I am starting to dislike Baxter. A lot.

[Lynn WDW]

Pretty sure I never said hate - but that could happen at times. I am by no means perfect. We had a better night last night and he stayed in bed with us.
It is amazing to me how people can be so judgemental when you are just looking for moral support and some creative suggestions. Thanks to all for the great comments.

[bchgirl]

I've never disliked my dogs...nor my kid but trust me...there have been many times I haven't liked their behavior...furry and furless kids.

[Erin]

Originally Posted by mayerae23

I noticed that some of you mentioned having issues with your dogs barking, so I wanted to share something that has helped us with Cricket a lot.

Cricket didn't bark much at all when he was a smaller puppy (he would make small "ruffs" occasionally, but never really bark). We thought we were lucky.

But then, one day, the barking started. He'd bark his little head off, and there is no WAY I'm going to be that irritating person in the neighborhood who is disrespectful in the morning by letting their dog raise the dead with barks.

This goes back to that subtle yorkie training we read in the book, and it really does work. When your dog barks, try these two things:

1. Say "thank you!" Yorkies know they can hear better than we can, and they could be trying to alert you of something that doesn't feel right to them. Figure out what it is (the wind, the mailman, the icemaker) and say in a nice tone, "Thank you, Cricket! That's the icemaker. I hear that. Thank you for telling me!" When I first read that in the book, I thought it was so stupid, but it worked the first time! Somehow, they know that you're acknowledging their alert, they feel better because you know what the noise is, and they settle back down.

2. If it's not an issue of acknowledging their alert, then try this. Let's say you're out and the dog sees a squirrel and just can't stop barking at it. Pick him up, face him away from the squirrel, and cover his eyes firmly. They may struggle a little, but it's a good lesson and worth it. Cricket will stop barking, and because he can't see the squirrel, he'll realize that it's more fun to be on the ground and SEE the squirrel than it is to be picked up and not see anything. Again, this sounds silly, but the book said to try it and it worked like a charm.

So again, try either acknowledging them or covering their eyes (taking away the stimulus). Those helped with Cricket!

I think the "hate vs. not-hate" back and forth is interesting. For those of you who have never, ever for a single second hated, bless your hearts. You're probably the kind of people who love their children unconditionally at all times and have perfectly sweet dispositions and, great for you, have the ability to let things just roll off your back and never get to you. Sometimes I wish I could be more like this. But I'm not.

I get frustrated. I love Cricket SO MUCH, but sometimes he's a pill. So if there are other people who feel like, in the moment, they hate their little doggies for pooping and rolling (come on!), then I'll throw in my 2 cents so they don't feel like evil people and so they maybe feel a little more sane.

Because, frustrated though I get, I'm not a bad person. I'm just a real one.

Wow! That's an awesome post! What book did you read? Because I need to add it to my collection.

We also do the "thank you, that's just the kitchen timer" and it does work! This morning their ears perked up and they were about ready to bark and I said "That's just the garbage men!" and they settled back down. You have to say it in a sign-song voice, like nothing is wrong. When they bark at the doorbell on TV I just say "Oh, that's just on TV!" and they go back to whatever they were doing (usually napping). Loki understands what that means and Sammy just follows his lead. It works so much better than yelling at them. Sammy is so spot on with her barking (there is always *something*) that we were on vacation at my parent's cabin and she kept barking and howling at the door and we actually took flashlights outside to go look around because she is never wrong. You have to trust in them. If they are barking to bark - are they bored? excited? afraid? There is always a reason.

Getting their attention works too. If two dogs barked at each other at dog training class our trainer would make us face them away from each other so they couldn't see each other - barking stopped! That's why I carry treats with me because Loki barks at big dogs so as long as I keep his attention and he is not looking at the big dog he will not bark. He still knows its there, but it's not the focus of his attention. I am going to try your idea with Sammy and squirrels though!

