I Am REALLY at My Wit's End. - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

shelbysmom · 07-16-2005, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StewiesMom

I wanna add that he is like 90% potty trained, but in the last week he peed in front of me on the carpet 4 times.

I am wondering if any of this has anything to do with your feelings about him. Didn't you post that you had "ruined your dog" by shaving him a few days ago?

These dogs are soooo super sensitive, I wonder if your sadness over his new "do" has affected him.

Are you treating him the same?

StewiesMom · 07-16-2005, 08:55 AM

Yes, I did post that I ruined my dog, but I meant that I got rid of the coat that I spent so much time getting healthy (when I got him he had a skin condition and was losing hair). He seems happy about his new 'do and I am used to it. I don't think I am treating him any differently than I did before. I wouldn't have a reason to.

I don't have $$ to spend on a personal dog trainer until I am done w/ school this summer. I have only given him puppy time-out once when he was a baby. I felt horrible about it and never did it again.

Valerie - I make a HUGE deal out of him when he does something right. Last night I taught him two new tricks and gave him lots of treats.

Today he is doing much better. I just have to watch him like a hawk and yell a remind of "paper paper" when he is sniffing somewhere else.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I am going to keep working with him and won't let him out of my sight so maybe I can correct the problem before it gets to be too late.

loves Kona · 07-16-2005, 09:03 AM

I completely understand! Kona wasn't completely potty trainied until 1 year old, and even now she may have 1 accident a week, usually less. She liked to be held and petted, but you would have to chase her to pick her up. But just recently in the past 3 months or so (she's 14 months now), she's become a super cuddler. She crawls up in my lap and asks for affection. Hang in there, it may just be a phase!

Erin · 07-16-2005, 09:48 AM

If you really can't work with a trainer then I have another suggestion. When Loki gets really crazy we go for a REALLY long walk. Obviously not when it's 90 degrees although I take him around 7:00 at night and when we get up first thing in the morning. Then he is just too tired to act out and he really behaves well. He is always clingy when he's tired (which I like, I want a lap dog - which he is not!) and he doesn't have that pent up energy that makes him want you to chase him all day!

Also, be careful trying to train from a book or on your own. I have several training books that I've read that don't give the best advice. You should never punish or correct your dog. (Time-outs are not a punishment, their crate is a happy place for them, or at least it should be.)

You have to be consistent and I know you said you didn't like time-outs but they are necessary. He will learn that nipping at you when you are on the phone means he doesn't get to hang out with you for a while. It really does work.

chloeandj · 07-16-2005, 09:52 AM

I once heard Dr. Phil say, your child is joining your family, you are not joining theirs. I treat my kids and my dogs the same way. Don't feel bad for giving him a time out. He has to learn the rules of his family. I hate when they bolt from you when you try to pick them up! Put a leash on that boy, make him wear it around the house full time for a while. When he darts away, grab that leash (or step on it!) and reel that boy back in. It has worked with all of my dogs. That's the extent of my advice.

Good luck.

Junebug · 07-16-2005, 10:06 AM

When he bites you, you have to yelp or squeal REALLY LOUD the way a puppy would if they got hurt.

This is how they learn not to hurt their brothers and sisters in their litter when they play as puppies.

If you do the yelp loud and high pitch enough, he'll probably release and look really surprised, and hopefully learn not to do it. Remember to be consistent.

That's what I learned it Otis's puppy training.

Junebug · 07-16-2005, 10:10 AM

To teach him to come on command, first start with short distances and use TONS of treats. Lengthen the distance, and he'll probably be following you throughout the house. Use treats consistently for a week, and soon you won't need treats anymore!

Use the same phrase, and do not switch words around, or he'll get confused.

Do not use 'Come, Stewie" for things like baths or brushing teeth or grooming. Only use it for things he likes at this point, like his toys or treats or a walk.

ReconsMomma · 07-16-2005, 10:15 AM

Try some of the things that were suggested here. If they dont work, let me know and we can work something out and I will train him as a personal favor for you and in exchange for word of mouth refferals from you.

