Delilah Martin is afraid of wind.. like deathly afraid...HELP - YorkieTalk.com Forums

SGP · 04-03-2011, 03:56 PM

My 3 year old yorkie Delilah Martin is very very afraid of wind. She has always been very attached to me, and use to come to work with me, however since I moved about a year ago she can no longer come with me to work and stays home w/ my other 3 dogs. Since this happened I have noticed 2 huge changes in her.

Some days my boyfriend is home with her and she is ok w/ him as long as I am not here. However when I am here she acts like she has never seen him before and FREAKS out. Growling and barking at him. But she sleeps with him at night... Very confusing.

She is always DEATHLY afraid of wind. I mean climbs up my body to my head and claws into my shoulder/chest and shakes and pants. It's wind... outside. I don't know what to do, I hold her and try to reassure her, but... I don't know what else to do.

She has always been kinda skittish and dramatic but it's gotten worse and I need suggestions on what to do to calm her down.

dawn27 · 04-03-2011, 06:28 PM

Ok I'm no expert but this is my idea...

Use a fan to replicate the wind, start on low for seconds at a time. Rewarding her with treats / chicken bits at time when she is clearly at her "calmest". Leaving the fan on for longer periods of time as she grows calmer. Be sure that you keep calm as well. And after you have accomplished some success with this than let your boyfriend take over using the same technique.

Its worth a try... Unless using a fan has no affect on her.

yorkieusa · 04-03-2011, 06:47 PM

The best thing you can do is to tell her it's all right and walk with her. She should learn eventually that it won't hurt her. Of course, if it's anything like the wind we've had all day, it would be a bit frightening to any yorkie! It's been gusting to over 40 mph here all day. At times, mine would be a bit nervous, but at other times, she'd go out and sit down with me.

SGP · 04-03-2011, 06:57 PM

The problem is that she isn't afraid of fans... just the wind outside... and my boyfriend randomly... I mean really I am mostly concerned with her random hatred for him b/c honestly, despite what I say, he takes it personally and it hurts his feelings.

AllDogBoots · 04-03-2011, 07:39 PM

I just ordered the Thundershirt for my Cooper because he is very afraid of thunder. It is supposed to be a great solution for dogs with anxiety. I haven't yet received it so I'm skeptical but hopeful it will work for us. Maybe you can take a look: Thundershirt | The Best Dog Anxiety Treatment

AlicetheYorkie · 04-03-2011, 08:15 PM

The one main thing I can tell you is don't "comfort" her too much when she's scared. That's actually just going to make it worse because you're giving her something positive when she's scared and it's reenforcing it. I know it's super hard not to but the best thing you can do is just stay calm and do whatever you have to to not feel sorry for her at that moment. Then try distracting her - if she knows some basic commands, see if you can get her to do some; something to try to snap her out of it and behave normaly. If you cuddle and pet her and get nervous about it she's kind of thinking, "Oh no, she's scared too". Our Akita gets nervous with loud storms and when I see her looking around or getting up to want to start pacing, I just tell her "no, it's fine" in a very steady voice and make her lay down where she was and then she's fine. If you stay calm and uneffected by it they will follow suit, especially if she's really attached to you, that makes it easier because she'll "feed" off your emotions. And of course, if she's really bad and nothing you do will distract her enough you have the option of talking to your vet about a mild sedative to use when there's a storm, but I'd make that a last resort.

The barking at your bf, I'd just gently but firmly correct it the moment it happens. Even if it is out of fear (most dog's behavioral issues are fear based), just correct it so that's letting her know 1 there's nothing to be scared of 2 this isn't allowed. Also try having him feed her sometimes and take her outside to potty or for a walk. My pup is my first Yorkie and she's been fear barking at all kinds of things (even a horse on the TV the other night lol). I just correct it every time with a firm "ah ah" or I'll gently but quickly touch the side of her neck with 2 fingers. Then when she stops and calms down I pet her to reenforce the "calmness". She's sooo much better now after only a few weeks. Definatly don't pet or cuddle her in those moments or she could end up becoming agrressive towards him.

I'm by no means a professional trainer, but I've done tons of research on behavior things like this since our Akita was a submissive urinator and had seperation anxiety. We socialized her really well and exposed her to all kinds of different places, people, noises etc. (which I'm also doing with my yorkie now)as well as doing the things I mentioned above. Now she's really good, loves everyone she meets, is extremely affectionate (she hid in her kennel the first week we had her) and is very obedient and happy

I know an Akita seems like a far cry from a Yorkie, but as I've learned by working with my submissive Yorkie the past month, dogs are dogs when it comes to this stuff.

