6+ years old, had it up to here - need help.

[concretegurl]

Originally Posted by Luvdogs2

I'll call around in the next couple of days to see if we can get somebody over.
Examples:
- putting Bdog on the floor for unfavorable behavior in bed.
- Diet
- No scolding for anything

.

There you go getting a trainer to come into your home is an awesome idea. You'll still have to do a lot of training on your own as well. Scolding isn't bad-if no one scolded no dog would know what wasn't okay-it's how you scold weather it be cruel or unproductive or a positive reinforcement accompanied by a realization of something being unacceptable behavior.

[Luvdogs2]

Originally Posted by concretegurl

Ugh, in attempts to offer a possible solution I'd like to say this, training of this dog is not going to be easy, the best solution seems to re-home this dog with someone who is WILLING to give out the effort loving, training and providing a good quality of life.
If that doesn't happen, there has to be the realization that this will take effort, we are not talking about a puppy we are talking about a 6 year old dog who has ingrained behaviors.
1. Biting is unacceptable-but using physical punishment or simply caging the dog won't help it only repeats the pattern. Try a mussel (a soft mussel that allows for drinking while its on I can suggest several quality safe kinds if you private message me). Using a verbal command to discontinue this behavior works and musseling is a temporary part of the no-bite training not an end all. Musseling is used to stop biting as a last resort and to create a no-biting training platform. If the dog can be petted and learn to behave while musseled then soon they learn they can't bite and you can move on to step two.
2. Potty training is hard with older dogs or with dogs whom have previously not been house broken. The dogs needs a regular feeding schedule ACCOMPANIED by a walking outside potty schedule or it just won't work. Dogs need to potty about 30 minutes after they eat. I feed my dogs Innova small bites (the one with the Yorkie on it) kibble not wet food (wet food and treats are like laxatives right now for you)-it has brown rice which causes more absorption of the kibble and less piles less often. Cleaning any potty mess completely is mandatory if a dog smells any remaining potty scent they will continue to go there. Create a smaller area the dog is allowed in within the home to create the basis for no pottying in the house. Have yo considered a play yard area?-The same ones you buy for babies. This allows the dogs an area you can paper and use the grid removal system just as with puppies and while you are busy doing homework (which I should be doing now but I'm so concerned I'm using my time to aid you in this) the dog has a n area to play in instead of being in a kennel-which becomes a cage used that way and doesn't do a darn thing in aiding turning this situation around.
3.If you can try a couple things to tackle the biting and pottying in the house then you can see some progress and move on from there. THIS TAKES EFFORT! YOU GET WITH DOGS WHAT YOU GIVE>it really is that simple. I take breaks from homework to go for a walk around our block and I walk my dogs one at a time. This gives my mind a break to be clear and refreshed and relieves both some physical energy for me and my dogs...it's really that simple a 5 minute walk can do wonders-obviously a longer walk or many more 5 minute walks help but its a start and will help both of you.
Feel free to PM me if you need detailed advice musseling and so forth really is last resort type training and shouldn't be used as a basic training method. Remember dogs may not be as cognitive as people but what they lack in cognizance they excel in sensing how we feel and feel toward them...weather we "show" it or not. You really do get with dogs what you give...remember that.

concrete,

I've been seeing my fiance for over 3 years now and Bdog only bit me 3 times, but hasn't for a long while. I don't think she needs a muzzle and she's miserable when she wears one (as I have been told). She has one, but we choose not to put it on. I just don't want to see her droopy and down. I know they serve purpose, but I honestly don't think she's that untrustworthy. The only time would be in bed at night that I would be nervous, but again I don't want to strap the thing on and leave her like that all night.

I've told my fiance that she needs to feed and go out 30 minutes later before I became a member. I also passed along that every 2 hours should be done to keep her from going inside, and though she didn't like hearing it, I told her what I was told here. If she's peeing inside, it's our fault for not taking her out often enough. I think the response was "I take her out all the time" I'm working on taking her out more and doing the speak at the door idea to hopefully get her to speak to let us know she's wanting out. I would also like to work the bell idea, but the fiance didn't have luck with that. My opinion, I think she got frustrated and gave up...but that's just my thought.

I'll be doing the study break walks when I'm home. Not that I'm gone 20 days out of 21, but it's usually Monday, Wednesday and Friday that I'm gone all day (and the weekends) but that's never a set schedule because of the group projects and needing to meet the other students around their schedules too.

