Oh, I need help with this animal!!! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Bammabits · 03-04-2013, 10:05 AM

I love my little Maya who is now 5 months old. Her personality seems to be changing and she is becoming very willfull!! WE have been to one session of 'Manners' classes and she did really well. I have noticed though, that she focuses on the treat and not the behaviour. She will do whatever we are asking because the treat is there. She will not do the behaviours without the treat. Prime examples are 'Come' and 'Leave it'. She will 'leave it' with toys and things she doesn't really want. Today I found myself chasing her around the house trying to get a package of sesame snaps she had made off with. Yesterday it was my underpants! She was being entirely feral. I caught her yesterday and she had such a firm grip on the panties that I could lift her completely off the ground. I had to pry her jaws open, praying that she wouldn't turn demon and bite me. She will growl and snap at us as well, sometimes...
I have now put her in her crate (Jail) until I calm down from the latest incident - what am I doing wrong? Where did my little sweetie go?

Chas W · 03-04-2013, 10:22 AM

Your trials are not unique, as some Yorkies like to behave as little children, testing their humans to find the boundaries. I know it's not "psychological" behavior, as dogs do not think (at least, not in the human sense), but they DO exhibit many traits of children who require discipline and consistency. Just keep up with the rewarding of good behavior, and the "discipline" of bad behavior. Now, with our little Graysee, she seemed afraid of a rolled-up magazine or newspaper; we had only to wave it at her, or smack our leg lightly with it, and it gave her such a start that she would immediately stop her acting up! I have read that this is not good practice, as it instills fear, but it worked with her, and now that she's five, I never have to even say the word "newspaper" to get her attention. I simply snap my fingers, and she pays attention. She did like to sneak into our closet and steal socks, underwear, slippers, etc. when she was little, but that didn't last too long. And, if she growled and/or bit, we would immediately turn our backs on her and ignore her, sometimes even leaving the room. That hurts, as she wants to be with her humans as much as possible, and any hint of rejection causes a reaction. That is what we are looking for; a reaction to OUR negative reaction to her unacceptable behavior. Today, Graysee only growls a "fake" growl when we're really playing hard, and I try to take away a toy. If I insert my finger into her mouth when she growls, she will stop the growling and open wide so as not to accidentally bite me! In fact, she has only actually bitten ONCE, and that was when one of the grandchildren picked her up roughly and hurt her. Of course, both dog and grandchild got scolded for that incident. I wouldn't worry at this stage that you're raising a monster; give it some time, and remember to be consistent with both the rewards and the discipline. She will learn, as Yorkies are pretty smart little dogs!

dawn27 · 03-04-2013, 10:25 AM

Oh my thank you for the chuckle !

I hate to tell ya this But she is GONE . . . and now Adolescence sets in.

Just imagine your little sweet pup is now in her terrible 2/s stage or even worse the fierce fours. Fun STuff ....Worse thing you can do when a pup is on the run is to chase them ! Get your training under control and with some luck they will work.

Just because you have the treat doesn't mean that you always have to give it to her. A "good girl" or an pat the the head will sometimes be enough. Be sure that you are praising her for a good job done and correcting the naughty side of her while it is happening. If you find it later, its too late. She will have no idea why she is being corrected. I always go to the mess and as they follow I ask (who did this) 9 out of 10 times the guilty one will lower their head in shame.

I can help you with some of my own techniques that I have been very successful with training my four pups. I would strongly suggest leash training. You can find how to instructions on my site.You will find the link below in my signature. HOpe it helps !

Chas W · 03-04-2013, 10:31 AM

Also, it's not really a good idea to use her crate as a "time out" place, unless that's the ONLY use you plan for it! The crate should be somewhere that she WANTS to go, not a "jail" for punishment. Try to find a neutral place, like a spare bedroom, or the garage, to put her when she's too much for you to handle. Beware of isolating her, as she needs consistent training and discipline to accomplish what you need from her. Keep in mind that I am NOT an expert, and Graysee is only my FIRST Yorkie. In fact, it's my first dog that I have raised from a puppy since I was a child living in my parents' home. But it's really not that difficult; pick up a good training book, like 'The Yorkshire Terrier Handbook', or 'Yorkshire Terriers for Dummies', both of which have good points for training and raising your little one.