Hope this helps, good luck

AlicetheYorkie · 04-03-2011, 08:25 PM

oh I just saw your second post and how bad it is with your bf. Ya, sounds like she's thinking she has to protect you from him since she's fine with him when you're not home. If she's on your lap when she freaks on him, tell her NO and put her on the floor and don't let her back up until she stops her agression towards him. I highly highly reccomend Cesar Millan's books for stuff like this too

concretegurl · 04-04-2011, 02:45 AM

Maybe she smells something in the new place? This only started then right?

She might be more comfortable displaying her reactions to you than him and perhaps she senses a change in other things.

How does she do on walks on sunny days, like is there a certain area she reacts to, or only when the wind comes from a certain direction?

Wind can be odd it carries so many distant and new smells, could easily be frightening instead of provoking curiosity.

TxVicki · 04-04-2011, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

I just ordered the Thundershirt for my Cooper because he is very afraid of thunder. It is supposed to be a great solution for dogs with anxiety. I haven't yet received it so I'm skeptical but hopeful it will work for us. Maybe you can take a look: Thundershirt | The Best Dog Anxiety Treatment

I will tell you my story about the Thunder Shirt. I bought one at the dog show a few weeks ago. We had a horrible Thunder Storm over night and with loud thunder and wind out really bad. My Rescue Willow is just beside herself. So, I got up and put it on her and it didn't do anything for her. So needless to say I have been up since 4:30 am because she just won't settle down.

I do know of people who used the Thunder Shirt with great success, but not for me. So, I guess I will keep looking. She is also afraid of the high winds we have been having as well. Gusting about 45-50 now.

AllDogBoots · 04-04-2011, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxVicki

I will tell you my story about the Thunder Shirt. I bought one at the dog show a few weeks ago. We had a horrible Thunder Storm over night and with loud thunder and wind out really bad. My Rescue Willow is just beside herself. So, I got up and put it on her and it didn't do anything for her. So needless to say I have been up since 4:30 am because she just won't settle down.

I do know of people who used the Thunder Shirt with great success, but not for me. So, I guess I will keep looking. She is also afraid of the high winds we have been having as well. Gusting about 45-50 now.

Yes, this is pretty much what I'm thinking will happen but I do want to try. You and I both have those horrible thunderstorms, as I'm in Louisiana. The storm from a few weeks ago kept me from sleeping most of the night while sitting in the corner of the room cuddling Cooper.

SWHouston · 04-04-2011, 06:01 AM

SGP,

We all know how sensitive our animals are to our emotions...
Is it possible that you are afraid/not very comfortable when
the wind is high, like you say ?

It's possible that she's picking up on that, and until you
get over it, she won't either.... that may be never.

SGP · 04-23-2011, 08:20 PM

I know that the barking and acting rather, well, nuts towards my BF is b/c she gets scared easily. She is also is a dominant dog BUT she's NOT dominant in my household, and she is very aware of that, so I think that may also cause some issues. Although she has been with me since she was about 4 months old. She was very calm as a puppy but as she got older she got more and more skittish. I think she is also skittish from birth, and it probably didn't help that she went everywhere with me for her first year. However, when I am not here, she is just the sweetest lil girl on the planet. Totally polite, well behaved, not picking fights with the other dogs or growling at nothing. When she barks at him or pick a fight with one of the other dogs, I always immediately correct it and put her on the floor. But she's just super protective, and I think, despite my correction, it may be getting worse. I am going to try to keep correcting it for a little while longer and then I will seek advise again.

As far as the wind issue, she's still freaked out. I don't cuddle her too much about it anymore, and she just sits there shaking, I mean I will tell her it's ok, but nothing absurd, and it doesn't seem to help. I was thinking about getting her her own little Kong, she loved her puppy one but she chewed through it, and figure maybe when it's windy I could try that to take her mind off of it, but I don't want her to think she'd getting rewarded. I know of 4 people who got the thunder shirt, and I was looking into getting one for my labradoodle b/c he's terrified of loud noises, but I haven't heard very good reviews, and b/c the noise isn't loud I don't know that it would work for this issue. As far as going for walks, if it's windy she won't go, I mean I have to seriously work to even get her down off the porch to go to the bathroom, a walk is pretty much not an option, but I will try to do that with her more and more, maybe then she will look at wind in a different way.

I am still working with her. Delilah is a special yorkie, she has hip Dysplasia and is incredibly dramatic, and very much a yorkie personality, so I am aware what I got into w/ her and I love her no matter what, but I just want her to not be so scared of stuff 1. so ppl don't think she's abused, ahha, sad but true and 2. so that she enjoys life more!

THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL THE HELP!!! Please keep them coming I read them all and take them all into thought and I just really appreciate it! So does Delilah!!

