My sweetie won't come to me... - YorkieTalk.com Forums

SweetZiva · 04-25-2011, 09:06 PM

she just backs away when I try and pet her or pick her up... I have had her since she was six months old and she is almost a yr so we have had her almost 6 months. It breaks my heart bc it makes me think she is afraid of me or something...

Do you think she will ever warm up or do you think it is her personality? She follows me everywhere and sleeps on my bed at night and sits on my lap a lot... so i don't know what to think...

she was attacked by a coyote a month and half ago... I nearly lost her... but this has been going on since i got her. when she was attacked it broke my heart... i thought we lost her... i couldn't go thru losing another yorkie... but she pulled thru and did amazing... she is one tough cookie and I am so happy to have her!

yorkietalkjilly · 04-25-2011, 09:25 PM

Some dogs are just that way and have a natural reluctance to come when called while others fall all over themselves getting to you as soon as they can. Some dogs are never properly trained to the "come" command and need more training. The recent incident may be connected to you somehow in her mind, making her more reluctant than ever - unsure of you, a little scared she is no longer safe. It is hard to tell why dogs behave the way they do sometimes and since we can't know, all we can do is try to deal with it and move on.

Have you tried training her to come to you? Let her miss a meal by an hour or so and get some warm hotdog pieces and walk away from her, say "come", praise and treat her when she comes. A high value treat will usually bring even the most stubborn little furbutt around. From time to time, even a well-trained dog gets to thinking he doesn't have to come when called and a little retraining gets them back to running to mommie when she calls. I retrain Tibbe to come from time to time when he gets a little slow to respond or just thinks he prefers not to come. He goes right back to coming running as he never knows when a treat might be waiting.

Was horrified to hear about the attack and how severe it was. My second Yorkie was attacked by a dog and it was one of the worst things I'd ever been through, let alone my little Jilly. But she healed and went on to live well for years. Hope your sweet baby will be okay.

MI Yorkielover · 04-26-2011, 02:57 AM

Some yorkies are more independent than others and resist the come command. Keep working at it with healthy treats she likes. The attack may have set her back a little. It may take a little more time. I'm so glad she pulled through. I think eventually as she get a little older she will warm up. She is a little cutie

Princess10 · 04-26-2011, 03:14 AM

I wonder if it may be part of her personality as well as the other ideas suggested.

Princess was taught (with lot's of training) to come, but she will only come to within maybe a foot & a half to two feet in front of me. If I try to reach down for her or keep telling her to come closer she'll back up and take off. I could be using a whole chicken to entice her and it wouldn't matter.

I see no reason or past experiences for her to do it, I think it's just part of that independent nature.

If anyone has any other ideas I'd love to hear them as well.

Princess10 · 04-26-2011, 03:15 AM

I wonder if it may be part of her personality as well as the other ideas suggested.

Princess was taught (with lot's of training) to come, but she will only come to within maybe a foot & a half to two feet in front of me. If I try to reach down for her or keep telling her to come closer she'll back up and take off. I could be using a whole chicken to entice her and it wouldn't matter.

I see no reason or past experiences for her to do it, I think it's just part of that independent nature. Princess is otherwise very loving & affectionate, cuddles, plays, kisses, etc. so I don't think it's a matter of dislike.

If anyone has any other ideas I'd love to hear them as well.

blueseastar422 · 04-26-2011, 03:50 AM

My baby is 5 months. I have had her for just about 3 months now. When I come home, she loves me to death!!! She follows me everywhere too. But if I go to pet her and she sees my hand coming, she will back away. Even if she is laying near me and I pet her, she will get up and move. lol. She is starting to lay more on my chest at night when sleeping but to hold her and love her - forget it! Maybe as she gets older she will change but I know how you feel. However, I was away for 2 nights and my friend watched her for me. Said that Mooch would just sit with her husband and let him pet her. lol

Glad to hear that your doggie survived from being attacked!!!

