Behavioral Problems - Any suggestions? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

MKD · 01-16-2009, 10:52 AM

Hi Everyone,

I am new to Yorkietalk. I grew up with Yorkie's for 16 years until our girls died. After a year, when I was all moved out of my parents house I decided to get one of my own. He is now 7 months old and I am totally in love with him, but he is exhibiting abnormal behavior from what I have always known.

My little guy is fine at home, he is obsessed with me and is good with my roommate, but whenever anyone enters the house he seems to be terrified. He barks to the point where he pees himself and will not stop barking until they go away.

Seems to me like he has been abused (which is impossible in my household). He was the last pup in the litter before i picked him up. i contacted the breeder she said that she didn't hold him very often or play with him because she didn't want to get attached. I believe this has done a lot of damage to him and is affecting my social life.

My vet said to give people food when they come in the house and have them feed him so that he associates new people with good things like food or treats - but this isn't working (he won't take it) and unfortunately some people are just not that patient. I am stuck.

He is a great pup, but not everyone gets to see that side of him...

Any suggestions as to how I can help Bruzer?

THANK YOU!

ARCHIE · 01-16-2009, 10:57 AM

Perhaps if YOU give him the treat when they enter that might work.
I remember seeing on Ceaser Millan a dog similar to Bruzer's problem.
He said to wait until you calm the dog down before offering him a treat.
They have to be in a calm sumissive state before they will take a treat.
Keep working with him, he'll get better. He's only 7mos, still a baby.
I have the same problem with Buddy but now he let's them in and won't
let them leave. LOL He just needs to mature some. Try the above and
don't give up. Persistance is key.
Good luck,

Oh and welcome to YT,

MKD · 01-16-2009, 11:09 AM

Thank you Carol,
It has been so frustrating and he has been doing this since i brought him home 3 months ago...he seems so scared that I feel so bad for him...not to mention how embarrassing it is for my guests.

Akbritt · 01-16-2009, 11:22 AM

Hello MKD and Bruzer! Welcome to Yorkie Talk! It really does sound like his behavior is fear based. And your breeder didn't do her part in correctly socializing your puppy...but he is still really young and there is still hope in correcting this behavior. What i would try first would be to socialize your puppy in more public envoirments. Walk your little Bruzer out where there is alot of people of all types...give treats when they walk by. Find out if this behavior is only in the house or if its anywhere. Do it little by little...then try in the house again. Have your guest ignore your dog when they first come in(dont even look at him) also you do the same...dont try to pet him to calm him down, thats rewarding bad behavior...maybe if Bruzer is overwhelmed by new people tring to talk and touch him...once he calms down try the treats again. The more people that come by the more decensored your pup gets to new people. Good luck! i hope i was helpful!

Akbritt · 01-16-2009, 11:25 AM

Oh yeah...if he does this only when you are holding him...it could be possession issues...most important is to find out why he does what he does. And then address the problem.

MKD · 01-16-2009, 11:31 AM

Thank you! That is something I haven't tried - I always feel the need to protect him - but I suppose that would be rewarding bad behaviour

He does it everywhere - when we walk, when i hold him, when people step in the door (even if he can't see them), even when i take him to other people's houses!

TLC · 01-16-2009, 11:52 AM

Ahhh....poor baby

It takes some time and patience, but he is young and you can do it!

A GREAT little treat is Peanut Butter Chips (from the baking isle). They are small and effective.

I agree on more socialization. Take him places to see people, new sites and sounds, etc...

Are there any Yorkie Meet-ups in your area: Use the Internet to get off the Internet! - Meetup.com

TeresaM · 01-16-2009, 11:58 AM

Hi!

Welcome!

I agree, it sounds most like a fear issue. Time and work will correct it, just please be patient with him. You can get a belly band to help with containing the peeing. Then work with him to be calm when people come in. If the giving treats isn't working, try having someone come in and both of you totally ignore him. Turn your backs to him - you may find yourselves 'spinning' in circles, but do your best to not look at him or be facing him. Talk in a normal voice, just carry on like he isn't even there. As soon as he stops barking, reward him with something - a treat, praise, pet, toy. If the barking starts again do the ignore thing all over. They really hate being ignored! Just find someone who is willing to spend some time and help you out with this.

