Help with my Yorkie.. I think I have ruined him anti-social (long)

[georgepie]

My dog doesn't like to go outside he barks at other people, growls at other people and barks at other dogs. He had barking matches with other dogs and a large dog that was off the leash actually jumped on me two weeks ago because I picked up my little guy and told the owner my dog was not friendly and nervous.

He is out of control on the leash..yanks it and wants to run faster.. the leash is the flexi mini (not sure exactly the length) he barks and chases off anyone that comes to the door of my apartment all the way to the elevator. He used to avoid my company and not want to be touched now he barks at some people that come over and won't stop barking at them. Outside He barks at birds, the wind, he is not potty trained and only goes on his paper 1/4 of the time. He has not been fixed yet for his surgery - could this be a large factor? When he goes for grooming he is out of control with the barking the groomer told me he is nervous.

I had him in puppy training in my area but only went for one session (there were no small/tiny breed specific trainings) with other dogs but they were large dogs and I didn't feel comfortable having him running with the large dogs because they would gang up and he was smaller then all of them. Sometimes he shakes because he is nervous to go out so I hold him until we get out then he goes off barking like a maniac. He is a very alert little dog and barks immediately if anyone is in the apartment hallway to warn me. He cries and whines for me when I leave him alone. I got him a crib from the baby section in walmart to go in sometimes when I need a break from the dog. I left him in the crib once when I went out for a couple hours and came back he was nervous and shaking. He loves to play, whines to play, loves to cuddle, he accepts brushing and wearing clothes, he listens to no and sit while inside but not outside. If I go in the car and leave him in it with someone he cries and barks for me to come back. He recently has also matured and now sleeps on his bed on the floor beside my bed when I sleep instead of in the bed with me. I also didn't bring him out everyday for walks and the winter was very cold here this year so I couldn't get him out for long periods like when I first got him. I think my lifestyle has effected my dog because were alone inside most of the time and I work from home...

Any thoughts and advise is appreciated. Thanks.

[MandiesMom]

Wow! Your pup is pretty much owning you, Darlin'. You are going to have to re-group and start training in all areas. Just this act alone will help him learn your relationship - you are Owner and he is Dog. Sounds to me like a huge issue is he is not just protecting you from other people and dogs - he is guarding you - like you are his possesion.

There are many books out there on training. Start with potty training and teaching sit, stay. Those are huge.

I know Jeanie will have some valuable tips and advice for you when she sees this. Her screen name is yorkietalkjilly. So when she responds, take it all in ok? Your life is being over-run and you need to get it turned around. Jeanie's advice can help you do that. I will PM her to come respond.

[chachi]

Keep taking him out for walks he needs to get used to the different sounds and people and dogs and he will get used to it and not be so nervous. Even in the winter at least take him around the block. When you walk him give him a short leash and walk him to your side not in front of you and he will learn not to pull. Take him on frequent car rides so he gets more used to ikt and he will stop barking or being nervous in the car . Chachi was exactly like him and this is what I did to get the barking to stop and to get him less nervous of different surroundings and car rides

[gemy]

Are you in Toronto? If so there is a Toronto meet up group. Lots of areas - I could refer you to, to enter formal training.

No shame here, things happen. But put that Flexi Lead away! It is truly a dangerous item to walk a dog on. Buy a six foot regular leash. Use a halter.

Promise you and your dog - 2 at least 15 minute walks a day - rain - sun - or snow.

Pulls on lead? You stop - call him back to you. Reward the come if he comes! Have him sit in front of you. Reward the sit. Now give the walk or heel command. You get three steps ahead, and he pulls. You Stop. Repeat the process of Call back - Reward - Sit - Reward.

Barking at all and sundry? Well take it bit by bit. Try training him to bark on command - maybe use the word Speak. Reward. Practise this a dozen or more times a day, until he speaks on Command. Then train Hush or Quiet. or SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Sibilant S;sss.

Actually one of the first things we teach is Focus. That is when the dog can be standing, seated, or laying down; but they must look you in the eye. You reward each look, and then build the hold of the look in terms of time.

[Juliealfies mum]

Sounds as if you need to go back to basics.
The training help from Gemy sounds brilliant , if you are in that area I think that would really help. Good luck with everything.

[MandiesMom]

Originally Posted by gemy

Are you in Toronto? If so there is a Toronto meet up group. Lots of areas - I could refer you to, to enter formal training.

No shame here, things happen. But put that Flexi Lead away! It is truly a dangerous item to walk a dog on. Buy a six foot regular leash. Use a halter.

Promise you and your dog - 2 at least 15 minute walks a day - rain - sun - or snow.

Pulls on lead? You stop - call him back to you. Reward the come if he comes! Have him sit in front of you. Reward the sit. Now give the walk or heel command. You get three steps ahead, and he pulls. You Stop. Repeat the process of Call back - Reward - Sit - Reward.

Barking at all and sundry? Well take it bit by bit. Try training him to bark on command - maybe use the word Speak. Reward. Practise this a dozen or more times a day, until he speaks on Command. Then train Hush or Quiet. or SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Sibilant S;sss.

