timid yorkie puppy

[shmurph]

I'm new to the yorkie community and we have our first puppy ever! He's a 15 week old yorkie and we love him so much. I have twin 11-year old sons and we've been worried about him because he is so shy. He shakes every time we try something new, such as going outside. We've had him for a week and he doesn't want to to take a walk. It's chilly outside (in the 50's) and is only going to get colder as we live in Massachusetts. I tried one car ride and it was a disaster! He cried and peed and couldn't wait to get home. When we take him out he just stands still and won't walk. So for now he's mostly inside and we have an ex-pen with a bed in it and pee pad that he's using pretty consistently. He doesn't seem to want to to play much (except at 5:00 a.m. when he gets up to pee....then he's full of energy!). But after that he just lays around most of the day. Doesn't interact much with the kids and doesn't want to play. He's eating and drinking OK. The boys are dissapointed because they exepected to have a more playful puppy...but we all love him anyway. Any advice on helping him come out of his shell would be greatly appreciated.

Susan

[Perrella]

Sorry, hope others can offer some advice to help.

Zhoie was a quiet timid pup, she will be 3yrs in Jan., and is still a very low-keyed laid back girl.

She liked riding in the car until about 1.5 yrs, and one day we went out and she started to tremble, been that way ever since. She likes routine, doesn't care for much that veers off that. She does well with adults, but hates small kids.

I wish you the best of luck on finding something to help your little guy.

[Teresa Ford]

Bonding, You and your Yorkie
Although it is recommend to place Yorkie pups at 12 weeks, many who study [COLOR=green !important][COLOR=green !important]canine[/COLOR][/COLOR] behavior, belive there is a critical bonding period that happens between the 6th and 8th week. Puppies learn many valuable lessons about how to interact with dogs, bite inhibition, and even keeping the nest clean, which helps with future potty training. It is very important to have a breeder who knows this and prepares the puppies for human bonding by sending time with each puppy away from the mother and litter.
If you have other dogs it is natural for the puppy to look to them for protection, leadership, and provisions (like where the food, water, bed and so on is) Puppies need one on one bonding with their human. People that have created a system of training service dogs for the blind, know all about this and begin touching, socializing, and teaching pups very early, that humans are the PLP. Protector, Leader and Provider of all resources, even before their eyes are open.
Most puppies who are placed after 12 weeks age, eventually learn to trust their human as the Provider of food but, sometimes never fully accept them as their leader and protector.
Trainers see cases everyday where the dog thinks he/ she is is equal to their people. Dogs with mixed identity roles, will some time guard their food, toys, bed, and even their people. They don't want other dogs or people sleeping with, sitting on, or touching their person. The dog thinks it is the PLP ! What a burden for the little guy. Sadly this sometimes leads to [COLOR=green !important][COLOR=green !important]Small [COLOR=green !important]Dog[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] Syndrome. Excessive barking, nipping, urine marking and even aggression.
Ideally when people bring home a puppy they would have at least 4 weeks to spend at home bonding and training their new family member. Of course that is rarely the situation. So we use several exercises we do encourage bonding, you might try them.
1. Umbilical Tethering
Is a fancy term for keeping your dog on a leash when he is not in his crate or gated safe play area. Use a regular soft cloth leash attached to his harness and the other end attached to you. Every where you go, he goes. Let him walk , people carry puppies far too much. Walking teaches him to follow. At first he will not be happy about this, but in a few days it will become routine. (this the scary part, with a puppy you have 4 magical weeks where everything you teach him, helps form his adult personality. From 12 to 16 weeks) Some people give up right here. They think 4 weeks of dragging a dog around, nope not for me. If they only understood 4 weeks training will last the dogs whole life, it is an excellent foundation. When you walk just cue with Let's Go and start walking. I won't take long for your puppy to learn to watch you the PLP and follow your lead. Training is much easier because he is right there with you, not wondering off to potty on the carpet, chewing the cord on the lamp, barking out of boredom etc. UT also teaches a pup he is safe he does not have to stay just out of reach. Teach all your basic training cues, his name Come, Sit, (lay) Down, Potty, Bark, Enough(barking), Good Quiet, Kisses, No, (get) OFF and Treats. Use the cue words during this four weeks while doing your ordinary daily things. Everyone in the family should use the same cue words.
A good book to read is Dog Perfect by Sarah Hodgson

[FoxxysMom]

Im going to watch this thread because my Choppa is timid. He doesn't shake or per but when I put his harness on and try to take him for a walk he won't walk. I read some and wondered if its the newness that has him hesitant. Whenever someone approaches him he will sit, bow his head, slide toward you then roll over on his back. But he comes to us, stands on his legs to be picked up then lays his head in your shoulder so I don't know. His vet says he is fine. He was checked on Thursday. Maybe once your baby knows he is safe things will get better.
I wonder too if the size of everyone in the house compared to him has anything to do with it. He isn't shy with his wife. LOL. My 3 year old Shih Tzu Maltese but she runs things.

