Need some encouragement and belly band? - Page 3 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

yorkieusa · 10-18-2010, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooper2010

He won't stay in an x-pen. He can climb over.

I can't edit the above post, but he was 5 months old, not 15. Sorry.

I was going to mention awhile ago and forgot, but they do have x-pens with covers. Yorkies are famous for climbing - even as tiny puppies.

Blue Sake · 10-18-2010, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooper2010

<snip>
I've reached the point where I almost don't even like him anymore. A pet is supposed to be enjoyable, not non-stop work and aggravation. <snip>

Let me give you an example, I say to you, "no te enojes". If you don't know Spanish then you don't understand what I said. Just like your pup. He does not understand what you want him to do. Posters gave you excellent advices on how to housebreak your pup. I would be careful not to give treat every time he goes potty otherwise he'll think he'll get the treat every time he goes. Praise should be good. Have a lot of patience with him. I like Cesar Milan's methods. Here's the link on housetraining:

Housebreaking | Cesar Millan

I remember when I took in unwanted Chihuahua, Java, she was extremely nervous. She freaked out at every noise around her. I did not comfort or talk to her during the walk. When the motorcycle passed by, it really scared her but we just kept walking. Days went by, more confident she became. Good luck. Oh, I said, "don't be mad" in case you are wondering what I said in Spanish.

Ringo1 · 10-19-2010, 04:18 AM

My Westie was very hard to handle as a pup; and believe me, there were many times when I wished I could send him back! I just wasn't used to that much energy and stubborness. That's a Westie trait. I swear there were times when I didn't even like him . . or he us, I felt.

I was (am) a single working Mom so I understand time constraints.

We started going to agility training one night a week. That helped us bond so much. Ringo loved it and he got used to 'obeying' our commands for a treat. It really did help.

This may not be available in your area. But you can train tricks for fun and get used to working with your dog ~ in a fun, enjoyable way. No pressure.

I would go back to crate training if you can - start over from square one. You will have to go with him when he goes out so you can see if he pees or poops. If you catch him in the act of doing something right (like going outside) ~ then praise, praise, praise. Have a party! Have some great treats - like cooked chicken - or whatever he loves. The minute the last drop hits the ground - treat like crazy and make a big fuss about what a GOOD BOY he is. Such a great dog!

He will eventually 'get' that peeing and pooping outside is what you want him to do. He will want to please you; and he will want those treats!

ladyjane · 10-19-2010, 05:38 AM

It is crystal clear to me that you don't have time for this pup. You even said it in another thread. You made the comment that rescues would not adopt to you....NOW do you understand WHY?

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/3230973-post5.html

My suggestion to you is to make a choice and I am going to only suggest two options. Find him a loving home OR take the time with him that you do/did with your children. You CAN do that IF you CHOOSE to do so! Didn't you have to take the time to potty train them? And, didn't you have to take the time for other issues with them? If you had time for them, then you can take time for him IF you choose to!

IF you choose to take the time with him, you will have a wonderful companion for years to come. They are what we make of them! I have taken in some real problem children over the years and with time and patience turned them around. They are not going to just become what you want by a little wiggle of the nose. It takes time, love and patience!

Yes, he runs from you. I imagine he is afraid of you....your posts about him are quite depressing. These little guys are very intuitive. You say you are not hurting him...maybe not physically, but he knows you are fed up. Try a positive approach with him and you might be pleasantly surprised!
Here is a great link about housebreaking:

Free House Training for Puppies and Adult Dogs - No More Accidents Starting Today!

Britster · 10-19-2010, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooper2010

We're on 20 acres of open pasture and wooded land. Should I just let him go when he won't come back when I call him? That's responsible. Your definition of exercise and mine are extremely different. He has a big enough house to run wild in that he could wear himself out if he didn't soil every square inch of it.

