 Oliver needs limits
My darling departed Mac was like that when we first got him. He needed to learn I, not he, was alpha dog. First put a leash on him. Please use a harness not a collar because of his delicate little throat. Next get yourself a squirt bottle. When Oliver starts his act, gently pull the leash, and in a stern voice say "come." If he doesn't, in an equally stern voice say "water in the face" then spritz him. This will not harm him. If he won't drop the treat, gently turn him on his back and pin him to the floor. Say "drop it" if he doesn't repeat "water in the face" and spritz him. He will drop it then. I learned all this from a trainer. Everything is done gently. It is the tone of voice and the water that communicate the message. You won't have to do this more that 10 times. These Yorkies learn fast.
Give him very small treats that he can easily consume. If you give him something big, the natural instict is for him is to try to bury it. Occasionally I would give my baby a big bone for his teeth. After he had finished chewing he would stand at the patio door because he wanted to go out and bury it.
Bait and switch is great. I'd get one of his little regular treats. When he saw that he'd drop the bone, which I whisked away. He'd look for a few minutes and then forget it. How I wish he were here to play that game.
Remember they are just like kids, they need limits with gentle discipline.
I raised two wonderful daughters and taught school for 25 years. Now my daughters have grown and moved, and my precious Mac is gone. On Wed. we go to look at a 5 year old female. Please pray this works out. I cannot bare the loneliness much longer.
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