Giving up on Unmnagable Yorkie puppy
 

Lil Bit, my male 10.9 pound 7 month old Yorkie is unmanageable. My other Yorkie is a 4,5 pound 3 yr old female Taz. She is a sweetheart. I got Lil Bit at 8 weeks old for a brother for Taz to play with. She won't have anything to do with him as he is too rough for her.
He was neutered soon as vet gave OK but it hasn't calmed him down. He's not aggressive. I cannot manage his hyper energy and barking. He is food motivated and I need to use a treat to get any obedience from him. I'd been looking for a new home for him, someone I know will love him and can manage him. Then I look him in the eyes, realize just how much I love him and change my mind. This cycling has been going on for months.
Has anyone had behavioral problems like this and did it resolve? Would obedience training work and if so what kind? I got him from a reputable breeder who said his parents were 6 pounds. He is already almost 11 pounds. My vet has two Yorkies from same breeder. Also he says that Lil Bit is just a male Terrier puppy. Desperate here.:D

Sorry if my suggestion isn't as good as others lol :) Maybe he wants more exercise? Or it could just be in his natural temperament. What were his parents like? Were any or both of them energetic and feisty? How much are you walking him? And teaching him cool tricks would help to stimulate his mind and keep him busy. Best hopes and wishes you get this problem solved! X

Afraid to walk him
 

Thank You for reply. I own a house. I'm fenced in. When I let him out he barks nonstop. Yet, he will run the yard while barking. I keep him in because of the barking. Taz refuses to play with the little rough neck. We have quite a few pitbulls in neighborhood and I am afraid to walk my dogs. Pitbulls are dog aggressive with Yorkies right at top of Murder list. We also have a lot of owls, but I am hoping he's too big at 10.9 pds for them. I do take him to neighbors to play for a bit with her dogs. Also I don't know anything about his parents except they are 6 pounds each. Perhaps I should email the breeder and ask her about them. Also I have a bark collar that needs a battery. It sprays citronella. Going to order the battery now.:aimeeyork

I have gone through your situation. My Molli was a problem child from day 1. Obedience training helped some but what helped more was exercise. And believe me we went through the barking thing too, spray bottle, pennies in a can and other methods did not work. The only thing that worked was training for that but she still barks when she has too much energy. I take her to the dog park, she goes to doggy day care some times which helps a lot. She loves to play. When she was a puppy my older dog would not play with her because she was too rough. I too wondered if I had made a terrible mistake. I stuck with it and while I won't tell you it was easy I will tell you it was worth it. She is 3 now and although I still have to exercise her way more than my other dog she is a sweetheart. Her and my other dog are best friends now too. I am also training her to be a therapy dog because she loves everyone and I think it might be a good energy outlet. Don't give up.
-also maybe try different treats? even pieces of carrot, apple or even little pieces of boiled chicken might do the trick.

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You welcome for the reply :) Yep emailing them would be a great idea, just to find out the main traits of them. I'm sure it will all pay off! Hang in there. The collar will hopefully help out a lot. As for the Pitbulls i know what your saying some are aggressive but not all are aggressive. If any start growling just tell the owner to please keep them on a tight lead/leash. If any of them are off lead/leash or out of their owners view and start getting aggressive towards your fur-baby just pick him up and turn away. This usuaslly works but i cannot guarantee. Keep us posted on how his training goes! X

Yes obedience training will work. Just your standard obedience training especially if you have not already done this. Enroll in a class and go!

Also you need to wear out that energy. You say you have a full fenced in backyard. Take him out, and get him interested in a toy, play fetch, play chase, play and play and play with him.

And goodness knows I am glad he is treat motivated! That is a good sign for obedience training.

Yorkies will settle down a bit with age but don't wait, train now, and you will get a golden high energy boy.

Energy level
 

I make chicken jerky for their treats and he loves it more than any treat. It's really interesting that you had same problem with older dog refusing to play with young one because the young one is too rough. I originally got him so she would have a playmate. It's a relief to read that they are now the best of friends. Perhaps the same will happen here. Lil Bit's energy is almost off the charts. He gets so excited and starts nonstop barking when he sees me do something that signals to him I am going to let him outside. Thank you for feedback..

