Anxiety problem?!? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

cashsmommy · 04-08-2009, 07:35 PM

Cash, within the past 6 months has started attacking, i mean attacking people when they leave. He bite, thrashes around with his toys, barks, tries to bribe you. It amazing, I would expect he would be able to associate grabbing your keys and leaving, and he does but he also knows very small body language such as leaning forward or a guy pating his gf on the leg as a sign of "ok your ready to go" he also knows phrases such as "you ready", "well ok". It blows my mind. We have tried to change our routine or stop what we are doing when he acts this way or disapline him but its hard when im trying to leave for school. I just dont know what to do. I could try locking him up in another part of the house. We try to hold him still when other people leave just so he doesnt bite them but he wigggles and wines like crazy. I should record it for you guys. Its nuts. Well thats my story. It would be great if other people are experiencing something like this so I atleast know my doggy isnt loosing his mind.

thanks,
kacy

Mommy2Ellie · 04-08-2009, 08:15 PM

I have never had this problem, but I have read a lot on the subject. The key is to desensitize him to you leaving the house.

Try going through your routine...act as if you are leaving but don't actually go through the door...but take it one step at a time...i.e. start with just walking toward the door and work your way up to keys, jackets, books, purse, etc.

Once you have gotten to this point walk out the door and come right back in...Each time you do this stay out a little longer.

Dogs go through separation anxiety just like babies and he just needs to learn that you are coming back. This is a long training process but I hope it works for you!

**Something else you may be able to try is to teach him search and find...before you leave the house "hide" several of his favorite toys (or Kongs filled with treats) around the house and as you are getting ready to leave give him the find command. This will help to keep him busy and will exercise him mentaly while you are away**

Mommy2Ellie · 04-08-2009, 08:16 PM

You may also want to contact your vet...there may be somthing going on with him...

JoeyP · 04-10-2009, 08:01 AM

This is a form of aggression and I had a dog many years ago who did just the exact same thing

What you need to do is engage the help of someone the dog does really know that well
Have him stay for 10 mins or so
and then have him get up to go

Have him get up slowly .... the second your pup gets up or growls you get in front of him and say NO!
Get in front of him close enough to where he will need to look up at you
You need to break his stare
and his concentration

When he calms down and no longer goes to get up you praise him
try and repeat this again and again over a few sessions
But youll need to be very forceful with your NO!

QuickSilver · 04-10-2009, 10:27 AM

I think the fact that he gets stressed when your guests leave indicate that he is resource guarding. It may also indicate that he believes he is the alpha and should be in control of who enters and leaves the house.

Do you have a very patient friend who could work on this with you?

I would try giving him a designated spot to sit in when guests are leaving. Each time a guest leaves and he doesn't freak out, he gets a treat.

04-08-2009, 07:35 PM	#1
cashsmommy Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Lombard IL Posts: 146	Anxiety problem?!? Cash, within the past 6 months has started attacking, i mean attacking people when they leave. He bite, thrashes around with his toys, barks, tries to bribe you. It amazing, I would expect he would be able to associate grabbing your keys and leaving, and he does but he also knows very small body language such as leaning forward or a guy pating his gf on the leg as a sign of "ok your ready to go" he also knows phrases such as "you ready", "well ok". It blows my mind. We have tried to change our routine or stop what we are doing when he acts this way or disapline him but its hard when im trying to leave for school. I just dont know what to do. I could try locking him up in another part of the house. We try to hold him still when other people leave just so he doesnt bite them but he wigggles and wines like crazy. I should record it for you guys. Its nuts. Well thats my story. It would be great if other people are experiencing something like this so I atleast know my doggy isnt loosing his mind. thanks, kacy

04-10-2009, 08:01 AM	#4
JoeyP YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Miami, FL,USA Posts: 1,005	This is a form of aggression and I had a dog many years ago who did just the exact same thing What you need to do is engage the help of someone the dog does really know that well Have him stay for 10 mins or so and then have him get up to go Have him get up slowly .... the second your pup gets up or growls you get in front of him and say NO! Get in front of him close enough to where he will need to look up at you You need to break his stare and his concentration When he calms down and no longer goes to get up you praise him try and repeat this again and again over a few sessions But youll need to be very forceful with your NO! __________________ Mike and Zach's Dadd

04-10-2009, 10:27 AM	#5
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	I think the fact that he gets stressed when your guests leave indicate that he is resource guarding. It may also indicate that he believes he is the alpha and should be in control of who enters and leaves the house. Do you have a very patient friend who could work on this with you? I would try giving him a designated spot to sit in when guests are leaving. Each time a guest leaves and he doesn't freak out, he gets a treat. __________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger.

04-08-2009, 08:15 PM	#2
Mommy2Ellie Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Chester, VA, USA Posts: 67 Blog Entries: 8	I have never had this problem, but I have read a lot on the subject. The key is to desensitize him to you leaving the house. Try going through your routine...act as if you are leaving but don't actually go through the door...but take it one step at a time...i.e. start with just walking toward the door and work your way up to keys, jackets, books, purse, etc. Once you have gotten to this point walk out the door and come right back in...Each time you do this stay out a little longer. Dogs go through separation anxiety just like babies and he just needs to learn that you are coming back. This is a long training process but I hope it works for you! Something else you may be able to try is to teach him search and find...before you leave the house "hide" several of his favorite toys (or Kongs filled with treats) around the house and as you are getting ready to leave give him the find command. This will help to keep him busy and will exercise him mentaly while you are away

04-08-2009, 08:16 PM	#3
Mommy2Ellie Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Chester, VA, USA Posts: 67 Blog Entries: 8	You may also want to contact your vet...there may be somthing going on with him...