very discouraged

[ArmaniMan]

I think you need to sit back and relax.

You say certain things absolutely arent working, but you cant possibly know that... you cannot have given anything long enough to work... this puppy is 12 weeks old, how long have you been working with her?

It is great to start puppies with basic training, they are never too young to start to learn but at 12 weeks old, the main thing you should be concentrating on is forming a good bond with your puppy, there should be no negativity in the training process, especially at this point. Everything should be about having fun and building self confidence.

[kaiatbh]

I've had him since he was 9 weeks old. Yes, I know he should have been with his mother until now.

As for the bonding, it's not happening. I just tried to spend time with him, and now my hands hurt. He was absolutely out of control. I can't remember the last time I just chilled with him. He seems to have gotten worse since we got him. A lot worse. I know, I know... I need to have patience. It takes times. It's just, I want to be able to enjoy him. No one in the household can enjoy him right now. Every time I decide to spend time with him, about a minute later I have to walk away from him because he's attacking me.

[QuickSilver]

Puppies can be hard work. That's why God made them so cute, otherwise they'd never live to see adulthood!

It sounds like maybe he has a lot of energy. Does he ever just nap in your lap?

Again, does he have chew toys and rope pulls? You should be able to play with these things with him. You can also put fluffy socks over your hands.

Can you take him to a puppy socialization class, run him around, tire him out a bit?

[princessizzy]

Originally Posted by kaiatbh

I've had him since he was 9 weeks old. Yes, I know he should have been with his mother until now.

As for the bonding, it's not happening. I just tried to spend time with him, and now my hands hurt. He was absolutely out of control. I can't remember the last time I just chilled with him. He seems to have gotten worse since we got him. A lot worse. I know, I know... I need to have patience. It takes times. It's just, I want to be able to enjoy him. No one in the household can enjoy him right now. Every time I decide to spend time with him, about a minute later I have to walk away from him because he's attacking me.

I really think if I was in your case I would get a few sessions with a trainer that will come to your home...I know some are alot of money but when you have a yorkie we need to know that sometimes we'll have to pay for thins like this... My mother-in-law paided right abround 190.00 for 2 sessions here in Michigan and well worth it.

I really hope things get better for you and the puppy. Just please remember that he's a baby and he really doesn't know right from wrong yet.

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by kaiatbh

I've had him since he was 9 weeks old. Yes, I know he should have been with his mother until now.

As for the bonding, it's not happening. I just tried to spend time with him, and now my hands hurt. He was absolutely out of control. I can't remember the last time I just chilled with him. He seems to have gotten worse since we got him. A lot worse. I know, I know... I need to have patience. It takes times. It's just, I want to be able to enjoy him. No one in the household can enjoy him right now. Every time I decide to spend time with him, about a minute later I have to walk away from him because he's attacking me.

Training for a simple sit stay, is a way to bond with your baby. Your accomplishments are his and vice versa. If he bites your hands you need to get up and walk away. If you keep interacting with him that is his reward. You should reward him only when he's behaving/playing appropriately.

[Teegy]

Originally Posted by Maximo

A lot of great advice posted above.

Relax, enjoy your puppy, and make training an enjoyable experience for both of you. If you are anxious about progress, or assume the role of a harsh drill sergeant in boot camp, your pup will probably be anxious, overly excited, unfocused, and maybe lacking in trust.

I don't subscribe to the dominance school of training. You can still be in charge while allowing your dog to eat before you or pass through a doorway before you. My Yorkies have taught me the power of positive reinforcement training.

Biting -- that is standard teething puppy. There are so many methods to deal with biting. Make sure he has enough safe chew toys. If he bites, put your hand flat up to his face and say "no bite" assertively, but not angrily or aggressively. Another one is to fold your arms/hand across your chest and say "ouch."

Totally agree, patience, you also have to train yourself. Teegy was a little imp and over the past months he's become a wonderful little boy. Well rounded well socialized and Yorkies are stubborn little critters, they don't always like to do what they are told.