Barking Problem
 

We have a six yr old male yorkie that we rescued 7 months ago. He is a wonderful dog with the exception that he barks a lot, and I mean a lot! He also seems to be on edge most of the time. I don't know if this is due to whatever conditions he came from, we have no idea. Would it be wrong to put him on anti aniexty medication?

Thank god you rescued him.

The mental trauma will have left scars far deeper than anything physical.

What do you mean by "on edge?" What is he exhibiting other than barking that makes you think he is anxious?

Roxy and Cozy will drive you nuts barking especially Roxy if she does not get a lot get physical and mental exercise daily. Lucy coos like a pigeon and Zoey is a lady of few words. Some yorkies are very talkative.

My rescue, Buddy, has severe separation anxiety and will bark and cry whenever I am out of eye sight. After 2 weeks I can go to the bathroom with the door now only 1/2 open so he can make sure I have not left. Its better than completely open with him almost on my lap. When I go to work he stay with my parents and the other dogs and will cry most of the time. Now he many need anti-anxiety meds. He walks/ hikes for 5 miles daily not including several training sessions throughout the day and he still cries when I leave the room. I will not come back into the room or pay attention to him until he quiets down.

Have you tried ignoring the behavior? Only pay attention to him and give treats only when he is quiet to recondition him. Just a thought.

When you go to pick him up he'll run around you in circles and you have to catch him. He barks at everything though, if I pay attention to my other yorkie, especially if I pick her up he goes crazy until I put her down.

Sounds like he gets jealous of your other yorkie and sees you as belonging to him. He has you well trained to do what he wants.

Lucy will coo and nip at the other yorkies when my dad tries to pick up or play with one of the other yorkies instead of her. She only does this with him no one else. She adores him and he tries her like his baby. He wears rose colored glasses around her and she can do no know. I correct the behavior when I see it but he never does.

Have you spoken with a trainer or dog behaviorist?

No, I haven't spoken to one. My husband just got a 6 weeks old Chorkie, and he does not like him at all! He will sit and stare at him and drool, something I have never seen a dog do.

Has he been barking and asking on edge more since the puppy came along?

Drooling and staring at the puppy could be a dominance thing where he is making himself the puppy's boss.

Lucy thinks my dad belongs to her and does not want others by him. She does not exhibit this behavior otherwise. She never harms the other dogs and my dad does not discourage the behavior.

Good luck with you fur babies.