How Come No One Told Me?

[Yorkie118]

Hello everyone. It's me again, with more issues. I've had my yorkie for about 4 or 5 months now. And I would love to say that these have been some of the best months for me, but sadly I can't say that at all. I have had so many issues I'm starting to think that I made a mistake in buying him. I've loved the breed for about two years. I would beg my husband all the time about getting one. Finally he gave in and I went on the search. I found one.... bought him....and the story begins. I thought I did my research. I thought I asked all the right questions. Somewhere something went wrong...really wrong. My first problem was him crying everytime he was alone, trying to eat his way out of his cage. Okay I understand that he has to get used to his new home. I get that. But this wasn't normal. It wasn't getting any better. Nothing I tried worked. I contacted the breeder and she said that he had NEVER been caged. GREAT. I wish I had known that before. It's just not possible for me NOT to put him in a cage. For his own safety. He is in the cage when ever I couldn't keep a constant eye on him. Like when I am cooking, going to check the mail, things like that. He is so little I am trying to keep him safe. He would work himself up so bad when we would leave the house he would lose all of his energy. That hasn't gotten better all these months later. I told the vet and the breeder that I thought he suffered with serious separation anxiety. They both said "Oh just give him time, he needs to get used to your routine". How much time does he need. I went to Petco and got him a new cage, a wire one thinking that maybe he wouldn't feel so closed in. Before I brought that he started using the bathroom in the cage. All the time. I was having to bathe hime a couple of times a day, everyday. Even though I was taking him out all the time. When I got the new cage he went from using the restroom in the cage to drinking his pee. There goes the second problem. I sectioned off the cage thinking that would help. It didn't. It got worst. Somehow he got past that. It told almost 2 months. Now he still cries like crazy when we leave him and he has started to show some signs of aggression. When I am ironing I put him in the cage so he doesn't get caught in the cord or anything. When we look at him he starts growling at us or barking. As soon as we come home we can hear him before we get in the house. And he's not even in the front of the house, he's all the way in the back in my room. If I leave and my husband is home he calls me telling me to hurry home because he is going crazy. (Both my husband and the dog!) He has said that if it doesn't hurry up and get better I have to get rid of him. What am I suppose to do. We can't take him with us everywhere. We can't even take him out of town with us. No one will let him into a hotel. So we have been trapped at home this summer. Not able to go anywhere. All the books I read about yorkies before I brought him only stated the good stuff. No one told me that this dog was going to take over my whole life. At night he sleeps in my bathroom. If I have to use the restroom at night, I can't even go in there I have to go to another bathroom on the other side of the house, because if I wake him up he starts up. He is so stubborn. He just kind of does what he wants. I spoke to a lady who said she has had the same problems the whole time she has had her 4 year old yorkie. Other people have expressed the same things. I'm starting to think that people have destroyed the breed. We baby them so much they don't know how to be dogs. They start to develop human characteristics and they don't know how to function as pets. I love animals, but I can not have an animal control my house. I don't even let my children do that. They have rules. I think that some breeders as so in love with the money that they can make off of these dogs that they don't care about the breed or about the life that they are going to have to live once they are brought. They are not breeding for temperament. I am so lost. I don't know what to do. I have two other dogs that are perfect. But this one has me at a lost for words. It has been hard to connect with him. What do I do?

[yorkie_mama22]

I don't think you can "ruin" the WHOLE breed by babying your yorkie! How the heck would that play into genes? EACH dog is DIFFERENT. It sounds like you didn't do enough research before you went searching for a baby. But even with all the knowledge you could of gained you still couldn't be prepared 100% because each dog has a different personality. Yorkies are toy dogs, they require much more attention and human contact then a bigger dog. You can't expect him to keep himself busy, I am not sure how old he is but he sounds like a baby still and he needs more mental stimulation.

