We're getting so frustrated with our little Layla!!

[NBSlav]

My yorkie has been a handful since we got her almost 3 weeks ago. Layla is going on 13 weeks and she has been a tough little cookie to care for. We have been trying to crate train her at night but she just cries for almost an hour, we have her in a play pen during the day and she cries in there too. We have toys, blankets, she hates them both. She stops after a while but if she sees us she starts up again and tries to jump out of it. Potty training has been another issue, she's going potty outside when we take her (about every hr or two) but she still goes inside even after we have just taken her out. She doesn't let us know when she needs to go outside. She also eats her poop on top of that. She's pretty stubborn too, she ignores me and my husband when we call her to "come" and doesn't follow us when we have her on the leash. She'll do it for treats sometimes. She also rarely wants to be playing or cuddling with us, unless it's to lay on the couch and take a nap. Aren't puppies supposed to want human contact? She plays with her toys and we try to play with her but she ignores us half the time. She's also biting us and chewing (I don't blame for her this since she's probably teething) and doesn't stop when we tell her "NO bite" and ignore her. I've read a couple ideas on using a bell by the door (how does this work?) and pinapple in food to prevent from eating poop. Not sure what to do about her behavior, is this how she's always going to be, very anti-social? Help!

[Sandysbabies]

Yorkies can be hard to potty train. My schnauzers were trained in no time. But, Kayla is a yr. and half and she is just now getting where she will go out the doggie door and tee tee. They are a handful because they have energy galore but you have to remember she is 13wks. old. She is just a baby. We did not crate Kayla during the day, only at night, and she never cried. She would go in the crate to take a nap and then we bought her a play pen. I would let her out and play and then at night she will probably sleep. Good luck but don't expect to much too soon. Just remember she is soooo young yet.

[AvyQuinn]

Originally Posted by NBSlav

My yorkie has been a handful since we got her almost 3 weeks ago. Layla is going on 13 weeks and she has been a tough little cookie to care for. We have been trying to crate train her at night but she just cries for almost an hour, we have her in a play pen during the day and she cries in there too. We have toys, blankets, she hates them both. She stops after a while but if she sees us she starts up again and tries to jump out of it. Potty training has been another issue, she's going potty outside when we take her (about every hr or two) but she still goes inside even after we have just taken her out. She doesn't let us know when she needs to go outside. She also eats her poop on top of that. She's pretty stubborn too, she ignores me and my husband when we call her to "come" and doesn't follow us when we have her on the leash. She'll do it for treats sometimes. She also rarely wants to be playing or cuddling with us, unless it's to lay on the couch and take a nap. Aren't puppies supposed to want human contact? She plays with her toys and we try to play with her but she ignores us half the time. She's also biting us and chewing (I don't blame for her this since she's probably teething) and doesn't stop when we tell her "NO bite" and ignore her. I've read a couple ideas on using a bell by the door (how does this work?) and pinapple in food to prevent from eating poop. Not sure what to do about her behavior, is this how she's always going to be, very anti-social? Help!

Sounds like Hiro!
Your baby is a baby! If I learned anything from my baby - don't expect too much when they are just weeks old... you'll be disappointed. Enjoy the time though, they will grow up so fast... After she's got all her puppy shots, take her out to socialize with other dogs and people, that might help!
Good luck!
The frustration will go away as she grows up! I PROMISE!!! ^_^

[connie sikora]

Tulsa would cry at night too so I got a travel bag and used it at night. I would put the bag up on the bed with me. He is 1 1/2 now and still sleeps with me. They are difficult when they are young, but she will ":get it" eventually and everything will be fine!

[LucyNTuckersMom]

Ok, I'm no expert... and I don't know you or your household. But are you (or someone in your house) taking the job of alpha dog? I affectionately call it being The Hammer. So when she cries in the crate, you need to buck up and ignore her, rather than run over there and coddle her. Otherwise she is learning cry in my crate=mom comes running over. She may cry for a few nights, but eventually will get over it. It's tough to be The Hammer with a cute Yorkie puppy, but believe me... these can be pushy little dogs. You've got to establish that you're top dog and quick. Other things... when walking into a doorway, you walk first and the dog follows. Once you allow them to go first, they are thinking they are top dog. Eating food, you eat your food first, dogs get fed second. and don't share. In the wild, the head dog gets first pick of the eating. When she gets the hang of the leash... keep her at your side rather than letting her walk miles in front. Otherwise she thinks shes leader of the pack.

