Hates to be picked up Issues
 

Hello!! I am new here, and am new to owning a dog. I need some help please with Tye. I have recently taken Tye in as my friend has moved to live in America, She was unable to take him so I have homed him.

Tye is 7 years old and is Epileptic. He has only ever in his life been handled by my friend. I have tried on numerous occasions to pick him up exactly the same as Debi did but he growls and shows his teeth at me. It is scarey when he does this.

I really do need some advice on how to overcome this, overall Tye is a friendly, sociable little fella but we really need to be able to pick him up. Help please...:D Thanks in advance claire

Welcome to YT! You are wonderful for giving Tye a home. I would go slow with him and be patient. He is probably adjusting to his new life and new caretaker.

Work on bonding with him on the floor. Does he like to play? Will he sit on your lap? Will he accept some gentle massage? Work with treats.

Try to establish a daily routine of all activities -- eating, walking, bedtime -- to help establish trust.

Maintain a calm and confident demeanor when you do pick up Tye. Pick him up very briefly, tell him he is a good boy, and put him down on the floor and give him a small treat. Gradually increase the amount of time you hold him.

I hope some of this might help you with Tye.

Maximo Thank you so much for your advice! very helpful! Do you think Tye would actually bite/hurt me or do you think he's all noise?? He sounds like a huge dog when he growls at me lol, I have to admit I am nervous when I try to pick him up. I will give him a little long to settle and perservere. He loves to play ball, sit on our laps, strokes and cuddles. He is lovely but its the picking up that he hates.

The fact that he loves to play ball, sit on your laps, cuddle and receive petting is wonderful! Build trust with him and he should come to accept you picking him up.

Make sure only you or your spouse (?) pick him up. If you have children, I would advise them not to pick up Tye. Same with guests. Not until you know how Tye will behave and that he will be safe.

No one can say whether or not Tye will bite. Did your friend say whether or not he has a history of biting? I don't think you need to frightened, but be prepared. When he growls or struggles, put him down. You don't want to risk dropping him.

He should have good bite inhibition, meaning if he does use his teeth at all on you, it will be a nip if anything. Of course you don't want him to nip, but I don't think you need to worry that he is going to attack you.

From what you have described, I believe that practice and trust building will solve your problems.

Some dogs (especially older dogs) dont like to be picked up.
I know my older cross breed Jess (she is 12 years old) HATES being picked up and will buck like a crazy horse if you try lol :)

Baxter is mine all mine and has been since he was 8 weeks old and he doesn't like to be picked up by anyone including me! He doesn't growl and carry on but he runs away! I have never experience a dog like this. I have just gotten used to chasing him down. He will fetch, wait for you to put his leash on him, sit, come lay in your lap but that has to be his idea. I have never understood the not being picked up.

Hi there, I have some tips from when I used to train rescue horses (and I am in no way referring to your pup as being rescued, it's just that those guys are shy just like your new pooch, and usually not young and gullible).

When you come across a shy animal and are getting them used to a new home, and of course a new mom, it takes time. Thankfully your little guy came from a good home, and his previous mom is only a phone call away, right?

I would gain his trust on his level first. he has to want to come to you on his own. This in the horse world would be referrred to as joining up. You kinda want to do the same thing with him.

I'd take an afternoon and just go in a room with him, where he's comfortable, and plop yourself on the floor. Sit and observe what he does. Does he approach you, does he run away, does he ignore you. And base your afternoon on that. Try to get him to play with you. If he likes ball you can use that to your advantage when training him that its ok to be picked up. This starting exercise can help you know how he thinks. It sounds like he's willing to approach you, based on the liking to cuddle. So I'd start in steps.

First when he's cuddling, stroke him and slowly work your way to his belly, as if you were going to pick him up. but give him a good belly rub instead. This soft love and attention will lighten him up towards you.
If its the actualy pick up motion that scares him, I'd try picking him up while you're on the floor. Maybe he just doesn't trust you enough to pick him up that high. It is a long way down.

If you do little steps slowly, he'll lighten up. Do you pick up his ball with him when you pick him up. Maybe keeping his toy with him, will help.

Good luck! keep us posted on how he's doing. I've only dealt with one shy dog, he hated his tail being brushed (he was abused so for good reason) and it took two of us working together slowly to praise and love him, now one person can do it and he's happy.

Also in terms of the growling and teeth. it's hard to tell whether he'd actually do anything. But try to stay calm. they can sense fear, if you approach in a positive manner and do things slowly, you should hopefully see the teeth fading away.

Hello Everyone! Wow! What a response :) I am so grateful for your replies and offers of advice! I certainly need it lol

Tye is extremely keen to play, he infact starts the games! He brings the ball or best toy in the living room and plops in on the floor in front of you lol..

He plays ball in the garden with my 10 year old son, whom I have made aware that he could bite! So my son is very careful not to over do it.

I have asked my friend who is now in America if he has ever biten anyone when being picked up, she says no he hasnt. He just growls and shows his teeth.