NO! I have 90 acres of farmland behind me and live on 3 acres. I DO NOT let Jackson off leash there. I never once said to let him off leash before learning recall. Sorry but I don't think running around a house is sufficient enough exercise for ANY dog. You try to stay in your house and jog around it every day 24/7 for your mental stimulation. I think you would go crazy after a few days.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooper2010

I've read enough here to be well aware of that. Maybe our lifestyles aren't the same and I can't do everything that she does? Maybe I don't have access to dog parks, etc? I know what should work, and I know what isn't working. I can only do what I have the resources to do.

Hence why I said: "I realize ALL of these things aren't always capable of some people but I do believe good exercise would help 90 percent of peoples dogs problems most of the time."

I'm NOT saying every one should bring their dog to a training class, or take agility classes, or go to the dog parks. I realize not everyone has the time or the resources to do it. But a WALK is necessary when owning a dog. I don't live in a neighborhood and I have to drive up the road a few minutes to one with sidewalks to take him for a walk. And sorry I will never think running around a house or being tied to a 30ft line is a true form of exercise. A replacement? Yes. When we can't get out, I have Jackson play fetch or run around the house when I didn't have time to take him out, etc. but it should not be a replacement.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooper2010

I may be confused, but isn't Brit a high school student? If that's the case then I can certainly understand the criticism. I'm 40, with 3 kids, with a job and ballgames and all the stuff that goes along with middle/high school kids. It's not always possible to go to doggy classes, agility, etc. This has been his schedule from the beginning. He did well initially.

My apologies if I have her confused with another person.

I am in college, not high school. Yes, I am 20 years old. I probably have a lot more time on my hands than a mother with 3 kids. But I know MOST of my friends and family friends are mothers, with full time jobs and children and they still have time to take their dog for a walk. When you make the commitment to get a dog, you must give it the time it needs. My step-mom works, she has my 6 year old brother that she takes to school, picks up, takes to practice, volunteers at his school, they go out to dinner, etc, but she still makes sure to get her 2 dogs a good walk, or a bike ride where they run next to her on the bike. They have a huge fenced in yard but it's not always sufficent enough. Dogs get bored and they get destructive.

Every dog is different... some dogs might be perfectly okay to be inside 24/7, and some are not. In your situation, it sounds like your dog needs more stimulation. He sounds like a bored fearful puppy. I am not a professional dog trainer however I have researched and studied dog training ALOT because it's something I'd like to do in the future. I also dogsit on the side and have trained many dogs, old and young, while they are in my hands. I also have volunteered at our local animal shelter. I am giving you ADVICE because you ASKED for it. Don't like it? Fine, don't use it. And continue to have your dog behaving the way he is.

Britster · 10-19-2010, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyjane

It is crystal clear to me that you don't have time for this pup. You even said it in another thread. You made the comment that rescues would not adopt to you....NOW do you understand WHY?

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/3230973-post5.html

My suggestion to you is to make a choice and I am going to only suggest two options. Find him a loving home OR take the time with him that you do/did with your children. You CAN do that IF you CHOOSE to do so! Didn't you have to take the time to potty train them? And, didn't you have to take the time for other issues with them? If you had time for them, then you can take time for him IF you choose to!

IF you choose to take the time with him, you will have a wonderful companion for years to come. They are what we make of them! I have taken in some real problem children over the years and with time and patience turned them around. They are not going to just become what you want by a little wiggle of the nose. It takes time, love and patience!

Yes, he runs from you. I imagine he is afraid of you....your posts about him are quite depressing. These little guys are very intuitive. You say you are not hurting him...maybe not physically, but he knows you are fed up. Try a positive approach with him and you might be pleasantly surprised!
Here is a great link about housebreaking:

Free House Training for Puppies and Adult Dogs - No More Accidents Starting Today!

megansmomma · 10-19-2010, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooper2010

I'm at my wits end. My 11 month old has completely regressed in house breaking. This may be long, so please bear with me.

He will pee when I take him out, but not poop. Within 5 minutes of bringing him in he poops. He gives me no signal that he needs to go out. I think alot of what he's doing is marking, 5 or 6 drops. He was neutered at 5 months.