[Teresa Ford]

I was trying to send you The Timid Dog I wrote several years ago but, could not get it to copy, here is a brief summation.
Dogs that have not been abused, neglected, or hurt by humans can still be timid. Just like some people prefer a good book, to sky diving for fun. Personalities are different.
1. Don't feel bad for a timid dog. He will sense your feelings and worry even more.
2. If you have a busy home with chattering children , stomping feet, door banging, normal family noise and shy or timid dog, it will take time for him to feel safe and fit in. Have a family meeting and explain 'this is how we are going' to make our new Yorkie feel safe. Once he feels safe, he will like to play fetch, love going for walks and playing with us.
3. Do not carry the dog. Children should use the One Hand Rule, they can only touch the dog with one hand at a time. That will solve excited squeezing, too tight hugs and dropped Yorkies.
4. Approach your dog from the side, instead of above. He is small. Just think how we would feel if a 10 foot giant was bending over us.
5. Young Puppies need a lot of sleep, just like human babies, so provide a quiet place, for his safe crate. So he can rest and nap. Lack of sleep will make your puppy nervous and over tired.
6. Pretty much let the puppy come to you, don't hold or carry him too much. The first 2 weeks is adjustment time, from a dog world to a people filled world.
7. Sit on the floor a lot. Your puppy will feel safer on the solid floor. The floor is the perfect place to gently touch him , groom him and just hang out with him
8. While sitting on the floor with him, put a tiny (one bite size) treat in your hand and close your hand, put a small smear of honey, dog food, cream cheese etc.. on the back of your hand. Pretend to lick the back of your hand and make yummy sounds. Quietly and calmly put your closed hand on the floor. Say your pup's name. When he licks encourage with the word cue 'Good KISSES' when the food is gone on the back of your hand. Roll your hand over and cue with the word 'Treats' slowly unfold your hand so he can get the treat. DO NOT TOUCH him right now while he is eating. Practice this bonding exercise twice a day for a week . After a day or two you can gently stroke his side, by his ribs while he is licking and eating from your hand.
9. Pet your dog on the side, under his chin, and behind his ears. Dont pat the top of his head or his back the first week or so. This is rude and bossy in dog language. Until he gets to trust and know you don't pet him too much.
10. Take your pup on short walks with the whole family. Use a harness and regular cloth leash. Let him follow. Basically ignore him while you walk around the yard or block. Just let him follow.
Remember every lesson you teach our pup, works with the next lesson to come. Be patient, gentle and repeat over and over the things you want him to learn. Every one should use the same cue words and methods.
Given time your Yorkie will be a big fun part of your family. His busy terrier spirit will bloom, when he feels safe, and loved.

[SophieKatesMom]

Originally Posted by Teresa Ford

I was trying to send you The Timid Dog I wrote several years ago but, could not get it to copy, here is a brief summation.
Dogs that have not been abused, neglected, or hurt by humans can still be timid. Just like some people prefer a good book, to sky diving for fun. Personalities are different.
1. Don't feel bad for a timid dog. He will sense your feelings and worry even more.
2. If you have a busy home with chattering children , stomping feet, door banging, normal family noise and shy or timid dog, it will take time for him to feel safe and fit in. Have a family meeting and explain 'this is how we are going' to make our new Yorkie feel safe. Once he feels safe, he will like to play fetch, love going for walks and playing with us.
3. Do not carry the dog. Children should use the One Hand Rule, they can only touch the dog with one hand at a time. That will solve excited squeezing, too tight hugs and dropped Yorkies.
4. Approach your dog from the side, instead of above. He is small. Just think how we would feel if a 10 foot giant was bending over us.
5. Young Puppies need a lot of sleep, just like human babies, so provide a quiet place, for his safe crate. So he can rest and nap. Lack of sleep will make your puppy nervous and over tired.
6. Pretty much let the puppy come to you, don't hold or carry him too much. The first 2 weeks is adjustment time, from a dog world to a people filled world.
7. Sit on the floor a lot. Your puppy will feel safer on the solid floor. The floor is the perfect place to gently touch him , groom him and just hang out with him
8. While sitting on the floor with him, put a tiny (one bite size) treat in your hand and close your hand, put a small smear of honey, dog food, cream cheese etc.. on the back of your hand. Pretend to lick the back of your hand and make yummy sounds. Quietly and calmly put your closed hand on the floor. Say your pup's name. When he licks encourage with the word cue 'Good KISSES' when the food is gone on the back of your hand. Roll your hand over and cue with the word 'Treats' slowly unfold your hand so he can get the treat. DO NOT TOUCH him right now while he is eating. Practice this bonding exercise twice a day for a week . After a day or two you can gently stroke his side, by his ribs while he is licking and eating from your hand.
9. Pet your dog on the side, under his chin, and behind his ears. Dont pat the top of his head or his back the first week or so. This is rude and bossy in dog language. Until he gets to trust and know you don't pet him too much.
10. Take your pup on short walks with the whole family. Use a harness and regular cloth leash. Let him follow. Basically ignore him while you walk around the yard or block. Just let him follow.
Remember every lesson you teach our pup, works with the next lesson to come. Be patient, gentle and repeat over and over the things you want him to learn. Every one should use the same cue words and methods.
Given time your Yorkie will be a big fun part of your family. His busy terrier spirit will bloom, when he feels safe, and loved.