Like I said, its hectic now, but it's looking to get a lot better in a month.

[concretegurl]

Originally Posted by Luvdogs2

concrete,

I've been seeing my fiance for over 3 years now and Bdog only bit me 3 times, but hasn't for a long while. I don't want to strap the thing on and leave her like that all night.



I'll be doing the study break walks when I'm home. Not that I'm gone 20 days out of 21, but it's usually Monday, Wednesday and Friday that I'm gone all day (and the weekends) but that's never a set schedule because of the group projects and needing to meet the other students around their schedules too.

I guess I assumed the biting was worse and no(!) never leave a muzzle on for an extended period only when you are trying to work with her...all night would be insane! Glad to hear the study walking is something you can do-it's nice to have a set schedule but as a single mom and working full time and going to school full time I didn't have the luxury for a set schedule with anything either for the longest time-as much as you can whenever you can-I just found that for me taking short walks more often worked better than trying to schedule regular long walks. For example my dog went with me almost everywhere and if we went to the post office then to the corner store he'd walk with me from one to the other and back to proceed with our day that was like 3 minute walk both ways but it was a needed break to get out energy and then go back to the office

[Luvdogs2]

Hey all, I got home and I heard her barking as I walked down the hall. She must know my key jingle as I walk because she lets my fiance know when I'm about to walk in the door way before it opens. She doesn't bark at the door if anyone else walks down the hall, that is unless somebody knocks.

Well, I get inside and my fiance is dozing on the couch. Bdog jumps back onto the couch where her chewy is and her little nub tail is going so fast it's blurry. I talk to her as I'm putting things down and ask her to come over and see me. She jumps down and walks towards me, but as I'm dropping my stuff, when I look back, she's back on the couch.

I got done organizing my stuff and say a few more hellos as I walk up to her. Get this!! I asked her if she was being good and I start petting her....NO GROWLS, NO TEETH!!!

THIS IS A FIRST!!!

I don't know if it's a turning point, but we'll see how it goes. I just wanted to let you know.

[concretegurl]

Originally Posted by Luvdogs2

Hey all, I got home and I heard her barking as I walked down the hall. She must know my key jingle as I walk because she lets my fiance know when I'm about to walk in the door way before it opens. She doesn't bark at the door if anyone else walks down the hall, that is unless somebody knocks.

Well, I get inside and my fiance is dozing on the couch. Bdog jumps back onto the couch where her chewy is and her little nub tail is going so fast it's blurry. I talk to her as I'm putting things down and ask her to come over and see me. She jumps down and walks towards me, but as I'm dropping my stuff, when I look back, she's back on the couch.

I got done organizing my stuff and say a few more hellos as I walk up to her. Get this!! I asked her if she was being good and I start petting her....NO GROWLS, NO TEETH!!!

THIS IS A FIRST!!!

I don't know if it's a turning point, but we'll see how it goes. I just wanted to let you know.

Maybe this because you have changed your frustration into momentum in seeking out help and maybe that alleviated her sensing your frustration here's what I said earlier and I'm just quoting what others have said, dog trainers, animal behaviorist etc...congrats it seems to be a small change that has paved the way to a better future.
Remember dogs may not be as cognitive as people but what they lack in cognizance they excel in sensing how we feel and feel toward them...weather we "show" it or not. You really do get with dogs what you give...remember that.

[kjc]

Just note: The schedules and training all have suggested here are all quite intensive. This needs to be done when beginning training. Once trained (or as she picks up what is being taught), it will be much more less demanding of both of you, and you'll have more time for fun with the Bdog.

Yorkies are like children in the sense that they thrive more when you expect things from them, or set limits for them. When they have no rules, they takeover the house.

I learned this when my last dogs got old. Seems like when they reach a certain age, they are trained and I really didn't have to do much to keep them behaving. When they passed, and I welcomed new dogs into my home, I was overwhelmed and didn't realize till then how well trained my previous dogs were. I knew then I had to get on board with training them, or they would drive me nuts. I initially felt like I didn't have the energy to train them, but I no longer enjoyed their company as I had with my older dogs. When I decided it was time to change, I did and now we are a work in progress. It did take time for me to adjust to the new schedules too, and to always be watchful of my new charges. It was just something I wasn't quite prepared to do, in the beginning.

[Luvdogs2]

Can I ask some non dog advice from those on this forum? I know it's not the purpost of the theads and such, but my fiance and I had a bit of a moment tonight and it was about looking for a house.