Deb1 · 03-04-2013, 10:32 AM

You have a sense of humor about the antics! It is the age and nature of a yorkie! She is in the terrible 2 phase!

Chas W · 03-04-2013, 10:34 AM

Dawn;
I had to laugh when I read that! How true that is!!! It's amazing how their behavior, and even their expressions, at times, can mimic humans'.

dawn27 · 03-04-2013, 10:43 AM

Coming from someone who raises pups and human babies on a daily bases, I should know. I love the way she describes it. . . gotta save those panties, especially if they are V.Secret ones. They aren't cheap !

I hate when my pups do that.... I stand there thinking "what a nasty little critter". Worse is when they get a hold of my DH's or DS's. No explanation needed !

gracielove · 03-04-2013, 12:55 PM

Sounds like typical Yorkie puppy behavior. Gracie was always getting into something as a puppy.

When you train with treats they are supposed to be focused on the treat. The treat gets their attention and helps them to focus. Your puppy is way to young to expect much more. Some dogs will do things for just praise but usually that works better for an older pup. You are basically dealing with a 1 year old here. As she matures her attention span will increase.

Chasing your pup is teaching her the exact opposite of come. You have just taught her "run!" Never show impatience when teaching "come." Any anger or impatience in your voice or mannerisms will create fear and you will never get the behavior you want. If she has something she is not supposed to have get a treat and do an exchange. It may seem like a reward for bad behavior but she is a baby and has not learned the "drop it" command yet. She does not know right from wrong reasoning like a human does. You would not expect a 2 year old child to know right from wrong so why would a puppy?

Things get really interesting at the age your puppy is. You just have to expect her to act like a puppy. Pups can only learn one behavior at a time and each behavior has to be constantly reinforced. They don't just learn and remember forever what they are supposed to do. It's a lot of work and it takes a lot of patience and consistency. They are such sweet little things it's well worth the effort although sometimes that first year seems like two!

Teresa Ford · 03-04-2013, 01:33 PM

NILIF - Nothing in Life is Free Program For Dogs

Bammabits · 03-04-2013, 08:33 PM

Thank you for your kind and helpful replies! I have realized as well, that Maya is teething, is only a puppy, had not gotten out for her daily long walk due to deep, deep snow (neither had I - lol). Many, many variables, too much energy, etc...

It was good to hear about proper use of the crate versus OTHER time-out scenarios; REALLY good to be reminded that chasing the dog turns the event into a game -duh to me, helpful to compare a puppy to a 1 year old, and good to be reminded that tomorrow is another day!

Our second session of 'Manners' Classes begins Wednesday and I am sure I will learn many more valuable parenting tips. as well, I will check out the recommended reading materials - I have lots of time waiting for all the snow to melt!

Thanks again, i really do enjoy this site.

pinkpatty · 03-05-2013, 04:27 AM

Keno did this as a puppy, I used the trade technique, I would get something he really liked a toy or a treat and tell him I would trade. It did not take him long to get the idea. He still will try it if he wants a treat and can not get me to give him one any other way.

03-04-2013, 10:05 AM	#1
Bammabits Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Brandon, MB, Canada Posts: 46 Blog Entries: 1	Oh, I need help with this animal!!! I love my little Maya who is now 5 months old. Her personality seems to be changing and she is becoming very willfull!! WE have been to one session of 'Manners' classes and she did really well. I have noticed though, that she focuses on the treat and not the behaviour. She will do whatever we are asking because the treat is there. She will not do the behaviours without the treat. Prime examples are 'Come' and 'Leave it'. She will 'leave it' with toys and things she doesn't really want. Today I found myself chasing her around the house trying to get a package of sesame snaps she had made off with. Yesterday it was my underpants! She was being entirely feral. I caught her yesterday and she had such a firm grip on the panties that I could lift her completely off the ground. I had to pry her jaws open, praying that she wouldn't turn demon and bite me. She will growl and snap at us as well, sometimes... I have now put her in her crate (Jail) until I calm down from the latest incident - what am I doing wrong? Where did my little sweetie go?