I'm not sure what your weather is right now, pretty cold and snowy I would imagine. But if at all possible can you go for walks? Walking is one of the best ways to bond with your dog and to help him see you as the pack leader and as the one who is in control and will take care of him.

One other thing you might try along with the ignoring is a soda can with some small rocks or pennys in it. Tape up the opening and when the barking starts shake the can a couple of times, give the command you want to use for him to stop barking, like maybe No Bark. The sudden noise will distract him from the person coming in. However, you need to know your boy well, if the loud noise will scare him and make him more fearful then don't do the can thing. Boo is terribly fearful of loud noises and this would only make him worse.

Good Luck!

MKD · 01-16-2009, 12:06 PM

These are some great suggestions....Thank you!
Unfortunately it has been really cold out lately so I haven't been able to walk him (-21 degrees celcius) today.

Yorkiekids · 01-16-2009, 04:29 PM

I've read several times on here that people say if you have the people give them a treat that they'll associate new people with a good thing.

QuickSilver · 01-16-2009, 04:48 PM

I think it MIGHT actually be easier if he does it everywhere, rather than just in the house. Thor and I are still working on this, but here is what I do.

First, Thor walks by my side or slightly behind me. If he spots something he perceives as a threat, he usually starts to walk in front of me, to which I say "Ah ah!" and walk backwards until his attention is back on me.

If I see something that it likely to set him off, like another dog, I start praising him and getting his focus beforehand. As we approach, I keep saying his name to get his attention and praising him. If he loses focus, I take him off to the side, put him in a sit, and praise him for that.

Ultimately, if he flies off the handle, he gets taken away from the situation. If he manages to comport himself with some civility, he gets lots of treats and praise.

01-16-2009, 10:52 AM	#1
MKD YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: London, ON Posts: 5	Behavioral Problems - Any suggestions? Hi Everyone, I am new to Yorkietalk. I grew up with Yorkie's for 16 years until our girls died. After a year, when I was all moved out of my parents house I decided to get one of my own. He is now 7 months old and I am totally in love with him, but he is exhibiting abnormal behavior from what I have always known. My little guy is fine at home, he is obsessed with me and is good with my roommate, but whenever anyone enters the house he seems to be terrified. He barks to the point where he pees himself and will not stop barking until they go away. Seems to me like he has been abused (which is impossible in my household). He was the last pup in the litter before i picked him up. i contacted the breeder she said that she didn't hold him very often or play with him because she didn't want to get attached. I believe this has done a lot of damage to him and is affecting my social life. My vet said to give people food when they come in the house and have them feed him so that he associates new people with good things like food or treats - but this isn't working (he won't take it) and unfortunately some people are just not that patient. I am stuck. He is a great pup, but not everyone gets to see that side of him... Any suggestions as to how I can help Bruzer? THANK YOU!

01-16-2009, 11:52 AM	#7
TLC Slave to My Rug-Rats Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 7,247	Ahhh....poor baby It takes some time and patience, but he is young and you can do it! A GREAT little treat is Peanut Butter Chips (from the baking isle). They are small and effective. I agree on more socialization. Take him places to see people, new sites and sounds, etc... Are there any Yorkie Meet-ups in your area: Use the Internet to get off the Internet! - Meetup.com __________________ Adopt Donate Foster www.yorkie911rescue.com

01-16-2009, 11:58 AM	#8
TeresaM Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: TX Posts: 3,358	Hi! Welcome! I agree, it sounds most like a fear issue. Time and work will correct it, just please be patient with him. You can get a belly band to help with containing the peeing. Then work with him to be calm when people come in. If the giving treats isn't working, try having someone come in and both of you totally ignore him. Turn your backs to him - you may find yourselves 'spinning' in circles, but do your best to not look at him or be facing him. Talk in a normal voice, just carry on like he isn't even there. As soon as he stops barking, reward him with something - a treat, praise, pet, toy. If the barking starts again do the ignore thing all over. They really hate being ignored! Just find someone who is willing to spend some time and help you out with this. I'm not sure what your weather is right now, pretty cold and snowy I would imagine. But if at all possible can you go for walks? Walking is one of the best ways to bond with your dog and to help him see you as the pack leader and as the one who is in control and will take care of him. One other thing you might try along with the ignoring is a soda can with some small rocks or pennys in it. Tape up the opening and when the barking starts shake the can a couple of times, give the command you want to use for him to stop barking, like maybe No Bark. The sudden noise will distract him from the person coming in. However, you need to know your boy well, if the loud noise will scare him and make him more fearful then don't do the can thing. Boo is terribly fearful of loud noises and this would only make him worse. Good Luck! __________________ If you think dogs can't count, put 3 biscuits in your pocket, then give him only 2. Gracie Ruth & Boo & Yogi & RIP Annie B. & Bonnie Lane