FlDebra · 04-26-2011, 05:58 AM

My Annie is 9 months old and she will not come to me if I am reaching out to her like I am going to pick her up. She will come to me if I sit down and pat my leg. That brings her running to find her spot on my lap!

She also comes and jumps on me when I return as a greeting and she will come to me anytime if it is her idea. But when I reach out to pick her up, she almost always backs up a few paces, making it difficult. She's fine once I pick her up, but it is like she is always just a little wary about me initiating picking her up. I try never to force it. If she backs up, I kneel down as close to the floor as I can and put my hand on the floor itself. That usually brings her to me.

Some pups may feel if you are reaching out from above, it is a little threatening or that they may be confined (especially if you crate trained or keep in a crate now). Just find little ways to reassure her and eventually she will probably be fine about it. My older boy, Ben, is still like that with other people, but he is fine with me. In fact, he is my spoiled baby boy who thinks he owns me. He gets very upset when I am doing anythnig without him. My fault though, I have spoiled him and now it is up to me to keep on doing it.

DvlshAngel985 · 04-26-2011, 06:29 AM

This might sound stupid, but I actually lay down on the ground when Kaji won't come to me. He for the most part does, and will jump into my arms and is happy to get some cuddles. But, there are times when I approach him, the same way I've done a million times before, and all of a sudden he's scared. If I push him too much, he will pee right there on himself and even me because he's so scared. So, what I've learned to do is make myself less "threatening" to make him feel at ease. If he isn't coming, I just lay down on the floor and cover my face. He bolts right at my and starts attacking me with kisses. (which is why I cover my face) He's so funny, he actually tries to dig into the carpet so he can crawl in, and lay down under my neck. At that point I lift my head up and he'll crawl in expecting belly rubs. That situation went from scary to him, to happy. I hope that helps.

gardengirl77 · 04-26-2011, 06:36 AM

My Yorkie does the same thing. She's 2 yrs old, she's very attached to me (well, ok, it goes both ways. lol) She's not in the slightest bit afraid of me and thinks she has to be right with me every second. But I reach down to get her and she will almost always back up. After all, it wasn't her idea...

And what if I picked her up to brush her teeth again or put her in her kennel and leave.

Sometimes she will even try to run from me if she thinks I'm leaving. I've found it helps to tell her to sit & stay and then pick her up. And make sure I pick her up plenty of times in between and love on her or give her a treat and then set her back down. I think they are just very independent in nature.

itsbaddangel · 04-26-2011, 06:42 AM

Jazi was doing the same thing...running from me. The she would run and lay down. Now I've been working with her and the treats, as a few of you have mentioned and it's really made a change. She's happy to come to me now.

Make sure say her name when working with her on the training.
"Ziva come" with a LOT of excitement in your voice and lots of praise.

Suze225 · 04-26-2011, 06:59 AM

BOTH Bella and Jett would back away when I went to reach down for them. Bella finally outgrew that, but it took her almost until a year. Jett still runs from me. He is 6 months old. Sounds like this is maybe somewhat of a yorkie thing.

Jett and Bella both will come when I use the come command, but would back away when I would go to pet them or pick them up. Not sure why, but I am sure glad Bella outgrew it! I am sure Jett will too!

Lil Sis · 04-26-2011, 07:12 AM

Remy often runs from me to my dh. I think she equals me with..
A changing clothes
B bath time
C brushing hair and top knot
D brusing teeth
F all things bad in her life

Sometimes it is not fun being the mommy!!!!!

but if I go after her she will stop and lay down. And on her terms she come to me and cuddles and gives kisses. She sleeps on my pillow, and if we are out she does not take her eyes off me.

143julz · 04-26-2011, 07:20 AM

WOW this must be a Yorkie thing...Dud and Dex are both this way.