03-04-2013, 10:22 AM	#2
Chas W Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The Woodlands, TX USA Posts: 155	Where did my little sweetie go? Your trials are not unique, as some Yorkies like to behave as little children, testing their humans to find the boundaries. I know it's not "psychological" behavior, as dogs do not think (at least, not in the human sense), but they DO exhibit many traits of children who require discipline and consistency. Just keep up with the rewarding of good behavior, and the "discipline" of bad behavior. Now, with our little Graysee, she seemed afraid of a rolled-up magazine or newspaper; we had only to wave it at her, or smack our leg lightly with it, and it gave her such a start that she would immediately stop her acting up! I have read that this is not good practice, as it instills fear, but it worked with her, and now that she's five, I never have to even say the word "newspaper" to get her attention. I simply snap my fingers, and she pays attention. She did like to sneak into our closet and steal socks, underwear, slippers, etc. when she was little, but that didn't last too long. And, if she growled and/or bit, we would immediately turn our backs on her and ignore her, sometimes even leaving the room. That hurts, as she wants to be with her humans as much as possible, and any hint of rejection causes a reaction. That is what we are looking for; a reaction to OUR negative reaction to her unacceptable behavior. Today, Graysee only growls a "fake" growl when we're really playing hard, and I try to take away a toy. If I insert my finger into her mouth when she growls, she will stop the growling and open wide so as not to accidentally bite me! In fact, she has only actually bitten ONCE, and that was when one of the grandchildren picked her up roughly and hurt her. Of course, both dog and grandchild got scolded for that incident. I wouldn't worry at this stage that you're raising a monster; give it some time, and remember to be consistent with both the rewards and the discipline. She will learn, as Yorkies are pretty smart little dogs!

03-04-2013, 10:25 AM	#3
dawn27 2+2=4 X the Love ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bean Town Ohio Posts: 9,456 Blog Entries: 1	Oh my thank you for the chuckle ! I hate to tell ya this But she is GONE . . . and now Adolescence sets in. Just imagine your little sweet pup is now in her terrible 2/s stage or even worse the fierce fours. Fun STuff ....Worse thing you can do when a pup is on the run is to chase them ! Get your training under control and with some luck they will work. Just because you have the treat doesn't mean that you always have to give it to her. A "good girl" or an pat the the head will sometimes be enough. Be sure that you are praising her for a good job done and correcting the naughty side of her while it is happening. If you find it later, its too late. She will have no idea why she is being corrected. I always go to the mess and as they follow I ask (who did this) 9 out of 10 times the guilty one will lower their head in shame. I can help you with some of my own techniques that I have been very successful with training my four pups. I would strongly suggest leash training. You can find how to instructions on my site.You will find the link below in my signature. HOpe it helps ! __________________ Mommy to: Quincy, & Ruby Bella / Miah & Brandi Gone but Never Forgotten Visit: Bella Dawns for all of your Custom Pet Wear needs. Last edited by dawn27; 03-04-2013 at 10:29 AM.

03-04-2013, 10:31 AM	#4
Chas W Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The Woodlands, TX USA Posts: 155	I have now put her in her crate (Jail) until I calm down Also, it's not really a good idea to use her crate as a "time out" place, unless that's the ONLY use you plan for it! The crate should be somewhere that she WANTS to go, not a "jail" for punishment. Try to find a neutral place, like a spare bedroom, or the garage, to put her when she's too much for you to handle. Beware of isolating her, as she needs consistent training and discipline to accomplish what you need from her. Keep in mind that I am NOT an expert, and Graysee is only my FIRST Yorkie. In fact, it's my first dog that I have raised from a puppy since I was a child living in my parents' home. But it's really not that difficult; pick up a good training book, like 'The Yorkshire Terrier Handbook', or 'Yorkshire Terriers for Dummies', both of which have good points for training and raising your little one.

