I was just going to add that puppies use their teeth and mouths as its really how they explore. It's up to us to teach them what's okay. Since he's not being malicious or mean, he just needs to learn that using teeth on you is not allowed. Try using a closed hand when playing with him so your fingers aren't exposed. The minute he bites down on your fingers, say "no bite" and remove your fingers. He has to do it in order for him to learn not to. Get on the floor and play with him, then gently touch his body all over, his feet, paws, pads, ears so he gets comfortable with being touched everywhere.
Many people say training can be a pain in the neck, and in some cases it can, but truthfully I enjoy most every part of it. Yorkies are very intelligent and I think they enjoy learning. It is staggering how much our little girl knows (directions, phrases, words, commands etc.)
We took the positive reinforcement route. We definitely tell her NO, but we're calm and she definitely doesn't like to disappoint us. We have never once hit or swatted her. She's a dog and they have no idea what that means except that you're using your hands to hit them. Same with time outs for punishment. They don't have the reasoning to put 2 + 2 together. We make sure she knows we're the leaders but we're very kind. Now, don't get me wrong, we still have our struggles in certain areas (barking at dogs going by) etc.
We took the Cesar Millan Dog Psychology route. Watched him every morning together before we even got Mia. It doesn't replace basic training, but it does open your eyes to a different way of looking at things.
As others have said, please don't give up. He's still a baby, he doesn't have Mom to learn from, so what is he supposed to do? He has to rely on you to help him know right from wrong. He will continue to grow up and he will love you unconditionally. ❤️ |