In Response to Earlier Post

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Taryn0405

There is no such thing as a teacup yorkie. So you're right. Infact I think there's a sticky issue thread on here in regards to "teacup", and the many health issues these so called "teacup" bred yorkies can have. 4lbs idn't necessarily a small small yorkie. The standard is 3-7. My dog is currently 4.9.

If the vet truly thinks it's seizures, then a nerologist may be the best bet for this little guy. Seizures can mean anything from a liver shunt to real neurological problems. But only a specialist and a full blood panel can tell you that.

With regards to seperation anxiety, this pup (if you're stating that he was sold as a "teacup") probably came very young from a type of BYB or puppymill. This means lots of behavior stuggles. My dog was from a BYB and we really had to work with the seperation anxiety. We would make leaving for short intervals common. Gizmo is crate trianed, so we would leave a cookie in the crate when we left and would come home, totally calm and take him out. So this is going to be a working progress with the anxiety. I think another member mentioned a thundershirt which is a really good product to help this.

The growling with your gf and your interaction is another behavior issue that also probably grew from his past. He wants attention and is protective of those who he trusts. Once again this can be changed into a positive reinforcement. When you're with your gf, get him involved. When my husband and I are on the sofa, I bring Gizmo on the sofa with us. Bring maybe a kong with a cookie in it to keep him occupied so his full attention isn't on you.

Good luck and keep us posted.

You brought up some great points, and I really believe that Yorkies sold before 12 weeks of age are more likely to have training problems, whether it's housebreaking or biting issues. On a side note, the official standard written by the mother club the YTCA says, "Weight -Must not exceed seven pounds. I've read what you said a million times though and I know many people believe that, but a two pound dog is still within "standard". I think your suggestion on having some type of chewing stick when he's on the couch is an excellent one because as you said, "you need to keep him occupied so his full attention isn't on you." This is really important. I not sure if the poster realizes this doesn't mean a real cookie but a dog type of cookie. I just want to reiterate this because so many people who are previous dog owners don't realize the food issues Yorkies have.

[Taryn0405]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

You brought up some great points, and I really believe that Yorkies sold before 12 weeks of age are more likely to have training problems, whether it's housebreaking or biting issues. On a side note, the official standard written by the mother club the YTCA says, "Weight -Must not exceed seven pounds. I've read what you said a million times though and I know many people believe that, but a two pound dog is still within "standard". I think your suggestion on having some type of chewing stick when he's on the couch is an excellent one because as you said, "you need to keep him occupied so his full attention isn't on you." This is really important. I not sure if the poster realizes this doesn't mean a real cookie but a dog type of cookie. I just want to reiterate this because so many people who are previous dog owners don't realize the food issues Yorkies have.

I agree. A good breeder can still produce a runt of the litter which may be well under 3 lbs. and not be the dreaded "teacup". So I couldn't agree more!

And yes! When I mean't cookie, OP, I mean dog cookie. Sorry for not clarifying, but that's all we call them here (Low fat doggie treats). They're great training tools as well. Especially during walkies!

[BigBlueNation]

thanks so much for the advice. a few posters keep bringing up thunder shirts is what I believe they're called. Could someone please clarify what that is? I believe his separation anxiety is leading to a lot of this behavior, especially when my gf or myself leaves. What is confusing to me, because I've never seen it before, is how he is so anxious after one of us leaves. I can leave, my girlfriend can stay, and he still stands at the door and just shakes. If you bring him up on the couch, he will just sit and stare at you and shake. Once I return, then he goes right back to normal. Same action if she leaves and I stay. In my experience, if someone is still in the house, the dog doesn't display such anxiety.

[impish]

google it or go to thundershirt.com

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by BigBlueNation

thanks so much for the advice. a few posters keep bringing up thunder shirts is what I believe they're called. Could someone please clarify what that is? I believe his separation anxiety is leading to a lot of this behavior, especially when my gf or myself leaves. What is confusing to me, because I've never seen it before, is how he is so anxious after one of us leaves. I can leave, my girlfriend can stay, and he still stands at the door and just shakes. If you bring him up on the couch, he will just sit and stare at you and shake. Once I return, then he goes right back to normal. Same action if she leaves and I stay. In my experience, if someone is still in the house, the dog doesn't display such anxiety.

Go to Thundershirt | The Best Dog Anxiety Treatment and watch the video they have. I think the thundershirt is awesome and if it doesn't work you can send it back and get your money back.