Yorkie puppies are known for their boundless energy and love of playtime. Unfortunately, this can...
How to Stop Your Yorkie from Being Aggressive
Yorkies are small, loyal and loving lap dogs, but they can become aggressive if they are not properly socialised or trained. If your Yorkie is exhibiting aggressive behaviour, there are steps you can take to address the issue and stop it from getting worse. This article will provide an overview of common causes of aggression in Yorkies and advice for how to stop your Yorkie from being aggressive.
Common Causes of Aggression in Yorkies
Aggression in Yorkies is usually caused by fear, frustration, possessiveness or territoriality. Fear-based aggression is usually seen in dogs that have not been properly socialised or exposed to different people and situations. Frustration-based aggression can occur when a Yorkie is prevented from doing something it wants to do, such as go for a walk or play with its toys. Possessiveness and territoriality can arise when a Yorkie feels its personal space, food or toys is being threatened.
It is important to note that aggression can also be an inherited trait, so it is important to know the history of your Yorkie and whether it has come from a line of aggressive dogs.
How to Stop Your Yorkie from Being Aggressive
Socialisation and Training
The first step in stopping your Yorkie's aggressive behaviour is to ensure it is properly socialised and trained. This means exposing your Yorkie to different people, places and situations and teaching it basic commands such as sit, stay and come. This will help your Yorkie to become more confident and less fearful of new situations.
It is also important to provide your Yorkie with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, as this will help to keep it happy and reduce the risk of aggression.
Establish a Routine
Establishing a routine and sticking to it can help to reduce aggression in Yorkies. This means feeding your Yorkie at the same time each day, taking it for regular walks, and providing it with plenty of play and cuddle time.
It is also important to provide your Yorkie with its own space, such as a crate or bed, and to only allow your Yorkie on furniture when invited. This will help your Yorkie to feel secure and less likely to become possessive or territorial.
Be Firm and Consistent
When dealing with aggressive behaviour, it is important to remain calm and be firm and consistent. Do not punish your Yorkie for aggressive behaviour, as this may make the problem worse. Instead, use positive reinforcement to reward good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour.
If your Yorkie is displaying aggressive behaviour, it is important to remove it from the situation immediately and provide it with time to calm down. If the aggressive behaviour persists, it is important to seek help from a qualified trainer or behaviourist.
Conclusion
Yorkies can be wonderful companions, but they can also become aggressive if they are not properly socialised and trained. If your Yorkie is exhibiting aggressive behaviour, there are steps you can take to address the issue and stop it from getting worse. This includes socialising and training your Yorkie, establishing a routine, and being firm and consistent when dealing with aggressive behaviour. If the aggressive behaviour persists, it is important to seek help from a qualified trainer or behaviourist.