[YorkieRose]

I have always loved my Yorkies, my husband, my kids, my friends..but I have not always "liked" them...there have been many days I was tempted to put a sign on the lawn for free dogs, husband and kids...

A Yorkie needs attention...all day he is alone and all night being alone will invite more problems...do you have a doggie day care, dog walker or friend who could help out with walking during the day..give him attention?

He is getting you up at night for attention...oh, I am sure he can squeeze out some pee, they all can, but he likes the attention...solve that problem and your other one is histroy I bet..I wish you luck...

My friend, started taking her "problem" Yorkie to work with her...she has a back office and can have him there...suddenly he is sleeping all night..Yorkies are smart, they will get attention one way or the other..

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by Lynn WDW

Pretty sure I never said hate - but that could happen at times. I am by no means perfect. We had a better night last night and he stayed in bed with us.
It is amazing to me how people can be so judgemental when you are just looking for moral support and some creative suggestions. Thanks to all for the great comments.

Well, I think you have the moral support of most of us. I never thought for a moment that you didn't like him. It's apparent you love him to pieces. But, bless your heart, you need sleep just like the rest of us!

[bchgirl]

The most simplistic and best advice I ever read on YT.....a tired puppy is a good puppy. Wear him out...walking and/or playing.

[Erin]

Originally Posted by Lynn WDW

Pretty sure I never said hate - but that could happen at times. I am by no means perfect. We had a better night last night and he stayed in bed with us.
It is amazing to me how people can be so judgemental when you are just looking for moral support and some creative suggestions. Thanks to all for the great comments.

Does he normally sleep with you? I found that even before Loki was housetrained completely that he slept longer if he slept with us. If he woke up he would just snuggle back in most of the time, whereas in his crate he would bang on the door to be let out. I think we went from going out 2-3 times to going out once. He still had to be watched during the day, but if I closed the bedroom door and let him sleep with me he would whine or paw at me to tell me he needed to go out.

It's worth ALL of the effort now, I promise. I have two housetrained dogs who have complete freedom because I can trust them to ring the bell when they need to go outside. Sammy took a year to get over her "oh you're busy? I'll just poop over here" and finally after MONTHS of sitting outside with her forever twice a day until she went, and not giving her freedom until she was empty, she rings the bell and lays on the rug until we come and let her out. It really is worth it! I have no idea where my two are right now - probably laying in the sun downstairs. But I don't need to worry about them leaving me a little mess. It's such a nice feeling.

[deanne]

My little guy just started the same thing, the last 3 nights he has gotten up at 3 a.m. I just chalk it up to a growth spurt or something(he's been eating more food than usual) I'm sure he will settle back down and make it thru the night again. It's frustrating but you just have to get up take them out and deal with it.

[Lynn WDW]

He does sleep with us all the time. We tried crating which we have done successfully with a previous dog but Baxter would have no part of it. He is very attached to me. He will play fetch forever and not give out. He cries if I walk out of the room or go outside without him, even if he can see me. i have really ruined him and that is why I don't want him to be in the habit of getting up during the night.

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by Lynn WDW

He does sleep with us all the time. We tried crating which we have done successfully with a previous dog but Baxter would have no part of it. He is very attached to me. He will play fetch forever and not give out. He cries if I walk out of the room or go outside without him, even if he can see me. i have really ruined him and that is why I don't want him to be in the habit of getting up during the night.

It will work out. Just wear him totally out before bed and I would bet that he'll sleep through the night. Now, he might wake up early...

[KimberlySRN]

Originally Posted by Lynn WDW

He does sleep with us all the time. We tried crating which we have done successfully with a previous dog but Baxter would have no part of it. He is very attached to me. He will play fetch forever and not give out. He cries if I walk out of the room or go outside without him, even if he can see me. i have really ruined him and that is why I don't want him to be in the habit of getting up during the night.