Have you tried covering the crate at night? Something that helped when our dogs were little, we kept the crate in the bedroom. It seemed comforting that they could smell us/knew we were there and so they didn't cry. (Except for the first 3 nights when we got them)
Learning to come when called, walk on leash are all things that take patience, and age and getting to know you and your husband. Keep your practice sessions short at her age. Reward like crazy, a treat is good but gush with praise too. Also, if they fill up on treats, they won't eat their food. Our vet tech recommended baby carrots, but cut them up. No more than a baby carrot or 2 a day.
Puppies' feel its their job to play play play. Don't feel offended. Ours got more affectionate as they matured. Then the play time went down too.
Nipping and biting are not acceptable, teething or not. If this becomes a habit when they're young, it might not stop. You have to be the Hammer here. Do you know the sound when one dog nips another? Kind of a yelp? Try making that sound when she nips you, then completely ignore her. Stop playing if you were playing. Even walk away. If you can't get the sound, just do a firm No! and really be mad about it as you walk away. Luckily, the nipping is really easy to solve if you stick to that. Be firm. Don't let the puppy face sucker you back in. Give it a good 5 minutes of purely ignoring her. Yorkies can't stand to be ignored.
The poop eating... there is a product called Stop Eating Poop, or SEP. You are supposed to sprinkle it on their food before they eat, and it supposedly make their poop taste unacceptable. I thought I had read good things about it, but have never tried it personally. In theory, you should be able to stop at some point.
And the potty training. This is where patience comes in. Yorkies are challenging to potty train. Mine are 2.5 and still aren't totally trustworthy. I don't believe they ever will be totally housebroken. Accidents will and still happen. The crate training definitely helps. And you can save your sanity by keeping her on easy to clean surfaces, like the kitchen, until she's more mature. And by no means, trust her to wander your house unwatched. We have a bell hanging at the door they go out of to go out for potty. We ring the bell every time we are going out (for potty only) and make a big production out of it... "who's going potty!?" Sometimes they ring it when they have to go. That's the idea anyway. Lucy is a stinker, sounds like your little one to me, she rings it... to get some air, bark at the neighbor dog, or check out a leaf blowing across the deck. So if she rings it, and nothing comes out of her... she goes in the crate for 10 minutes. And I know that little stinker knows exactly what she's doing. She has learned to save up just a little pee... to avoid the crate.

There are lots of great posts here on housetraining, so do a forum search on the word.
People may mistake Yorkies as dumb, believe me they are not. They know exactly what's going on. It's just they are choosing not to go along. There has to be something really good in it for them. Kind of like the chocolate chip cookie I have after running on the tread mill. They're never in the top 10 smartest list, but that because they aren't super willing to be trained.

Good luck and enjoy... they aren't puppies forever!

Teresa

[Ashley V]

She sounds like a typical baby! And she's only been there three weeks so she's still getting adjusted.

For the crying... ignore her. Do not even acknowledge her. Don't say anything to her, don't look at her, nothing. When you do leave the house and come home, don't immediately go get her. Wait until she stops crying and when you do get her out, don't make a huge deal out of seeing her. This will also help prevent separation anxiety.

She's not listening to your commands because she doesn't know them. It will come with time. Dogs respond to positive reinforcement so when you are training her, be sure to reward her instantly. Most of the time people use treats. Once she gets all of her shots I would enroll her in a puppy obedience class and there are a ton of resources in books and on the internet of different ways to teach basic commands.

For potty training. Just be consistent and watch her 100% of the time. 99.9% of the time a dog will do something that will tell you that they are about to go... for example, I knew Chip needed to go when he started walking in circles sniffing and I immediately grabbed him up and put him on his pee pad... in your case, you would take her outside. When she does a good job, reward her and throw a "party" for her. If you want to use the bell, get a cheapy bell from a craft store and hang it to where she can reach it. When you walk out of the door, take her paw and ring the bell with it and say "Potty" or whatever you want to say to associate with her going to the bathroom. Eventually she'll understand that ring the bell = out = bathroom break = treat.

As for cuddling and playing.... it took Chip a long time to warm up to us. I would do lots of things to bond with her. Try engaging in a few games of fetch, take her in the back yard and play with her, take her for a few car rides.... just bond with her.

Oh and the biting... you are right, she's teething so she's going to do that. Saying "No bite" is okay, but honestly, she has no idea what that means. When she bites, make a high pitched yelping noise. If you were another dog in the wild, you would be making that noise and that would let her know that "hey, I hurt them... oops". When you do that, she'll probably stop and look at you with a really confused look. Try getting her some teething toys too because she may be biting because she is in pain. I think you can even get a baby teething ring and freeze it like you normally would or wet a washcloth and put in the freezer and give it to her to chew on when she seems like she could be in pain.

