Nipping Problem
 

My yorkie is about 7 months old. When she does something she knows is bad (for example, pee on the carpet) she'll hide under the couch or some other hard to reach place and when I try to grab her from under said hiding place she nips at my hand to try and get me to stop because she knows I will put her in her crate for a short time out for her bad behavior. She also tends to do this when we try to pick her up when she doesn't want us to. She has never broken skin or made any marks but she does make contact with my hand. She basically won't let me touch her at these times. She used to nip when she played but once we tried the ignoring technique and combined it with yelping she hardly ever nips during play anymore because she seems to understand that it hurts us and she doesn't want that during play time. But when we try to pick her up when she doesn't want us to or when we try to get her out of her hiding spots, she uses nipping against us. Is there any way to make her stop this kind of behavior?

Welcome to YT. I am not kidding here. Do not allow her to hide in the first place. Try tethering her (use a halter not collar). Several basic rules we use are. 1. Never call your dog to you, for correction. When ever a dog comes to you praise and reward with pets and or treats. 2. Do not use the crate for time outs. The crate should be their safe sleeping place. 3. If a dog hides under the same pieces of furniture block the space with boxes, canned goods, pillows books, etc. 4. Do not stick bare hands at a frightened nipping dog. Make a doggie nudger. The best nudger is a swimming pool baffle. The long foam tube kid use for a float. OR You can wrap a towel around the broom handel vacuum tube, yardstick, etc. and secure with rubber bands, tape, or string. First call her if she comes, praise, pet, treat and forget the correction. ONLY Correct her when she is caught in the act. If she is hiding Call her COME if she doesn't, nudge her until she comes out. Keep it low key. When she comes out that is it. Do not correct. You are teaching her to come when called and also that she doesn't have to hide. Or you can just ignore her hiding until she comes out. Hope this helps.

Great advice. I have been working with Tallulah on coming when called and I think your suggestion can help me -- I need to always reward her when she comes until she gets it. I've found that the only form of "punishment" that works for her is being ignored... she will do anything to get attention. It's awfully hard getting others in the household to ignore her bad behavior, though, and it really requires cooperation to train these smart and strong-willed little ones.

Thank you so much for the good tips. Just trying to do the right thing and train our little Gingy early to be a good dog. You're right, praise and treats go a long way. She's learned so much in the short time we've had her -- they really are smart little dogs! Thanks again.