Any suggestions before I give up?

[zoedo]

If you've read this twice it's because I copied it to a new thread. I am the mom of 13 weeks old Zoe. I know how you feel about the differences in breeds as I've had toy poodles most of my adult life and they have all been very quiet, docile, obedient dogs (all from different litters and different states) who wanted nothing better than to please me and love me. Most lived to be close to 16 yrs old. Never had an obedience problem and never read a book on the caring of poodles and never had to. Then I got a yorkie. I love her but don't think she feels the same way about me although I've had her 7 weeks now. She gets wild and hyper sometimes but I suppose that is the yorkie breed or else just the puppy temperament although I've seen and heard of many puppies who were loving from the start. Mine can only be held when she wants...which is not often at all. I've only held her to cuddle a very small number of hours in 7 weeks time. I go day to day hoping each one would be 'the day' that she will let me hold her, pet her, play with her. I had he trained to play fetch and to bring the ball and place it at my feet. She'd sit on command (most of the time), and come running when I called her. Nothing has changed except now she has decided it's more fun to keep the ball, run from me to keep me from catching her (diving under the bed to avoid it), and barking when I play ball with her and sometimes barking at me for no reason at all. And it's not the playful bark with her butt in the air...but a daring bark. I am the only one who feeds her, cleans her pen, grooms her, etc etc. except at night my husband shares in taking her out to potty. But she hasn't barked at anyone but me. I so wanted a sweet little dog who likes to cuddle and who would love to just spend time with me. I follow just about every bit of advice i've read on yorkies thru books and on Yorkie Talk. When I think I have it conquered she decides to turn the table and I feel like I am starting all over again. Anyone else have this problem? I get at my wits end sometimes. She's a precious little girl....with a very stubborn streak. When she plants her but down no leash or calling will make her budge from that spot. She is one way one day, and the next she changes and she follows that pattern. One good day, one bad day, then one good, one bad... over and over. I supposed i should just be happy there's a good day sandwiched in between the bad ones.

[Ringo1]

Ok. I have a yorkie - but the story I'm going to tell is about my Westie. I had never had a terrier before him. My previous dog had been a loving little Maltese.

Ringo came in; hyper; digging; stubborn; it was NOT love at first sight. My son wanted a Westie; not me. He spent a lot of nights in the living room - away from us - by his choice. I wasn't sure he even liked us.

We started doing agililty training with him and it helped so much. He loved agility; the physical and mental exercised gave him the stimulation he needed; and most of all - we had to work together as a team. It really brought us closer together - but I think any kind of training would help you.

Now Ringo and I have a real bond. We both love to walk - Lucy not so much. I did have to get used to his 'loner' personality a bit; but I know he loves me and me him.

It was not there automatically like it usually is - we had to work to make our bond.

[MauiGirl]

Am I reading this right, she is 13 weeks and you have had her for 7 weeks, so you got her at 6 weeks?

If so, then she missed out of 6 more weeks of time she should have been with her mom and liter mates. This is a very important time in her life to learn socialization among other things. Getting her before 12 weeks does put a different spin on things, and more responsibility on you to replace what her mom would have taught her.

None the less, she is yours, and in my opinion 13 weeks is way too early to be judging a puppy's personality. She has so many changes ahead of her as she grows up, especially in the first year or two, so you will have to be really patient, loving, and understanding to help her become the perfect pet you desire.

My advice is don't even think of giving up. God's not done with her yet, and don't you be either.

[Ringo1]

I agree there too; she's just a baby and had a lot of changes to come and maturing to do.

Terriers are different; if this is your first terrier - her personality may not be what you are used to.

Have some fun playing with her! She's probably too young maybe for puppy classes.

[zoedo]

I wanted to wait a while because we were on vacation at the time but the breeder called and said they were ready. The puppies were completely on puppy chow for a couple of weeks and the mother was withdrawing her attention. The two sisters loved playing together but the other pup was the favorite at the breeders so she was the socialized one. Zoe probably got used to not being handled much. To be honest I didn't even know what socialization was. My other 5 dogs..none yorkies..immediately bonded with me ...all at 6 weeks of age....all gifts....and i hadn't read anything about raising any of them. It all came naturally. But this situation is entirely different. And as for as stimulation...Zoe has plenty. lol

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

Am I reading this right, she is 13 weeks and you have had her for 7 weeks, so you got her at 6 weeks?