03-04-2013, 10:32 AM	#5
Deb1 YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,983 Blog Entries: 3	You have a sense of humor about the antics! It is the age and nature of a yorkie! She is in the terrible 2 phase! __________________ Proud Mommy to Max, Teeka, Tatiana and forever in my heart Tameka! My sunshine doesn't come from the skies, it comes from my puppies eyes!

03-04-2013, 10:34 AM	#6
Chas W Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The Woodlands, TX USA Posts: 155	9 out of 10 times the guilty one will lower their head in shame. Dawn; I had to laugh when I read that! How true that is!!! It's amazing how their behavior, and even their expressions, at times, can mimic humans'.

03-04-2013, 10:43 AM	#7
dawn27 2+2=4 X the Love ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bean Town Ohio Posts: 9,456 Blog Entries: 1	Coming from someone who raises pups and human babies on a daily bases, I should know. I love the way she describes it. . . gotta save those panties, especially if they are V.Secret ones. They aren't cheap ! I hate when my pups do that.... I stand there thinking "what a nasty little critter". Worse is when they get a hold of my DH's or DS's. No explanation needed ! __________________ Mommy to: Quincy, & Ruby Bella / Miah & Brandi Gone but Never Forgotten Visit: Bella Dawns for all of your Custom Pet Wear needs.

03-04-2013, 12:55 PM	#8
gracielove YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY Posts: 6,582	Sounds like typical Yorkie puppy behavior. Gracie was always getting into something as a puppy. When you train with treats they are supposed to be focused on the treat. The treat gets their attention and helps them to focus. Your puppy is way to young to expect much more. Some dogs will do things for just praise but usually that works better for an older pup. You are basically dealing with a 1 year old here. As she matures her attention span will increase. Chasing your pup is teaching her the exact opposite of come. You have just taught her "run!" Never show impatience when teaching "come." Any anger or impatience in your voice or mannerisms will create fear and you will never get the behavior you want. If she has something she is not supposed to have get a treat and do an exchange. It may seem like a reward for bad behavior but she is a baby and has not learned the "drop it" command yet. She does not know right from wrong reasoning like a human does. You would not expect a 2 year old child to know right from wrong so why would a puppy? Things get really interesting at the age your puppy is. You just have to expect her to act like a puppy. Pups can only learn one behavior at a time and each behavior has to be constantly reinforced. They don't just learn and remember forever what they are supposed to do. It's a lot of work and it takes a lot of patience and consistency. They are such sweet little things it's well worth the effort although sometimes that first year seems like two!

03-04-2013, 01:33 PM	#9
Teresa Ford Therapy Yorkies Work Donating Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Central, Florida Posts: 3,863	NILIF - Nothing in Life is Free Program For Dogs __________________ Teresa & Rubin, Gracie, Abba, Ginny Joy and Julia Rose Act like a dog, be kind, forgiving, and loyal.

03-04-2013, 08:33 PM	#10
Bammabits Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Brandon, MB, Canada Posts: 46 Blog Entries: 1	Kind Replies Thank you for your kind and helpful replies! I have realized as well, that Maya is teething, is only a puppy, had not gotten out for her daily long walk due to deep, deep snow (neither had I - lol). Many, many variables, too much energy, etc... It was good to hear about proper use of the crate versus OTHER time-out scenarios; REALLY good to be reminded that chasing the dog turns the event into a game -duh to me, helpful to compare a puppy to a 1 year old, and good to be reminded that tomorrow is another day! Our second session of 'Manners' Classes begins Wednesday and I am sure I will learn many more valuable parenting tips. as well, I will check out the recommended reading materials - I have lots of time waiting for all the snow to melt! Thanks again, i really do enjoy this site.

03-05-2013, 04:27 AM	#11
pinkpatty No Longer A Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: usa Posts: 238	Keno did this as a puppy, I used the trade technique, I would get something he really liked a toy or a treat and tell him I would trade. It did not take him long to get the idea. He still will try it if he wants a treat and can not get me to give him one any other way.