I've been watching "The Dog Whisperer" lately and I am (finally) admitting Gia has a behavior problem after seeing that my boyfriend can control his TWO seemingly rambunctious (and large) pit bull puppies better than I can control my 4 lb yorkie.
I'd made tons of excuses for her behavior before, like "oh she was abused" (she was) or "oh it's just separation anxiety" or "Maybe she's neurotic".
Anyway it has to stop.
1) When I'm not home, I babygate her in my bathroom with food, water, a blanket, toys, & a puppy pad. (I never crated her bc she came from puppy mill and when I first got her, largely preferred to stay in the crate than engage in human contact, meaning no bonding. I literally had to pry her from the crate or she wouldn't come out.) The very minute she knows I'm in the door she starts crying and crying and squealing for me to get her out. She even seems like she starts hyperventilating.
She also does this sometimes when I leave her, even though I don't make a fanfare about leaving, EVER, I just leave.
2) I also have problems getting her to let me know when she has to go outside. If I walk her, she goes outside. But I want her to alert me.
3) Then, she is VERY timid and almost aggressive to strangers, particularly men. She is very untrusting and cannot be won over, even with treats. (She won't even take a treat directly from my hand unless she is sitting with me...never with me standing over her I notice) I would like her to be more relaxed and happy.
4) When we walk outside on a leash and she sees people, or when people come to the door she also barks and growls and I like for her to be an alert "watchdog" but I also like her to stop when I tell her enough is enough.
Please help!
