Hi and Welcome to YT!
There were 2 or 3 things you mentioned in your original post that sent up some red flags to me. I adopted/rescued an older Yorkie and some of your problems remind me of what I went through with him.
1. You stated "It has been hard to connect with him." I owned 2 other dogs at the same time I acquired Peek a Boo. I thought we would never bond. His previous owners complained that he chased their cat and ate the cat food, and he didn't get along with their other dogs. I could tell they really didn't like him. And he could tell too. He came to me full of resentment and bouncing off the walls. Let me ask you this. Does this dog listen to you or act like he understands English? Yorkies are different and it sounds like you are comparing him to your other dogs. Yorkies need to feel special. Is he aggressive to your other dogs at all? If no, you need to spend special time with just him. Could you maybe take a nap with just him during the day for 1/2 to 1 hour or so? Or if no sleeping, just some cuddle time? When you spend this time with him, your mental attitude has to be that he is your favorite dog. If you can't do that, then make him your most favorite Yorkie. This is very important. And you must tell him, in English. Use phrases like: You're a pretty boy; What a beautiful little dog you are; and What a good boy! even if he hasn't been very good, compared to your other 2. Do this everyday, at least once, better twice or more. Try to sound like you really mean it, lie to him if you must, eventually he will hear you. It will be hard for you to say nice things to him without your body language following suit. I know this sounds crazy, but it worked with mine, and another rescue since. Dogs are pack animals. When you put him in the bathroom at night to sleep, in essense you are telling him he is not part of your pack. If you can't let him sleep in bed with you at night, do the daytime thing and keep his crate in the bedroom at night. This may ease his pain (why he isn't bonding with you). Give this a try for at least 2 weeks. Your other 2 will forgive you because you and the pup will be calmer and happier and that is good.
2. Go for walks with all 3 dogs, together, if possible. This is a bonding exercise. If he cannot go as far as your other 2 dogs, carry him part of the way, give him breaks. Stop and give them all some treats. Take them to Petco or Petsmart and walk them there. Bond.
3. I disagree with the Petco trainer about keeping him out of the bedroom. That isn't necessary unless you have a dominance problem. The trainer may be trying to avert this from happening, but I believe it's creating a worse problem.
4. When you want to iron, allow extra time for the first few times. Give him a bed/blanket and a toy and place him there, and tell him Place, or stay. Then you iron, but he's where you can see him and he can see you.
If he goes for the cord, tell him "Ah Ah" to distract him and then Place and Stay. Help him to his place, Praise him, give a treat, Stay, then continue to iron. If the cord is just too enticing, I would purchase one of those things that holds the cord above the ironing board, instead of allowing it to dangle. But continue with his Place training.
5. Can you pop a halter on him and take him with you to get the mail? Maybe if he sees where you're going he would learn to be more accepting of your departure.
I saw many other good suggestions from other YT'ers too, and I sincerely wish you luck in reaching this little guy. I think you both got off to a bad start and some misunderstandings. I'll pray that you can get back on track and develop a sound, trusting relationship with each other. Have patience, and don't take it personally that he hasn't bonded with you, as expected. Let us know how it goes. |