I would be more than willing to help if things that were suggested here dont work but might as well try them before trying anything else. It may be that he is just going through his adolesent(sp) stage and being a little sh**.

I still have to email you my address and I will include my phone number so if you get to the point where Stewie is driving you insane you can call and I will try to give you some pointers over the phone.

Breezeaway · 07-16-2005, 12:25 PM

As for him running from you and you cant catch him you should use a leash , let him drag it around and when you say come or here and he runs step on it and stop him in his tracks , then pull him to you with the leash and repeat the command. You must do this overr and over until he knows what it means. All 3 of my yorkies come when called and thats how i taught them, I trained NSTRA birddogs for 14 yrs and the leash(aka)checkcord worked on them and birddogs are the hard headiest dogs there is to teach to come to you.

StewiesMom · 07-16-2005, 01:53 PM

Thanks everyoen for your suggestions -- Junebug, I have tried the things you've suggested and he used to be a lot better when he was younger; its like he's regressing or something.
Kelly, thanks for your offer of helping. I'll take you up on it if things don't improve in the next few weeks. Its very generous of you.

SoCalyorkiLvr · 07-16-2005, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junebug

To teach him to come on command, first start with short distances and use TONS of treats. Lengthen the distance, and he'll probably be following you throughout the house. Use treats consistently for a week, and soon you won't need treats anymore!

Use the same phrase, and do not switch words around, or he'll get confused.

Do not use 'Come, Stewie" for things like baths or brushing teeth or grooming. Only use it for things he likes at this point, like his toys or treats or a walk.

Great advice!

The "come" command should always be a happy command, never angry. You should only call them to come in a happy voice and they should get nothing but paise when they come. If your puppy has done something wrong, go and ge them to reprimand him, do not make him come to be punished. It will make him think twice bout coming in an emergency when it an absolute necessity.

iheartyorkies · 07-17-2005, 03:48 PM

Kristy, I feel your pain girlfriend! But it's very important to remember that Stewie is still very much a puppy. Short attention span and lots and lots of energy. He'll be more of a cuddler as he gets older. All the above advice is really excellent. If he's regressing, then go back to what used to work and the way you trained him that clicked with him. Puppies, just like children will push the limits when they can. I'm a firm believer in puppy time out. I have a 2x3 foot cage for Bo. It's not just for time out but he knows when he's in there for discipline purposes. When Stewie runs from you he's prob just being a little rascal. Teach the come command. Excellent advice above.
Now, let me confess...
Is Bo a little angel? Nope.
Will Bo never have a potty accident in the house again? Ha!!
Does Bo run from me and ignore me when I call? Yep! Every time. Can't tell you how many times I've told my husband this weekend, "That pup needs some training!"
Do ya think I get any help from any pet lovers in this household? Nuh uh!
I'm actually glad you posted this cause I've been dealing with the same issues. But it seems like every time I'm ready to pull my hair out Bo looks up at me as if to say, "Gotta love me!!" LOL! Hang in there girl. It'll get better. And the Stew dawg is worth it, lol!

Deegan's mom · 07-17-2005, 06:41 PM

OMG! You read my mind. Deegan has been a little terror for the last week and a half, and I don't know what changed him??? I also feel like I am going through the terrible two's with him.

He doesn't let me hold him unless he is exhausted, he runs away when I try to catch him outside, and lately he's gotten into biting everything, especially me!

He start biting at my ankles last week, but I thought that it was just my capris that he liked, but it's not. If I don't have a water bottle in my hand he attacks my ankles. If I go to pet him or pick him up he bites my hands.

I usually bring him everywhere I can (like walmart, friends, my aunts or parents), but now I don't want to bring him anywhere except his time out corner because he is sooo bad. He bites people who are trying to pet him, he's constantly got something in his mouth that hes not supposed to have... I could go on forever!
Another problem is that he seems to bite me alot more than my bf. And I am begining to feel like he hates me because I am the main authoratative figure. I'm the bad guy...