Today I bought him a 20ft lead to give him more freedom when we're out. I can also attach that to a door knob and he can't reach the carpet. I bought him a belly band, even though I'm not sure what the point is? He pees in that? I spent all day yesterday shampooing my carpet and I'm not half-way done. I've worked and worked with this dog. I've even resorted to a kitchen timer to take him out every two hours. Still, not 15 minutes go by after taking him out and he's either peed or pooped in the carpet.

I've reached the point where I almost don't even like him anymore. A pet is supposed to be enjoyable, not non-stop work and aggravation. I know some of the things I'll hear, but believe me, I HAVE worked with this dog. At this point I think he's hard headed and stubborn. He's spent more time in his crate the last 3 days than he's been out.

The ONLY thing I've found to motivate this dog is cheese. He cares nothing for treats or toys. I'm ready to give up.

I posted this here because there are only 5 viewing in the training forum. I'm so discouraged.

Let me start "fresh" on your question about potty training. After reading all your responses I can see where you have......in your own words failed him.

You are a busy mom of teenagers and on the run all the time. At 5 months you brought him home and he did pretty good for a short time and now he has regressed because you have given him too much freedom and allowed him to roam freely in your home. At first there was the occasional accident and you attributed it to him being a new puppy but as time has gone by there are more and more accidents all over the house. You take him outside every 2 hours by the bell in your kitchen to remind you to keep him on a schedule. Since you do not have a fenced yard he is put onto a stake with a long lead to go potty. He's outside for a while and you go into the house to finish what you were doing (dinner, laundry, cleaning up his pee

). He is your first small dog and you have always has large dogs in the past that you were able to open the door and let roam freely on your land. The others were potty trained without hardly any attention to what they were doing. You worked with them for about a week and poof they were at the back door scratching or barking to got out. Now this little guy is peeing and pooping all over your house. You have tried to contain him in an Xpen but he escapes so you have now resorted to a crate where he whines and cries to be let out until you put him back out in the yard on the long lead. When he comes back in after a short stay he poops at your feet. Your husband is mad that your "had to have puppy" is crapping all over the house, your kids are being bitchy from being forced to picking up poop and pee from "your dog" and you are disappointed in not getting your baby replacement. They are teenagers and you are starting to see that they will soon be gone and this little guy was going to be your little cuddle bug. Instead he had turned your life upside down with his training problems, socialization issues, the kids are not helpful and are demanding all of your attention in their high school years. Now he has turned into one more annoyance in your crazy hectic life. You are totally frustrated and think that getting a small cute puppy was a huge mistake.

So have I hit the nail on the head? Don't get angry with me just be truthful. Promise I think I can help you.

Ringo1 · 10-19-2010, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by megansmomma

Let me start "fresh" on your question about potty training. After reading all your responses I can see where you have......in your own words failed him.

You are a busy mom of teenagers and on the run all the time. At 5 months you brought him home and he did pretty good for a short time and now he has regressed because you have given him too much freedom and allowed him to roam freely in your home. At first there was the occasional accident and you attributed it to him being a new puppy but as time has gone by there are more and more accidents all over the house. You take him outside every 2 hours by the bell in your kitchen to remind you to keep him on a schedule. Since you do not have a fenced yard he is put onto a stake with a long lead to go potty. He's outside for a while and you go into the house to finish what you were doing (dinner, laundry, cleaning up his pee

). He is your first small dog and you have always has large dogs in the past that you were able to open the door and let roam freely on your land. The others were potty trained without hardly any attention to what they were doing. You worked with them for about a week and poof they were at the back door scratching or barking to got out. Now this little guy is peeing and pooping all over your house. You have tried to contain him in an Xpen but he escapes so you have now resorted to a crate where he whines and cries to be let out until you put him back out in the yard on the long lead. When he comes back in after a short stay he poops at your feet. Your husband is mad that your "had to have puppy" is crapping all over the house, your kids are being bitchy from being forced to picking up poop and pee from "your dog" and you are disappointed in not getting your baby replacement. They are teenagers and you are starting to see that they will soon be gone and this little guy was going to be your little cuddle bug. Instead he had turned your life upside down with his training problems, socialization issues, the kids are not helpful and are demanding all of your attention in their high school years. Now he has turned into one more annoyance in your crazy hectic life. You are totally frustrated and think that getting a small cute puppy was a huge mistake.