Although Dud is better than Dex, probably b/c he's older..LOL
I read somewhere on YT when we first got Dud..instead of reaching down with your hands to pick him up, reach down with your palms facing up, almost like you have somthing cupped in your hand and reach for them under their chin to pet them first...I saw improvement this way with Dud and still approch him this today....

DEX.....he's another story

My last yorkie (female) i never had this issue, she was my shadow

Gatord · 04-26-2011, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlDebra

My Annie is 9 months old and she will not come to me if I am reaching out to her like I am going to pick her up. She will come to me if I sit down and pat my leg. That brings her running to find her spot on my lap!

She also comes and jumps on me when I return as a greeting and she will come to me anytime if it is her idea. But when I reach out to pick her up, she almost always backs up a few paces, making it difficult. She's fine once I pick her up, but it is like she is always just a little wary about me initiating picking her up. I try never to force it. If she backs up, I kneel down as close to the floor as I can and put my hand on the floor itself. That usually brings her to me.

This sounds just like Josie. I try to get down on her level (way down) so I want be this big monster thing to her.
She will jump in my lap in a second if I am sitting or run to me for a treat.

I think it is funny too sometimes when I bend down to pick her up and she jumps back. I think she is telling me, no. That little back jump is so cute.

SweetZiva · 04-26-2011, 07:36 AM

Wow it's so nice to know I am not alone! I have been working on the come command but she is a stubborn lil thing lol...my last yorkie would practically jump in my arms so it was a big change. Thanks for all your advice and I am glad to know I am not alone lol... i know she is crazy about me like I am her so I will be ok with it!

04-25-2011, 09:06 PM	#1
SweetZiva Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 121	My sweetie won't come to me... she just backs away when I try and pet her or pick her up... I have had her since she was six months old and she is almost a yr so we have had her almost 6 months. It breaks my heart bc it makes me think she is afraid of me or something... Do you think she will ever warm up or do you think it is her personality? She follows me everywhere and sleeps on my bed at night and sits on my lap a lot... so i don't know what to think... she was attacked by a coyote a month and half ago... I nearly lost her... but this has been going on since i got her. when she was attacked it broke my heart... i thought we lost her... i couldn't go thru losing another yorkie... but she pulled thru and did amazing... she is one tough cookie and I am so happy to have her! __________________ Lovie Ziva -Rainbow Bridge (7/14)

04-25-2011, 09:25 PM	#2
yorkietalkjilly ♥ Love My Tibbe! ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: D/FW, Texas Posts: 22,140	Some dogs are just that way and have a natural reluctance to come when called while others fall all over themselves getting to you as soon as they can. Some dogs are never properly trained to the "come" command and need more training. The recent incident may be connected to you somehow in her mind, making her more reluctant than ever - unsure of you, a little scared she is no longer safe. It is hard to tell why dogs behave the way they do sometimes and since we can't know, all we can do is try to deal with it and move on. Have you tried training her to come to you? Let her miss a meal by an hour or so and get some warm hotdog pieces and walk away from her, say "come", praise and treat her when she comes. A high value treat will usually bring even the most stubborn little furbutt around. From time to time, even a well-trained dog gets to thinking he doesn't have to come when called and a little retraining gets them back to running to mommie when she calls. I retrain Tibbe to come from time to time when he gets a little slow to respond or just thinks he prefers not to come. He goes right back to coming running as he never knows when a treat might be waiting. Was horrified to hear about the attack and how severe it was. My second Yorkie was attacked by a dog and it was one of the worst things I'd ever been through, let alone my little Jilly. But she healed and went on to live well for years. Hope your sweet baby will be okay. __________________ Jeanie and Tibbe One must do the best one can. You may get some marks for a very imperfect answer: you will certainly get none for leaving the question alone. C. S. Lewis