If so, then she missed out of 6 more weeks of time she should have been with her mom and liter mates. This is a very important time in her life to learn socialization among other things. Getting her before 12 weeks does put a different spin on things, and more responsibility on you to replace what her mom would have taught her.

None the less, she is yours, and in my opinion 13 weeks is way too early to be judging a puppy's personality. She has so many changes ahead of her as she grows up, especially in the first year or two, so you will have to be really patient, loving, and understanding to help her become the perfect pet you desire.

My advice is don't even think of giving up. God's not done with her yet, and don't you be either.

I couldn't agree more!

If she had stayed with her mom until she was 12 weeks old, she would have learned lots of puppy manners form her mom and littermates. She missed those important lessons.

Expecting a 13 week old puppy to be cuddly is pretty unrealistic.

How well did you research Yorkies before you got one? Being terriers, they have a very different personality than Poodles. Yorkies are know for their energy and stubbornness.

[RachelandSadie]

sadie turns a year old tomorrow and i swear she's as playful as the day we brought her home EARLY. she was 7 1/2 weeks, and she is a hyper, biting ball of fury. i love her to pieces, but she's a wacko sometimes. A: it's the breed B: she would have done better being with littermates until 12 weeks (biting issues) C: they all grow out of it eventually.

she's stil a maniac, but she'll lay down next to me and sleep and she's learned the "hug" command where i pat my chest and she'll put her paws up on my shoulders and lay her body against my chest. LOVE IT.

just takes time and age and they'll calm down a lot. 13 weeks is a baby pup. she'll be frisky for quite awhile. give it time and love her anyways.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by zoedo

I wanted to wait a while because we were on vacation at the time but the breeder called and said they were ready. The puppies were completely on puppy chow for a couple of weeks and the mother was withdrawing her attention. The two sisters loved playing together but the other pup was the favorite at the breeders so she was the socialized one. Zoe probably got used to not being handled much. To be honest I didn't even know what socialization was. My other 5 dogs..none yorkies..immediately bonded with me ...all at 6 weeks of age....all gifts....and i hadn't read anything about raising any of them. It all came naturally. But this situation is entirely different. And as for as stimulation...Zoe has plenty. lol

I can't believe the "breeder" said they were ready to go!

Anyway, you have her now and you have to work even harder with Zoe since the "breeder" wanted her outta there as soon as possible! It's going to take hard work and dedication, and hate to say it to you, but this is just the beginning. You need to think long and hard if you are in it for the long haul. Yorkies are just not for everyone, and that's totally ok. You have to think of Zoe and put her first, and do what's best for her. Some people don't *really* try and end up resenting their dog, and that's so wrong. (That in turn will lead to even more behavioral problems.) There's a reason why certain types of dogs go with certain types of people. maybe you are just more of a poodle person than a yorkie person.

I'm not saying for you to give up. I'm just saying if you are going to stick with raising her, you really have to do it right and pretty much give up your life for the next few months in training her.

Have you checked out the training forum? There's lots of info in there about trick training, potty training, etc.

[Maxman]