Obedience training and teaching him to delay his desire for instant gratification in order to obtain a greater reward and more fulfilling, lasting self-gratification for a job well done via a treat/praise/pride from you is his only real hope at this point and can literally work magic with misbehaving, active, hyper dogs. Later, likely age and infirmities could slow him down but for now, one of the online free Nothing In Life Is Free program's and some real structured, fun, upbeat obedience training for lots of positive reinforcement will reform almost any healthy dog from a misfit hellion into a working/learning/happy little companion who wants to obey his trainer and works for their pride in him - and a luscious treat. The training is immensely fun for both dog and trainer and reshape the dog's brain responses and his demeanor and a well-trained, happy, feisty dog is a joy to have around the house.

Looks up some of the Nothing In Life Is Free programs, study up on them and start watching the YouTube videos for basic obedience training from some of the more successful trainers - those who use only positive reinforcement and train small, toy dogs. Choose those with lots of views as those are usually the most successful trainers who can show you exactly how it's done. Enjoy the process and watch your dog change if you are loving, patient, gentle and keep it all short and lots of fun for him.

If this were my dog, I would first be sure his vet has checked him out thoroughly and to be sure there is nothing structural or otherwise causing his behavior or to prevent his training regimen and go for it!

Exercise
 

Rosies Mamma...I get articles on my FaceBook page about deaths and severe injuries caused by pitbulls that have just occurred. These come in almost daily. Among the more common incidences are older women trying to protect their small dog from attack. Pitbulls do not growl or show any signs that they will attack. Owners often do not have control. Pitbulls are known to suddenly turn on the owner. These are often sweet, loving dogs that have been raised with love. Perhaps I am over reacting. My neighbor who has a Yorkie has also stopped taking him for walks because of this problem. Am wondering if ball throwing may do the trick. I have a good sized fenced in back yard, perfect for playing fetch the ball.

Good Idea
 

This is exactly what I am thinking. Back yard fetch could run some of that energy out. :cool:

Some more ideas, set up a mini obstacle course, set up a kiddie pool and then get out there and find your own inner child:D Laugh at yourself, with your boy, and it doesn't matter how crazy you think you look, clap jump smile lots as you begin your training with your boy.

Play find that toy!!! Dogs go crazy over it once you have taught them some toy drive.:D And you can play this one indoors as well.

Training
 

Have done some reading on clicker training and have the clickers. A click paired with his treat may work best for him. He is intensely food motivated. I have taught him to sit and stay to get his treat. He learned that almost immediately. I'll check into the online program and videos. THX

He'll no doubt LOVE one of the NILIF programs for a couple of months in order to show him another way to use his brain and energies and teach him to control his wild impulses and energy as he learns to wait for what he wants or needs. Obedience training is nothing but fun for a high energy dog who is highly motivated by food - they just eat it up!

Water
 

He goes nuts for the water when I water lawn. He loves to snap and bite at the stream of water. Often when outside he will go to hose..look at it ..then look at me. The kiddie pool with water in may be good idea.

About collar. I would never use a shock collar. This is a citronella spray collar. It's harmless but dogs don't like the smell. I originally got it for Taz. One spray was all it took. All I have to do is "collar Taz" when she is over-barking, or show her the collar. I've tried it on Lil Bit but battery is too low so it was unsuccessful. I do need to have some control over the barking.

I have just read from several sources about the NILIF program and just tried one for the first time. He wanted to be picked up for a belly rub, he sat still but I didn't respond as the sit is for when he gets food treat. Then he did a bow. I responded to it and used word bow. Bow will be the command he has to do when he wants pets.

