Is anyone else's yorkie scared of... - YorkieTalk.com Forums

JessicaRenee · 12-13-2007, 12:51 PM

Is anyone else's yorkie scared of being picked up? Tucker is terrified and tries to hide if he thinks you are going to pick him up. I try to pick him up for good things such as going out to play so he doesn't associate me picking him up with something bad happening (like a bath or going to the vet), but after 3 months of me picking him up on a daily basis, he still is terrified. My mom tried to pick him up the other day and he actual tinkled a little in the floor.

It breaks my heart that he's that scared! Once he's picked up he buries his head in my hair and then tries to wiggle free - which would cause me to drop him if I didn't have a good hold on him. He doesn't like to be held while I'm sitting down either, but will snuggle close to my leg or arm when he's tired. It's almost like he's claustrophobic! I always get down on his level before picking him up. I try to do it very slowly as to not startle him. I've tried giving him treats, but he won't even look at them when he's being held.

I'm open to any suggestions.

zoeybear · 12-13-2007, 12:54 PM

For many months Zoey didnt like being held, she wasn't afraid, just a brat. I literally had to chase her to hold her. She is still not a cuddler, but she will now "come" to be picked up. It sounds like you are doing everything right.

blynne · 12-13-2007, 12:59 PM

I had the same problem with Dolce. My trainer suggested that I give her a little warning before I picked her up. She told me that to my furbaby I look like a giant, and then picking her up 5 feet into the air is probably a little scary for her. Anyway, now before I pick her up I say "scoop" and then she knows what's coming.

TLC · 12-13-2007, 12:59 PM

Ahhh....How old is he? My Roxy was like that when she was young. They all just have different personalties

I got Roxy at 6 months old. She has increased her outwardness about every 6 months. When I notice the changes in her, it makes me so happy! She is now 3 years old and she is still amazing me

I had gotten a couple of books when she was younger hoping to help her. I can't remember them all, but one was Help for Your Shy Dog. Maybe look into some books to teach you to help him

Some things they say is to build up their confidence - an easy way to do that is to teach them tricks or commands

JessicaRenee · 12-13-2007, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TLC

Ahhh....How old is he? My Roxy was like that when she was young. They all just have different personalties

I got Roxy at 6 months old. She has increased her outwardness about every 6 months. When I notice the changes in her, it makes me so happy! She is now 3 years old and she is still amazing me

I had gotten a couple of books when she was younger hoping to help her. I can't remember them all, but one was Help for Your Shy Dog. Maybe look into some books to teach you to help him

Some things they say is to build up their confidence - an easy way to do that is to teach them tricks or commands

He's almost 5 months old. I've had him since he was 13 weeks. I must say, he's come SUCH a long way since the day I brought him home. I was worried sick about him for the first couple weeks because he was so scared of everything, including me. He's still pretty shy when he's out of his element, but as long as he's in a familiar setting, he loves all people. And I've learned the way to warm him up to a new setting is to make sure there's another dog there. I don't think he's ever met another animal that he didn't want to call his friend!

2 weeks ago, with the help of some throw pillows on the floor, he jumped on the couch! I clapped and danced. He probably thought I was an idiot, but I was so happy for his act of courage considering he used to tremble when being put on the couch. I've learned it has to be on his own terms. He LOVES being on the couch now, but it had to be his choice, not mine, to get up there. Yesterday he climbed 7 of the 14 steps that lead to the upstairs bedrooms. Given I had lined each one with treats, I was still so excited for him, even if he did only make it half way!

I'll check into some books and try to pick a word to use so he knows he's about to be picked up. Thanks for the encouragement!! It makes me feel so much better to just hear I'm not alone

KathyinCali · 12-13-2007, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blynne

I had the same problem with Dolce. My trainer suggested that I give her a little warning before I picked her up. She told me that to my furbaby I look like a giant, and then picking her up 5 feet into the air is probably a little scary for her. Anyway, now before I pick her up I say "scoop" and then she knows what's coming.

I say elevator and Lucy sits to be picked up. My husband told me that Lucy looking up at me is the equilivent of us looking up at a 5 story building. I get down to her level every chance I get...

chloeTG · 12-13-2007, 01:43 PM

Awww...poor babies, they probably DO think we're giants from their angle...

I thought saying things like elevator and scoop were a good idea...I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions as mine is a brat too when I try to pick her up she squeezes under the entertainment center...lil' booger! They're so cute!

