I'm confused about one of my Yorkie's behaviors. Whenever I try to pick him up or attempt to pet him, he backs or runs away. I adopted him from a caring shelter- where he was born- almost 1 year ago and have been his only owner. He's well taken care of, goes to doggie daycare for social time, and has never experienced any sort of abuse or trauma. In short, he has a happy life and is treated like a prince but acts as if I've done something that traumatized him. Even when I prepare to take him for a walk, which he gets excited about and loves, he runs away from me when I bend down to put his harness on.
Is this a dominance thing? How can I train Sarge to submit so that I can pick him up?
I have a suspicion that he associates being picked up with being put in his crate for bed. Which does happen but is only one of the reasons I reach to get him. I would love to be able to snuggle with him but he allows this only when he has chosen to jump in my lap! I also can't "catch" him for grooming (which he likes) or simply to pet him. Any thoughts on what I might do and any insights on what the root cause of the behavior may be? I don't know if this is related, but he is an aggressive ankle biter too- and that hurts! I will bend down to push him off my ankle when he is attacking.
Thanks!