We have been allowed to tickle and stroke his belly as he lays down with legs up in the air lol, Im guessing this too is a good sign he is accepting us as new owners. He greets us when we wake of a morning which is great! :)

Tye responds to commands and understand when he's been naughty, ie growling, aggressiveness.

something else that I have to question, Tye has never been neutered, Is he too old now to be done? and also as he is Epileptic would this be a prob?

Overall Tye is a good, loving, friendly little boy, I am going to take it steady with the "Picking up" issue. Would we both benefit from "Dog Training"??

I am so grateful for your replies, I very much look forward to becoming an experienced Dog owner.

In our household we have 8 cats, most of which are CPL and lost/found, A Horsfield Tortoise, Tye and 2 older childen 14 and 10 and a husband. Pretty much full i'd say lol...Wouldn't have it any other way!! :)

Claire

Can't tell you how important this is. Do NOT fear him biting you. Do yoga breathing, whatever you have to do, to project confidence. You are in charge. You are the pack leader. You will prevail. If he senses fear, he will become more fearful, and MORE likely to bite, because he won't trust you to keep him safe. You are trustworthy. You will keep him safe. You will project this confidence when you pick him up, because you are responsible for him.

And I think the gradual programs described above are fabulous... take your time. He's 7, and it will take a little time for him to trust... but he will.

When Bailey was a puppy - she ran when I tried to pick her up. So, I started bending over to pet then release. I wanted her to know that I wasn't going to pick her up every time I bent over - soon she quit running away.

Then, I would occasionally pick her up, say 'good girl' and treat. After a while, she didn't mind being picked up and the treats disappeared.

Now, she insists that she be carried to bed each and every night!

Good luck!

Sometimes, if Lucy falls asleep on a pillow or soft blanket, she doesn't like to be picked up or moved.

If I want her to go to bed with me; I just pick up the pillow or blanket with her on it. She never makes a peep if I do this.

Any other time, she doesn't mind to be picked up; she demands to be picked up!

Good luck and sorry I don't have more insight into this issue!

Jackson doesn't usually like being picked up either, I found this video useful :)

Hi Thanks for all your replies, We are now on Day 7 and Tye is getting better, I have seen less of his pearlies, less growling. Guess he's getting used to us. I have picked him up on his terms and have worked out how he likes to be carried. I am so pleased he's getting there. so all is good so far :) Can only get better now :thumbup:

Keep that attitude and you will be a great new mommie to him!
patience and a positive attitude is the key to training any animal.

Hi There, Ive been coming back to this thread during the course of the week to keep me informed on what to do lol...Its now 1 week and 2 days, Well last sunday whilst Tye and I walked around Pets at Home for goodies he wanted me to pick him, I was keen to do this! :) We walked around with him in my arms lol. Since then nothing! Still growls at me when I ask for cuddles, He seems to know that me wanting to pick him up means cuddles hehe.

Am I expecting too much too soon? He is such a dear little dog we love him lots and lots. I just dont understand the growling and going for us business. Is he scared? angry with us? or just that he's been spoilt in past? He's had no discapline whatso ever. I can deal with the obedience, we are getting there with this. Its the picking up business that worries me. I am going to have to take him to the vets next week for more meds for his Epilepsy, I really dont want him to go for the vet. He needs a check over too just to be sure he's ok. Will I see light at the end of the tunnel lol

You are expecting too much from him in too short time . It seemed like everytimes you want something from him , he must agree right away .
This little boy is adjusting to you home , you can't expect that he will already know your place and rules in a day or two . Give him time and relax a little .

Hi Thanks for your reply :animal36 I needed that, Sure your right I am expecting too much too soon. I didnt intend on rushing him. We as a family love him and want him to love us. Yes he does need time to get to know us and vice versa. I feel awful now trying to rush him into giving us love in return. I will just take my time so that he settles in and gets to know us more. Tye is our first dog so this is all so new to us, I will do my best for him. Claire :animal-pa

It sounds like things are going well. Just remember dogs have mood swings like people to sometimes and they also forget things... so if you have a super day, don't expect every day after to be just as perfect.

While many people like to think thier animals are trained, training with any animal never stops. There will always be something to work on, whether it's something new or a fall back in previous training.

It sounds like you're doing great, keep up the good work and stay patient with him.

Thank you! I will remember this :) :thumbup:

Hi Thought i'd give feedback on Tye, We've had him 1 month now and he seems to have settled now and knows the daily routine which is good ;) But the Aggressiveness hasnt subsided :( We are off to the vets next week for castration! I think he seems to think he is BOSS!! He hates to be told off for bad behaviour, ie growls, grunts etc. He has to have to last word!! lol
He is a loving little fella who loves to play ball, tug o war, and all the usual dogge games. He plays with all of us so I know he likes us :) He's good with all my cats (8).

