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Originally Posted by BigBlueNation  Back to the seizures, we have had Bailey diagnosed by 3 different vets. From our understanding, Yorkie's are not meant to be bred that small. Keep in mind, Bailey is 7 years old and barely 4 lbs. According to 2 vets, because of the breeding practices, "Teacup" Yorkies can experience serious health issues, seizures being a pretty common occurrence. With respect to the seperation anxiety, he now sits and stares at my girlfriend when I leave, like he used to stare at me when she left. I have now realized that this "terror" that he seems to display is caused by his anxiety. We have decided to take some of the earlier stated advice and leave and come back. Making coming and going less of a stress for him. My GF now understands that giving him praise when coming home, especially when he is going crazy, is actually detrimental to his behavior. On another topic, we have now noticed another behavior. Whether he is sitting in my lap, or hers, if we show affection to one another, he begins to growl at the opposing person. The walks and positive reinforcement have helped with the potty training. |
There is no such thing as a teacup yorkie. So you're right. Infact I think there's a sticky issue thread on here in regards to "teacup", and the many health issues these so called "teacup" bred yorkies can have. 4lbs idn't necessarily a small small yorkie. The standard is 3-7. My dog is currently 4.9.
If the vet truly thinks it's seizures, then a nerologist may be the best bet for this little guy. Seizures can mean anything from a liver shunt to real neurological problems. But only a specialist and a full blood panel can tell you that.
With regards to seperation anxiety, this pup (if you're stating that he was sold as a "teacup") probably came very young from a type of BYB or puppymill. This means lots of behavior stuggles. My dog was from a BYB and we really had to work with the seperation anxiety. We would make leaving for short intervals common. Gizmo is crate trianed, so we would leave a cookie in the crate when we left and would come home, totally calm and take him out. So this is going to be a working progress with the anxiety. I think another member mentioned a thundershirt which is a really good product to help this.
The growling with your gf and your interaction is another behavior issue that also probably grew from his past. He wants attention and is protective of those who he trusts. Once again this can be changed into a positive reinforcement. When you're with your gf, get him involved. When my husband and I are on the sofa, I bring Gizmo on the sofa with us. Bring maybe a kong with a cookie in it to keep him occupied so his full attention isn't on you.
Good luck and keep us posted.