost me a fortune up to yet what with one thing and another.

[lankeela]

Dogs have a pecking order and the reason she has been told to do this is so the dog doesn't think he is pack leader. Same with eating, the pack leader (your daughter) should eat first before feeding the dog. This helps prevent dominance issues. What you have to remember is that dogs from rescues often have 'baggage' and it can take a long while to sort out their problems. These things along will not 'cure' him, he needs to be given time to learn what is expected of him and also given lots of socialisation and training. Read up on clicker training so he can be rewarded when he does things that he can be rewarded for. I would not say he must never be fussed, but it has to be on her terms, i.e. when she calls him to her rather when the dog decides. Most dogs are put in rescues for a reason and it could be that this dog has tried to be dominant and the previous owner has not stood up to him so he thinks he can get away with it.

[woofgang]

it sounds to me like he is still scared but getting more open. first he was terrified and frozen, now he is still scared but is trying aggression to scare away what is caring him. be gentle and patient. Fussing isn't something that dogs do to each other and can be scary too hence the don't fuss advice. stay calm, let him sort himself out and come to you!