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Old 12-12-2010, 04:08 PM   #1
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Animal Smiley 036 I want to do this right early, please help

I brought Theodore home three days ago and he was relatively calm. He cries when he gets crated, which of course is to be expected. However, he is starting to growl when I pick up his toys, and he excessively chews and pulls on the leash until he's so entangled in it that i'm afraid he'll end up choking! I've been reading different suggestions and I am not sure how to proceed. I want to stop the nipping, and I "yelp" and he stops, but he continues later on. I tried laying him on his stomach because I read on here that he's trying to show dominance, but he just seemed to get even more aggressive and proceeded to disobey even harder. When he's chewing on his leash and harness I try to distract him with another toy and praise him if he goes for it, but it'll only be a few seconds before he starts on his leash again. I also read to give him a "time out" if he is nipping and won't listen, but that is a sort of punishment, and I don't want him to hate his crate since I'm trying to crate/potty train. Any input would be greatly appreciated, I don't want to keep sending mixed signals to my puppy, it's not his fault he doesn't understand, but I myself am confused and its really hard for me to be consistent if I'm reading conflicting advice.
Thank you all for your time
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Old 12-12-2010, 04:12 PM   #2
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Also, I'd like to add that prior to my puppy I have never seen yorkies play so I have no idea what behavior to expect...I hope I'm not exaggerating, but it just seems to me that growling, nipping is unacceptable. And when I take him for walks he seems to enjoy sitting down and chewing on his leash more than running around/fetching
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Old 12-12-2010, 05:12 PM   #3
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If you aren't already, use a 3 foot leash or shorter attached to Theodore's harness. Hold it taught, straight up toward you to make it difficult for him to turn and chew the leash. You may also want to try Bitter Apple spray on the leash to make chewing undesirable. When he does chew, say "uh uh uh" and try to manipulate him back into the correct position.

Find a really desirable squeaky toy and designate it as your walking toy. Don't use it for normal play in the house. Use the toy to direct your pup forward, walking.

Maintain a calm and confident demeanor. Don't show any frustration or impatience. If you demonstrate walks are fun, your pup will follow your lead. Be sure to give praise when he does things right. Show him you are really happy. These guys want to please.

For teaching bite inhibition, check out the sticky at the top of this training forum. I agree, using the crate for a timeout is not a good idea. The crate should be a safe place. Withholding your attention is usually sufficient. If he nips, no more attention. You can yip and get up and walk away.

Growling over his toys is something to address immediately. Start working on playing fetch or playing in general and then have "clean up" time. I found that with raising my pup, talking was beneficial" "Okay Max, let's clean up before we go to bed. Let's put the toys away. Yea!" Respond to growling with the "uh uh uh," as in no, no, no.

Forget the forced physical submission stuff. Stick to positive reinforcement and setting a good example. If you are calm and in control, and happy, your pup will learn to be as well.

Hope some of this helps.
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Old 12-12-2010, 05:14 PM   #4
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I neglected to ask, how old is Theodore? You should refrain from walking him until he has all of his shots.
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Old 12-12-2010, 05:17 PM   #5
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How old is he? Does it seem to be aggressive growling or playful growling?

Maybe he's bored or needs more exercise? Have you tried wearing him out a little?

My Muffin growled at first when I'd come to pick her up, but I think she was scared. I just said No in a firm voice and then held her so she'd know she was safe with me. She never growls now.

If he growls when you pick up his toys then I'd say "No" in a firm voice and continue to pick up his toys in a matter of fact way, while not looking at him.

If he's chewing on his leash then take it away and hand him some puppy chew toys or bully sticks. Puppies are going to want to chew stuff their whole lives. So by giving him acceptable chew things, he knows what's ok or not.

Sorry, I hope this helps. Maybe others have better ideas

Good luck
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Old 12-12-2010, 05:28 PM   #6
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Very good points, making sure the pup has plenty of appropriate things to chew on, and discerning between playful growling and aggressive growling.
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Old 12-12-2010, 05:36 PM   #7
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He is 13 weeks old and has all his shots. The only shot he does not have yet is rabies because the breeder does not like giving it a rabies shot until they are about six months...Thank you for the suggestions I have a 4ft leash, the problem with biting the leash comes when I try to attach the leash to the back of his harness or when I'm trying to detach the leash. What ends up happening is that he rolls around on his back and continues to roll and roll to the point where it is impossible for me to detach it from him without trying to hold him still completely. As for playing with him, I play by making him sprint and stop for about an hour until he is tired. I throw the ball around sometimes, but when I do that's when he lies down and becomes more interested on the leash than the ball and starts chewing on it instead...that is when I squeak the ball to grab his attention and he plays with the ball for a minute before going back to the leash and so the cycle continues. I've only praised him with kibble (which he really likes) because all of the other treats I've tried (carrots, peanut butter, doggie treats at PETCO, cheerios) he leaves and does not like, so maybe its not a good enough treat to give him kibble? But I digress, I know that this involves a lot of patience and I get that, I'm just afraid to do the wrong thing (that's the part that frustrates me...not knowing what to do...I don't want Teddy to not like me!) He's a sweet dog that is is clearly acting like a puppy, and I love him and I want to do everything right for him, because he deserves it!
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Old 12-12-2010, 05:39 PM   #8
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I just ordered bully sticks...I really hope he likes them, I have yet been able to find something he REALLY enjoys to chew on. Does anyone have any toy suggestions their puppy really loved? I've bought tiny tennis balls, rope type things, a kong (I filled with peanut butter and he doesn't like peanut butter so it just sits there...) I also bought a squeaky ball that fits perfectly in his mouth...but nothing beats his leash...lol
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Old 12-12-2010, 06:06 PM   #9
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More Information

Here is a link to some information that I have on my site about early training. Hopefully you will find something useful.