04-26-2011, 02:57 AM	#3
MI Yorkielover Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan USA Posts: 3,317	Some yorkies are more independent than others and resist the come command. Keep working at it with healthy treats she likes. The attack may have set her back a little. It may take a little more time. I'm so glad she pulled through. I think eventually as she get a little older she will warm up. She is a little cutie __________________ Jackie Loves Sophie R.I.P ."Baby"* our little girl 1993-2009*

04-26-2011, 03:14 AM	#4
Princess10 Banning Queen Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Home of the Kalamazoo Wings, MI. Posts: 3,122	I wonder if it may be part of her personality as well as the other ideas suggested. Princess was taught (with lot's of training) to come, but she will only come to within maybe a foot & a half to two feet in front of me. If I try to reach down for her or keep telling her to come closer she'll back up and take off. I could be using a whole chicken to entice her and it wouldn't matter. I see no reason or past experiences for her to do it, I think it's just part of that independent nature. If anyone has any other ideas I'd love to hear them as well. __________________ For The Night Is Dark & Full Of Terriers

04-26-2011, 03:15 AM	#5
Princess10 Banning Queen Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Home of the Kalamazoo Wings, MI. Posts: 3,122	I wonder if it may be part of her personality as well as the other ideas suggested. Princess was taught (with lot's of training) to come, but she will only come to within maybe a foot & a half to two feet in front of me. If I try to reach down for her or keep telling her to come closer she'll back up and take off. I could be using a whole chicken to entice her and it wouldn't matter. I see no reason or past experiences for her to do it, I think it's just part of that independent nature. Princess is otherwise very loving & affectionate, cuddles, plays, kisses, etc. so I don't think it's a matter of dislike. If anyone has any other ideas I'd love to hear them as well. __________________ For The Night Is Dark & Full Of Terriers

04-26-2011, 03:50 AM	#6
blueseastar422 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Philly Posts: 44	My baby is 5 months. I have had her for just about 3 months now. When I come home, she loves me to death!!! She follows me everywhere too. But if I go to pet her and she sees my hand coming, she will back away. Even if she is laying near me and I pet her, she will get up and move. lol. She is starting to lay more on my chest at night when sleeping but to hold her and love her - forget it! Maybe as she gets older she will change but I know how you feel. However, I was away for 2 nights and my friend watched her for me. Said that Mooch would just sit with her husband and let him pet her. lol Glad to hear that your doggie survived from being attacked!!!

04-26-2011, 05:58 AM	#7
FlDebra Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: FL Posts: 7,651	My Annie is 9 months old and she will not come to me if I am reaching out to her like I am going to pick her up. She will come to me if I sit down and pat my leg. That brings her running to find her spot on my lap! She also comes and jumps on me when I return as a greeting and she will come to me anytime if it is her idea. But when I reach out to pick her up, she almost always backs up a few paces, making it difficult. She's fine once I pick her up, but it is like she is always just a little wary about me initiating picking her up. I try never to force it. If she backs up, I kneel down as close to the floor as I can and put my hand on the floor itself. That usually brings her to me. Some pups may feel if you are reaching out from above, it is a little threatening or that they may be confined (especially if you crate trained or keep in a crate now). Just find little ways to reassure her and eventually she will probably be fine about it. My older boy, Ben, is still like that with other people, but he is fine with me. In fact, he is my spoiled baby boy who thinks he owns me. He gets very upset when I am doing anythnig without him. My fault though, I have spoiled him and now it is up to me to keep on doing it. __________________ FlDebra and her ABCs Annie, Ben, Candy Promoting Healthy Breeding to the AKC Yorkshire Terrier Standard

04-26-2011, 06:29 AM	#8
DvlshAngel985 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA Posts: 12,693	This might sound stupid, but I actually lay down on the ground when Kaji won't come to me. He for the most part does, and will jump into my arms and is happy to get some cuddles. But, there are times when I approach him, the same way I've done a million times before, and all of a sudden he's scared. If I push him too much, he will pee right there on himself and even me because he's so scared. So, what I've learned to do is make myself less "threatening" to make him feel at ease. If he isn't coming, I just lay down on the floor and cover my face. He bolts right at my and starts attacking me with kisses. (which is why I cover my face) He's so funny, he actually tries to dig into the carpet so he can crawl in, and lay down under my neck. At that point I lift my head up and he'll crawl in expecting belly rubs. That situation went from scary to him, to happy. I hope that helps. __________________ Littlest JakJak We miss you Kaji