I'm trying to tell myself that this is just a phase and to keep on keepin' on, but how long is this going to last???? I wanted to try and train him myself to save some cash, instead of a school, but maybe it would help????

I totally feel your pain!

schatzie · 07-17-2005, 07:05 PM

Kristy - I invested in these training audio sessions that once I paid the company downloaded them onto my computer.

I would be more than happy to transfer them to your computer or try to copy them once I find "a computer genius" to show me how.

The audio trainings have done wonders so it might be worth a try if you'd like to have them.

martym112 · 07-17-2005, 07:22 PM

Kristy,

I used to feel the same way you did. I'd been taking Saffie to "puppy school", taught by a wonderful trainer, once a week since she was 3 months old. By the time she was 7 months old, we didn't seem to be making much progress, as I wasn't being the "Alpha". The trainer was very patient with us & reassured the whole class that at about 7 months our puppy would start behaving like a teen rebel. This did happen, but I hung in there & when Saffie was 9 months we even started taking a private lesson, once a week, as well as the class lesson.(My trainer's fees are very reasonable) The transformation after 2 months was fantastic & seemed to happen practically overnight! Saffie's so much more obedient & I'm so much more self-confident about training her. We're keeping up with the class lessons, once a week, probaly forever, as it's a way of me making sure I spend a minimum of 1 hour a week training.(Her & me!) She stopped having "accidents" on the floor (which I'm positive sometimes were NO "accident") & listens & responds so much better now. She still doesn't sit in my (or anyone elses) lap & never did, but I think that's just her personality. She does cuddle up though, & likes to have her belly rubbed.

I would strongly suggest lessons with a good trainer, like the generous YT-er who offered her services & I also agree with the other YT-er that suggested taking the long walks. I found that those long walks helped begin the positive changes. When I 1st started with the walks, I spent the whole time just getting her to "heel". After that the rest of her disciplining started to fall into place.(and of course using lots of delicious treats as incentive didn't hurt)

I was so frustrated in the beginning that I used to feel like I did when I had "post-partum blues" when my sons were newborns babies. You & your baby will eventually do fine as long as you keep hanging in there. You're not alone: I bet theres "a whole bunch of YT-er's" that felt the same way at one time or another!

07-16-2005, 08:55 AM	#17
StewiesMom Stewie Rox the Sox Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 6,306	Yes, I did post that I ruined my dog, but I meant that I got rid of the coat that I spent so much time getting healthy (when I got him he had a skin condition and was losing hair). He seems happy about his new 'do and I am used to it. I don't think I am treating him any differently than I did before. I wouldn't have a reason to. I don't have $$ to spend on a personal dog trainer until I am done w/ school this summer. I have only given him puppy time-out once when he was a baby. I felt horrible about it and never did it again. Valerie - I make a HUGE deal out of him when he does something right. Last night I taught him two new tricks and gave him lots of treats. Today he is doing much better. I just have to watch him like a hawk and yell a remind of "paper paper" when he is sniffing somewhere else. Thanks everyone for your advice. I am going to keep working with him and won't let him out of my sight so maybe I can correct the problem before it gets to be too late. __________________ Kristy & Stewie

07-16-2005, 10:06 AM	#21
Junebug *Moderator Emeritus* Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,149	To Stop the Biting: When he bites you, you have to yelp or squeal REALLY LOUD the way a puppy would if they got hurt. This is how they learn not to hurt their brothers and sisters in their litter when they play as puppies. If you do the yelp loud and high pitch enough, he'll probably release and look really surprised, and hopefully learn not to do it. Remember to be consistent. That's what I learned it Otis's puppy training.

07-16-2005, 10:10 AM	#22
Junebug *Moderator Emeritus* Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,149	"Come, Stewie!" To teach him to come on command, first start with short distances and use TONS of treats. Lengthen the distance, and he'll probably be following you throughout the house. Use treats consistently for a week, and soon you won't need treats anymore! Use the same phrase, and do not switch words around, or he'll get confused. Do not use 'Come, Stewie" for things like baths or brushing teeth or grooming. Only use it for things he likes at this point, like his toys or treats or a walk.

