Training, Choke Chains, halters, etc.

[Samc]

Who has experience with choke chains? I have always heard that Yorkies have soft necks and particularly tracheas. Always told to only use halters. Unfortunately, the halter does not help at all in the training, heeling, staying, coming, basic commands. No good way to enforce the command.

Any other methods?

Thanks
Sam

[schatzie]

Hi Samc. Have you tried the "treats"? I have personally found that once you get your pup accustomed to "eye contact" and "positive reinforcement" the pup is "eager to please".

Make it fun for your pup. Pick a time maybe each day to get on the floor with the pup and start talking softly to him until he begins to pay attention to you. Remove all distractions in the room while you are having this bonding time with your pup helps to. Pick a bridge word, for example, "good" or "nice puppy" to say over and over again when you give kibble treats to the pup. After awhile you will no longer need the kibble and be able to use just the bridge word you picked out.

Keep it positive, keep it fun and I bet your pup will be more than happy to do what he is asked of.

I don't think a choke chain is truly neccessary for the Yorkie Breeds.

[Samc]

Thanks. The question I would ask of any Yorkie owner is "would you take your dog to a public park and turn him lose without a leash and expect that he will "come" 100% of the time every time? I am hoping to get to a point where my dog will never leave the yard or house without first seeking approval from me and then come every time I call him without repeating the command over and over.

I love my little boy so much I believe it is necessary to provide structure and discipline for their protection.

Thoughts?

[schatzie]

Originally Posted by Samc

Thanks. The question I would ask of any Yorkie owner is "would you take your dog to a public park and turn him lose without a leash and expect that he will "come" 100% of the time every time? I am hoping to get to a point where my dog will never leave the yard or house without first seeking approval from me and then come every time I call him without repeating the command over and over.

I love my little boy so much I believe it is necessary to provide structure and discipline for their protection.

Thoughts?

See, I kinda look at it this way. You personally can train your dog to be perfect in that park 100% of the time. However....What about those other dogs. What if let's say a bigger dog or smaller comes rushing over to possibly hurt your little Yorkie and you didn't have him on a halter/leash. I think it would be harder for you to save your Yorkie from that danger. If your Yorkie was on that halter/leash and you see this dog running over with possible bad intentions towards your Yorkie then you can quickly snatch him right up.

It's always a question of those "other" dogs I think, or people for that matter. I personally would just feel more comfy knowing I can quickly pull up Schatzie if danger is about to be placed upon her or us. And I mentioned "halter" and "quickly" a few times. If you snatch your Yorkie up in a split second if need be he wont get hurt because he has the halter on.

There are many Yorkies that get attacked by larger dogs, and I bet those poor little Yorkies probably were well trained too. It's so sad and heart breaking.

If you'd like post some pictures of your Yorkie, we would love to see him.

[shireyak]

I ALWAYS use a halter and leash on Gracie unless I am in a small fenced in backyard with no chance of escape, predators (including hawks) or other dogs that are not toy dogs.

I always want the option of snatching her up in the event of danger.

Even in the instance of a well-protected fenced in area, I NEVER leave her alone.

Perhaps I am too overly protective, but I would rather her be as safe as possible.

We plan to build a privacy fence this summer directly off the house with doggy door, latice work above to protect from hawks and owls (we had a cat attacked by a hawk or owl several years ago...she made it with extensive vet care)and chicken wire or such dug in around the perimeter to prevent escapes.........only then will she be allowed to roam free..........and then only when I am home and weather permitting.

[Samc]

http://www.yorkietalk.com/gallery/sh...500/ppuser/760

He is in the photo gallery at this link. I am trying to figure a way to get these small enough to include with my signature like you do.

regards
Samc

[fasteddie]

Which one of the pictures did you want to use as your avatar, Samc?

[Samc]

The one with his head cocked and laying on the ottoman.

Thanks!

[SamisMom]

I have a 7 month old little girl named Sami Jo...she stays, sits, comes and heels.. all i did was train her by using the soft treats. i never used a leash on her, they are too small of dogs to train that way, in my opinion anyway. It worked for me. She is a very sweet loving little dog...weighs 5 lbs and eyes to die for.
Try what i said, but they get very bored so only work with your sweetie for about 15-20 minutes at a time...Good Luck!

[Samc]

Thanks for the feedback. I tend to agree with you and the thought of putting a choker on my little guy seems wrong. We just have to work more on the come and stay command.

regards,
SAMc