It sounds like you don't spend enough time with him if you have him caged up so often. These are the kinds of dogs who love to be on their owners lap getting some love and giving you kisses, it sounds like this poor baby is not receiving enough attention and love therefore he is seeking negative attention by giving off negative behaviour. I have a cage for my girl and she only goes in there occasionally, just because your cooking shouldn't mean you have to lock him up, if you can gate off an area of your house for him he may feel more comfortable, some people get playpens to put them in, it sounds like he needs to be let out of his cage more. If you can't give him all the attention he needs you should place him in a new home, how would you like to be locked up most of your days?

[Krystee]

Originally Posted by yorkie_mama22

I don't think you can "ruin" the WHOLE breed by babying your yorkie! How the heck would that play into genes? EACH dog is DIFFERENT. It sounds like you didn't do enough research before you went searching for a baby. But even with all the knowledge you could of gained you still couldn't be prepared 100% because each dog has a different personality. Yorkies are toy dogs, they require much more attention and human contact then a bigger dog. You can't expect him to keep himself busy, I am not sure how old he is but he sounds like a baby still and he needs more mental stimulation.

It sounds like you don't spend enough time with him if you have him caged up so often. These are the kinds of dogs who love to be on their owners lap getting some love and giving you kisses, it sounds like this poor baby is not receiving enough attention and love therefore he is seeking negative attention by giving off negative behaviour. I have a cage for my girl and she only goes in there occasionally, just because your cooking shouldn't mean you have to lock him up, if you can gate off an area of your house for him he may feel more comfortable, some people get playpens to put them in, it sounds like he needs to be let out of his cage more. If you can't give him all the attention he needs you should place him in a new home, how would you like to be locked up most of your days?

I agree, and I wanted to add that puppies don't usually just "grow out of" a behavior. They need lots of training and direction. If he has separation anxiety, you need to work with him and train him to get over it. Lots of us have puppies that had separation anxiety and could give you tips on how to train him to get over it.
It does sound like he spends WAY to much time in his cage and I agree that you can protect him many other ways besides putting him in a cage. Many people here use x-pens to keep their babies safe but also give them some space.
Again, please be patient with your baby and take lots of time to train him. I really do recommend Victoria Stilwell's book, "It's me or the dog"... it helped me out a lot. Training your baby can also be bonding time and you will be such a proud mama when your training pays off

[bildio]

Sorry to hear you are having such a hard time with your Yorkie. I think yours is an exceptional situation.

How old is he now &/or how old was he when you got him?

[BLowry]

First I would like to say welcome to YT!!

If he has never been crated then this could be the reason he is whining so much when you put him in it. I wouldn't suggest putting him in a traveling crate...the wire one is so much better...he will get more air this way. Personally I feel (from reading your entire post) that he is crated way too much. Do you have small children or another animal that might step on him? Is this the reason that you crate him so often when you are home? Yorkies are just like babies. They are a tiny little dog that loves to be held, cuddled and played with. To me, it sounds like you don't have time for all of this and, that's ok. You probably should have gotten a different breed that didn't need this kind of attention. I had bought 2 different yorkie books before I bought my first (I now have 2). I learned so much in those 2 books. I was prepared for what I was getting myself into. If you truly believe that this little guy isn't for you I would suggest maybe seeing if the breeder would give you your money back, and if not maybe you could rehome him. It won't do you or the pup, any good if you are always frustrated with him...I'm really sorry that he isn't working out for you. Yorkies are a wonderful little dog...I can't even imagine my life with out my 2...If I lived closer...I would be glad to take him off your hands....If you don't want to give him up maybe you could look for a book or two on yorkies. You will also get alot of support on this forum..there are alot of wonderful people here.

Good Luck and don't give up!

[shamrocks]

Have you taken him to any puppy classes? Caoimhe is 10 months old now and she will cry when we have to put her in the crate to leave. She hates to be alone so I would turn on the Tv for her I know it is a little silly but it seems to help. I know that you most be going out of your mind right now but give him some more time he is still a puppy. Keep on reading and talking to different people you might find a solution to the problem . I just want to encourage you to stay strong I am sure that things will work out in the end.