I'd use a different word for every thing he must do before he gets his reward of dinner or to jump up on the couch, gets a kiss or to get a toy or go outside or whatever and in time he will learn a whole language that he readily and happily responds to. Dogs just love NILIF and love to show you how eager they are to learn what you want them to do in order to get their gratification. If they mess up and jump up or don't do what you are asking - they get nothing and soon begin to learn that doing what you ask, sitting before they get their dinner or stopping and waiting before they get to go out back to potty, etc., is what eventually brings them the thing they so desire. Slowly, during the use of the program, they learn self-control and become more self-confident and learn the joy of keeping you happy and how it benefits them. That program, combined with some obedience training and setting boundaries that you unemotionally and using no fear tactics or other objectional aids(not recommended for highly nervous/fearful dogs) , will put almost any formerly wild-acting but healthy dog to rights in pretty short order.

Another tip for a high-energy dog is to have them work for their meals. Set the food bowl aside and buy a series of kong toys and divide the meal into them. Ask the dog if he wants his Dinner in A Kong and have him sit, lie down or whatever his required task is that allows him to control himself in order to get his meal and then place his kongs filled with food on the floor and watch him work for up to 45 minutes to get his dinner, having a ball all the while.

I've given Tibbe his choice of a bowl of his dinner kibble vs. two kongs filled with it and he ALWAYS chooses the kongs and goes off with one in his mouth or rolling it or hitting to knock in up into the air to cause it to emit the kibble inside and will play and work on it until it's empty and then he gets the other one and goes after it until empty. He just loves to work for his dinner - just the way his ancestors had to generations ago and he seems to be so fulfilled afterward. And it drains energy and feeds them all the while - two jobs in one.

This is perfect, find what he enjoys and play with him. I found Molli loved to play ball with those little squeaky kong balls which helped immensely. Try having your guy in an apartment, lol, wasn't easy. Victoria Stillwell has a lot of great YouTube videos on training positively. It took a few months before my older dog finally felt comfortable playing but one we had the training and energy out more they became fast friends. I still have to play with her separate when she's too hyper but they do love each other and I'm happy I didn't give up.

Once you have the dog interested in and used to working with you, train him to bark on command and when he's doing that very well and getting his rewards every time he does it on command and is quite used to the command and doing it every time, now train him to go "Quiet". While he's barking and stops for any reason, or stops when you clap your hands or stand up and say "Quiet", and make a slashing gesture across your throat or put your finger up to your lips, he'll see that stopping barking once he gets the treat and quiet praise you, brings him positive rewards and instant gratification and a happy mommie the instant he stops barking. Just keep working on the command and give him his just rewards instantly when he goes "quiet" and he'll jump into the game fast. It's just as easy to train him to "Quiet" whenever he's barking and reward him with the instant gratification of a treat and praise as it is to rely on collars or spray aversives and in time, he'll think of it as a game he's quick to want to play.

I worried that Tibbe might begin to bark a lot and then go quiet to just get treats but instead, he learned what was appropriate barking and would begin to police himself to bark a bit and then stop on his own as he knew that prolonged barking would usually bring a "quiet" from me. He sensed that I didn't like it, even though I'd treat and praise him for going "quiet" on command. It's amazing how a well-trained dog doesn't usually push your buttons - he begins to learn what behavior you like and what you don't and is pretty happy to keep you happy with him. Plus, a well-trained dog just usually isn't that upset for that long to keep barking on and on - they get bored doing it. Tibbe's too busy doing his thing to stand and bark for long and if he does and it finally gets on my nerves(I think a certain amount of daily barking is healthy and good for them), I "quiet" him, even if it's a cat in the back yard he's been barking at. And he quits instantly and is always pleased with my response of getting up and getting him a treat and a quick smile and genuine praise, which he always gets anytime he willingly stops himself from instinctive barking on my request. The very least I can do is reward that kind of good behavior and encourage his always obeying me.