07-16-2005, 01:53 PM	#25
StewiesMom Stewie Rox the Sox Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 6,306	Thanks everyoen for your suggestions -- Junebug, I have tried the things you've suggested and he used to be a lot better when he was younger; its like he's regressing or something. Kelly, thanks for your offer of helping. I'll take you up on it if things don't improve in the next few weeks. Its very generous of you. __________________ Kristy & Stewie

07-17-2005, 03:48 PM	#27
iheartyorkies Boppin' Bo! Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 2,719	Kristy, I feel your pain girlfriend! But it's very important to remember that Stewie is still very much a puppy. Short attention span and lots and lots of energy. He'll be more of a cuddler as he gets older. All the above advice is really excellent. If he's regressing, then go back to what used to work and the way you trained him that clicked with him. Puppies, just like children will push the limits when they can. I'm a firm believer in puppy time out. I have a 2x3 foot cage for Bo. It's not just for time out but he knows when he's in there for discipline purposes. When Stewie runs from you he's prob just being a little rascal. Teach the come command. Excellent advice above. Now, let me confess... Is Bo a little angel? Nope. Will Bo never have a potty accident in the house again? Ha!! Does Bo run from me and ignore me when I call? Yep! Every time. Can't tell you how many times I've told my husband this weekend, "That pup needs some training!" Do ya think I get any help from any pet lovers in this household? Nuh uh! I'm actually glad you posted this cause I've been dealing with the same issues. But it seems like every time I'm ready to pull my hair out Bo looks up at me as if to say, "Gotta love me!!" LOL! Hang in there girl. It'll get better. And the Stew dawg is worth it, lol! __________________ ~~~ i yorkies ~~~ Cynthia Turbo and Suri!

07-16-2005, 09:03 AM	#18
loves Kona Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 12	I completely understand! Kona wasn't completely potty trainied until 1 year old, and even now she may have 1 accident a week, usually less. She liked to be held and petted, but you would have to chase her to pick her up. But just recently in the past 3 months or so (she's 14 months now), she's become a super cuddler. She crawls up in my lap and asks for affection. Hang in there, it may just be a phase!

07-16-2005, 09:48 AM	#19
Erin Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago Suburbs Posts: 3,306	If you really can't work with a trainer then I have another suggestion. When Loki gets really crazy we go for a REALLY long walk. Obviously not when it's 90 degrees although I take him around 7:00 at night and when we get up first thing in the morning. Then he is just too tired to act out and he really behaves well. He is always clingy when he's tired (which I like, I want a lap dog - which he is not!) and he doesn't have that pent up energy that makes him want you to chase him all day! Also, be careful trying to train from a book or on your own. I have several training books that I've read that don't give the best advice. You should never punish or correct your dog. (Time-outs are not a punishment, their crate is a happy place for them, or at least it should be.) You have to be consistent and I know you said you didn't like time-outs but they are necessary. He will learn that nipping at you when you are on the phone means he doesn't get to hang out with you for a while. It really does work.

07-16-2005, 09:52 AM	#20
chloeandj Tinkerbell, My Little Flutterpup Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Beautiful California! Posts: 6,112	I once heard Dr. Phil say, your child is joining your family, you are not joining theirs. I treat my kids and my dogs the same way. Don't feel bad for giving him a time out. He has to learn the rules of his family. I hate when they bolt from you when you try to pick them up! Put a leash on that boy, make him wear it around the house full time for a while. When he darts away, grab that leash (or step on it!) and reel that boy back in. It has worked with all of my dogs. That's the extent of my advice. Good luck.

07-16-2005, 10:15 AM	#23
ReconsMomma BANNED! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Janesville WI Posts: 2,483	Try some of the things that were suggested here. If they dont work, let me know and we can work something out and I will train him as a personal favor for you and in exchange for word of mouth refferals from you. I would be more than willing to help if things that were suggested here dont work but might as well try them before trying anything else. It may be that he is just going through his adolesent(sp) stage and being a little sh**. I still have to email you my address and I will include my phone number so if you get to the point where Stewie is driving you insane you can call and I will try to give you some pointers over the phone.

