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Scared of people and dogs! 2 weeks ago, my husband and I adopted 2 beautiful little Yorkies. They are both a little older --- Cora is 4 and Rupert is 1 year old. For the most part, they are adapting to their new life really well but they are both very leery around people and terrified of other dogs. Rupert, especially! A chihuahua can put him into a frenzy if we meet one on our walk! After seeing a dog, he is almost impossible to walk -- he runs in circles, pulls and is totally distracted. He will be frantic for the remainder of the walk. We want to get him more relaxed with other dogs while remaining wary of them. We have signed them up for a Yorkie 'Play Date' on Sunday, and a small Obedience Class on the 13th but any suggestions how to work with them on the walk? I don't want walks to instill fear in them. Right now, they really love going out on the leash. Lin |
I would start by walking them well away from other dogs. Get Rupert to where he can tolerate just seeing other dogs in the distance. I would make the appearance of another dog on the horizon the cue that he's going to get some really good treats. Be quick about it: be sure he gets the treats BEFORE he starts going spastic so that you don't inadvertently reward anxious behavior. When he's comfortable with that, you can - very gradually - try to reduce the distance. If he freaks, you're going too fast. Back up a few steps. I'm not sure that Rupert is ready for a play date. Good luck. |
Welcome to YorkieTalk . First , I would give them more time to adjust. |
I was all set to tell you to start socializing them right away, but First Yorkie, as usual, has the best advice. That makes perfect sense. Start slow and build up. I wanted to have macho Yorkies, and I was a little disappointed when I found out they were often afraid. But when you think about it, everything and everyone in their world is bigger than them. It's natural and even healthy for them to be afraid. But they do get better. My 3-year-old is a social butterfly in most situations now. But, as First Yorkie said, I started slow. |
Thanks everyone! As for the play date, I'm not sure either, but they are all other Yorkies so maybe. There were several other Yorkies at his previous home, and she often home-boarded still more. My husband and I are both going so that if there is a problem one can just cuddle. They seem to be adjusting amazingly well. Not sure how I feel about that -- after several years with the same person, they are comfortable with us after a week and a half??? |
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