So have I hit the nail on the head? Don't get angry with me just be truthful. Promise I think I can help you.

Wow. I know this wasn't aimed at me but it is exactly how I felt about Ringo for awhile. Just another noose around my neck. I admit it. And the resentment ~ just more work for me to do.

It took a very nice agility trainer to get us all working as a team. She could see that I was struggling with all aspects of Ringo ownership. So different from any other dog that I ever had; ON TOP OF all my other duties and commitments. He was EXTREMELY difficult to train and handle.

I am so thankful to her for bringing us all together; I was so stressed out. She would always talk with me after class and make suggestions about how to handle my little bundle of pent up energy.

If not for her . . . well, I don't know. She gave us a new start.

Beamers Mom · 10-19-2010, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooper2010

I may be confused, but isn't Brit a high school student? If that's the case then I can certainly understand the criticism. I'm 40, with 3 kids, with a job and ballgames and all the stuff that goes along with middle/high school kids. It's not always possible to go to doggy classes, agility, etc. This has been his schedule from the beginning. He did well initially.

My apologies if I have her confused with another person.

Brit may be a college student (not high school) however she has done a lot of research. I am old enough to be your mother (I have a daughter older than you), and I am not adverse to taking advice from a college student who is as well read as Brit.

Is it possible that you just don't have time for this little one. You say you have reached the point where you almost don't like him any more. YT's are intelligent and I am sure he is picking up on the fact you are obviously starting to resent him.

I have two rescues now, yes they pee and poop in the house and it seems like we are constantly cleaning up after them. I don't like the house smelling of poop and pee, so we have to constantly clean up. I found spraying the floor where they have gone potty with vinegar helps.
Belly bands help with the males. Yes they pee in the belly bands - that is the whole idea.
This last week we started using the pee pads, but unfortunately they think the pee pads are for tearing up sometimes.

You need to have patience, and that seems to be something you are lacking. - And with three kids, a job, ballgames and stuff, all that could tend to wear out your patience.
Yorkshire Terriers are "high maintenance" little dogs. And yes, they can be stubborn and have a mind of their own and "dig their heels in".
They are not the perfect dog for those with children, jobs, ballgames and stuff taking up the majority of time.

You are either going to have to be patient and work with him, or let him go to someone who can.

Lula-Mae Famous · 10-19-2010, 08:52 AM

I always say "I lucked out. Lula is an amazing dog. Great temperment and very well behaved". If I say this around people who know me well they will quickly remind me that I did not luck out, I worked really really hard to ensure Lula would be a well ballanced and happy dog.

I work 2 jobs and still find all the time I need to spend with my Lula. She is such an amazing part of my life, I cant help but want to spend every minute I can with her.

I know that if she does somthing I dont like it is because I have allowed her to do so.

I can see your frustration but "there is no time" is no excuse. If you cant properly care for your dog you should not have one.

chachi · 10-19-2010, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cooper2010

I'm at my wits end. My 11 month old has completely regressed in house breaking. This may be long, so please bear with me.

He will pee when I take him out, but not poop. Within 5 minutes of bringing him in he poops. He gives me no signal that he needs to go out. I think alot of what he's doing is marking, 5 or 6 drops. He was neutered at 5 months.

Today I bought him a 20ft lead to give him more freedom when we're out. I can also attach that to a door knob and he can't reach the carpet. I bought him a belly band, even though I'm not sure what the point is? He pees in that? I spent all day yesterday shampooing my carpet and I'm not half-way done. I've worked and worked with this dog. I've even resorted to a kitchen timer to take him out every two hours. Still, not 15 minutes go by after taking him out and he's either peed or pooped in the carpet.