[Wend]

If the dog does not tolerate the cage well there are things that can be done. What have you tried (treats, toys, etc)? How long does he need to be in the cage per day? How old is he? How old was he when you got him? How often and how long do you walk him? What do you feed him? Have you done any training with him? Have you called a professional trainer?

[redvalaria]

I have two, and I love them so much, we got my Dad one to keep him company. My mother is wheelchair bound and dad has to do a LOT to help her.

I run two successful businesses, have 2 other dogs, 3 cats, and a couple of kids running around and I still manage to cook, iron, clean and all the other things without caging my dogs.

He doesn't sound like he is getting the contact he needs, or the stimulation. They don't just "go bad" because the lady down the block spoiled hers. My oldest yorkie is opinonated, but is the best behaved dog in the house. Largely because we taught him manners. How is your pup going to learn all crated up? I have one who sleeps in a crate, and is crated in the car most of the time or if we have some special cirmcumstance (like a lot of people in the house and I am afraid he might get out the door) but, apart from that he is giving free run of at least the downstairs. He is 8 months old now and finally housebroken, but he is confident enough that we are there for him, so he doesn't NEED to be crated, he doesn't behave badly to attract attention.

I think you need to re-evaluate your training methods and just because he is small, doesn't mean he can't do some things, if he bites the cord, tell him NO, be firm, but don't lock him up! how will he ever learn if he never experiences things?

[jeanm1963]

Sorry about your troubles but I too agree that you are crating him way to much, I personally dont agree with crates, have you tried and xpen, giving him way more room, toys a nice soft bed etc.... maybe doggie daycare would work if you arent home to often.. it doesnt say weather or not you crate your other dogs but that may be an issue if they are running freely around the house and he is confined to a crate!!
Honestly I will say as a new yorkie owner, they really are similar to having a child as opposed to a dog, I know that sounds strange but they do require alot of work, quality time and love, they also do not like to be left alone to often....I do not mean this in a bad way but perhaps having a yorkie isnt they type breed you were meant to have... I am honestly amazed at how much attention they require and often reference it to having my first baby!! When I got my puppy I set my alarm clock to 12-3-6 am for potty breaks, she is completley house broken and never has accidents but it was my dedication and constant supervision. I really hope that things work out for you with your puppy... but I really think that a xpen with more room , some toys , a kong and a bed would work wonders!!

[T Doll]

Originally Posted by Krystee

I agree, and I wanted to add that puppies don't usually just "grow out of" a behavior. They need lots of training and direction. If he has separation anxiety, you need to work with him and train him to get over it. Lots of us have puppies that had separation anxiety and could give you tips on how to train him to get over it.
It does sound like he spends WAY to much time in his cage and I agree that you can protect him many other ways besides putting him in a cage. Many people here use x-pens to keep their babies safe but also give them some space.
Again, please be patient with your baby and take lots of time to train him. I really do recommend Victoria Stilwell's book, "It's me or the dog"... it helped me out a lot. Training your baby can also be bonding time and you will be such a proud mama when your training pays off

Although I completely agree with your post (as well as yorkie_mama22's post), the crate part seems to be confusing me a little. When you crate train/house break them, aren't they supposed to spend most of their time in their crate? I've read/heard that you only take them out to eat/drink, go potty, and let them out for short periods of time for play/breaks. I've also heard that you should crate your dog whenever you can't keep a close eye on him (like when you're cooking/showering/etc.)

I guess what I'm trying to get at here, is why does it seem like the OP's dog spends too much time a crate, when all of the crate training/house breaking methods teach you to keep your dog crated most of the time?

BTW, I orginally planned to crate train Mocha for potty training purposes, but I gave up on it because I didn't like putting him in his crate for such long periods of time (not to mention, he was also a shrieker!). So this question doesn't really apply to me, but it did spark my curiosity

[chachi]

Originally Posted by T Doll

Although I completely agree with your post (as well as yorkie_mama22's post), the crate part seems to be confusing me a little. When you crate train/house break them, aren't they supposed to spend most of their time in their crate? I've read/heard that you only take them out to eat/drink, go potty, and let them out for short periods of time for play/breaks. I've also heard that you should crate your dog whenever you can't keep a close eye on him (like when you're cooking/showering/etc.)