Actually one of the first things we teach is Focus. That is when the dog can be standing, seated, or laying down; but they must look you in the eye. You reward each look, and then build the hold of the look in terms of time.

Great advice!!

[gracielove]

I sure agree with gemy. Put the flex lead away. Keep him close to your side when walking him. He is nervous and a nervous dog barks. Until you get some of this fear under control I would keep him away from larger dogs. Try walking him when the sidewalks are not real busy for now. When a dog is nearby do not let him approach it. Keep the lead short and tell him "no" if he starts to bark or growl. A meet up with dogs more his size would be great for both of you. He needs basic obedience training. You could work at it in your home if you know how to do it.

I would suggest you try to introduce him to other dogs slowly at first. Maybe one or two at a time when not at a Yorkie meet up. He needs to build his confidence and several larger dogs at once may be too much for him at first. Try to remain as calm around him as you can. Dogs often react to our emotional responses though we are not aware we are letting off signals. As he gains confidence in himself and in you as his leader he should become much more manageable.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Fixing your dog will be a process but it is entirely possible but only if you want to devote some time to working with him and you yourself are teachable and can do the things it will take to rehab him. A dog this far gone usually takes a trainer to come into the home and train you - not train the dog that much. You are actually his problem in that you don't have the skills to handle him that well or the authority to gain his respect so that he listen to you. Don't feel bad - 60 - 70% of people don't know how to handle dogs that well which is why the shelters are full of dogs. Those kind of people do well with only the calmest and most submitted dogs and those that are blessed enough to have bought a dog that naturally tends to be that way do very well with their pet. But those that buy an aggressive terrier or big, powerful, very intelligent dog are often faced with a dog they cannot handle. A highly motivated and aggressive, sexually intact little terrier is a hard dog to get a handle on unless you really want to devote a good deal of time to working with him and doing a lot of study yourself, once he's neutered.

Are you willing to try?

Do you have the time to work with him a few times a day? If so, those of us trying to help you will need some information.

How old is he?

When is his neuter scheduled(a must for a dog like this)? It will take a good deal of the frustration of raging hormones and the need to mate out of his life and can settle many males down. It rarely changes a dog in material ways - just removes some of their overly macho aggressive tendencies to dominate in dog-on-dog meetings. You have to do the rest but taking away those hormones helps and you need every ounce of help you can buy right now.

Could you describe his day for me hour by hour? Be very honest right now if you really want to help us help him.

Are there children, a spouse or other pets and how does he interact with them?

Does anyone ever playfully tease a lot and bait him to "get" them, play with him rough with their hands? Does anyone play tugowar with him - those long, hard bouts? Honesty really needed here.

Does he ever growl or bark at you over his food or toys/other possessions?

Does he yawn or lick his own lips often, particularly when coming toward you at eye-level, such as when you are sitting on the couch and calling him to you?

Does he look you in the eye ever and if so, when and how long?

Please answer truthfully and just tell it like it really is - that is the best way to try to assess what is going on with a dog acting up like that this. Normally it takes an on-site trainer to work with someone with a dog like yours has become but if you are willing and can tell us these things, we might just be able to structure a program to help him bit by bit, step by step. You will have to slowly reshape his behavior with training, love, patience and persistence and surgery ASAP.

[MandiesMom]

OP - That's Jeanie, who I was talking about. She has a lot of experience and KNOWLEDGE on animal behavior. Many here do, for sure. I just know that a lot of what Jeanie knows and shares has helped me (even if I never told her that ).

Hope you can answer her questions so she/we can continue to help. You can do this!

[gemy]

I hope she comes back, I even hope that she is in Toronto. Awh well we shall see

[MandiesMom]

Originally Posted by gemy

I hope she comes back, I even hope that she is in Toronto. Awh well we shall see

Me too! I know she can do this if she'll follow you guys' advice

[georgepie]

Are you willing to try?

Yes.

Do you have the time to work with him a few times a day? If so, those of us trying to help you will need some information.

How old is he?

I'm not sure when I got him in June he was 10 months.. calmer then.. walked nicely on leash but barked at other dogs

When is his neuter scheduled(a must for a dog like this)? It will take a good deal of the frustration of raging hormones and the need to mate out of his life and can settle many males down. It rarely changes a dog in material ways - just removes some of their overly macho aggressive tendencies to dominate in dog-on-dog meetings. You have to do the rest but taking away those hormones helps and you need every ounce of help you can buy right now.

I guess I will get on this month. I'm having second thoughts and might have to give the dog away.

Could you describe his day for me hour by hour? Be very honest right now if you really want to help us help him.

I'll be honest and I feel bad I've been thinking of giving him to someone that has more of a life and can bring him out more.. he's pretty much inside all day and roams around, pottys where ever it wants, has no other human interaction except for me, doesn't get much socialization. So the dog pretty much does nothing all day, plays with the toys, barks and whines when I'm on the phone

Are there children, a spouse or other pets and how does he interact with them?

None just me and the dog.

Does anyone ever playfully tease a lot and bait him to "get" them, play with him rough with their hands? Does anyone play tugowar with him - those long, hard bouts? Honesty really needed here.

