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My Yorkie is aggressive and bites due to past abuse. How to help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 2 years and 10 months old | 11 lbs

i have a 2 1/2 year old yorkie that ive had for more than a year now. she was a gift from my moms friend who said that her niece didnt want the dog anymore. the problem is that she has extreme trust issues (the dog), i was told that she was abused where she used to live. she would flinch if someone held a mop or broom near her and 50% of the time she bites ANYONE who tries to pick her up. shes aggressive to everyone and tries to attack any dog she sees. i think shes mentally scarred wht do i do?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 25th, 2017

Poor Destiny! It sounds like she has some serious aggression issues, and I would have her seen by a professional behavioral expert. I never recommend that owners work with aggressive dogs on their own due to the safety risks, it's best left to an expert. I would speak to your vet about a referral to a behavioral expert for her.

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