We have a 13 week old male yorkie...had him since he was about 6 weeks old. He's a little doll and we love him. He has shown no behavioral problems, is potty training nicely and does not seem to be an Alpha male.
He was crate trained right away as well. Early on, I purchased a pet yard, which we keep him in when we cannot be with him one-on-one. We keep his crate in there as well during the day. He goes in and out of his crate freely and seems to love his crate...feels safe in there.
However, more times than not, when I reach in to pick Sammy up, he retreats from me and even runs in his crate. We have to coax him back out usually. He comes up to the gate and jumps up like he wants me but then backs out and runs away from me when I reach for him. Sometimes I have to get in the pet yard to pick him up or coax him out of his crate.
What's going on here? Is he afraid or is he getting territorial of his area? He shows no signs of aggression at all and does not do it as much with my husband as he does with me. I'm his primary trainer however.
I've read somewhere when they are afraid to get out of their crate to coax them out with a treat because it is timidity/fear.
Is there someone who can advise me as to what this behavior is and should we be concerned? Thanks for any help.