We didn't fight or anything, but she didn't like the idea of going house shopping when things start leveling off and things slow up a bit. We have been dating for a while and only been engaged since August. We know each other very well, but we also have so much to learn through our lives together and though we aren't even remotely close to actually buying a house, I think it would be a great time to start looking so we can start taking notes on pricing, quality for the price, feeling out the home market and figuring out one anthers' expectations in what we want to establish a family in. I also think it would be fun and a chance to learn a bit more about each other.

One argument I heard was that we don't know how much money we will have. Well, the school I go to has a 95 percent job placement in the field of study within 6 months and the average is well over $50,000 a year starting salary. This is obviously different pending on location as cost of living is different pending on regions. Homes in Chicago, Illinois can sell for 2 million dollars and a home of similar style and condition can run about 200,000. She doesn't think looking now is a good idea because we don't even know where we are living.

I don't see it as being a bad idea to just look. I sounds like fun and something we can do together as a couple too. We don't need to buy or make any commitments.

Can I hear your thoughts on this? Does anyone else think this is too premature? If anything, I think it would be fun too.

Back to Bdog, she still had her chewy today because she didn't finish it up. I worked on the putting it down and wouldn't let her jump up onto my lap until she put it down. I got her to do it twice, and I never got a growl either when I asked her to jump in the chair so I could kneel down and be a little more on her level to pet her and say hi when I got home.

It still early to tell, but it looks baby steps and a little progress here. It sure has me excited and boosting confidence in me.

I'll keep posting.

[concretegurl]

Originally Posted by Luvdogs2

Can I ask some non dog advice from those on this forum? I know it's not the purpost of the theads and such, but my fiance and I had a bit of a moment tonight and it was about looking for a house.

We didn't fight or anything, but she didn't like the idea of going house shopping when things start leveling off and things slow up a bit. We have been dating for a while and only been engaged since August. We know each other very well, but we also have so much to learn through our lives together and though we aren't even remotely close to actually buying a house, I think it would be a great time to start looking so we can start taking notes on pricing, quality for the price, feeling out the home market and figuring out one anthers' expectations in what we want to establish a family in. I also think it would be fun and a chance to learn a bit more about each other.

One argument I heard was that we don't know how much money we will have. Well, the school I go to has a 95 percent job placement in the field of study within 6 months and the average is well over $50,000 a year starting salary. This is obviously different pending on location as cost of living is different pending on regions. Homes in Chicago, Illinois can sell for 2 million dollars and a home of similar style and condition can run about 200,000. She doesn't think looking now is a good idea because we don't even know where we are living.

I don't see it as being a bad idea to just look. I sounds like fun and something we can do together as a couple too. We don't need to buy or make any commitments.

Can I hear your thoughts on this? Does anyone else think this is too premature? If anything, I think it would be fun too.

Back to Bdog, she still had her chewy today because she didn't finish it up. I worked on the putting it down and wouldn't let her jump up onto my lap until she put it down. I got her to do it twice, and I never got a growl either when I asked her to jump in the chair so I could kneel down and be a little more on her level to pet her and say hi when I got home.

It still early to tell, but it looks baby steps and a little progress here. It sure has me excited and boosting confidence in me.

I'll keep posting.

Let us know how things go with the dog/person trainer coming over...make sure you have mini dog safe yard...or ensure you have enough left after closing to do any needed repairs/modifications

[kjc]

Check out some of the shows on HGTV... that way you can be spending more time with Bdog (who will be needing it for at least 2-3 months... intensive training, that is) and check out www.zillow.com on your computer. It's free, and it gives the most info on homes, their prices, what they last sold for and when, values of surrounding homes in the neighborhood, similar homes for sale in the area, what they last sold for and when, and some have 360 surround walk thru tours, most have pics. You can view homes throughout the USA, including Hawaii, (I didn't try Alaska or overseas). I use this site before even beginning to drive around looking. Saves gas, and keeps you from getting ripped off.

[kjc]

Congratulations... maybe with you interacting with her more and with a more positive mindset you've given her more confidence already.... From your descriptions she sounds like she's very smart.

