Odd Yorkie Behavior

[iguana747]

Hello. I'm new to this group as I could not find the information I was hoping for elsewhere. I have recently moved with my 3 Yorkies (1 male; 2 females; all fixed). Two are very outgoing, social and generally carefree. The other is a bit more timid but very loving, social, and will be the first one to spy an open lap to curl up on. However, she's not really as "rough and tough" as the other two and is a bit more skittish in general. All 3 have grown up together and have been their own pack (if you will) for the past 4 years.

Since my move, I've been training them for the past 2 weeks and adjusting them to their new yard. I use an invisible fence (currently with flagged perimeter) but trained them on just the sound setting of their collars (which I've tested several times just to make sure) as they already listen very well, and they just need to know the limits of their own yard and the beeps are just a reminder (the invisible fence is made/advertised for small dogs as well). All three have taken to it very well considering that there are plenty of other dogs in the area.

However in the last couple of days it has been a real struggle to get the more timid female to go to the bathroom outside where she has been going just fine for the past 2 weeks. She has always taken a little longer than the other two to find "her spot" to do her thing, but now she just sits and looks at me when I take her out (she won't even move except for the house door). I've tried taking her out separately, with the other two dogs, on leash, off leash, with collar, without collar and nothing seems to work. I've physically placed her in multiple areas around the yard, but with no success (she just sits there looking at me). I've pretended to busy myself with other things, only to look back and see her staring at me. I've had to walked her on a leash and she walks next to me like usual, but it took about 15 minutes for her to finally pee (which I praised her for and allowed her to go inside which she was constantly trying to do every time we got close to the door while walking) and that's unusual even for her. I know that she needs to go, she's eating and drinking just fine, but she has had a couple of accidents in the house (once while sitting in my lap; she didn't even react or seem to notice). Something has changed, but I'm about out of ideas. I don't what this to develop into some habit of her's. I thought possibly some symptom to Lyme, but after looking at what those symptoms are I really don't think that's it as she runs around with the other two just fine and doesn't seem to have any "arthritic-like" problems.

Any suggestions?

[annah1043]

I know when we moved into our new house, my baby wouldn't even walk across the room for the first week. We have an open area floor plan with hardwood floors (carpet at the other house). She was curl up in my lap and shiver. It got better with time and now she rules the house Yours is definitely a different situation, but it may just take some getting used it. Are there other dogs in the neighborhood that could have frightened her? Or is there something in the yard that is out of place and bothering her? Sometimes it's the funniest things. My girl wouldn't go up the stairs all of a sudden and it turns out there was a tiny box half way up- once it was moved, she was fine. The peeing in your lap could be just from stress of the move, but once again, I'm not sure. Just a guess- have you talked to your vet?

[Cookiesnmilk]

Maybe a UTI, but that doesnt sound like the symtoms to me. Maybe someone else can help.

[kjc]

First I'd have a vet take a look at her to rule out any medical condition. If she checks out fine, I would be suspect of something in the yard causing her to be fearful, not able to relax enough to go potty.

And, just a thought... I understand about invisible fences keeping dogs in the yard, but what keeps other dogs out? How can you safely let your dogs out without being right there with them all the time?

[boopster]

Originally Posted by kjc

First I'd have a vet take a look at her to rule out any medical condition. If she checks out fine, I would be suspect of something in the yard causing her to be fearful, not able to relax enough to go potty.

And, just a thought... I understand about invisible fences keeping dogs in the yard, but what keeps other dogs out? How can you safely let your dogs out without being right there with them all the time?

Not to mention people. It sounds like you supervise when your dogs are outside, but tragedies can happen so fast.

I don't have any experience with these invisible fences. What's to keep a determined pet from blasting out of the perimeter under stress or defending it's territory?

[lillymae]

Has she been zapped by that electric fence ? if yes, it may have traumatized her.

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by lillymae

Has she been zapped by that electric fence ? if yes, it may have traumatized her.

I was going to suggest this as well, she might be afraid that she is going to get zapped again for just being outside. Terriers are known for being too smart, and she may have just overthought the zapping and decided that it is being outside that causes the pain, not going out of the yard...

[iguana747]

Thanks for the replies. I will be taking her to the vet, but she was just there for a visit not even a month ago with nothing to report out of the ordinary. The thought of a UTI crossed my mind, but like Cookiesnmilk said the symptoms don't seem to go together. I feel as though it is probably something similar to what annah1043 suggested and it's probably something in the yard that she sees and for some reason I haven't noticed yet. (If only they could talk... well the one kind of does already

As far as the invisible fence goes. I realize that this is a hot topic with many dog owners, and I deliberated even bringing it up as I knew I'd get some flak about it. Rest assured I use this as an auditory reinforcement device not a "Zapping" devise as several suggested. Yorkies are incredibly smart animals, and I personally don't think they need to be "zapped" or shocked to be trained. Habit, routine and repetition are some of the best training methods in my experience. She has not been shocked, nor has another dog entered their yard as I've been out with them every time. They are not ever in the yard without supervision (and I can see the entire yard from where I am, and this is a new place for them so I want to see how they react to their new surroundings). I'm more worried that there is some piece of grass out of place or not to her liking.