I've reached the point where I almost don't even like him anymore. A pet is supposed to be enjoyable, not non-stop work and aggravation. I know some of the things I'll hear, but believe me, I HAVE worked with this dog. At this point I think he's hard headed and stubborn. He's spent more time in his crate the last 3 days than he's been out.

The ONLY thing I've found to motivate this dog is cheese. He cares nothing for treats or toys. I'm ready to give up.

I posted this here because there are only 5 viewing in the training forum. I'm so discouraged.

Actually all of their lives but especially when they are young they take work and commitment on your part. That just goes along with dog ownership. I think if you wanted less work you should have gotten a cat.

Belly bands will help with marking but potty training problems you just have to go back to square one and do crate training. I had one that had potty training problems and she was 3 and I was successful getting her trained with crate training so it can be done

beader · 10-19-2010, 09:49 AM

My Cooper was easy to train BUT I am home with him all the time. I took him out every 2 hours and said go potty. I now have to walk outside with him every time he goes. If I just open the door for him to go outside he will sit there and wait for me to come out. I am trying to break him of this because it is getting cold here and I don't want to go out and stand in my pajamas.

On the other hand if we go to other peoples houses he will mark at their house so I put a belly band on him. We are working on that bad behavior and you are right it is hard to break.

I find that when we go outside that he has to smell, smell, smell then decide to do his duty. Watch and be patient when he is outside and you will see they do the same thing every time they are ready to poop.

Now that it is cold he will pee and then think he is going to come in, I pick him up put him back on the lawn and say I know there is more and then he figures out goes and runs back into the house. Dogs will poop at about the same time everyday. If you know when that time is you can kind of control it.

Best of luck in training be patient, and consistent, they like a routine I'm sure he will come around.

Celeste

QuickSilver · 10-19-2010, 09:51 AM

I hear three issues here: won't Come, nervous, and not potty trained.

Come you can work on. It's actually very common for little dogs to fear your approach, and almost all dogs love a good game of Chase more than they like the Come command. There is a lot of information on this forum for training a strong recall. There are also things you can go to help him learn human body language so he can understand that walking straight up to him is not a threat.

Nervous: as recommended, walk, walk walk. Chase him around the house if he likes it (though that also stimulates peeing and pooping, so maybe not).

Potty training: you've been given a lot of advice already. Here is my 2 cents. When I started potty training Thor, I did not fully commit to it because like you, it just sounded like overkill. It took me about two months to accept how much work it would be. I know it sounds crazy, but I took two weeks and really did NOTHING but watch him, with BOTH eyes. I had tried just keeping ONE eye on him, and he would potty so fast I would miss it. It was way harder than I expected, and I definitely thought at one point he would never get it, but at the end of the journey... you have a potty trained dog. It's worth it.

boopster · 10-19-2010, 10:51 AM

It sounds to me like you are at your limit and you are asking permission to rehome your dog. If I'm wrong, my apologies.

I didn't realize how much attention Yorkies needed compared to other dogs. I've had many dogs in my life. Except for one male miniature dachshund (who belonged to my mother), potty training was a snap. Take them outside, wait till they go, lavish them with praise. They get it quickly and it's done. With Tallulah, I assumed that with all my experience, it would be a breeze to train her. She's about 30%, but so strong willed. Last night, we did our routine in the bathroom. She walked over to the pad, looked at me, stepped away from the pad, and wet on the tile, all the while giving me a look I can only describe as defiant. I paid no attention to her, cleaned it up, and went on with my routine. This morning we did our routine and she used the pad exclusively - and got immediate praise. Sooner or later she is going to get it.

T's vet wants her to stay inside as much as possible because she showed signs of allergies on our first visit -- so I needed to find a way to help her get exercise and burn up that incredible energy indoors. We have a very large kitchen, so I sit in one corner and throw her squeaky toy over and over until she gets tired and climbs in my lap. "Come" is a challenge, but "Fetch" works 90% of the time. I try to do play time with her when I'm a little tired - we both win. She gets the attention and exercise she needs, and I get a little rest and a lot of love.

Can you enlist any of your kids in helping with your little one?