SGP · 04-23-2011, 09:06 PM

Oh, and, i'm not afraid of wind or storms, actually I like it, so I have no clue. I think it's b/c in the past we had a screen door that would slam shut, and it scared her, and made her anxious... That was a long time ago though so it's just tricks I guess to help her move on and get over it. I live in NE and the wind here is pretty intense so...

04-03-2011, 03:56 PM	#1
SGP Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Omaha, NE, USA Posts: 11	Delilah Martin is afraid of wind.. like deathly afraid...HELP My 3 year old yorkie Delilah Martin is very very afraid of wind. She has always been very attached to me, and use to come to work with me, however since I moved about a year ago she can no longer come with me to work and stays home w/ my other 3 dogs. Since this happened I have noticed 2 huge changes in her. Some days my boyfriend is home with her and she is ok w/ him as long as I am not here. However when I am here she acts like she has never seen him before and FREAKS out. Growling and barking at him. But she sleeps with him at night... Very confusing. She is always DEATHLY afraid of wind. I mean climbs up my body to my head and claws into my shoulder/chest and shakes and pants. It's wind... outside. I don't know what to do, I hold her and try to reassure her, but... I don't know what else to do. She has always been kinda skittish and dramatic but it's gotten worse and I need suggestions on what to do to calm her down.

04-03-2011, 06:28 PM	#2
dawn27 2+2=4 X the Love ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bean Town Ohio Posts: 9,456 Blog Entries: 1	Ok I'm no expert but this is my idea... Use a fan to replicate the wind, start on low for seconds at a time. Rewarding her with treats / chicken bits at time when she is clearly at her "calmest". Leaving the fan on for longer periods of time as she grows calmer. Be sure that you keep calm as well. And after you have accomplished some success with this than let your boyfriend take over using the same technique. Its worth a try... Unless using a fan has no affect on her. __________________ Mommy to: Quincy, & Ruby Bella / Miah & Brandi Gone but Never Forgotten Visit: Bella Dawns for all of your Custom Pet Wear needs.

04-03-2011, 06:47 PM	#3
yorkieusa Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 21,173	The best thing you can do is to tell her it's all right and walk with her. She should learn eventually that it won't hurt her. Of course, if it's anything like the wind we've had all day, it would be a bit frightening to any yorkie! It's been gusting to over 40 mph here all day. At times, mine would be a bit nervous, but at other times, she'd go out and sit down with me. __________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel

04-03-2011, 06:57 PM	#4
SGP Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Omaha, NE, USA Posts: 11	Any other thoughts? The problem is that she isn't afraid of fans... just the wind outside... and my boyfriend randomly... I mean really I am mostly concerned with her random hatred for him b/c honestly, despite what I say, he takes it personally and it hurts his feelings.

04-03-2011, 07:39 PM	#5
AllDogBoots Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Delray Beach, FL Posts: 7,984	I just ordered the Thundershirt for my Cooper because he is very afraid of thunder. It is supposed to be a great solution for dogs with anxiety. I haven't yet received it so I'm skeptical but hopeful it will work for us. Maybe you can take a look: Thundershirt \| The Best Dog Anxiety Treatment __________________ I'm Karen - Devoted Mama to the Drama Boyz - Cooper & Max www.alldogboots.com

04-03-2011, 08:15 PM	#6
AlicetheYorkie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 889	The one main thing I can tell you is don't "comfort" her too much when she's scared. That's actually just going to make it worse because you're giving her something positive when she's scared and it's reenforcing it. I know it's super hard not to but the best thing you can do is just stay calm and do whatever you have to to not feel sorry for her at that moment. Then try distracting her - if she knows some basic commands, see if you can get her to do some; something to try to snap her out of it and behave normaly. If you cuddle and pet her and get nervous about it she's kind of thinking, "Oh no, she's scared too". Our Akita gets nervous with loud storms and when I see her looking around or getting up to want to start pacing, I just tell her "no, it's fine" in a very steady voice and make her lay down where she was and then she's fine. If you stay calm and uneffected by it they will follow suit, especially if she's really attached to you, that makes it easier because she'll "feed" off your emotions. And of course, if she's really bad and nothing you do will distract her enough you have the option of talking to your vet about a mild sedative to use when there's a storm, but I'd make that a last resort. The barking at your bf, I'd just gently but firmly correct it the moment it happens. Even if it is out of fear (most dog's behavioral issues are fear based), just correct it so that's letting her know 1 there's nothing to be scared of 2 this isn't allowed. Also try having him feed her sometimes and take her outside to potty or for a walk. My pup is my first Yorkie and she's been fear barking at all kinds of things (even a horse on the TV the other night lol). I just correct it every time with a firm "ah ah" or I'll gently but quickly touch the side of her neck with 2 fingers. Then when she stops and calms down I pet her to reenforce the "calmness". She's sooo much better now after only a few weeks. Definatly don't pet or cuddle her in those moments or she could end up becoming agrressive towards him. I'm by no means a professional trainer, but I've done tons of research on behavior things like this since our Akita was a submissive urinator and had seperation anxiety. We socialized her really well and exposed her to all kinds of different places, people, noises etc. (which I'm also doing with my yorkie now)as well as doing the things I mentioned above. Now she's really good, loves everyone she meets, is extremely affectionate (she hid in her kennel the first week we had her) and is very obedient and happy I know an Akita seems like a far cry from a Yorkie, but as I've learned by working with my submissive Yorkie the past month, dogs are dogs when it comes to this stuff. Hope this helps, good luck __________________ Jenn, mom to: Dayton , Alice ,Darla, Miya , Summer & Chooch