Originally Posted by zoedo

If you've read this twice it's because I copied it to a new thread. I am the mom of 13 weeks old Zoe. I know how you feel about the differences in breeds as I've had toy poodles most of my adult life and they have all been very quiet, docile, obedient dogs (all from different litters and different states) who wanted nothing better than to please me and love me. Most lived to be close to 16 yrs old. Never had an obedience problem and never read a book on the caring of poodles and never had to. Then I got a yorkie. I love her but don't think she feels the same way about me although I've had her 7 weeks now. She gets wild and hyper sometimes but I suppose that is the yorkie breed or else just the puppy temperament although I've seen and heard of many puppies who were loving from the start. Mine can only be held when she wants...which is not often at all. I've only held her to cuddle a very small number of hours in 7 weeks time. I go day to day hoping each one would be 'the day' that she will let me hold her, pet her, play with her. I had he trained to play fetch and to bring the ball and place it at my feet. She'd sit on command (most of the time), and come running when I called her. Nothing has changed except now she has decided it's more fun to keep the ball, run from me to keep me from catching her (diving under the bed to avoid it), and barking when I play ball with her and sometimes barking at me for no reason at all. And it's not the playful bark with her butt in the air...but a daring bark. I am the only one who feeds her, cleans her pen, grooms her, etc etc. except at night my husband shares in taking her out to potty. But she hasn't barked at anyone but me. I so wanted a sweet little dog who likes to cuddle and who would love to just spend time with me. I follow just about every bit of advice i've read on yorkies thru books and on Yorkie Talk. When I think I have it conquered she decides to turn the table and I feel like I am starting all over again. Anyone else have this problem? I get at my wits end sometimes. She's a precious little girl....with a very stubborn streak. When she plants her but down no leash or calling will make her budge from that spot. She is one way one day, and the next she changes and she follows that pattern. One good day, one bad day, then one good, one bad... over and over. I supposed i should just be happy there's a good day sandwiched in between the bad ones.

Your not alone,I feel the same way sometimes,sometimes I think he barks at me just to antagonize me.He is getting better at peeing on his pad(I know how most people feel about wee wee pads,but all of my dogs learned to go on them or newspaper,and they also went outside)this one goes on them for the most part when me or my wife are in the room to praise him or give him a treat,but if were not in the same room,the chances of him going on the floor increase!He is getting better though and he is family now and we love him!My bond with him grows stronger everday,and I know we made the right choice,he's agood pup despite some of his flaws. Sorry for being long winded,just saying,hang in their she'll get better!

[Maxman]

Originally Posted by zoedo

If you've read this twice it's because I copied it to a new thread. I am the mom of 13 weeks old Zoe. I know how you feel about the differences in breeds as I've had toy poodles most of my adult life and they have all been very quiet, docile, obedient dogs (all from different litters and different states) who wanted nothing better than to please me and love me. Most lived to be close to 16 yrs old. Never had an obedience problem and never read a book on the caring of poodles and never had to. Then I got a yorkie. I love her but don't think she feels the same way about me although I've had her 7 weeks now. She gets wild and hyper sometimes but I suppose that is the yorkie breed or else just the puppy temperament although I've seen and heard of many puppies who were loving from the start. Mine can only be held when she wants...which is not often at all. I've only held her to cuddle a very small number of hours in 7 weeks time. I go day to day hoping each one would be 'the day' that she will let me hold her, pet her, play with her. I had he trained to play fetch and to bring the ball and place it at my feet. She'd sit on command (most of the time), and come running when I called her. Nothing has changed except now she has decided it's more fun to keep the ball, run from me to keep me from catching her (diving under the bed to avoid it), and barking when I play ball with her and sometimes barking at me for no reason at all. And it's not the playful bark with her butt in the air...but a daring bark. I am the only one who feeds her, cleans her pen, grooms her, etc etc. except at night my husband shares in taking her out to potty. But she hasn't barked at anyone but me. I so wanted a sweet little dog who likes to cuddle and who would love to just spend time with me. I follow just about every bit of advice i've read on yorkies thru books and on Yorkie Talk. When I think I have it conquered she decides to turn the table and I feel like I am starting all over again. Anyone else have this problem? I get at my wits end sometimes. She's a precious little girl....with a very stubborn streak. When she plants her but down no leash or calling will make her budge from that spot. She is one way one day, and the next she changes and she follows that pattern. One good day, one bad day, then one good, one bad... over and over. I supposed i should just be happy there's a good day sandwiched in between the bad ones.

Your not alone,I feel the same way sometimes,sometimes I think he barks at me just to antagonize me.He is getting better at peeing on his pad(I know how most people feel about wee wee pads,but all of my dogs learned to go on them or newspaper,and they also went outside)this one goes on them for the most part when me or my wife are in the room to praise him or give him a treat,but if were not in the same room,the chances of him going on the floor increase!He is getting better though and he is family now and we love him!My bond with him grows stronger everday,and I know we made the right choice,he's agood pup despite some of his flaws. Sorry for being long winded,just saying,hang in their she'll get better!

