human aggression

Question
I have a non neutered, gonna be 2 in Dec.08, morkie, Fritz. It is obvious that I am the one Fritz follows around, if I leave a room, he many times will follow me. He also shakes and looks sad when I leave the home. Fritz has become growly/snappy towards family members who come near me. Not every time but more and more. He even does it to me if I for instance rub someones back. He sleeps with us and if my husband touches him during the night he may snap at him but not at me if I touch him.  We have had him since he was about 8 weeks old. The vet said he has a large prostate for his age and size but did not give mention to it contributing to his aggression. I believe I need to get him neutered right away.  I would like training ideas to work on as family members approach me or I them to get him out of that aggressive mode. We also have a 7 month old female and want to prevent this kind of situation with her. Thank you in advance for your kindness in sharing your knowledge.
Cheri

Answer
Get that dog neutered ASAP (prostate enlargement is a potentially huge health problem) and find ANOTHER veterinarian!  Your vet should have recommended immediate neutering and some blood workup regarding hormone levels, etc.

Fritz is overly bonded to you and he is demonstrating two things with his aggression: fear and guarding.  You need to keep your HANDS OFF this dog whenever he growls, barks or even appears to begin to growl/bark whenever anyone enters the room.  Get your hands OFF THE DOG and STAND UP so the dog is not in your lap (but now on the floor) and/or you are no longer seated next to him.  Advise anyone in your immediate family toward whom the dog offers this aggression NOT TO BACK AWAY for any reason.  They are to stand their ground, not proceed further toward the dog, not use his name or make comment, just stand their ground.  If the dog continues to growl , you are to LEAVE THE ROOM until he stops, then reenter (my guess is he will attempt to follow you out of the room, do not allow this, put a closed door between you and the dog if you have to.)  Within a few trials, your dog will stop growling/barking at other members of your family.  At that point, and after a few days of the cessation of this behavior, observe the dog carefully whenever a family member enters the room (you can actually do set ups for this.)  If he appears stressed, YOU are to ignore him totally until he is visibly calm, then reward him for his calm demeanor as family members settle in.  The goal is for the dog to experience other family members as rewarding and to begin to connect with them rather than treat them as threats.  This is VERY DOABLE.  Simply follow, consistently, the directions given above and be certain NOT to touch, talk to, interact with or allow the dog to sit on your lap or next to you EVERY TIME he shows aggression toward another member of your household.

Regarding the bedtime aggression toward your husband: you must do one of two things.  Either REMOVE THE DOG from your bedroom totally, making him sleep in a soft bed in another room (the kitchen) and continue this for AT LEAST two months.  During those two months, your husband must feed the dog (twice daily).  OR YOU are to leave the bedroom for ONE NIGHT at least; during this night, the dog will wear a short very lightweight nylon leash and you will have placed a soft bed in your room.  Your husband must be willing to cooperate throughout the entire night by removing the dog (using the leash) from the bed EVERY TIME he gets up there and leading him to his own soft bed.  After several repetitions of this, Fritz should willingly remain in his own little bed.  When you return to the bedroom the following night, you must keep the leash on the dog and allow your husband to use it to remove the dog from the bed and put him in his own bed.  This must be done EVERY SINGLE TIME Fritz attempts to get up on your bed, and while removing the dog your husband must use the word "OFF" n a firm manner.  If you both are consistent in keeping Fritz OFF YOUR BED (no matter how many times you must remove him), he will eventually (it might take several nights) GIVE UP and sleep in his own bed.  DO NOT LAPSE BACK into allowing him in your bed, no matter how tempted you may be.  It's for the sake of the dog, after all.

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