Quote:
Originally Posted by oceansoracle  Hello YT!
So Hugo will be a year in a couple of days! YIPPIE!!!! However I have one major conern with him. Here is the situation: HUgo is WAY TOO FRIENDLY!!! When I take him for a walk-which means all the time-and a fellow human comes around- Hugo decides to excitedly greet humans. I find it adorable-especially when he wags his tail and wants to lick all of them. However, given that Yorkies have a propensity for being stolen. I want to learn ways to deter him from this. I in no way want a rude or nasty dog that barks or snaps at strangers-tehre are plenty of those walking around here in NYC. I have looked at some dog training books and even shows on animal planet. However, I have not been able to find literature on this behavior. Therefore YTErs please provide me with any information, websites, or advice you may have. I love my furbaby but I dont want him to be stolen because of his propensity to be nice to others. 
Thanks so much YT in advance! |
Okay I guess my first question is do you have him off lead a lot in NYC? I imagine that you would walk on lead a lot given it is a big city. So essentially you want him to be reserved with strangers - not friendly - not agressive because you hope this behaviour would/will deter him from being stolen?
Okay mostly with small dogs it will be your alertness , care etc, that will do the most to deter him being stolen. After all a determined human is large enough and can be prepared enough to take a 7 lb yorkie with or without his permission. I'm sure given your concern you would never leave him hooked up outside when you go into a store for example.
I'm not sure that his friendliness would attract theives. But what you could try is distracting his attention from the new person - with treats or toys whatever works best. You want him to look to you and at you as the most interesting, exciting, person possible.
Beyond this I'm not sure what to suggest