For poop eating... use pineapple. She's probably pretty little so maybe 1/4-1/2 a teaspoon added with her food would be okay. I usually give each of my boys about 1 teaspoon but I have gigantors for yorkies.

For leash training, maybe put her leash and harness on her when you are home with her and just let her walk around with it by herself to get used to it. Of course, watch her to make sure she doesn't get caught up in anything. Once she seems used to it, then bend down as best as you can and hold a treat in front of her nose as you walk. Start with short distances (like 5 feet) and practice for a few times until she gets in right more than once, then extend the length. Eventually she'll get it.

Hope this helps some!!!

[Txgurl06]

Originally Posted by NBSlav

My yorkie has been a handful since we got her almost 3 weeks ago. Layla is going on 13 weeks and she has been a tough little cookie to care for. We have been trying to crate train her at night but she just cries for almost an hour, we have her in a play pen during the day and she cries in there too. We have toys, blankets, she hates them both. She stops after a while but if she sees us she starts up again and tries to jump out of it. Potty training has been another issue, she's going potty outside when we take her (about every hr or two) but she still goes inside even after we have just taken her out. She doesn't let us know when she needs to go outside. She also eats her poop on top of that. She's pretty stubborn too, she ignores me and my husband when we call her to "come" and doesn't follow us when we have her on the leash. She'll do it for treats sometimes. She also rarely wants to be playing or cuddling with us, unless it's to lay on the couch and take a nap. Aren't puppies supposed to want human contact? She plays with her toys and we try to play with her but she ignores us half the time. She's also biting us and chewing (I don't blame for her this since she's probably teething) and doesn't stop when we tell her "NO bite" and ignore her. I've read a couple ideas on using a bell by the door (how does this work?) and pinapple in food to prevent from eating poop. Not sure what to do about her behavior, is this how she's always going to be, very anti-social? Help!

potty training should usually start at 13 weeks. She is a puppy and of course she is going to have a short attention span right now. when you take her outside let her know that is outside. Say lets go outside or do you need to go outside and then let her follow you to the door. My dogs sit by the door when they need to go out. how long is she in the crate for? i never crated or crate trained my dogs so im not sure how that goes. but i know you shouldnt keep them locked up for a long period of time they get bored. They all have different personalities. I have a girl who loves to sleep and doesnt play much and a boy who loves to play. I had a boy who passed and he loved to play too. She is a puppy and you have to give her time.

[Txgurl06]

also you need to socialize her early! Our trainer says they should meet 100 other dogs by time they are 6 months. ones that are calm of course. also be subjected to many different sounds and environments. When she goes to chew on the couch or something say leave it. when she pulls her head away reward her with a treat. never let her have what she is leaving.

[NBSlav]

thanks so much for the advice! Makes me feel a whole lot better that it's just because of her age (for the most part). As for the crying, my husband and I do ignore her, she eventually stops but we don't want her to hate her crate/pen, we tried getting her slowly used to her crate it doesn't seem to work, she won't play in it, she will occasionally nap there but we have to keep the door open otherwise she'll freak out. I'll def. try the pineapple and maybe get a bell for her too

[golfbooboo]

I believe you got your little girl when we got "Katie". She has adapted wonderfully; however, I have devoted my entire time to working with her. We have trained her to use wee wee pads and she rarely has an accident. She has learned to sit and is working on "stay". Be patient. They are smart and know if you are upset... Good luck. Katie loves to give kisses.. I do not leave her unattended. I get on the floor and play. It takes a lot of time, but I am going to do my best to make her very well mannered.

[deb22]

Originally Posted by NBSlav

My yorkie has been a handful since we got her almost 3 weeks ago. Layla is going on 13 weeks and she has been a tough little cookie to care for. We have been trying to crate train her at night but she just cries for almost an hour, we have her in a play pen during the day and she cries in there too. We have toys, blankets, she hates them both. She stops after a while but if she sees us she starts up again and tries to jump out of it. Potty training has been another issue, she's going potty outside when we take her (about every hr or two) but she still goes inside even after we have just taken her out. She doesn't let us know when she needs to go outside. She also eats her poop on top of that. She's pretty stubborn too, she ignores me and my husband when we call her to "come" and doesn't follow us when we have her on the leash. She'll do it for treats sometimes. She also rarely wants to be playing or cuddling with us, unless it's to lay on the couch and take a nap. Aren't puppies supposed to want human contact? She plays with her toys and we try to play with her but she ignores us half the time. She's also biting us and chewing (I don't blame for her this since she's probably teething) and doesn't stop when we tell her "NO bite" and ignore her. I've read a couple ideas on using a bell by the door (how does this work?) and pinapple in food to prevent from eating poop. Not sure what to do about her behavior, is this how she's always going to be, very anti-social? Help!