Yes I did use to play the tug and kept letting the dog win. (read about this last night.. horrible I know)

Does he ever growl or bark at you over his food or toys/other possessions?

Example: Well I put all the toys in a clear plastic container with a lid and he got on top of the container and started barking for the toys. He has barked for his toys in the past and I just gave them to the dog so it would stop barking. (bad - read about this last night)

Does he yawn or lick his own lips often, particularly when coming toward you at eye-level, such as when you are sitting on the couch and calling him to you?

Yawns often

Does he look you in the eye ever and if so, when and how long?

He looks me in the eyes all the time - sometimes even like a staring contest.

He doesn't have any structure or schedule because I have none I don't wake up at a specific time everyday or go to work everyday then come home at a specific hour then eat at a specific hour.. which the dog probably needs structure.. -- I just let it do what it wants

No I'm not in Toronto.

[georgepie]

I did the bark on command thing last night for 3 hours in the crib with treat to train- he picked it up quickly but now won't do it. I put his bed in the other room with his toys and stuff (I read the dog shouldn't be in the bedroom) he slept in there for the first time and didn't wake me up or whine. I put him in the playpen for a few hours. I feel bad - I'm a s**tty dog owner that lets the dog do whatever it wants and keep him inside all the time. Honest advice or comments please.

[rubynrosie]

Honestly...I think you are an uneducated dog owner. I believe a s**tty dog owner wouldn't be realizing that things need to change and wouldn't be asking for help. I think though you should be asking yourself do you want to change your habits because in order for your puppy to change, you are going to have to change! If you don't want to change or don't feel you can change, maybe you want to look at giving your pup to a rescue? But if you really want to put some hard work and start getting a healthier pup, you are at the right place...YT has wonderful experienced trainers who can point you in the right direction. It may feel overwhelming but it can be done.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by georgepie

I did the bark on command thing last night for 3 hours in the crib with treat to train- he picked it up quickly but now won't do it. I put his bed in the other room with his toys and stuff (I read the dog shouldn't be in the bedroom) he slept in there for the first time and didn't wake me up or whine. I put him in the playpen for a few hours. I feel bad - I'm a s**tty dog owner that lets the dog do whatever it wants and keep him inside all the time. Honest advice or comments please.

The bolded "but now won't do it" tells me a lot about your understanding of dogs. And how dogs learn.

Let me put it like this - a dog is a different species from us and doesn't know our language or even our wishes. The only way a dog learns is by us getting one to perform a certain behavior over and over in response to a command and rewarding them when they do it and not rewarding not doing it by an "uh oh" or ignoring the failure. Dogs actually learn things we train them to do only by repetition and reward.

Let me explain what happened to your dog last night. It would be as if someone taught you to speak a two-sentence quote in Mandarin Chinese last night by repeating it over and over for a while and you picked it up phonetically, could soon remember the sounds and the order they came in due to the use of your of short-term memory and could, in time, repeat that two-sentence quote in Mandarin Chinese for as long as 3 hours, anytime asked. The person who taught you to speak it was very pleased! Then, you did some other things, went to bed, slept, got up, had breakfast, went through your toilet procedures and watched some TV, opened the mail, talked on the telephone, cleaned the house a bit and surfed the Internet.

Then that same person sat down today and asked you to repeat the two-sentence quote in Mandarin Chinese again. Could you? Did you really learn the quote last night or just the order of the sounds of it? What if that person thought to themselves, "But I taught her to say it last night! And she can't do it today!"

You didn't learn Mandarin Chinese or the meaning of the quote or commit it to your long-term memory - you just performed a short-term memory trick last night. And that's all your dog did with the barking on command trick. Now he's forgotten it - or most of it.

For you, in order to be able to really keep up remembering that Mandarin Chinese quote, you will need to study and repeat it over and over and over, saying it time and again. Some days you will remember the first part of it and occasional other sounds but out of order. Only by keeping at it and getting it down in phonetic writing, reading, re-reading and by hearing it over and over as you say it out loud can you ever commit that Chinese quote to your long-term memory and be able to call it up any time anyone asks you to.

Same with your dog.

He didn't learn to bark on command last night - he just figured out what you wanted and kept doing it as long as you prompted him and smiled, praised or treated when he got it right. But he actually learned nothing - except what bit he might have retained some of from last night. But he couldn't have had the time to commit it to his long-term memory. It takes repetition over and over, working with the dog in an upbeat manner and positively rewarding when he does what you want.

By going over and over telling him to "Bark" or "Speak" today and tonight, in short, repetitive sessions, praising and treating him when he does bark, saying "uh oh" when he gets it wrong or fails to respond; and by keeping it up each day in sessions of 5 or 6 repetitions for the next several weeks, will he finally begin to commit it to his long-term memory and not just be performing a trick of instant recall. Then and only then will he be trained to "Bark" on command.

When training a dog, remember yourself trying to remember a two-sentence- long Mandarin Chinese quote and how long it would take you to commit that quotation to permanent, long-term memory so that you speak it correctly and exactly every time and don't be so impatient with your dog. They take a while to actually learn anything and commit it to their long-term memory just like you do.