Working here on the NILIF. It's hard work especially as I just instinctively reach to pet and such. Also realize that I need to work with both dogs. There are a lot of things they do and have been free to do like getting on couch to sleep or get in my bed when I am in it. How do I handle them? Do I take them down and say anything? That would be punishment to them. The kong is a great idea. It may work for him. Definitely not for Taz, I think this NILIF requires more discipline from me than dogs. But, they say it will become second nature.
yorkietalkjilly I allow barking it's just that he gets going and will not stop.. Also it seems like he is demanding I do something, or talking to me with looking at me and barking. This bark is different and almost like he's communicating to me. I will refuse to do what he wants and ignore him.

Omg your dog and my dog are secretly related I think. Molli does this too. I had to do some digging but I found my thread from when she was a puppy so you would know your not alone:
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...king-stop.html

She still does this more than any dog I've ever met, she barks if her food bowl is empty, if she wants to play, if she wants a bath, but the kicker is normal stuff dogs would bark at, squirrels, mailmen, ect she could care less! She doesn't make a peep! She barks as her communication with us, it's just her way. I have just learned to figure out what she wants and then I say 'ok Molli, quiet' and I give it to her. This usually stops the barking unless she's playing in which case barking is part of the fun. If I figure out how to stop it I'll let you know but so far we just manage it and let Molli be Molli.

Oh, believe me, I get it. I'm sure we all allow our dogs to bark to a healthy degree and even more as we're all died-in-the-wool doglovers and hate to deny them anything but it's important we teach them to go "quiet" on command and that they do it so just teach him to bark on command and in time, add the quiet and he'll comply. That barking will get better as you train him and he becomes a calmer, less impulsive dog, trust me. As he becomes older and calmer with trainer and self-restraint, he'll find barking less rewarding than pleasing you is.

Just deny the dogs jumping on the couch by instantly saying "uh oh" in a matter-of-fact voice when they spontaneously jump up on their own. Later, show them the secret to getting up on the couch: Ask them to "sit" or "lie down" of whatever you want them to do and once they have done that, pat the couch and say "Jump up!" in an upbeat voice and they will in time learn that you control when and who jumps up onto the couch and each and every time they jump up without stopping to "ask" you(by looking at you or going in circles or putting their paws up on the side of the couch), that you will take them back off immediately and the only entre to the couch is you asking them to perform a command and their doing it. The NILIF program allows you to teach your dog to ask or otherwise delay his impulses until he is allowed to do something and in time, he's right on board with the program, happily showing you have fast he can get his command right so he can get what he wants.

Yes!!! Training a dog involves the will and dedication of the dog trainer far more than it does the dog! And furthermore, we have to make them want to train and learn, keep it fun and interesting and re-engage them should their mind wander. That's the secret of dog training! You have to more more determined than the dog! Not for the faint-hearted or dilettante, believe me. Once you get into though and your dog begins to learn, to love working, learns how to control his impulses and do what you ask and enjoys the process so much, your pride in his accomplishments and he changing good behavior begins to grow somewhat addicting and at the very least, fun and interesting. It's not easy but, oh, the rewards of training last a lifetime and make living with a happy, spunky dog who is quick to obey you, almost never disobeys and is a joy to live with it really worth it.

Yikes! Make a huge error of omission in my last post! I left off the very important end of the sentence from my second paragraph above, when is bolded:

Here is the corrected post:

Oh, believe me, I get it. I'm sure we all allow our dogs to bark to a healthy degree and even more as we're all died-in-the-wool doglovers and hate to deny them anything but it's important we teach them to go "quiet" on command and that they do it so just teach him to bark on command and in time, add the quiet and he'll comply. That barking will get better as you train him and he becomes a calmer, less impulsive dog, trust me. As he becomes older and calmer with trainer and self-restraint, he'll find barking less rewarding than pleasing you is.

Just deny the dogs jumping on the couch by instantly saying "uh oh" in a matter-of-fact voice when they spontaneously jump up on their own and instantly remove them from the couch. Later, show them the secret to getting up on the couch: Ask them to "sit" or "lie down" of whatever you want them to do and once they have done that, pat the couch and say "Jump up!" in an upbeat voice and they will in time learn that you control when and who jumps up onto the couch and each and every time they jump up without stopping to "ask" you(by looking at you or going in circles or putting their paws up on the side of the couch), that you will take them back off immediately and the only entre to the couch is you asking them to perform a command and their doing it. The NILIF program allows you to teach your dog to ask or otherwise delay his impulses until he is allowed to do something and in time, he's right on board with the program, happily showing you have fast he can get his command right so he can get what he wants.