Not an expert ...but this is what I did...When I got Penny she cried in the crate at night...I was working at the time..so this is why I did things this way....First she has slept in my bed with me from day 1.... solved the crying...(and I got to snuggle)lol...
I set up a crate (large) to accomadate her things...a pee pad....water and food bowl...and her little bed....and put a towel on top and partial side..(she felt safe and closed in)....she was only in there when I worked...
When she would rough play with biting...I loudly and sternly said "No Bite!"
Only took a week for her to learn...Now when she gets carried away...and I say No Bite...she starts licking me...lol
Penny didn't come when we called her at that age....but once she learned her name she did.....the leash was hard too...About a week she learned to walk on the leash...When I got her it was in Jan....so it was cold and she was so young....that's why we started with pee pads...
now I have another one.. 6mos old...(Angel) she will only go potty outside... so now I am walking 2 in the cold.....she won't tell me ...but I am getting her routine down and when I take her out she goes...and Penny is learning from her...We actually have a bell on the door...so I will be working on that soon...
Penny was never a poop eater....but Angel is... I just watch her...and I think I will try the pineapple..

There say they are one of the hardest to house break....I think my 2 are doing pretty good...We have accident sometimes ....but that comes with having dogs...
Oh and Penny actually loves her crate now...That is her quiet place....Sorry so long.... Hope this helps....You are not alone....Good Luck...Hugs..

[Ashley V]

Originally Posted by NBSlav

thanks so much for the advice! Makes me feel a whole lot better that it's just because of her age (for the most part). As for the crying, my husband and I do ignore her, she eventually stops but we don't want her to hate her crate/pen, we tried getting her slowly used to her crate it doesn't seem to work, she won't play in it, she will occasionally nap there but we have to keep the door open otherwise she'll freak out. I'll def. try the pineapple and maybe get a bell for her too

When she's not looking try hiding some treats in her crate. She'll learn that crate = good stuff. Also, make sure you reward her for going in. Just like with anything, you want to teach her to go in by herself. Say something like "Crate!" when you want her to go in, put her in there and reward her before you even shut the door. Eventually you can dangle a treat from the top of the crate and lure her in, while saying "Crate!", then give it to her when she goes in with lots of praise. She'll eventually get used to it. Maybe try giving her a kong filled with peanut butter to keep her occupied when you put her in there too. Another thing... put a dirty shirt that you or your husband has worn. It will get her used to your scent and will comfort her. Some people even buy ticking alarm clocks and wrap it up in the shirt to sound like a heart beat.

[JoeyP]

Originally Posted by NBSlav

My yorkie has been a handful since we got her almost 3 weeks ago. Layla is going on 13 weeks and she has been a tough little cookie to care for. We have been trying to crate train her at night but she just cries for almost an hour, we have her in a play pen during the day and she cries in there too. We have toys, blankets, she hates them both. She stops after a while but if she sees us she starts up again and tries to jump out of it. Potty training has been another issue, she's going potty outside when we take her (about every hr or two) but she still goes inside even after we have just taken her out. She doesn't let us know when she needs to go outside. She also eats her poop on top of that. She's pretty stubborn too, she ignores me and my husband when we call her to "come" and doesn't follow us when we have her on the leash. She'll do it for treats sometimes. She also rarely wants to be playing or cuddling with us, unless it's to lay on the couch and take a nap. Aren't puppies supposed to want human contact? She plays with her toys and we try to play with her but she ignores us half the time. She's also biting us and chewing (I don't blame for her this since she's probably teething) and doesn't stop when we tell her "NO bite" and ignore her. I've read a couple ideas on using a bell by the door (how does this work?) and pinapple in food to prevent from eating poop. Not sure what to do about her behavior, is this how she's always going to be, very anti-social? Help!

She's just being a puppy
They don't come when you call them

You need to make them WANT to come to you
With a handful of treats call her name and give her the treat
do this a bunch of times
Then repeat this with the puppy across the room
Do this for a few days .... she will def start coming to you because she will think you have treats for her

The biting? Why are you letting her bite you?
If she bites ..... a quick NO! and get up and leave her there

The crying in the crate ... let her cry
don't try and soothe her
and don't put her in just at night
put her in during the day for nap times too so she gets used to it

At her age she isn't goinng to be able to hold it long enough to only go outside
Pen her in with a pee pad during the day
while you are training her ... this will compliment her house training

[Potter]

My Yorkie, Pao does not like to be crated at all. I know he will bark for hours till he is all numb and he'd still bark if I crate him. I just give him free run of the house but I know I can trust him with the house. He'd never chew anything and does his business on the peepad so he is happy and I am happy with the arrangement.