[kjc]

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[Elle]

I don't you get it. You have a little tiny helpless innocent child that relies on you. Trusting you to care for her is nature. Yet she ismissing it. You have plenty off time for the things you value. But she isn't one one them. Classes cater to all schedules. I can disagree with things fellow yters said. Posiititive things aren't enough. I could give you a novel. But there is no replacement for proper training by a qualified professional.
I don't think a muzzle should ever be put on a yorkshire terrier. Dont criticize people that don't approve of you. Look at the name of the forum. Most people here didn't have to go to class to have a loving yorkie. However many have for fun. Many don't even own a crate because they think yorkies are above them. Many work from home to spend more time with them. Many have more clothes and friends than most people. I don't think you understand what it means to be in love with her. You wont unless you bond. Yorkies are different than a dog like a heeler.
Im assuming your post was to me? You spelled my name incorrectly.

Originally Posted by Luvdogs2

Shamrocks, you also deserve a gold star and a huge thank you from me. You have also been able to read the thread and see what I'm here for and what I'm trying to do. I agree that when honesty is displayed, many people can't grasp the content for what it is and how to move forward without clutching the past.

Ellie, the reason the thread has had moments of a train wreck is when people attempt to derail it. You have given some good advise, but you also placed a bar across the tracks too. It is because you put helpful information in your posts that I haven't added you to the ignore list as well. However, you also seem to be so sure of your FEELINGS instead of seeing the TRUTH in me. I don't wish to argue here, but if you read through the thread, it goes fine and the dialogue flows fine when people are working proactively. It's when people call me names or insinuates that I am some horrible person that I find myself compelled to defend where the wrong impressions have been made. I am guilty of responding to the chastising, but I AM receptive of the criticism when offered. I learn the most when somebody tells me I'm wrong in my actions or thinking when they follow it up with an alternative. I also find it a bit sad that you don't think that the information your fellow YT have to share is going to be helpful. That isn't a punch in the gut or anything, so please don't take it as so. Everything that was said and posted as an encouragement of training, processes or bonding ideas are all applicable ideas and sound suggestions. I would venture to say that most of the yorkie owners on this board did not need to go to classes or have professional trainers in their check book in order to develop routines and good behavior by their littlest family members.

To address taking a class - it's a great idea and all, but I don't have a set schedule on a daily routine. My duties at school have me busy, but it's a busy that I can't count on to have specific times off. 3 out of 4 of my classes require group projects and lab sessions. This means I have to meet with those 3 or 4 other students in each class to finish our assignments, labs and reports. Added to which, I'm a teaching assistant to the senior design class and I'm helping them with their projects around my schedule. I'm also employed on campus in the shop where I assist 2 other teachers by making testing apparatuses for their lab sessions and so forth. It is not uncommon for me to leave the apartment at 7am and not get home until midnight or later. Some days I don't have anything really going on besides personal homework so I am able to go home and study...but as I said, I can't watch the dog with one eye and do homework and complex problems in engineering with the other.

I've changed the idea of leaving her crated while I'm home and she's on a leash near me or tied up on the fiance's chair with a fluffy pillow to lay on. She's able to be out, see me and I talk to her while I'm working - even if it's to ask her about some algebra or other "thinking out loud" moments.

I can say this until I'm blue in the face - but I'll say it again. Rehoming - not going to happen. Do I want the dog rehomed - I hadn't even considered it, nor will I. Is it my dog - nope, but I have adopted it as I would a child or anything else my fiance had before I came to be in her life. No, we aren't married yet, but we are most certainly living and making decisions like we are. I bought a car before I proposed to her, but I included her in the purchase as a couple. Had she not said it was ok, I would not have gotten the car and I would have kept looking. We plan on our future together as if we already had made our vows before God and though we don't have the ceremony done, we are a family - and Bdog is OUR responsibility, and she will not be leaving OUR home.

I am getting ready to go back to school and see my girls. I have to finish up some laundry, lock up my shop, put my car away because I had a blow out last night and nobody has any tires in the size I need to fix the car. I'll have to drive my Jeep instead and come back when my tires are in from the special order.

I can't wait to see how the weekend went with my fiance and how much progress Bdog has made. I don't have a lot of confidence much ground was made by the response to my questions, but I'm keeping faith that she is learning and will get it down.