Such good advice, I really like the one hand rule and I am going to implement that from now on with Sophie Kate when children want to play with her.

[lucky999]

Originally Posted by shmurph

I'm new to the yorkie community and we have our first puppy ever! He's a 15 week old yorkie and we love him so much. I have twin 11-year old sons and we've been worried about him because he is so shy. He shakes every time we try something new, such as going outside. We've had him for a week and he doesn't want to to take a walk. It's chilly outside (in the 50's) and is only going to get colder as we live in Massachusetts. I tried one car ride and it was a disaster! He cried and peed and couldn't wait to get home. When we take him out he just stands still and won't walk. So for now he's mostly inside and we have an ex-pen with a bed in it and pee pad that he's using pretty consistently. He doesn't seem to want to to play much (except at 5:00 a.m. when he gets up to pee....then he's full of energy!). But after that he just lays around most of the day. Doesn't interact much with the kids and doesn't want to play. He's eating and drinking OK. The boys are dissapointed because they exepected to have a more playful puppy...but we all love him anyway. Any advice on helping him come out of his shell would be greatly appreciated.

Susan

my yorkie did not like the cold so I made a coat for him...he's young yet...give him a chance....he will become playful..it depends on you...throw small toys to him to teach catch...he will be fine...love him a
lot....Lucky999

[lucky999]

Originally Posted by SophieKatesMom

Such good advice, I really like the one hand rule and I am going to implement that from now on with Sophie Kate when children want to play with her.

Great advise.....Lucky999

[ritapatt]

Teresa, Those are such great ideas! Where were you when we got our very timid Wheaten terrier 11 years ago ?!!( We found later she was well socialized w/ dogs but not at all with an assortment of people-she is happier than she has ever been with her two yorkie sisters)
My daughter( a very sweet, quiet girl) was the best to bond with our wheaten ,she acted like a very gentle puppy, nuzzling Lucy with her face. even nipping her like a mother dog as she needed discipline.
We dragged in beach chairs and a yoga mat to the gated off dining room and spent months on or near the floor with the yorkie pups.

[shmurph]

Thank you all for your posts. It's a great help to hear some ideas for working with our puppy. He is doing much better with people--we went to Thanksgiving with a house full of kids and adults and he was shy at first, but settled down and even let some of the kids hold him. We are still having trouble getting him to take a walk. He just stands there trembling and won't take even one step! It's getting cold here and he has a coat, but I don't think he enjoys being outside. The breeder suggested that we try taking him out several times a day to get him used to it so that's what we're trying. But the poor little guy really hates it! He's 4 months old. We'll just keep on working with him. We all love him to pieces!

[Deuce]

Some yorkies just don't like the cold. Try small at first like giving him a treat when you put on his harness for a walk, then another at the door then another when you get outside. Gradually decrease the treats until he is only getting a treat outside, thus giving him a reason to look forward to going out for walks.

[tinalove]

I am not an expert on yorkies yet. But from what I have picked up as stated yorkies don't like the cold. You may want to get him a little sweater or coat since its chilly where you live. I would also make sure that the children aren't trying to play too roughly. He is still a baby and he is a small breed dog. Did you meet him before you brought him home? Maybe its just an adjustment phase. But he just may be a shy puppy. Dogs just like people are different.

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by shmurph

Thank you all for your posts. It's a great help to hear some ideas for working with our puppy. He is doing much better with people--we went to Thanksgiving with a house full of kids and adults and he was shy at first, but settled down and even let some of the kids hold him. We are still having trouble getting him to take a walk. He just stands there trembling and won't take even one step! It's getting cold here and he has a coat, but I don't think he enjoys being outside. The breeder suggested that we try taking him out several times a day to get him used to it so that's what we're trying. But the poor little guy really hates it! He's 4 months old. We'll just keep on working with him. We all love him to pieces!

Glad things seem to be improving for you!

This is just a thought (and probably a silly one!! ) but is it worth carrying him around when you go out for a couple of weeks?

With any new puppy we've ever had, even before they've had all their jabs, we've carried them practically everywhere, just to get them used to all the new smells and sounds. We never put them down - but took them to the park, to the shops, round the streets - anywhere we could think of to get them used to all these new 'scarey' situations.

Much easier with a little Yorkie, than our huge lab puppy was!! Sally + Harry x

[Micah my love]

Hoping that he will learn that he can trust you soon