[dina.little]

My very small, 3lb female, yorkie is very aggressive with my new male, golden/husky puppy. I can't take them on walks, I feel worried to leave them alone, and it is a constant that she growls, barks, and nips at him when he comes near her. Usually it starts with him trying to play with her by raising his paw at her in a playful manner, barking or pouncing at her. It seems that she thinks he is trying to be aggressive. He is about 4 months now and she is probably the size of his head. So the size difference is already HUGE. I don't want him to get bigger and try to play with her then maybe actually hurt her. He does know "gentle" fairly well which I've tried using but he still tramples her sometimes when food is involved and there are other instances where I don't think he realizes his size. Please give me any tips you have on helping the situation. I definitely plan on getting a trainer but with everything going on that probably won't be able to happen for a while. Thank you for any tips you can give me!

 

[JoanneF]

If you think about it from her perspective, the risk and fear of being hurt (even accidentally) is quite valid.

Definitely keep them apart at meal times, it isn't fair on her to have to eat with the fear of being trampled. I would also stop play - she isn't enjoying it so continuing to allow it will only make her more and more anxious/annoyed. For now maybe just walk them together, on lead if necessary. Maybe as he matures she will relax a bit if she starts to feel safe.

 

[dogslife]

Can you make a short film of them interacting? It would be helpful to be able to see this.

My first impulse is to think that your yorkie is reacting out of fear, not hate. Maybe the size of your new dog is triggering her. Another possibility is that it is somehow related to territory and/or dominance.

For now they need a proper introduction. What I would try first is to put the puppy in his crate and then bring the yorkie into the space in order to get introduced in a controlled manner. Be patient with it, it's not going to be an instant fix. What you're aiming for right now is to get the yorkie accustomed to the fact that the other dog belongs there.

 

[ArcherWild]

This is serious trouble in the making. Your puppy could easily kill your yorkie. The puppy obviously isn’t aggressive, but trampling the smaller dog or even smacking the smaller dog with his paw could break bones or kill her. What happens if he tramples her and steps right on her back? Broken back, dead dog. Your yorkie is not aggressive either. She’s afraid and trying to protect herself because you aren’t protecting her. These dogs should never EVER be left alone together, and in my opinion, should never be allowed even loose together. Keep the puppy on a leash. Do not have food out around them ever so there isn’t a chance for aggression or trampling. You have to protect your small dog. You’ll feel horrible if you let this go on and your girl is killed.