Can you find anybody nearby who does daycare for little dogs exclusively? I found a wonderful place just a few blocks from me that does "Yorkie Camp." I realized the first weekend I had her how hard it is for these little guys to be alone a lot, especially when they're puppies. Now T goes to camp when I'm at work and I think we're both much happier than we would be if I left her alone. She loves going - can't wait to get down and play with the other dogs. And she loves to come to me at the end of her day because she knows we will have dinner, more play time, and some quality napping time on my lap. I also feel much better knowing that she is being watched by people who know and love these little dogs. A bonus is that she is learning better manners all around by being around the other dogs. It's not cheap, but probably costs me less than the damage to her and to my home if I left her alone, even confined.

On approaching your dog, are you extending your hand to pet him on the head or the back? I've noticed that the only time Tallulah shows fear of me is when I do that. I think it's instinctive. I've learned to approach her by putting my hand below her eye level. She loves to come up and rest her chin in my hand -- then I can pet her anywhere after the initial touch on the chin.

You have gotten a lot of good advice from others -- and I think the common thread is that it takes a LOT of time and patience to train a Yorkie. If you can do this, the rewards are huge. I hope you are not getting your feelings hurt by the strength of some of the responses -- people are giving you their best advice because they feel so passionate about their dogs and want you to have the same good experience. If they didn't care, they wouldn't say anything and let you flounder on your own. When I was looking for a Yorkie, I got several messages that on first reading hurt my feelings or even made me a little angry. But after reading more, I found that they just wanted me to know how much of a commitment would be needed and the information they gave me saved me a lot of expense and pain. These people are always the first to answer when you have a question, and to be supportive when you need comfort.

If you have reached the end of your rope, and I think maybe you have, perhaps the best solution for you and for the dog is to find him a new home. It really sounds like you have too much on your plate to be able to give your dog the time he needs to become a happy part of your family. This is not a reflection on you as a person -- just an observation that at certain times in our lives, a pet with lots of needs is just not a good match for us. I know that a few years ago when I had my invalid father living with me, despite all the support I had from the rest of the family and hired caregivers, I would never have been able to handle a "regular" puppy - let alone a needy little Yorkie. I don't think there's any shame in throwing in the towel and finding a new home for your dog, as long as you can make sure he goes to a good home. There are people here who can help you with that. That doesn't make you a bad person or an incapable person -- just a human who has too many responsibilities to take on another big one.

Kelli · 10-19-2010, 03:52 PM

I can understand your frustration with the potty habit issues. We adopted our yorkie and have had her for a year now. She constantly has to be kept up on training habits. She will be good for awhile and then she goes right back to her intentional puddling and pooping on RUGS! We remove rugs as much as possible. We keep her in a crate at night and now are only allowing her in a square pen during the day. I take outside and allow her freedom only when by my side.

10-19-2010, 04:18 AM	#33
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	My Westie was very hard to handle as a pup; and believe me, there were many times when I wished I could send him back! I just wasn't used to that much energy and stubborness. That's a Westie trait. I swear there were times when I didn't even like him . . or he us, I felt. I was (am) a single working Mom so I understand time constraints. We started going to agility training one night a week. That helped us bond so much. Ringo loved it and he got used to 'obeying' our commands for a treat. It really did help. This may not be available in your area. But you can train tricks for fun and get used to working with your dog ~ in a fun, enjoyable way. No pressure. I would go back to crate training if you can - start over from square one. You will have to go with him when he goes out so you can see if he pees or poops. If you catch him in the act of doing something right (like going outside) ~ then praise, praise, praise. Have a party! Have some great treats - like cooked chicken - or whatever he loves. The minute the last drop hits the ground - treat like crazy and make a big fuss about what a GOOD BOY he is. Such a great dog! He will eventually 'get' that peeing and pooping outside is what you want him to do. He will want to please you; and he will want those treats! __________________ Mommy to Lucy, Ringo, and Matthew Last edited by Ringo1; 10-19-2010 at 04:20 AM.

