Is my yorkie fearful or territorial?
 

We have a 13 week old male yorkie...had him since he was about 6 weeks old. He's a little doll and we love him. He has shown no behavioral problems, is potty training nicely and does not seem to be an Alpha male.

He was crate trained right away as well. Early on, I purchased a pet yard, which we keep him in when we cannot be with him one-on-one. We keep his crate in there as well during the day. He goes in and out of his crate freely and seems to love his crate...feels safe in there.

However, more times than not, when I reach in to pick Sammy up, he retreats from me and even runs in his crate. We have to coax him back out usually. He comes up to the gate and jumps up like he wants me but then backs out and runs away from me when I reach for him. Sometimes I have to get in the pet yard to pick him up or coax him out of his crate.

What's going on here? Is he afraid or is he getting territorial of his area? He shows no signs of aggression at all and does not do it as much with my husband as he does with me. I'm his primary trainer however.

I've read somewhere when they are afraid to get out of their crate to coax them out with a treat because it is timidity/fear.

Is there someone who can advise me as to what this behavior is and should we be concerned? Thanks for any help.:animal-pa

He's playing. That's all there is too it. It's "mommy come get me!" game. I feel bad though, separated from his mom at 6 weeks. He's too tiny to have a territorial mind set.

When you reach for him - how to you pick him up? There could be something about the way you take him or how you lift him up that he is not especially fond of - maybe he even has a bit of fear of being lifted up in the air. Maybe try getting down on the ground with him to take him & then get up with him until he learns that the process of your taking him up is not so scary. In my experience, a truly territorial dog will growl & put its ears back when you approach its territory.

On the other hand, many Yorkie seem to have this propensity - not necessarily to run into their crates per se but to back off when you start to try to get them. All 3 of mine over the years have done that to some degree the first months that I had them & Tibbe still does a bit at times. Tibbe had a rough start in his life & he is coming out of his many fears/issues but this one does return at times.

I think it's a combination of both. Since he's so young, he may just be unsure of what it is that you want from him. You are very big in his world. Maybe try kneeling or lowering yourself when you do greet him. I know that this will make a big difference. Whenever I do this with mine, their little tails go 90 miles an hour and Hot Rod will even take the play stance, putting his front paws down with his but up in the air.

Fear or play
 

Thanks for all your input. You are probably right; it's a play mode crossed with some hesitancy of being lifted up outta the at pen.

He does not always do it. We have both picked him up this morning a couple of times with him not doing that. Go figure. But last night he retreated into his kennel. I finally got in he pen (I am 4'10" and can fit in there easily and it's also hard to reach him with such short arms. LOL!) and sat down with my legs around the pen like when you play ball with them. It still took several minutes before he would come out. I played with him to get him out.

Thanks again! I'm new here. Just joined last night. So glad I found this forum.

Welcome to YT! I hope you learn to love it as much as I have. I learn something every day here & find essential opinions on the dog issues of the day where there is so much conflicting information everywhere. It is a great site - can't do without it. Am looking forward to hearing about your baby! :)

They like to be silly sometimes. My almost 4 year old will see me coming and just run like a wild man. Other days he'll stay put and even lift his legs off the floor to make picking him up quicker. It depends on the mood he's in I suppose.

Welcome to YT!!!
Good idea getting in the pin with him! It is great that he loves his crate and pin the way he does. He'll probably grow out of it soon. I agree with DA that he is probably being silly and playing.

Although Max always gets excited to see me and wants me to pick him up when he first come out of his crate; he runs from me when he is in "play" mode. :)

It is play
 

We have been observing that it is more play than fear although Sammy still has a tendency towards timidity. Now we are 'Playing up the play' and he loves it. He is a tiny guy. He's 14 weeks now and just 3 pounds. He still cannot jump up far. He can jump on top of his kennel. Will he be able to jump out of his playpen soon? Although it takes up space in the kitchen we are so glad we invested in it for him. He has freedom without being tethered but still confined during these early training weeks.

Jackson is nearly 4 and we have a very very close bond, and he still doesn't enjoy being picked up at all.

My dads dog does this too; she will want up on the bed and be jumping as if she wants you to pick her up and then she backs away before you get a chance.

Weirdos. ;)

Hi my newest addition was a little under 8 weeks when I brought her home she has more of a panic attack going in her creat even thought it is for short periods because I am home with her most of the time

I think your little one is playing with you. If he isn't growling or total refusing it is more playing. My middle girl who is my prissy girl would I put her head out because she wanted me to pick her up so she could give me kisses


Mollie who was the oldest was never creat trained I used potty pads with her. She still uses them 11 years later.


It is funny that you said she doesn't do that with your husband it could be he is the alph. I am the alpha with Liz and Abbie.

Ssfam,

First of all, let me welcome you and Sammy to the Forum. You won't find any other, which hosts as well informed and nice people as this. Just take a look at the "Post Count" for some of the Users here. Literally thousands of replies, offering some very experienced advice, and from my experience, ALWAYS from the heart. I hope your encounters here, are as fruitful and pleasant as mine have been.

Welcome ! :)
S.W.