Is My baby a Scaredy Cat??

[Dolce's Mom]

Hey everyone...I have a question about something that happened yesterday. I had Dolce out in our backyard all day and my cousin came over with his mother's yorkie who is about 8 mths older than Dolce. They are the same size only his weighs about a pound more. Well Dolce was just hanging out in the yard and the other dog was on a leash and my cousin put her down (she's also a female) and Dolce wanted NO PART OF HER. The other dog was chasing Dolce around the yard and finally I grabbed her up and tried to get them to sniff each other. Well, Munchkin (the other yorkie), was all about wanting to make new friends with Dolce and as soon as she started sniffinf my baby, Dolce froze like a statue. Then she buried her head in my lap and didnt want to even LOOK at Munchkin. I know she hasnt been around too many dogs (my fault i know), but neither has Munchkin and she was very eager to make friends. It took about 20 min for Dolce to even want to sniff her and when she did, she was trying to snap at her. Finally, my cousin had to leave and at that point Dolce didnt care if Munchkin was there or not. I guess she kinda warmed up to the fact that another dog was there, but my question is...IS DOLCE A SCAREDY CAT OR JUST TOTALLY UNSOCIAL WHEN IT COMES TO OTHER DOGS??? I was thinking of getting another one and now I'm not so suree that is a good idea. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone!!

[eensor]

Sounds like she is just shy! If you want another Yorkie, I'd suggest socializing her with other little dogs a little at a time. She will probably enjoy them once she gets over her shyness.

[Dolce's Mom]

Thanks eensor...I am hoping that she is just shy!! That would make me feel a lot better!! I was nervous that she was like a 'loner' or something and would never associate with another dog. Thanks for ur advice....time to be social!!

[Sydney'sMom]

Sydney has always been agressively mean to other dogs we run into on the street...but this weekend we had a breakthrough at a friends birthday party where she sort of made friends with a Sheltie (4 times her size). I think that Syd is just scared and covers it up with bluster and a ton of barking.

So I'd be patient if I were you and try to put her into situations with other dogs for short periods of time. I bet that eventually she will get used to them and want to play. If you don't have a dog park (we don't in my town) check with your local Petco/Petsmart/etc. and see if they have adopt-an-animal days. Sometimes local shelters bring their adoptable dogs into places like that one Saturday a month. As long as you are comfortable with the health of the dogs (there are 2 shelter here...and only 1 of them vacinates and takes care of the dog's health) it's a good place for her to meet a variety of breeds and sizes.

I hope she gets over her fear soon! It is so much fun to play with other dogs.

[Dolce's Mom]

I know!! I would love for her to be able to play with other dogs, especially if my boyfriend gets me the other one i want!! It is so cute to see 2, 3, 4 (i could go on and on), dogs playing together. I hope ur right. Myabe she is just skittish because she is never really around any dogs. No park by me unfortunately, but there is a Petco, so I will see if they have those days...sounds interesting. I appreciate all u guys giving me advice. Even though Dolce is 10 mths already (oh my gosh!! ), it seems like i am learning everyday. It is so much fun!! I dont know what i would do if i didnt have u guys!!!

[Victri]

I haven't a clue, Sydnee has always wanted to play with anything that moves, animal or human, cat or dog or for that matter an iguana. She is a party animal. My problem is getting her to leave the others alone. The cats have just started using her as a soccer ball and she thinks its great fun.

[Stitches29]

We have big dogs outside, and Maggie get to play with them. Now, this is the funny part. The big dogs don't want to play with her. Can't figure why. Maggie is very afraid of the six dogs next door. She will bark from a distance, but that's about it. The only time she will stand up and really get into a barking match, is when she faces herself in the floor length mirror in the bedroom. Now that's a show. You might try introducing your baby to herself with a floor length mirror. Sure does boost their ego.

[Dolce's Mom]

Good idea about the mirror...I will try and do that. I mean she absolutely LOVES playing with my 4 year old nephew (supervised of course)...they jump from couch to couch and tear up my parents house all the time. No matter if he yells at her, or is too rough (which he does get sometimes, but me and his mom are never out of eyesight from the 2 of them), she LOVES IT!!! I dont get it...another dog she is petrified of, but a small little human who is rough and tumble with her and she adores. Plus just to let all u guys know...my nephew this weekend starting calling himself "Dolce II" and walking around on the floor like her...he wanted to be given snacks like her and was sitting there begging...yes he's a little strange...lol He loves her and when she was scared outside with the other Yorkie he was right on top of her protecting her, saying "I love u Dolce"...it was soooo cute!! Just thought I would share.

[ssguzzy828]

I would think it would be okay to get another yorkie. She was probably just a bit shy.

[Dolce's Mom]

U guys are all so great!! Thank u so much...u have all made me feel alot better!!!