[zoedo]

I didn't really research. I didn't know I had to since I never had before with my other dogs. But this is my first yorkie. All I knew before was that my daughter was given a yorkie for Christmas and her's was so cuddly from day one. She got her at 8 weeks I think and she lived about 90 miles away. They stayed with me for almost a week and her pup was with me all day long. She followed me around and laid down on my lap when I was relaxing and was so sweet that I got attached to her. At the time I thought all yorkies had the same temperament. She'd come when I called her and when they left for their new home I felt the loss. So I told my husband that's what I wanted for Mother's Day. I saw and held Zoe for a few times within the couple of weeks before taking her home but I guess she was too young for her true personality to come thru. I guess...but I'm not sure.. I did read lots and lots about yorkies before I actually picked her up but everything I read suggested they were mild mannered little lap dogs. One even said if you wanted a lapdog to get a yorkie. So I thought that was going to be the case..But my little Zoe dashes about like she's on a mission...I do love her...but lapdog she isn't!! LOL

[Maxman]

Sorry for the duplicate post,my computer was acting up, I can't figure out how to delete one!If an administrator can delete one please do,thank you.

[MauiGirl]

Another big factor is the breeder, and the personality of the mother. I can only wonder if the breeder who was so ready to send this pup off, even before it was legal to do so, ever cuddled and played with the pups.

My 4 pups all came so pre-spoiled and cuddled they weren't only used to it, they demanded it. You can imagine that a pup from a puppy mill situation would be very different from one from a good reputable breeder. (Not insinuating that yours is, but for comparison).

But, with patience she can become more of what you want. Even rescues with horrible personality defects can turn around with lots of love and attention. It just takes time. Give her lots of unconditional love and she will give it right back to you and more.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by zoedo

I didn't really research. I didn't know I had to since I never had before with my other dogs. But this is my first yorkie. All I knew before was that my daughter was given a yorkie for Christmas and her's was so cuddly from day one. She got her at 8 weeks I think and she lived about 90 miles away. They stayed with me for almost a week and her pup was with me all day long. She followed me around and laid down on my lap when I was relaxing and was so sweet that I got attached to her. At the time I thought all yorkies had the same temperament. She'd come when I called her and when they left for their new home I felt the loss. So I told my husband that's what I wanted for Mother's Day. I saw and held Zoe for a few times within the couple of weeks before taking her home but I guess she was too young for her true personality to come thru. I guess...but I'm not sure.. I did read lots and lots about yorkies before I actually picked her up but everything I read suggested they were mild mannered little lap dogs. One even said if you wanted a lapdog to get a yorkie. So I thought that was going to be the case..But my little Zoe dashes about like she's on a mission...I do love her...but lapdog she isn't!! LOL

I understand your position, but I am curious. What book did you read that said yorkies are mild mannered little lap dogs? LOL! They are Yorkshire Terriers, highlight on the *TERRIERS*!

BUT, I will say, yorkies do vary a lot in looks, temperament, personality, intelligence, etc mostly in part due to indiscriminant overbreeding. The yorkie nowadays is not the yorkie it *should* be. whether the look is off standard or the attitude. But what a yorkie should be is feisty, intelligent, stubborn (in a good way), plucky!

PS. your baby is just that, still a baby. All puppies are hyperactive and unpredictable. Keep your baby on a schedule everyday and they will come to expect the schedule.

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I understand your position, but I am curious. What book did you read that said yorkies are mild mannered little lap dogs? LOL! They are Yorkshire Terriers, highlight on the *TERRIERS*!

BUT, I will say, yorkies do vary a lot in looks, temperament, personality, intelligence, etc mostly in part due to indiscriminant overbreeding. The yorkie nowadays is not the yorkie it *should* be. whether the look is off standard or the attitude. But what a yorkie should be is feisty, intelligent, stubborn (in a good way), plucky!

PS. your baby is just that, still a baby. All puppies are hyperactive and unpredictable. Keep your baby on a schedule everyday and they will come to expect the schedule.

This is the best advice I've heard all day.