Bizzymammabee · 12-13-2007, 01:44 PM

Lulu gets like that sometimes but I think for her it's because she might think that I am going to crate her or just not let her do the mischief that she is doing. They go through phases like little skin kids.

rebecca127 · 12-13-2007, 01:47 PM

My baby only puses back when I go to get her when she kows she is running away from me. Its pretty funny. But when i scoop her up she licks me!

She is used to be just picking her up the floor she jumps up on my hand when I go to pick her up now! And now she just beggs and barks when she wants to be scopped up.

My baby is spolied brat!

Amy81 · 12-13-2007, 08:38 PM

Cody is terrified of strangers.. if they try to pet him he goes NUTS

cataholic · 12-13-2007, 08:49 PM

Fritzel does not like to be picked up at all. He is terrified. He struggles and I am afraid he will fall. When I had a higher bed he would stand beside the bed for me to pick him up but that was only because he really wanted in the bed and it was too high for him to jump. I bought a lower bed frame so he can jump up and down whenever he wants. He likes to lay on his back and have me rub his belly, he is lovable just not when I pick him up or hold him. He doesn't like a bath, his nails trimmed or being brushed either.

RebelBelle · 12-13-2007, 09:56 PM

Jamie was like that too and still is to some extent. Of course the only thing that Jamie is scared of it that you are going to put him back in his playpen. So logically when I let him out to play and run he doesn't come to me because he isn't sure I'll put him back on the floor to play. BUT now that he has more time to play and run he will come to me and play and if I say comere he will get about a foot away and lay down so I can pick him up. I don't think he's ever going to jump into my arms or beg to be picked up but thats ok. I get my cuddles in at bedtime and first thing in the morning!

zcb · 12-14-2007, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KathyinCali

I say elevator and Lucy sits to be picked up. My husband told me that Lucy looking up at me is the equilivent of us looking up at a 5 story building. I get down to her level every chance I get...

Funny you should say that because I always think that we must look so very big to our little dolls. Imagine if you looked up at someone who was at least 10 times as tall as you. Pretty scary.

ginalynn · 12-16-2007, 11:03 PM

Otis is the same way, when I go to pick him up he walks backwards away from me or he takes off running in the other direction. He is getting a little bit better especially if he wants on the bed he will put his front feet on my leg and bark wanting me to pick him up, if he wants to be picked up he don't run, but if I want to pick him up to cuddle or take him out to play or for a ride in the car he runs...He is soo funny.. I LOVE HIM SOO MUCH.......

parker · 12-16-2007, 11:10 PM

Parker NEVER lets me pick him up unless it on his own terms (he wants up, bed, etc) I try to be on his level as much as possible but I think they are just buggers and probably think its a game to have you chase them around

. I like the other suggestions like saying a name before picking them up so they have a warning and know your coming for them! I am going to have to start doing that with him...hehe I like "scoop"!

12-13-2007, 12:51 PM	#1
JessicaRenee Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Williamsburg, KY Posts: 142	Is anyone else's yorkie scared of... Is anyone else's yorkie scared of being picked up? Tucker is terrified and tries to hide if he thinks you are going to pick him up. I try to pick him up for good things such as going out to play so he doesn't associate me picking him up with something bad happening (like a bath or going to the vet), but after 3 months of me picking him up on a daily basis, he still is terrified. My mom tried to pick him up the other day and he actual tinkled a little in the floor. It breaks my heart that he's that scared! Once he's picked up he buries his head in my hair and then tries to wiggle free - which would cause me to drop him if I didn't have a good hold on him. He doesn't like to be held while I'm sitting down either, but will snuggle close to my leg or arm when he's tired. It's almost like he's claustrophobic! I always get down on his level before picking him up. I try to do it very slowly as to not startle him. I've tried giving him treats, but he won't even look at them when he's being held. I'm open to any suggestions.