Yes!!! Training a dog involves the will and dedication of the dog trainer far more than it does the dog! And furthermore, we have to make them want to train and learn, keep it fun and interesting and re-engage them should their mind wander. That's the secret of dog training! You have to more more determined than the dog! Not for the faint-hearted or dilettante, believe me. Once you get into though and your dog begins to learn, to love working, learns how to control his impulses and do what you ask and enjoys the process so much, your pride in his accomplishments and he changing good behavior begins to grow somewhat addicting and at the very least, fun and interesting. It's not easy but, oh, the rewards of training last a lifetime and make living with a happy, spunky dog who is quick to obey you, almost never disobeys and is a joy to live with it really worth it.[/QUOTE]

and and that they do it so just teach him to bark on

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise. My doggie just turned 3 and she is still a freakin lunatic. I mean lunatic. I think she is OCD sometimes. I never had a dog before, never mind a high energy Yorkie and I learned that EXECISE is the best thing. Tire them out - physically and mentally. Beanie LOVES the car and her Beanie Bucket. I got it at PetSmart and it is a bucket that attaches to the passenger side of my car. She sits in it way up high and just looks at the world and everyone that pulls up next to her. When it is really hot here, I put her in the car, put the AC on and just drive and drive. Then I pull over somewhere (preferably near a beach) and walk her for an hour at night.

Sometimes, after a really horrendous day at work (she can come in with me all day, than God) I think WHY did I do this to myself??? I am too old, I am tired, I just want to sit and do nothing and not have to drive around and walk her. But then, I look at her little face that loves me to death and I say, it is all worth it.

These dogs are not easy to deal with but they give SO much in return. Just hang in there, you willl find a way.

Sorry, I posted this to another members reply.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise. My doggie just turned 3 and she is still a freakin lunatic. I mean lunatic. I think she is OCD sometimes. I never had a dog before, never mind a high energy Yorkie and I learned that EXECISE is the best thing. Tire them out - physically and mentally. Beanie LOVES the car and her Beanie Bucket. I got it at PetSmart and it is a bucket that attaches to the passenger side of my car. She sits in it way up high and just looks at the world and everyone that pulls up next to her. When it is really hot here, I put her in the car, put the AC on and just drive and drive. Then I pull over somewhere (preferably near a beach) and walk her for an hour at night.

Sometimes, after a really horrendous day at work (she can come in with me all day, thank God) I think WHY did I do this to myself??? I am too old, I am tired, I just want to sit and do nothing and not have to drive around and walk her. But then, I look at her little face that loves me to death and I say, it is all worth it.

These dogs are not easy to deal with but they give SO much in return. Just hang in there, you willl find a way.

No, you are definitely not over reacting. I guess i should be more to the point, you want to protect your yorkie i get that :) Anything that gives him exercise in your yard will do him good. For example, throwing balls, Fetch, tug of war, and i sometimes even play 'catchers' with Rosie lol. Anything at all that includes running around the gardenn like a total maniac ( :p ) or stimulation would help out alot :) Hope this helps.

I have to confess, I did not read all of this thread, just throwing in my 2 cents. If there is ever an opportunity for you to take a walk with a friend or someone else that has a dog, go for it. Walking together is the best medicine plus you will feel safer. Carry a walking stick or something to protect you (I carry a tazer and a loud whistle when I am uncertain areas)

When at home allow dog to go in it's crate if that is what he needs to do. Let him be who he is. Try to be calm and confident that will help him recover.

We are working on the barking issue too :mad: not fun.

My vet suggested squirting my dog with a water bottle when he barks. Maybe try that? He is still a puppy so he MIGHT calm down later.