[exch]

Three weeks ago I acquired a 10 mo. old Yorkie male. The previous owners didn't want him and largely ignored him until I took him home with me. At first he was very, very agressive toward my 3 yr. old female terrier mix. Fortunately she is very sweet and laid back so he and she worked out their differences and are pretty good buddys (although he still takes away anything she has). The problem now is that when he sees another dog, a male, he becomes so excited that he literally screams. Tonight he saw a Maltese male and screamed so loudly that I couldn't even hear what the owner of the Maltese was saying. I want to take him to puppy class but I don't know if they will accept him if he is that disruptive. He has not been neutered and I am planning to take him soon for that procedure. Any suggestions?

[Durbkat]

Well the puppy classes in our area has a rule that if the dog can't quiet down within 3 classes that you will be excused from the class and will have to take up private lessons to continue. I'm not sure what to do with the screaming though.

[skelaki]

You've inherited a teenage terrier (or should I say terror?) who has never been taught that he isn't pack boss. You've got a job ahead of you but with patience, strict rules, consistency, and more patience he can become a great pet for you.

Get him neutered asap. Once the hormones settle down it will help but it won't do everything. He needs boundaries and pack rules. Don't be afraid to correct him when needed as well as praise when he behaves correctly. He may be small but he's all terrier.

I would start out by tethering him to you much of the time. This will help the bonding process and, since he must go where you go, will help him learn that you are his pack leader and he can abdicate the job. I'd also start him on a simple nilif program and have him sit (help him if necessary) before he gets anything.

Have you checked to see if he's eligible for puppy classes? He might have to go to beginning obedience classes at his age.

[Curbside Prophet]

I'd find a certified professional to help you. The one thing you don't want to do is rehearse the screaming behavior around new dogs. A professional can help set up senarios where you're most likely to succeed in adding some better social skills to your dog. You'll increase your chances of success if you find some outside help.

Beyond that, you need to work on impulse control. Perfecting the dog's sit, down, stay, leave-it, and take-it. This lends itself nicely into practicing NILIF religiously.

I would not sign up for a puppy class until you've had him assessed by someone. He may be perfectly eligible for a class, but since you know little about his previous training and socialization, I'd have him assessed first. just my opinion.