Quote:
Originally Posted by kjc  Welcome back!
First off it sounds to me like Bubba has issues with being crated, including the xpen. Have you tried gating him in a room or two? Also if you're home 95% of the time, he shouldn't be in a crate while you're home. Yorkies love and live to be with their owners, they don't understand why they would be kept from this.
Also, potty accidents should not be reprimanded, in any way, shape or form. Accidents are your fault, not his. Until he is more reliable, block areas of the house from his access, but don't crate him. Dogs kept in a crate for long periods of time will have issues, even when they are let out for exercise and whatnot. Granted, some Yorkies accept being crated, when it is a positive experience. But not all of them.
He does not appear to want 'free time' in an xpen outside. Take him for a 5 minute walk instead. Walks reinforce bonding, which is another issue that may be part of his problem.
Before having a behaviorist come in, I would recommend a vet check. Bloodwork and a BAT to check his liver function, as hyperactivity can be a symptom of Liver Shunt. Does he eat well and have good body condition?
When he is in the house with you is he behaving better? (Just as you do your day to day stuff?) Will he settle down on the couch next to you to relax, or lay in your lap? |
I don't believe I stated he is reprimanded for accidents, and no it doesn't matter the size of area he is kept in, for example, if he is walking around as I prepare dinner he will just do laps around the kitchen to the living room and back, if I let him, I eventually would tether him to me and continue, or put him in his crate and prop him up where he can see me. Constantly telling him good boy for laying or just sitting and watching. He eats extremely well and was tested for liver shunt at 6 months, vet was hesitant, I needed to be certain just because of the breeder's dishonesty.
If we take the dogs to the lake, a long day for us, tons of walking playing swimming for them, Charlie our high energy lab is spent, Bubba seemingly rests for a while (30-40 min) then he is back to his usual self, no he will no lay and be still next to me, that would be fantastic, I would not complain one bit.
Of course I chose to reply to this comment not because it is of any use really, but out of defense. I have owned several dogs, livestock and horses from a young age, trained my pet pig at 16 (FFA in high school) to retrieve, when I ask for help, believe me when I say I have some idea and desire to have a healthy relationship with my animals.
Bubba is not happy, and more than anything I am sad for him.