12-13-2007, 12:54 PM	#2
zoeybear Misssing Baby Chloe Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: California Posts: 4,186	For many months Zoey didnt like being held, she wasn't afraid, just a brat. I literally had to chase her to hold her. She is still not a cuddler, but she will now "come" to be picked up. It sounds like you are doing everything right. __________________ We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made. -M. Acklam

12-13-2007, 12:59 PM	#4
TLC Slave to My Rug-Rats Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 7,247	Ahhh....How old is he? My Roxy was like that when she was young. They all just have different personalties I got Roxy at 6 months old. She has increased her outwardness about every 6 months. When I notice the changes in her, it makes me so happy! She is now 3 years old and she is still amazing me I had gotten a couple of books when she was younger hoping to help her. I can't remember them all, but one was Help for Your Shy Dog. Maybe look into some books to teach you to help him Some things they say is to build up their confidence - an easy way to do that is to teach them tricks or commands __________________ Adopt Donate Foster www.yorkie911rescue.com

12-13-2007, 01:43 PM	#7
chloeTG Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 239	Awww...poor babies, they probably DO think we're giants from their angle... I thought saying things like elevator and scoop were a good idea...I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions as mine is a brat too when I try to pick her up she squeezes under the entertainment center...lil' booger! They're so cute! __________________ Chloe and Kylie's Mom

12-13-2007, 01:44 PM	#8
Bizzymammabee Luvs Lulu Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 6,931 Blog Entries: 1	Lulu gets like that sometimes but I think for her it's because she might think that I am going to crate her or just not let her do the mischief that she is doing. They go through phases like little skin kids. __________________ Lulu will always be in my heart

12-13-2007, 12:59 PM	#3
blynne Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 195	I had the same problem with Dolce. My trainer suggested that I give her a little warning before I picked her up. She told me that to my furbaby I look like a giant, and then picking her up 5 feet into the air is probably a little scary for her. Anyway, now before I pick her up I say "scoop" and then she knows what's coming.

12-13-2007, 01:47 PM	#9
rebecca127 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Jackson Heights, NY Posts: 226	My baby only puses back when I go to get her when she kows she is running away from me. Its pretty funny. But when i scoop her up she licks me! She is used to be just picking her up the floor she jumps up on my hand when I go to pick her up now! And now she just beggs and barks when she wants to be scopped up. My baby is spolied brat! __________________ I <3 Abby

12-13-2007, 08:38 PM	#10
Amy81 No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Palatka, Florida Posts: 6,523	Cody is terrified of strangers.. if they try to pet him he goes NUTS

12-13-2007, 08:49 PM	#11
cataholic Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Va Posts: 1,322	Fritzel does not like to be picked up at all. He is terrified. He struggles and I am afraid he will fall. When I had a higher bed he would stand beside the bed for me to pick him up but that was only because he really wanted in the bed and it was too high for him to jump. I bought a lower bed frame so he can jump up and down whenever he wants. He likes to lay on his back and have me rub his belly, he is lovable just not when I pick him up or hold him. He doesn't like a bath, his nails trimmed or being brushed either. __________________ Tina, Momma to Fritzel, Darla, Kasey, Max, Blackie, : http://www.dogster.com/dogs/463494 Member of The Crazy ClubMember of The Little Gentlemen's Club

12-13-2007, 09:56 PM	#12
RebelBelle Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Madison, MS Posts: 2,597	Jamie was like that too and still is to some extent. Of course the only thing that Jamie is scared of it that you are going to put him back in his playpen. So logically when I let him out to play and run he doesn't come to me because he isn't sure I'll put him back on the floor to play. BUT now that he has more time to play and run he will come to me and play and if I say comere he will get about a foot away and lay down so I can pick him up. I don't think he's ever going to jump into my arms or beg to be picked up but thats ok. I get my cuddles in at bedtime and first thing in the morning! __________________ Misty & Jamie

12-16-2007, 11:03 PM	#14
ginalynn Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Prestonsburg Kentucky Posts: 167	Otis is the same way, when I go to pick him up he walks backwards away from me or he takes off running in the other direction. He is getting a little bit better especially if he wants on the bed he will put his front feet on my leg and bark wanting me to pick him up, if he wants to be picked up he don't run, but if I want to pick him up to cuddle or take him out to play or for a ride in the car he runs...He is soo funny.. I LOVE HIM SOO MUCH....... Attached Thumbnails __________________ Gina and Otis We are members of Little Gentlemans Club and the Official TeaPot Club

12-16-2007, 11:10 PM	#15
parker Mz_s3ski_Kitt3n Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: AZ Posts: 1,921	Parker NEVER lets me pick him up unless it on his own terms (he wants up, bed, etc) I try to be on his level as much as possible but I think they are just buggers and probably think its a game to have you chase them around . I like the other suggestions like saying a name before picking them up so they have a warning and know your coming for them! I am going to have to start doing that with him...hehe I like "scoop"!