Is Miloh Just Being Shy or Does He Just Not Want to Play? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

e_gar · 06-08-2010, 07:33 AM

Hello YT members, good morning to all!

I began taking Miloh to dog parks about a month ago, he's gone about 3 times since his vet told me he couldn't be out until his shots were completed. I have found that he really doesn't play with other dogs. He'll do the whole sniffing and touching noses with another dog, but when it comes to chasing them and playing, Miloh wont do it.

Yesterday, my boyfriend and I decided to take him and it was an overall bad experience. There was an overly-active Jack ]Russell in the small dog area and for some reason he enjoyed picking on Miloh. He would sniff him and jump on him (as if he were trying to hump him). What made me really angry was that his owner would just yell out "hey, be nice to the little guy". Time after time, Miloh had to be picked up for his own safety.

In general, Miloh always seems to be the smallest dog.

Now, I'm beginning to question if his lack of interest in other dogs at the dog park is my fault, meaning that I overly love him. He wears shirts often (since he recently got a "summer cut"), he sleeps on the bed with me, and is pampered.

Don't get me wrong, there have been times when other people's dogs have came onto my yard when Miloh is outside and both dogs will chase each other. My question is if I am at fault for his behavior or if he just needs more time out with other dogs. Any advice would be highly appreciated, sorry this is too long!

TeresaM · 06-08-2010, 09:18 AM

First off, I'd be pretty upset at the JR owner for not controlling his dog better. grrr Poor Milo, no wonder he's not confident at the park.

Here's what I did with Yogi. He's my youngest and I would say he's more cautious then shy. We started going to the dog park when he was probably 5 months old. He went with his older sister (Gracie Ruth Queen of the World, Goddess of Retribution-if-you-don't-do-what-I-say

) and his older bigger brother Boo. So he had 2 dogs with him that he knew. He was so overwhelmed for probably 3 months of nearly weekly visits. He didn't want to follow his pack or sniff anything. He just wanted me to hold him - which I rarely did. So he would sit on peoples feet. Not just mine, anyone who was close by and standing still. He felt comfortable with people, knew they'd take care of him and just sat and took it all in. I'd look over and see some poor person with a very perplexed look on their face, look down and there was Yogi sitting on their feet.

After about 3 months he started stepping out a little and smelling things, or following Boo or G for a short distance. As he got more comfortable with all the sights, sounds and activity he'd venture off by himself and maybe even introduce himself to another dog. After about 7 months he was comfortable at the park and would run, bark and play with Boo or G and occasionally a small dog or little puppy that was in there. A few months ago, a small tiff broke out between 2 other dogs and Yogi was burning a trail over to the fight when I hollered at him to stop. Good boy that he is, he did, looked around at me. I asked him, "What do you think you're bringing to that fight, little boy?" He got a very hurt look on his face and said, "aww Momma, Iz nots a wittle boy!" So all this to say, just give Milo some time, try real hard to only pick him up when he's really in danger. Let him work it out for himself those other times. You can separate him from a dog that's bothering him, but try to do it without picking him up and then just walk calmly away. It's ok if he follows, he'll venture out again when he feels secure.

e_gar · 06-08-2010, 10:07 AM

Thanks for the story, made me realize Miloh isn't the only one who's had that problem. Sometimes I wish he had an older brother/ sister. Maybe than that'd give him the confidence he needs. I am trying to be as patient as possible to make sure my baby can feel as comfortable as possible. Once again, thanks for your advice!!

Rhetts_mama · 06-08-2010, 10:26 AM

The dog park can be overwhelming for a more reserved dog. Lots of smells that don't match up with the sights. Lots of noise.

Perhaps you could try to find a friendly, small dog in your area to arrange play dates to let him start getting used to being around other dogs. Then slowly add another dog, and another ...etc before you try the dog park again.

yorkieusa · 06-08-2010, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

The dog park can be overwhelming for a more reserved dog. Lots of smells that don't match up with the sights. Lots of noise.

Perhaps you could try to find a friendly, small dog in your area to arrange play dates to let him start getting used to being around other dogs. Then slowly add another dog, and another ...etc before you try the dog park again.