I guess what I'm trying to get at here, is why does it seem like the OP's dog spends too much time a crate, when all of the crate training/house breaking methods teach you to keep your dog crated most of the time?

BTW, I orginally planned to crate train Mocha for potty training purposes, but I gave up on it because I didn't like putting him in his crate for such long periods of time (not to mention, he was also a shrieker!). So this question doesn't really apply to me, but it did spark my curiosity

Yes thats what I wondered too. The Op said she just puts him in the crate when she cant keep an eye on him for his own safety. I didnt use a crate I used an xpen so My only knowledge of crate training is on here

[Sunnie]

Originally Posted by T Doll

Although I completely agree with your post (as well as yorkie_mama22's post), the crate part seems to be confusing me a little. When you crate train/house break them, aren't they supposed to spend most of their time in their crate? I've read/heard that you only take them out to eat/drink, go potty, and let them out for short periods of time for play/breaks. I've also heard that you should crate your dog whenever you can't keep a close eye on him (like when you're cooking/showering/etc.)

I guess what I'm trying to get at here, is why does it seem like the OP's dog spends too much time a crate, when all of the crate training/house breaking methods teach you to keep your dog crated most of the time?

BTW, I orginally planned to crate train Mocha for potty training purposes, but I gave up on it because I didn't like putting him in his crate for such long periods of time (not to mention, he was also a shrieker!). So this question doesn't really apply to me, but it did spark my curiosity

I don't agree that all of the crate training techniques say to crate them most of the time. What they say is to crate them when you cannot give them attention. That being said, if they are crated all the time because you cannot give them attention, then they need to be placed with someone who can give them attention. It is so unfair to keep them crated all the time.

[QuickSilver]

If you are crate training for potty reasons, then yes, they spend a lot of time in there, but that is usually just for a few weeks.

If it is true separation anxiety, then that does take a lot of work to fix. You can look at the training section to see what other people do in those cases, there are some standard techniques. FYI, separation happens in all dogs, but it is true what people are saying yorkies want to be with you all the time.

The big thing I got out of your post is that you may not have prepared him to be crated. The crate should be a good place for him, his refuge away from the world. I agree with another poster who said to buy nice bedding, toys, etc. Try leaving the crate door open for a while, or when you put him in, give him a great treat / toy that he only gets in his crate. You will want to rebuild his attitude towards being inside it.

Also, have you considered adding a crate to your bedroom so he can be with you while you sleep? It's best if you position it so he can see you and take comfort from your presence.

[weeloves06]

Like Ceasar says :I rehabilitate the dogs, and I train people. Your not the pack leader. I have 7 yorkies and now of them have these problems. Sorry to hear about all this. Your yorkie is controling you, take charge and do something.

[Krystee]

Originally Posted by T Doll

Although I completely agree with your post (as well as yorkie_mama22's post), the crate part seems to be confusing me a little. When you crate train/house break them, aren't they supposed to spend most of their time in their crate? I've read/heard that you only take them out to eat/drink, go potty, and let them out for short periods of time for play/breaks. I've also heard that you should crate your dog whenever you can't keep a close eye on him (like when you're cooking/showering/etc.)

I guess what I'm trying to get at here, is why does it seem like the OP's dog spends too much time a crate, when all of the crate training/house breaking methods teach you to keep your dog crated most of the time?

BTW, I orginally planned to crate train Mocha for potty training purposes, but I gave up on it because I didn't like putting him in his crate for such long periods of time (not to mention, he was also a shrieker!). So this question doesn't really apply to me, but it did spark my curiosity

I didn't crate train Tobie either so I can't answer your question. However, the OP's Yorkie is 7 or 8 months old now (according to another one of her posts he was 10 weeks old when she got him and she said she has had him for 4 or 5 months old now) and she is still crate training him? sooo 4 or 5 months spending most of his time in the crate... isn't that a bit much?

Again, I'm not a crate training expert and I didn't use the method so I don't know. That's just my opinion.