01-16-2009, 04:29 PM	#10
Yorkiekids Piper & Sebastian Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: florida Posts: 14,495	I've read several times on here that people say if you have the people give them a treat that they'll associate new people with a good thing. __________________ Susan, Piper ,Harley & Suiki

01-16-2009, 10:57 AM	#2
ARCHIE No Longer A Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NEW YORK Posts: 16,218	Perhaps if YOU give him the treat when they enter that might work. I remember seeing on Ceaser Millan a dog similar to Bruzer's problem. He said to wait until you calm the dog down before offering him a treat. They have to be in a calm sumissive state before they will take a treat. Keep working with him, he'll get better. He's only 7mos, still a baby. I have the same problem with Buddy but now he let's them in and won't let them leave. LOL He just needs to mature some. Try the above and don't give up. Persistance is key. Good luck, Oh and welcome to YT,

01-16-2009, 11:09 AM	#3
MKD YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: London, ON Posts: 5	Thank you Carol, It has been so frustrating and he has been doing this since i brought him home 3 months ago...he seems so scared that I feel so bad for him...not to mention how embarrassing it is for my guests.

01-16-2009, 11:22 AM	#4
Akbritt Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Connelly Springs NC Posts: 557	Hello MKD and Bruzer! Welcome to Yorkie Talk! It really does sound like his behavior is fear based. And your breeder didn't do her part in correctly socializing your puppy...but he is still really young and there is still hope in correcting this behavior. What i would try first would be to socialize your puppy in more public envoirments. Walk your little Bruzer out where there is alot of people of all types...give treats when they walk by. Find out if this behavior is only in the house or if its anywhere. Do it little by little...then try in the house again. Have your guest ignore your dog when they first come in(dont even look at him) also you do the same...dont try to pet him to calm him down, thats rewarding bad behavior...maybe if Bruzer is overwhelmed by new people tring to talk and touch him...once he calms down try the treats again. The more people that come by the more decensored your pup gets to new people. Good luck! i hope i was helpful!

01-16-2009, 11:25 AM	#5
Akbritt Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Connelly Springs NC Posts: 557	Oh yeah...if he does this only when you are holding him...it could be possession issues...most important is to find out why he does what he does. And then address the problem.

01-16-2009, 11:31 AM	#6
MKD YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: London, ON Posts: 5	Thank you! That is something I haven't tried - I always feel the need to protect him - but I suppose that would be rewarding bad behaviour He does it everywhere - when we walk, when i hold him, when people step in the door (even if he can't see them), even when i take him to other people's houses!

01-16-2009, 12:06 PM	#9
MKD YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: London, ON Posts: 5	These are some great suggestions....Thank you! Unfortunately it has been really cold out lately so I haven't been able to walk him (-21 degrees celcius) today.

01-16-2009, 04:48 PM	#11
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	I think it MIGHT actually be easier if he does it everywhere, rather than just in the house. Thor and I are still working on this, but here is what I do. First, Thor walks by my side or slightly behind me. If he spots something he perceives as a threat, he usually starts to walk in front of me, to which I say "Ah ah!" and walk backwards until his attention is back on me. If I see something that it likely to set him off, like another dog, I start praising him and getting his focus beforehand. As we approach, I keep saying his name to get his attention and praising him. If he loses focus, I take him off to the side, put him in a sit, and praise him for that. Ultimately, if he flies off the handle, he gets taken away from the situation. If he manages to comport himself with some civility, he gets lots of treats and praise.