New Yorkie Owner with a few Questions!

[MlssOcean]

I bought a Yorkie Puppy magazine from Petsmart, and have read lots on YT and online on what to do when my puppy gets home. One thing that I read and never realized that cooing or comforting them when they are scared shows them that they have something to be scared of. That makes sense! It explains that humans like to be comforted but dogs think that you are comforting them because whatever they are scared of, IS scary and comforting them heightens their fear.

I understand that we shouldn't coo them and say "aww poor baby It's okay!" But I don't understand what we SHOULD do. Say she is scared of thunder and starts whimpering....what do we do? Do we ignore it? Do we say "no!"? Please help! Not sure what to do instead of comforting her!

Thanks for all of the help!!

Angela

[MlssOcean]

So excited to get her! Glad we have time to learn so much before she gets here though!

[J_is_my_initial]

I have never heard this. I can not imagine not cooing and comforting any of my babies when they are scared.

[danyellm]

I would take the opportunity for training.When your pup does not react to the storm or loud noises say good job and give a treat.
congrats on your new addition

[Priscilla80]

They say its best ignore some bits .. but when they r sooo little its hard not to comfort them. But its even better when they don't make a sounds of being scared to give them a treat or something. So you stimulate the good behavior.. the more you comfort when they scared.. some babys.. may even take the oppurtinuy to make more noise or shake more.. lol.

Any photos of your new baby?
xxx Priscilla

[Britster]

You're absolutely right; when they are scared of something, by petting them, or giving them affection, all you are doing is reinforcing the behavior. It's hard NOT to sometimes, but I think alot of times people do it without even realizing it. I've seen too often a dog that is stressed out, aggressive, scared, etc, and the owner is sitting there petting them saying "it's alright" when all they are doing is telling the dog what it's doing is good.

I take it on a case by case basis... Jackson isn't really scared of much, he's always been pretty well balanced, but there was one time another dog was really bothering him at the dog park (it takes ALOT to bother Jackson, he usually doesn't even care if another dog is humping him lol) so I DID pick him up because he was clearly nervous and not enjoying it. I like to coddle and love on him when he's in a calm relaxed state and not anxious, scared, or excited. Jackson is shy with new strangers, so when he's comfortable going up to them, I praise him and give him treats etc so tell him he did good!

Congrats on your new baby!

[jazzybee445]

I've heard that if you divert their attention from whats scary to something else thats fun they will no longer pay attention to the scary thing because they will be too focused on having fun with you! Ive also heard that if you dont react to the thing that scares them they will think its nothing to worry about and thus no longer be afraide...

[MlssOcean]

Thanks for all the feed back! What I gathered from your responses is to do my best and ignore it and when she does tolerate the loud noises to tell her good job and give a treat!

Our puppy is Dharma...One of Melissa's (WV~Yorkies) new puppies. She has lots of pictures posted. We don't get her until June 23rd. You bet as soon as we get her pictures will be up :-D

[chestermama]

if chester is scared of something, I just talk to him and say its okay and I will cuddle with him sometimes or he is just under the bed like fire works and I just let him be

[ziggy925]

I think this came out of The Dog Whisperer. Don't comfort them when they are afraid or you will reinforce the fear. Seems dogs and people are different, and treating a dog like a person in times of stress does more harm then good.

I believe all this is true, but it's so damn hard not to comfort a Yorkie. They are just too cute.

What I don't understand is how can an animal derived from wolves be afraid of thunder? BTW, I like to be held when I scared.

[MlssOcean]

Originally Posted by ziggy925

What I don't understand is how can an animal derived from wolves be afraid of thunder? BTW, I like to be held when I scared.

Haha...I didn't say she was afraid...I don't know if she is (We haven't gotten her yet!)...I was just giving a "What if?" scenario.

[rilysmom]

Originally Posted by J_is_my_initial

I have never heard this. I can not imagine not cooing and comforting any of my babies when they are scared.

Originally Posted by chestermama

if chester is scared of something, I just talk to him and say its okay and I will cuddle with him sometimes or he is just under the bed like fire works and I just let him be

Originally Posted by ziggy925

I think this came out of The Dog Whisperer. Don't comfort them when they are afraid or you will reinforce the fear. Seems dogs and people are different, and treating a dog like a person in times of stress does more harm then good.

I believe all this is true, but it's so damn hard not to comfort a Yorkie. They are just too cute.

What I don't understand is how can an animal derived from wolves be afraid of thunder? BTW, I like to be held when I scared.

My Saydee is terrified of thunder...I can't imagine ignoring her!
But I do try to distract her. I play with her and Rily during a storm. She is also afraid of the vacuum cleaner. She hides in my closet when I'm running it, but just as soon as I'm finished, I get her up in my arms and walk around the house telling her what a good girl she is. If My DH is home, he will try to distract her while I'm vacuuming as well.