[concretegurl]

Originally Posted by Elle

I don't you get it. You have a little tiny helpless innocent child that relies on you. Trusting you to care for her is nature. Yet she ismissing it. You have plenty off time for the things you value. But she isn't one one them. Classes cater to all schedules. I can disagree with things fellow yters said. Posiititive things aren't enough. I could give you a novel. But there is no replacement for proper training by a qualified professional.
I don't think a muzzle should ever be put on a yorkshire terrier. Dont criticize people that don't approve of you. Look at the name of the forum. Most people here didn't have to go to class to have a loving yorkie. However many have for fun. Many don't even own a crate because they think yorkies are above them. Many work from home to spend more time with them. Many have more clothes and friends than most people. I don't think you understand what it means to be in love with her. You wont unless you bond. Yorkies are different than a dog like a heeler.
Im assuming your post was to me? You spelled my name incorrectly.

I reluctantly suggested the use of a soft muzzle because he stated being bitten prior-I don't like muzzles on any dog actually but nevertheless even little dogs shouldn't bite-having said that...he responded to me clarifying that Bdog had only bitten him 3 times...I really regret having suggested such a last ditch effort-but it seemed the situation was drastic enough in his description at the time, especially as an alternative to hearing a dog is being physically punished-I really can't understand how people can think hitting a dog that bites is actually a "training" method or a punishment and not just plain cruel furthermore continuing the cycle of aggressive behavior. Anyways I just wanted to clarify since I was the one whom suggested a muzzle it was only because I felt that if the dog was muzzled during training and thus couldn't bite the dog wouldn't be physically punished-I was relieved to hear that not only was the biting not as big an issue as first presented but that this guy actually felt a muzzle wasn't needed. I was completely taken back by his later response, a little super scary, the idea that muzzling for long periods of time would be acceptable by anyone though. Overnight even-who would actually do that!?-I really don't want an answer to that question...

[concretegurl]

Also I mean I know I'm spending a crazy amount of time on here since I'm out of work right now and actually a bit stressed on waiting to get into a new vet for some issues with my Elvie (some how being on here talking about Yorkie stuff makes me feel more proactive instead of waiting for appointment day)-but I wonder if all the time spent on here with these super long posts could be better spent implementing the advice of people on here in proper training of Bdog--? We all need to vent at times, but these post are rather long and extensive I'm wondering why someone so busy still has the time for YT posting and not training when presenting such a severe situation-I think time management seems to be an equally imperative issue as considering (really considering) re-homing or the realization of putting out the effort in changing the situation. Awh well what do I know I've been on here for like a week straight reading and posting killing time trying to feel proactive, yet not being able to do anything in my situation-of course my situation requires a veterinary appointment (who goes out of town for two weeks at Thanksgiving!?...a vet does!) and secondary consultation with a neurologist, not basic effort on my part.

[Luvdogs2]

Concrete,

The long posts usually come from times when I have a moment to spare, like when I'm waiting for class to begin or something. I don't spend any time on YT when I'm at home and my fiance is home too. I like YT and all, but I love her and we don't see enough of each other so I use my time wisely. Bdog isn't sitting in her crate while I am on the forum here (if I'm home of course).

Also, I can type ridiculously fast so those long posts really aren't as time consuming as one might think.

As far as the muzzle goes, I know Bdog has one, but I've never seen it...don't even know where it is kept. I don't think it's even necessary to have one in the house for her. She is extremely protective of her food and momma. I misunderstood your post regarding the use of a muzzle and thought you were suggesting using it at night. I think it was just a hiccup in the communication there, please excuse me for that.

Elle,
Grammar is just as important as spelling, I'm just saying it to say it. That pup is not a tiny child that is helpless. If she ran away, she would survive on hunting and basic instincts alone, and she would be much more successful doing so than most people I know. The only thing she would have to fear on her survival would be predators.

I'm telling you that until this semester is over, it is pointless for me to make any schedule that would involve trainers. My fiance understands this as we don't plan or schedule anything....not even dinner at home on the days she has off. If you can point out a trainer that works past midnight or later, I'll be utterly surprised. Midnight isn't just an arbitrary time I chose, that's when the fiance gets off work...and she doesn't work Monday through Friday. She is scheduled any day of the week and no set pattern.

Yesterday, I left at 6am with the idea I would be home shortly before 3:30pm so I didn't pack a lunch. I got home at 1am... One group wanted to meet, a lab report needed to be reworked, I had a meeting at 5 with a professor about an upcoming trip to L.A. to go to Jay Leno's garage....etc.

My point is like I said before...a trainer is a good idea, but my schedule says "good luck trying to set something up."

Until my time isn't constrained like this, I'm using the ideas and suggestions given by the forums.