His previous owner, whom I have had staying over, seemed to like to reward bad behaviour with a treat, which I found shocking. Tye had one of my sons socks, we tried to get him to drop and he wouldnt. My friend said give him a treat and he will drop. Im guessing here that he was not disciplined the correct way. So now I have to re train him, the correct way. Not an easy job for me being new to owning a dog lol.

Reading through this thread, my first thought was you not only have a sweet little guy trying to adapt, but you may also have one who chooses to be the alpha dog. Based on your above description, this may be the biggest problem. Neutering him will definitely help, and breaking him of that bad habit of rewarding for good behavior will definitely help. Have you considered obedience classes? This will not only help with the training, but will help you establish an alpha position, as well as creating a special bond. Little Tye sure is lucky to have such a loving patient family as yours...keep up the good work!

Also wanted to add that as tempting as it is to dote on him and cater to his every need to help him adjust and love you, this can sometimes be the worst thing and can reinforce his alpha/aggressive behavior. Try just "living" with him for a while. Pour on the love (from a distance), play with him, feed him, etc., but let him warm up to you. I'll bet before you know it he'll be following you around and waiting on your every move! :D

Hi There Thank you for your kind words :) We sure are patient lol..Not been easy I have to say. We want to do whats best for him and us of course. We simply wont toloerate an unruly dog( a spoilt brat) .. He's been thoroughly spoilt.
I have been thinking on classes, my first course of action is the Neutering! once this is done Classes will start haha... Although he is good when told to sit! wait! come here! away! in!, these basic commands he knows. I am working on the aggressiveness towards us when we attempt to pick him up. The only time he allows picking up by myself is in Pets at home store and when I pick him up to get him out of the car. These are the only times I can pick him up without the huge fuss. He bares teeth, growls and turns his heads to bite. I dont think he's scared, I think he only allows "on his terms"!!! Which tells me he is dominant!! Time to have those danglies off me
thinks!!
I really have no idea where to go to find suitable classes for us both, any suggestions as to where I can find local classes.

You know I have a little Alpha dog myself. When she growled at me or even barked I gave a loud No and placed her on her crate. Just make sure he knows who's the boss.

:yelrotflm
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Tye was Castrated yesterday and still recovering from his op, He seems alittle sad :( Will give him a few days to settle then we shall get out to the park for some training. Still having problems picking him up indoors. I think it maybe be the way we attempt to lift him. Im new to owning a dog and am finding it hard to know what is the best way to lift a doggie. I have tried the side approach which he seems fine with. But if I try from infront of him with my hands out he backs off. Any advice with this one would be great! ;) I have been lookiing on the web for videos on picking up a small dog and I cant find anything. :(

As for picking them up, with my last Yorkie I used the 2 hands under her front leg, (like her armpit area) Like picking up an infant ….I realized (quickly) that hurt her and could pull her legs out of socket.. :eek:

I approach, with one hand under the belly, with my pinkie and thumb supported under front legs with my three fingers under the chest. I use my other hand to support the back in case they wiggle or try and squirm and can’t fall of be dropped… That’s what works for me, good luck

Hey another update on Tyes progress :)

We are getting somewhere now!! I have called in a Dog Behaviourist for help, As I am new to owning a Dog Thought it a good idea to get some professional help. We have a plan to work on, with helping Tye get to work with us. There has been huge progress with him :) He is learning now to bark when its toilet time as he wasnt properly trained. I have had to crate him up of an evening, He has his cosy bed in there and is covered up so he feels safe and secure. This seems to stop him from pooing and weeing everywhere at night.

I can pick him up when outdoors which is good! :) We are going to work on indoor picking up on the next session. :thumbup: :aimeeyork

Hey Thought I'd give an update, It's been a while I know :) Been busy with Tye, bonding and getting to know one another! Well it's been 4 months now since we took him in, Since bringing in the Dog Behaviourist, He is a different dog!! Tye has done so well with all the hard work I have put in. It hasn't been easy but with patience and lots of training he has become a loving, friendly happy lil woogie lol.
Tye and I have bonded, He now sees me as his mommy, he listens to me now and does as he's told. I have to crate him of an evening when it's bedtime as he wasnt house trained. He knows the word "bedtime" and off he goes. :) I have the radio on for him at night(Classical)FM to hide the Foxes screaming at night. He goes all night with no problems! Picking him up is no longer an issue, he needed desensitizing, according to the dog behaviourist. He hadnt had alot of contact with other people so this explained the growling and aggressiveness.
I have learnt alot during the 4 months of owning Tye, and am enjoying having him around as my little shadow! He follows me everywhere!!! He's now my companion and I really hope I have many years of fun with him!
I will try get some piccies of him on here as soon as I can, I have lots on my facebook, If you want to add me thats great! clairestortoise@hotmail.co.uk

Thank you everyone for your replies and offers of advice :)

I'm so happy he's come around for you. He was probably feeling very insecure after losing his home and now feels safe, secure and loved.:)

So glad to hear how well Tye is doing. Kudos to you for investing time and money into what needed to be done. Now you will be paid tenfold with his love and dedication. Great job! :)