I'm also thinking that for some reason she thinks that she's not getting enough attention as of late, and finally that lack of attention has manifested itself into this odd behavior (with the moving and such I have tried to play with the dogs as often as possible, but it's still not the same as before yet).

These three are the first Yorkies of mine, but I've had several other breeds in the past. I didn't know if anyone had similar experiences like this with their Yorkies after a move or some major life change. I know that these things are difficult for nearly all dogs as they need an adjustment period just like we do to get use to their surroundings. I'll continue to increase my time with her as well. The other two love playing, while she more enjoys time sitting on my lap and watching TV or something. So it looks like I'll just have to watch more football.

Thanks again for all the help in this matter.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by iguana747

Thanks for the replies. I will be taking her to the vet, but she was just there for a visit not even a month ago with nothing to report out of the ordinary. The thought of a UTI crossed my mind, but like Cookiesnmilk said the symptoms don't seem to go together. I feel as though it is probably something similar to what annah1043 suggested and it's probably something in the yard that she sees and for some reason I haven't noticed yet. (If only they could talk... well the one kind of does already

As far as the invisible fence goes. I realize that this is a hot topic with many dog owners, and I deliberated even bringing it up as I knew I'd get some flak about it. Rest assured I use this as an auditory reinforcement device not a "Zapping" devise as several suggested. Yorkies are incredibly smart animals, and I personally don't think they need to be "zapped" or shocked to be trained. Habit, routine and repetition are some of the best training methods in my experience. She has not been shocked, nor has another dog entered their yard as I've been out with them every time. They are not ever in the yard without supervision (and I can see the entire yard from where I am, and this is a new place for them so I want to see how they react to their new surroundings). I'm more worried that there is some piece of grass out of place or not to her liking.

I'm also thinking that for some reason she thinks that she's not getting enough attention as of late, and finally that lack of attention has manifested itself into this odd behavior (with the moving and such I have tried to play with the dogs as often as possible, but it's still not the same as before yet).

These three are the first Yorkies of mine, but I've had several other breeds in the past. I didn't know if anyone had similar experiences like this with their Yorkies after a move or some major life change. I know that these things are difficult for nearly all dogs as they need an adjustment period just like we do to get use to their surroundings. I'll continue to increase my time with her as well. The other two love playing, while she more enjoys time sitting on my lap and watching TV or something. So it looks like I'll just have to watch more football.

Thanks again for all the help in this matter.

Please explain how this fence works if it is not like the others that DO zap. Just curious.

Since you are aware of the hazards and don't think they apply to you; I won't list them all. I simply want to ask you to consider one thing: If a large dog attacks one of your pups in your yard, what are you going to do to save your dog? By the time you get to him/her it may be too late.

I hope you find out what is bothering your little one.

[iguana747]

Thank you for the concern about my 3 Yorkies ladyjane, and I'm happy to supply you with the fence system I use, although a little difficult to install. I bought the "PetSafe Comfort-Fit Deluxe Little Dog In-Ground Fence System." It has 5 different settings all with an auditory warning system when your dog gets too close to the fence (this distance can be adjusted depending on your yard or personal tastes. The first setting (which all my collars are set too) is just the 2 different warning tones. One warning tone signifies when your dogs is too close and the other is a little different and is the same tones that occur if you have it set to some level of electrical stimulus. When I tested it on myself, the first level is just auditory. The second level was barely perceivable when I tested it on the inside of my upper arm. The third level was something equivalent to a static discharge from walking across carpet. The 4th and 5th levels are a bit stronger and nothing that I would use on any of my dogs personally.

I looked into putting an actual fence up, but it is not allowed in the area I live so the invisible fence was really the only option. In the area I live in, all dogs outside are to be "contained or leashed at all times." The invisible fence system is considered a containment system. In two weeks I've not seen any dogs out, off leash. However, that doesn't answer ladyjane's philosophical question about a dog attack, nor am I willing to answer that question in this forum. As the question should not be directed to Yorkies but should be applied to all dogs.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by iguana747

Thank you for the concern about my 3 Yorkies ladyjane, and I'm happy to supply you with the fence system I use, although a little difficult to install. I bought the "PetSafe Comfort-Fit Deluxe Little Dog In-Ground Fence System." It has 5 different settings all with an auditory warning system when your dog gets too close to the fence (this distance can be adjusted depending on your yard or personal tastes. The first setting (which all my collars are set too) is just the 2 different warning tones. One warning tone signifies when your dogs is too close and the other is a little different and is the same tones that occur if you have it set to some level of electrical stimulus. When I tested it on myself, the first level is just auditory. The second level was barely perceivable when I tested it on the inside of my upper arm. The third level was something equivalent to a static discharge from walking across carpet. The 4th and 5th levels are a bit stronger and nothing that I would use on any of my dogs personally.