There was an excellent program on Animal Planet the other day that describes your situation almost exactly. (Maybe you can catch the rerun) Anywho, the dog was so attached to the young girl of the house he had anxiety when she just left the room. When she left the house he would be even worse (barking all day, going potty where ever he pleased etc.
The trainer told her that she need to start walking out of the room and not letting him follow her everywhere. She started with short periods of time and gradually worked up. At first it was pretty much walking out the door and closing it and then walking back in. Another key point was not paying attention to him when she came in. (and continuing to do so tell her pup calmed down)
That may help with the separation anxiety he is feeling. I think the point is to let them now you will be back, but also not show attention to the unwanted behavior.

Also, if I have offended anyone please accept my sincere apology. Of course there are times when we dislike their behavior, I don't think anyone can truly hate their pup, maybe hate their behavior. But if we hated our dogs would we really be here? I'm pretty sure we wouldn't. Also my comment of hating was not toward the OP , as I know you never said you hated your pup , it was for the other poster that said they know how it felt to hate their dog. But again to each their pqb, if you feel you do then you do. And as another person said, some people don't view the word as being harsh and others do.
Geesh… I am confusing myself. Hehe…

I wish the best for your pup and hope these tips help. Also I think the show was Its me or the dog, or something like that. It has the british gal on it.

[kwaymon]

Originally Posted by BlondeYorkieMom

Your post brought back images of MY dirty little poo monsters!!! They were so cute, but such dirty little boys! Just when you think they're good.....they pee ON YOUR BED (or couch, or shoes, or purse...)

Your term dirty little poo monster made me think of what I awoke to about a week ago! I was in the process of changing Tucker's food. I guess I made the change too fast and it upset his tummy because I awoke to poo literally all over my house!!!!! It started in the kitchen by the the back door where I usually take him out ( awe, good boy) and then went backwards into my living room and then my office and then my bedroom It was doggy diarrhea central! It took me two hours to clean it all up! (thank goodness for simple solutions, steam cleaners, and patient hubbys!) Anyway, he ended up being okay, but I was worried there for a minute!

[melmel84]

Originally Posted by mscat

I honestly can say I have never hated my Suzi. She is a doll, and even when she naughty, I just can't help but secretely laugh. It all comes with owing a dog, or even having children for that manner. I love my Yorkie pup soooo much, and my special needs teenager.
I use pee pads, no problems. Suzi makes messes sometimes, she is a puppy, oh well, I clean it up, and move on. To me accidents and messess are bound to happen, it is to be expected.

HAHA you sound like me. I have never hated Tino. When he is naughty I can't stand it when he goes into "time out". Sometimes he gives me the little puppy eyes when I first scold him and I know this is bad but I start laughing and melt. I know this is his evil plan to get mommy not mad at him anymore but I still fall victim to his cuteness!!! I can't help it I just love that lil man!

And to make you feel better OP, Tino is a stud and when you stud your dog out messes are the least of your worries. It's called "marking" and that begins to drive you insane. Tino has to be walked every 45 minutes to an hour and wear a male diaper to bed. Also he has to be restricted to the kitchen during the day to ensure my carpet is sort of safe, and he still manages to mark. It comes with being a dog owner. We make sacrifices becuase they are our "children". I love mine dearly even with his flaws, I figure they give him character, lol.

[Katylou]

I throughly agree with YorkieRose. Sometimes I think our dogs "train" us - we don't train them. My 13 week old baby sleeps thru the night without pottying. She sleeps in her little crate with a cover on it next to my bed and not a "peep". She gets "tucked" in about 9 PM with a "Go Beddy" command and she usually wakes about 5-5:30 AM and I take her to her potty pad and put her in her playpen and then I go back to bed. Works for us. She always has access to water and she plays hard between 8-9 PM every night. That's when we tire her out.

[celstu1]

I have the laziest dogs in the world. I have to literally pick them up and put them on the floor so they will go out to potty in the morning! LOL They DO NOT want to get up at all. Luckily they do not potty in bed either! It amazes me how they can potty in the house during the day when I leave them for 4 mins but not potty all night long!