07-16-2005, 12:25 PM	#24
Breezeaway No Longer a Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wildcat Country(KY) Posts: 2,114 Blog Entries: 26	As for him running from you and you cant catch him you should use a leash , let him drag it around and when you say come or here and he runs step on it and stop him in his tracks , then pull him to you with the leash and repeat the command. You must do this overr and over until he knows what it means. All 3 of my yorkies come when called and thats how i taught them, I trained NSTRA birddogs for 14 yrs and the leash(aka)checkcord worked on them and birddogs are the hard headiest dogs there is to teach to come to you.

07-17-2005, 06:41 PM	#28
Deegan's mom YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 1,271	OMG! You read my mind. Deegan has been a little terror for the last week and a half, and I don't know what changed him??? I also feel like I am going through the terrible two's with him. He doesn't let me hold him unless he is exhausted, he runs away when I try to catch him outside, and lately he's gotten into biting everything, especially me! He start biting at my ankles last week, but I thought that it was just my capris that he liked, but it's not. If I don't have a water bottle in my hand he attacks my ankles. If I go to pet him or pick him up he bites my hands. I usually bring him everywhere I can (like walmart, friends, my aunts or parents), but now I don't want to bring him anywhere except his time out corner because he is sooo bad. He bites people who are trying to pet him, he's constantly got something in his mouth that hes not supposed to have... I could go on forever! Another problem is that he seems to bite me alot more than my bf. And I am begining to feel like he hates me because I am the main authoratative figure. I'm the bad guy... I'm trying to tell myself that this is just a phase and to keep on keepin' on, but how long is this going to last???? I wanted to try and train him myself to save some cash, instead of a school, but maybe it would help???? I totally feel your pain! __________________ Jayde, Deegan & Trooper ~Be the change you wish to see in the world - Adopt a rescue pet~

07-17-2005, 07:05 PM	#29
schatzie *Moderator Emeritus* Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tontitown Arkansas Posts: 4,909	Kristy - I invested in these training audio sessions that once I paid the company downloaded them onto my computer. I would be more than happy to transfer them to your computer or try to copy them once I find "a computer genius" to show me how. The audio trainings have done wonders so it might be worth a try if you'd like to have them. __________________ ~~~~ Schatzie and Ransom ~~~~

07-17-2005, 07:22 PM	#30
martym112 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 51	Kristy, I used to feel the same way you did. I'd been taking Saffie to "puppy school", taught by a wonderful trainer, once a week since she was 3 months old. By the time she was 7 months old, we didn't seem to be making much progress, as I wasn't being the "Alpha". The trainer was very patient with us & reassured the whole class that at about 7 months our puppy would start behaving like a teen rebel. This did happen, but I hung in there & when Saffie was 9 months we even started taking a private lesson, once a week, as well as the class lesson.(My trainer's fees are very reasonable) The transformation after 2 months was fantastic & seemed to happen practically overnight! Saffie's so much more obedient & I'm so much more self-confident about training her. We're keeping up with the class lessons, once a week, probaly forever, as it's a way of me making sure I spend a minimum of 1 hour a week training.(Her & me!) She stopped having "accidents" on the floor (which I'm positive sometimes were NO "accident") & listens & responds so much better now. She still doesn't sit in my (or anyone elses) lap & never did, but I think that's just her personality. She does cuddle up though, & likes to have her belly rubbed. I would strongly suggest lessons with a good trainer, like the generous YT-er who offered her services & I also agree with the other YT-er that suggested taking the long walks. I found that those long walks helped begin the positive changes. When I 1st started with the walks, I spent the whole time just getting her to "heel". After that the rest of her disciplining started to fall into place.(and of course using lots of delicious treats as incentive didn't hurt) I was so frustrated in the beginning that I used to feel like I did when I had "post-partum blues" when my sons were newborns babies. You & your baby will eventually do fine as long as you keep hanging in there. You're not alone: I bet theres "a whole bunch of YT-er's" that felt the same way at one time or another!