I looked into putting an actual fence up, but it is not allowed in the area I live so the invisible fence was really the only option. In the area I live in, all dogs outside are to be "contained or leashed at all times." The invisible fence system is considered a containment system. In two weeks I've not seen any dogs out, off leash. However, that doesn't answer ladyjane's philosophical question about a dog attack, nor am I willing to answer that question in this forum. As the question should not be directed to Yorkies but should be applied to all dogs.

Very interesting. I hadn't heard of audible warnings. As for the other levels: I am happy to hear that you tested the collar yourself. At least you do know what you are using on your dogs.

The question I proposed to you begs to be answered as a warning to all who think these fences are safe. Since this is an educational forum, I am going to offer this for ALL DOG OWNERS:

Invisible fences will not protect your dogs from being killed by a large animal that might enter your yard. They do not "zap" the other dog crossing over.

I find it interesting that you have come to this forum and appear to have intentionally started a topic that you knew would be controversial; and now have a tad bit of sarcasm in your replies.

[iguana747]

My apologies ladyjane if I sounded sarcastic. As that was not my intent. I brought it up only as a possible cause to the behavior I was observing not to discuss the what ifs of another dog coming through the "fence" and into my yard. My thought when bringing this up was based on the fact that animals are far more sensitive to stimuli than we are, and I thought maybe there might be something that they can hear, feel or in some other way sense concerning these fence. Possibly that the electricity running through the underground wire was emitting a sound that I couldn't hear but she could (like the crackle in large overhead power lines that we can hear). Since I could not find anything concerning this elsewhere I challenged this group to see if anyone may have had some experience with that or knowledge about that which I could not seem to find.

I too was happy to find this particular option (audible warnings) to the invisible fences, and it certainly seems to reinforce, in at least two ways, the same meaning to the boundaries. As you mentioned, these fences will only help train your dogs and will have no effect on other dogs coming into the "fenced" area. Nor will it help your dogs if the associated collar is not used. And yes there really is nothing to stop one of my dogs from taking off like a bolt right through the area. I tried it myself and if you move through it really quickly, you might only get a warning beep if that. Also, if your dog gets through it, and gets a small shock, once on the other side they will get another shock coming back through the fence, and this can really discourage them from even coming back.

There really needs to be a lot of care when training on these systems. The dogs should see the fence as a "see-through-barrier," and they should understand that it exists. Yorkies are very smart and at least my three seem to understand the concept of why these flags are out in my yard. I will likely keep at least a couple of the flags out permanently just to mark the edges of the boundaries, so that they have a visual reinforcement as well as the auditory. And in all honesty, my three seems to prefer it indoors most of the time unless they are out for a walk on the leash. So they usually go out, do their thing and come right back to the door. Even people walking by don't seem to distract them too much. Which is why this odd behavior (sitting and looking at me and not doing her thing) was concerning to me. However, today she seems a little better. As long as it is quite outside, she seems okay right now, but as soon as there is any sort of distraction, she seems to forget why she was out there, and resumes the sitting and looking back at me behavior. This to me seems to suggest that there is something in the larger scope of thing beyond the yard that seems to be bothering her. I keep taking her out (a bit more often than usual) with at least one of the other two just so that she starts getting the idea of why she's out there to begin with.

Thanks again for the comments and suggestions and for your inquiries with the fencing system.

[YorkieZoo]

I don't know if this is a possibility, but we tried the "Bark Off" system one time (same principle, audible, no shock or spray) and quit using it after two days.

I had reservations because we have five Yorkies and only 1 is a barker, but if ANY of them barked then it would go off effectively penalizing the group.

The barker seemed to be immune to what noise is created (undetectable to human ears) but it sent two of our others into a bad place.

They urinated and defecated where ever they were and stayed clear of that side of the room and wouldn't go near it.

After day two, I disposed of it because of the effects it had on the others.

She may have gotten close and the sound has scared her where she associates it with the outdoors (our two that had the issue were both and still are very sensitive to loud noises and are the first to hide during a thunderstorm--you could equate them to being more timid than the rest).

Don't know for certain, but you might consider talking to a professional trainer who might know more. This was just our experience.

[yorkieusa]

All yorkies have different personalities and also react differently to different stimuli. A shy yorkie would probably be scared by the audible sound, while one with a strong personality may not be bothered by the sound at all. That's just my opinion from my experience with yorkies - not by this sort of fence.

[ladyjane]

I agree that it sounds like this pup may be frightened by the sound of that thing. I also have tried that bark device and it scared the heck out of a couple of my pups.