any tips for me ?

[pebbles]

hi all i'm a new member as you can see. i have a very small yorkie who has the biggest attitude imaginable .she thinks she can play with anything from a bird to a rottie, unfortunately cats seem to be the animal she likes to chasemost .,this is very scary as she has only recently been savaged by my son's huge tabby tom cat and i almost lost her. after a frightening visit to the vet and her receiving 36 stitches up her tummy she has still not learnt her lesson, any ideas on how to get her out of the habit and perhaps show a little respect for the rest on the animals around would be greatly appreciated???
pauline:confused:

[crazydays]

Hi Pebbles. Sounds like you have yourself a little tiger!!!! I am a huge Ceasar Millan fan. Have you heard of him? Have you ever watched the show-Dog Whisperer?? I think it would be a great place to start as far as educating yourself to be the pack leader. He talks about getting dogs into a calm submissive state of mind. He deals with dogs who are red alert cases, or dogs who are dominating their owners or other dogs. Often some of his tough cases are smaller dogs-it makes no difference whether they are big or small.

Good luck with the interventions you choose and keep us informed ok!!

[chrisjonesxx]

I understand Cesar Milan has several detractors, but I am not sure I see how they can substantiate their claim that he has 'put back dog behaviour 20 years' or whatever else they claim he is responsible for.
Anyway, I like Cesar.
There are far worse examples of 'dog behaviour' programmes on UK TV - some are an insult to the average person's intelligence. However, all of those which bring a sensible approach to problem resolution agree that most issues stem from the failure of the owner to assume pack leader status.
Although that sounds critical, I do not mean it to be. I have found it hard on some occasions, but without taking control with a dog of what happens, when and how, many other problems will arise. I have found that very strange and often unrelated behavioural problems have been solved by regulating activity throughout the day - which will include exercise, feeding and strict demarcation of what, and what is not, permitted.
None of this excludes love, which is the single most sought after objective of most dogs.
Please persevere and the best of luck.

[crazydays]

Hi ChrisJonesxx!

Thank you for your comments. I couldn't agree more. I could care less who has titles for status re dog behaviouralists. All the points that you mention-
1) become the Pack Leader
2) exercise
3) discipline
4) affection;
all these things are vital to your success as dog owner.
My point was that he (Cesar Millan) is a good reference for information.He talks about all these things and provides examples of how successful you can be.