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Originally Posted by sandraj Well done.It sounds as though you are doing all the right things to get Badger on track. Vets aren't always experts on small dog breeds and can have a bit of an attitude to them and their owners. You did the right thing talking to your friend the breeder. In regards to the dog socialisation issue,do you know of anyone with a quiet and gentle dog/pup you could visit/have visit you? you could build Badger's confidence like this. I would ask for a refund at the classes. Or you could go to one and just hold Badger on your knee and see if he wants to get down and build it up gradually. i don't think much of your puppy classes.The ones I went to were really good at personalising their advice and working 1-1 with you where needed.We had a shy poodle who gained confidence slowly and they were good with her.
Keep in touch with your breeder friend and use this site for good advice. I would consider changing your vet to one more knowledgable about small breed dogs.Do you want this man to operate on your baby if need be?
Keep up the good work with your baby. He has a lovely caring Mum! |
Thanks so much ladies
. Your support really means a lot
Sandraj... He is a very highly regarded vet and is considered to be somewhat of an expert on dog behaviour. He told me he grew up with Yorkies and he was recommended by a lady I know who has a Yorkie so apart from the obvious concern I had, I do think he's a very good vet. I think I will look into a small breed specialist though just to keep my options open with regards to anaesthetics and so forth
I'm also wondering if I should go along to one more of those classes but if I reasonably feel that Badger is uncomfortable, I'll leave immediately. I might be wrong but it irritates me that they probably just assume that I'm some airhead who wants a 'purse' dog. He's not that small anyway and I'm not like people like Paris Hilton who just want an 'accessory'. I wouldn't put a dog in a handbag for a start and I'm a great believer in that as cute as he is, he's still an animal that has certain needs. I don't know anyone with a small dog or dogs unfortunately
I'm pretty sure it's important but what are the reasons for socialising him with other dogs? Is there a reason they all lunge at him do you know? Is his submissiveness making them more aggressive? I would have thought it was the reverse
Also, was it bad that he came to me at nine weeks? The more I read the more I seem to think that he wasn't socialised properly at the breeder and alot of sites and info seems to say they should be coming at 12 weeks when they've been fully socialised with other dogs and people. No offense to her because I still think she's very good but she strikes me as one of those people who is probably scared of getting attached (she's a real Yorkie nut!)
He's become a real people dog though. Initially he was quite timid but I've taken full advantage of his cuteness to get people who stop us in the street to give him treats and hold him and cuddle him. He loves the attention! I can't walk down the road anymore without him causing some kind of mini riot