That is a wonderful idea. He probably feels overwhelmed at the dog park, not to mention the bullies he encounters.

06-08-2010, 07:33 AM	#1
e_gar Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lynwood, CA, USA Posts: 183	Is Miloh Just Being Shy or Does He Just Not Want to Play? Hello YT members, good morning to all! I began taking Miloh to dog parks about a month ago, he's gone about 3 times since his vet told me he couldn't be out until his shots were completed. I have found that he really doesn't play with other dogs. He'll do the whole sniffing and touching noses with another dog, but when it comes to chasing them and playing, Miloh wont do it. Yesterday, my boyfriend and I decided to take him and it was an overall bad experience. There was an overly-active Jack ]Russell in the small dog area and for some reason he enjoyed picking on Miloh. He would sniff him and jump on him (as if he were trying to hump him). What made me really angry was that his owner would just yell out "hey, be nice to the little guy". Time after time, Miloh had to be picked up for his own safety. In general, Miloh always seems to be the smallest dog. Now, I'm beginning to question if his lack of interest in other dogs at the dog park is my fault, meaning that I overly love him. He wears shirts often (since he recently got a "summer cut"), he sleeps on the bed with me, and is pampered. Don't get me wrong, there have been times when other people's dogs have came onto my yard when Miloh is outside and both dogs will chase each other. My question is if I am at fault for his behavior or if he just needs more time out with other dogs. Any advice would be highly appreciated, sorry this is too long!

06-08-2010, 09:18 AM	#2
TeresaM Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: TX Posts: 3,358	First off, I'd be pretty upset at the JR owner for not controlling his dog better. grrr Poor Milo, no wonder he's not confident at the park. Here's what I did with Yogi. He's my youngest and I would say he's more cautious then shy. We started going to the dog park when he was probably 5 months old. He went with his older sister (Gracie Ruth Queen of the World, Goddess of Retribution-if-you-don't-do-what-I-say) and his older bigger brother Boo. So he had 2 dogs with him that he knew. He was so overwhelmed for probably 3 months of nearly weekly visits. He didn't want to follow his pack or sniff anything. He just wanted me to hold him - which I rarely did. So he would sit on peoples feet. Not just mine, anyone who was close by and standing still. He felt comfortable with people, knew they'd take care of him and just sat and took it all in. I'd look over and see some poor person with a very perplexed look on their face, look down and there was Yogi sitting on their feet. After about 3 months he started stepping out a little and smelling things, or following Boo or G for a short distance. As he got more comfortable with all the sights, sounds and activity he'd venture off by himself and maybe even introduce himself to another dog. After about 7 months he was comfortable at the park and would run, bark and play with Boo or G and occasionally a small dog or little puppy that was in there. A few months ago, a small tiff broke out between 2 other dogs and Yogi was burning a trail over to the fight when I hollered at him to stop. Good boy that he is, he did, looked around at me. I asked him, "What do you think you're bringing to that fight, little boy?" He got a very hurt look on his face and said, "aww Momma, Iz nots a wittle boy!" So all this to say, just give Milo some time, try real hard to only pick him up when he's really in danger. Let him work it out for himself those other times. You can separate him from a dog that's bothering him, but try to do it without picking him up and then just walk calmly away. It's ok if he follows, he'll venture out again when he feels secure. __________________ If you think dogs can't count, put 3 biscuits in your pocket, then give him only 2. Gracie Ruth & Boo & Yogi & RIP Annie B. & Bonnie Lane

06-08-2010, 10:07 AM	#3
e_gar Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lynwood, CA, USA Posts: 183	Thanks for the story, made me realize Miloh isn't the only one who's had that problem. Sometimes I wish he had an older brother/ sister. Maybe than that'd give him the confidence he needs. I am trying to be as patient as possible to make sure my baby can feel as comfortable as possible. Once again, thanks for your advice!!

06-08-2010, 10:26 AM	#4
Rhetts_mama Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,959 Blog Entries: 1	The dog park can be overwhelming for a more reserved dog. Lots of smells that don't match up with the sights. Lots of noise. Perhaps you could try to find a friendly, small dog in your area to arrange play dates to let him start getting used to being around other dogs. Then slowly add another dog, and another ...etc before you try the dog park again.