Question: Normal?

[Deuce]

I guess it's silly to ask if something is normal about a Yorkie, they all seem so different, but anyway. My new pup seems to be scared of everything, except me, dogs and cats. In fact he ran strait up to my landlords dog the first time he saw him just wagging his tail (LL dog is an 80lb husky/g. Shephard mix) But anytime a human approaches him, like my bf, landlady and family he just freezes, runs away, or shakes like crazy, and as of last night hides behind me and peeks around my legs. I was wondering if you all had the same issue, and have a way to get him over his fear of strange people. I gave my bf a treat to give him and that warmed him up pretty quick, but my landlady gave him the treat and while he was eating it she snatched him up and made a big fuss, which really scared the crap out of him (unexpected grabbing, super scary for a 3 lb puppy)

Any suggestions?

Oh, and he doesn't bark, and barely makes any noise at all. I like it, but it just seems strange that I've only heard a whimper or two when he first goes in his kennel for the night...

[noisinka]

I hope I could help but I wish Sandy will be afraid of strangers. He's very friendly with people including the strangers which worries me... He's more interested in humans than other dogs. When we go on a walk, he'll be so excited to see other people.

[luvndog]

I think some of it, is that he's afraid of getting stepped on. think about it, if you were living in a land of giants, you would be careful too. Our Yorkie won't even come into the kitchen unless everyone is sitting in plain sight where he can see us. He still looks both ways lol.

[Kirby]

The best suggestion I can give is taking your Yorkie out for walks in public. Socializing is important. If he acts scared, don't pick him up. Tell the person to walk up to him slowly extending a hand where only the back of the hand is visible to the pup to sniff. I think it would be scary for most puppies that are so small. People's first reaction (and I don't blame them) is to want to pick them up because they are so darn cute. lol With time and walking in public, your pup will improve his behavior around others. Depending on how old he is and if he has his shots, ask his vet if he can safely walk in public.

[RoxyLuv]

How old is your pup? How long have you had him? Roxy didn't discover her bark for 6-7 mo. Don't worry about it. Enjoy the quiet while you can. After she has completed her shots, start taking her out to experience more of life & surroundings. She should start coming around. Some dogs are shy their whole life, but many have never been properly socialized. Take it slow & don't rush him faster than he can cope. It's a big, huge world out there & a lot to take in for a baby.

Buy books, read the training sections on yt. There's so much help to be had. Enjoy your little one.

[RoxyLuv]

PS: Roxy is too friendly. She loves everyone & all dogs. It's scary sometimes.

[OwnedByJezebel]

Can you take him to puppy classes? That would help to socialize him to people.

[chaygirl]

My puppy Oscar was the same exact way. He is 4 months old and tiny (2.2 lbs.). I was told to bring him with me to as many places as possible so that he would have many opportunities to meet new people and new dogs. I kept treats with me at all times. I walk him in the neighborhood, I take him to Petsmart, If I go to a friend's house for any reason, I have them hold him while I'm there, I take him to the beach, etc.... I started doing this about 3 weeks ago and I've already seen a huge improvement. We go to my son's lacrosse games now, and he lays in the grass relaxed. When people approach him, he actually plays with them a bit. He won't let them pet him, but he does this playful little dance towards them, runs, then comes back to them. He starts his puppy kindergarten class tonight, so hopefully this will help his fear of dogs.

[Deuce]

Wow, lots of great ideas...I'm not sure about any puppy classes, if I was in the states I would have already taken him to one, but I'm not an Italian speaker, so trying to attend a class that I dont understand what the person is telling me to do with my pup doesnt sound very appealing. But since he's had all of his shots, and is about 4.5 months old, I suppose I can take in to a local dog park, I'll try getting him to start walking around, but sidewalks tend to be next to streets, and he is deathly afraid of cars >_<
Still no barking, but I am enjoying that, my gradparents have poodles that don't know when to stop yapping. Thanks again for the great advice, it looks like it'll be a nice day today, I'll take him for a walk near the beach tonight where I always see people walking. Hopefully this will work. Maybe I should take a lot of treats with me...

[Jellybears]

I have the same problem with Lizzie. She now will go to my husband. We have had her a month. She is 5 months old now. She barks at everyone - including my grandkids....very hard for anyone to get close to her, because she runs away and bark, bark bark....I got my lunch bag (I started back working out outside this summer and take a lunch!) and it is kinda tall and she has barked at it every morning this week...I pick her up to show her, she sniffs it, then when I put her down the barking starts again??? Let me know if you solve your problem, and HOW you did it!!!!!