Harley and Nozzel are the same age and we probably got them around the same time.
When I first got Harley I kind of regretted it. No not kind of. I really thought I had made a huge mistake. I felt like you feel now.
I was overwhelemed, I was confused, I thought he didn't really like me.
Now Harls loves the crap out of me. I mean... this guy won't let me go to the bathroom alone, he waits for me beside the shower, he helps in the kitchen and he sits by my bed while I study. Why? I don't know. We started out with a bumpy start but somehow we really did end up bonding. He loves me. Nozzel'll love you too. Believe it.
You might think: Nozzel doesn't like me. I didn't think Harley liked me either. But I fed him long enough and he changed his mind.
You might think: I don't like Nozzel. Well let me tell you something... when a yorkie decides he loves you, it's a relationship you can't get out of. You'll learn to love Nozzel because he'll eventually adopt you. And you can't get a restraining order on him, so you'll have no choice but to go with it.
I think one of the main things that caused us to bond was the fact that I insisted he be in the room with me all the time. I think he probably thought it was because I had a crush on him, but it was really because I didn't want him to pee somewhere. I'll let him believe the crush thing, though.
But the big thing is: he sleeps in my room. Not in my bed, though. But in a crate beside my bed. He feels like he's part of the pack. He is, after all!
As a puppy I took care of him when he was extremely sick. I honestly thought he would die. But he didn't. And I don't know if dogs care about such things but it seems like he hasn't forgotten that I was there for him.
We play together. I throw the ball, if he brings it back to me he gets a bit of his dinner. I feed him his dinner one kibble at a time every time he brings the ball back.
About punishment... I do punish Harley. He may get that little rumbleseat popped if he decides to pee somewhere he knows he shouldn't. But after I finish fussing I show him some love and usually half-way through my fussing he's trying to lick me and cuddle. He's the worst person to argue with.
Ways to bond with your dog: Let him have an article of clothing of yours in his crate so he can smell you when you're away, let him sleep in your room, spend quality time, groom your dog every couple days, or go to obedience school.
I would suggest touching your dog softly. Even though I do pop Harley's behind now and then I do massage him every day. We sit in my recliner and I pet him, touch his paws, scratch his belly, play with his ears, snuggle him, tell him he's a good boy and let him take a nap in my lap.
Your dog knows you're frustrated. It's not a secret. Yorkies are little ninjas. They know everything. Just calm down and so will he. Currently he's scared of you. Perhaps because you're so tense and he feels negative energy from you. Just be neutral for like a week. I promise things will get better. |