Remember it is an ongoing, process, nothing will happen overnight. But these are some things to do to help establish trust and establish yourself as pack leader.
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Old 12-12-2010, 06:15 PM   #10
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It sounds like just puppy play with he leash. My two are still learning to be still when I put a leash on them. There are toys at Target I think they're called "stages" just get the small ones. My two still love those toys. You'll love the bully sticks and so will your baby.
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Old 12-12-2010, 06:17 PM   #11
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The first thing to do is relax and know that even when things seem hopeless, there will be a day when each thing clicks with your pup. Be persistent.

I'm partial to the name Teddy, by the way.

Waiting on the rabies until 6 months is good, but it is one of the important ones. I started walking Max at 4 months, most people advise waiting. Be careful and talk to your breeder and vet.

For using a toy as bait for walking, keep the toy in your hand while you are standing upright. The show people use "flat rats," which I believe are often a rabbit fur. Hold it out in front of your pup, then closer to his nose and pull it away and he should follow.

For attaching the leash, work on training to "stand still." I use plain old kibble to train my guys. It's their favorite. Try putting your one hand under his belly so that he is straddling your arm, his head facing the palm of hand, and his legs unable to go anywhere. Tell him to stand still and attach the leash with your other hand. Do the same for unleashing him. If he rolls on his back, turn him over and put him into position.

Make everything a happy experience. Be firm, but use positive reinforcement.
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Old 12-12-2010, 06:18 PM   #12
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As for chewing on the leash, have you tried using a leash made of chain.
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Old 12-12-2010, 06:19 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by roseylovestosho View Post
I just ordered bully sticks...I really hope he likes them, I have yet been able to find something he REALLY enjoys to chew on. Does anyone have any toy suggestions their puppy really loved? I've bought tiny tennis balls, rope type things, a kong (I filled with peanut butter and he doesn't like peanut butter so it just sits there...) I also bought a squeaky ball that fits perfectly in his mouth...but nothing beats his leash...lol
Careful with the squeaky ball that fits in his mouth. That will become a choking hazard soon.
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Old 12-13-2010, 07:00 AM   #14
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@2morkies- Thank you for the advice, I think the boredom comes from not liking his toys as much as his leash...I will definitely go to Target and give that toy a try, eventually we will find one he loves! (I hope lol)...I think it is puppy play I just don't like him sinking his teeth into his harness. I've started putting him on his back while holding him like a baby, say no and hold the harness down onto his chest until he stays still...when he's still I praise him and rub his belly...this seems to be working!
@maximo- I think that it was playful growling towards his toys. I talked to the breeder last night and she said that that's how dogs play with each other and their toys they growl at them and she said that type of growling is OK Also, what's wrong with walking them at 3 months? I've never heard this before, can you please elaborate? I'm not trying the still command because I started with sit (and he has not mastered it yet!) However, he's starting to understand that he needs to sit for food, he waits for me and doesn't dash out the door when I go walk him, etc. It's not consistent, but I think he's understanding he needs to at least wait for me.
@JeanieK- Thank you SO much for the link to your website...Both my boyfriend and I tried exercise number 1 and we were successful. He did not hold our gaze for longer than 3 seconds! Also, after the exercise we put our fingers in his mouth and he only licked them and did NOT nip. He is back to nipping this morning, so we are going to continue to do those exercises until he gets it! I have not tried one...will it hurt his teeth? Sometimes I see him chewing on the wire crate rather than his toys....not sure if this is bad...I tried giving him a frozen carrot yesterday but he was kind of so/so with it...He ended up vomiting a little last night, but it seemed to be just digested kibble (no bad smell, or anything) I think he ate too much...he's used to eating freely whenever he wants and I thought it was okay for him to eat a little more if he seemed hungry and he's exercising, but it seems as if the kibble and carrot upset his tummy He's doing better this morning though. I gave him a little bit and some water and he seems to be holding it down fine...
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Old 12-13-2010, 07:06 AM   #15
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I strongly suggest taking the little guy to obedience classes. What he is exhibiting is normal puppy behavior, dominance, he wants to be the alpha(leader) in the pack and you a follower, this is natural. What he needs to be taught is that you are the alpha and he the follower. Being he could live to be 15 or 16 years old, investing in training classes are well worth it. A good resource is your local Yorkshire terrier club. Give them a call about training classes in your area. Good Luck!!!
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