04-03-2011, 08:25 PM	#7
AlicetheYorkie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 889	oh I just saw your second post and how bad it is with your bf. Ya, sounds like she's thinking she has to protect you from him since she's fine with him when you're not home. If she's on your lap when she freaks on him, tell her NO and put her on the floor and don't let her back up until she stops her agression towards him. I highly highly reccomend Cesar Millan's books for stuff like this too __________________ Jenn, mom to: Dayton , Alice ,Darla, Miya , Summer & Chooch

04-04-2011, 02:45 AM	#8
concretegurl Between♥Suspensions Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Vaissades Posts: 7,979	Maybe she smells something in the new place? This only started then right? She might be more comfortable displaying her reactions to you than him and perhaps she senses a change in other things. How does she do on walks on sunny days, like is there a certain area she reacts to, or only when the wind comes from a certain direction? Wind can be odd it carries so many distant and new smells, could easily be frightening instead of provoking curiosity. __________________ Shan & 8 kids now!

04-04-2011, 06:01 AM	#11
SWHouston YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Houston, Tx. U.S.A. Posts: 1,537 Blog Entries: 1	SGP, We all know how sensitive our animals are to our emotions... Is it possible that you are afraid/not very comfortable when the wind is high, like you say ? It's possible that she's picking up on that, and until you get over it, she won't either.... that may be never. __________________ Dogs know that you love them, weather you own them or not Mbrs of YT Teapot Club: SNEAKERS since Apr 2011, Ichabod SOON ! RIP my darling Becca.

04-23-2011, 08:20 PM	#12
SGP Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Omaha, NE, USA Posts: 11	Thank you I know that the barking and acting rather, well, nuts towards my BF is b/c she gets scared easily. She is also is a dominant dog BUT she's NOT dominant in my household, and she is very aware of that, so I think that may also cause some issues. Although she has been with me since she was about 4 months old. She was very calm as a puppy but as she got older she got more and more skittish. I think she is also skittish from birth, and it probably didn't help that she went everywhere with me for her first year. However, when I am not here, she is just the sweetest lil girl on the planet. Totally polite, well behaved, not picking fights with the other dogs or growling at nothing. When she barks at him or pick a fight with one of the other dogs, I always immediately correct it and put her on the floor. But she's just super protective, and I think, despite my correction, it may be getting worse. I am going to try to keep correcting it for a little while longer and then I will seek advise again. As far as the wind issue, she's still freaked out. I don't cuddle her too much about it anymore, and she just sits there shaking, I mean I will tell her it's ok, but nothing absurd, and it doesn't seem to help. I was thinking about getting her her own little Kong, she loved her puppy one but she chewed through it, and figure maybe when it's windy I could try that to take her mind off of it, but I don't want her to think she'd getting rewarded. I know of 4 people who got the thunder shirt, and I was looking into getting one for my labradoodle b/c he's terrified of loud noises, but I haven't heard very good reviews, and b/c the noise isn't loud I don't know that it would work for this issue. As far as going for walks, if it's windy she won't go, I mean I have to seriously work to even get her down off the porch to go to the bathroom, a walk is pretty much not an option, but I will try to do that with her more and more, maybe then she will look at wind in a different way. I am still working with her. Delilah is a special yorkie, she has hip Dysplasia and is incredibly dramatic, and very much a yorkie personality, so I am aware what I got into w/ her and I love her no matter what, but I just want her to not be so scared of stuff 1. so ppl don't think she's abused, ahha, sad but true and 2. so that she enjoys life more! THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL THE HELP!!! Please keep them coming I read them all and take them all into thought and I just really appreciate it! So does Delilah!!

04-23-2011, 09:06 PM	#13
SGP Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Omaha, NE, USA Posts: 11	Oh, and, i'm not afraid of wind or storms, actually I like it, so I have no clue. I think it's b/c in the past we had a screen door that would slam shut, and it scared her, and made her anxious... That was a long time ago though so it's just tricks I guess to help her move on and get over it. I live in NE and the wind here is pretty intense so...