04-26-2011, 06:36 AM	#9
gardengirl77 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 822	My Yorkie does the same thing. She's 2 yrs old, she's very attached to me (well, ok, it goes both ways. lol) She's not in the slightest bit afraid of me and thinks she has to be right with me every second. But I reach down to get her and she will almost always back up. After all, it wasn't her idea... And what if I picked her up to brush her teeth again or put her in her kennel and leave. Sometimes she will even try to run from me if she thinks I'm leaving. I've found it helps to tell her to sit & stay and then pick her up. And make sure I pick her up plenty of times in between and love on her or give her a treat and then set her back down. I think they are just very independent in nature. __________________ Karen Love my Heidi.

04-26-2011, 06:42 AM	#10
itsbaddangel ♪♥ Jazi & Izi's Mom ♥♫ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Melbourne FL Posts: 845 Blog Entries: 1	Jazi was doing the same thing...running from me. The she would run and lay down. Now I've been working with her and the treats, as a few of you have mentioned and it's really made a change. She's happy to come to me now. Make sure say her name when working with her on the training. "Ziva come" with a LOT of excitement in your voice and lots of praise. __________________ Angel, Jazi & Beau AngelzBowz.com Use code ILOVEYT for 15% off

04-26-2011, 06:59 AM	#11
Suze225 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florence, AZ Posts: 764	BOTH Bella and Jett would back away when I went to reach down for them. Bella finally outgrew that, but it took her almost until a year. Jett still runs from me. He is 6 months old. Sounds like this is maybe somewhat of a yorkie thing. Jett and Bella both will come when I use the come command, but would back away when I would go to pet them or pick them up. Not sure why, but I am sure glad Bella outgrew it! I am sure Jett will too! __________________ Sue, Bella, Jett, TBell, Armani & Kahn Plus our 2 new litters , we have chocolate and parti pups!!! RIP my beautiful girl Kiah! We love you and miss you!!

04-26-2011, 07:12 AM	#12
Lil Sis Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,008	Remy often runs from me to my dh. I think she equals me with.. A changing clothes B bath time C brushing hair and top knot D brusing teeth F all things bad in her life Sometimes it is not fun being the mommy!!!!! but if I go after her she will stop and lay down. And on her terms she come to me and cuddles and gives kisses. She sleeps on my pillow, and if we are out she does not take her eyes off me. __________________ Shinja mom to Remy lil Sis to Bailey and Sammy

04-26-2011, 07:20 AM	#13
143julz Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 1,294	WOW this must be a Yorkie thing...Dud and Dex are both this way. Although Dud is better than Dex, probably b/c he's older..LOL I read somewhere on YT when we first got Dud..instead of reaching down with your hands to pick him up, reach down with your palms facing up, almost like you have somthing cupped in your hand and reach for them under their chin to pet them first...I saw improvement this way with Dud and still approch him this today.... DEX.....he's another story My last yorkie (female) i never had this issue, she was my shadow __________________ Dudley Doo and Dexter too!!! RIP (12/93-10/08) MY LIL JULZ!!!

04-26-2011, 07:36 AM	#15
SweetZiva Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 121	Wow it's so nice to know I am not alone! I have been working on the come command but she is a stubborn lil thing lol...my last yorkie would practically jump in my arms so it was a big change. Thanks for all your advice and I am glad to know I am not alone lol... i know she is crazy about me like I am her so I will be ok with it! __________________ Lovie Ziva -Rainbow Bridge (7/14)