10-19-2010, 05:38 AM	#34
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,490	It is crystal clear to me that you don't have time for this pup. You even said it in another thread. You made the comment that rescues would not adopt to you....NOW do you understand WHY? http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/3230973-post5.html My suggestion to you is to make a choice and I am going to only suggest two options. Find him a loving home OR take the time with him that you do/did with your children. You CAN do that IF you CHOOSE to do so! Didn't you have to take the time to potty train them? And, didn't you have to take the time for other issues with them? If you had time for them, then you can take time for him IF you choose to! IF you choose to take the time with him, you will have a wonderful companion for years to come. They are what we make of them! I have taken in some real problem children over the years and with time and patience turned them around. They are not going to just become what you want by a little wiggle of the nose. It takes time, love and patience! Yes, he runs from you. I imagine he is afraid of you....your posts about him are quite depressing. These little guys are very intuitive. You say you are not hurting him...maybe not physically, but he knows you are fed up. Try a positive approach with him and you might be pleasantly surprised! Here is a great link about housebreaking: Free House Training for Puppies and Adult Dogs - No More Accidents Starting Today! __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

10-19-2010, 08:52 AM	#40
Lula-Mae Famous YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 287 Blog Entries: 2	I always say "I lucked out. Lula is an amazing dog. Great temperment and very well behaved". If I say this around people who know me well they will quickly remind me that I did not luck out, I worked really really hard to ensure Lula would be a well ballanced and happy dog. I work 2 jobs and still find all the time I need to spend with my Lula. She is such an amazing part of my life, I cant help but want to spend every minute I can with her. I know that if she does somthing I dont like it is because I have allowed her to do so. I can see your frustration but "there is no time" is no excuse. If you cant properly care for your dog you should not have one. __________________ ~ Miss Jessica & Miss Lula-Mae Famous ~

10-19-2010, 09:51 AM	#43
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	I hear three issues here: won't Come, nervous, and not potty trained. Come you can work on. It's actually very common for little dogs to fear your approach, and almost all dogs love a good game of Chase more than they like the Come command. There is a lot of information on this forum for training a strong recall. There are also things you can go to help him learn human body language so he can understand that walking straight up to him is not a threat. Nervous: as recommended, walk, walk walk. Chase him around the house if he likes it (though that also stimulates peeing and pooping, so maybe not). Potty training: you've been given a lot of advice already. Here is my 2 cents. When I started potty training Thor, I did not fully commit to it because like you, it just sounded like overkill. It took me about two months to accept how much work it would be. I know it sounds crazy, but I took two weeks and really did NOTHING but watch him, with BOTH eyes. I had tried just keeping ONE eye on him, and he would potty so fast I would miss it. It was way harder than I expected, and I definitely thought at one point he would never get it, but at the end of the journey... you have a potty trained dog. It's worth it. __________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger.

10-19-2010, 10:51 AM	#44
boopster Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Southern California, USA Posts: 1,643 Blog Entries: 1	It sounds to me like you are at your limit and you are asking permission to rehome your dog. If I'm wrong, my apologies. I didn't realize how much attention Yorkies needed compared to other dogs. I've had many dogs in my life. Except for one male miniature dachshund (who belonged to my mother), potty training was a snap. Take them outside, wait till they go, lavish them with praise. They get it quickly and it's done. With Tallulah, I assumed that with all my experience, it would be a breeze to train her. She's about 30%, but so strong willed. Last night, we did our routine in the bathroom. She walked over to the pad, looked at me, stepped away from the pad, and wet on the tile, all the while giving me a look I can only describe as defiant. I paid no attention to her, cleaned it up, and went on with my routine. This morning we did our routine and she used the pad exclusively - and got immediate praise. Sooner or later she is going to get it. T's vet wants her to stay inside as much as possible because she showed signs of allergies on our first visit -- so I needed to find a way to help her get exercise and burn up that incredible energy indoors. We have a very large kitchen, so I sit in one corner and throw her squeaky toy over and over until she gets tired and climbs in my lap. "Come" is a challenge, but "Fetch" works 90% of the time. I try to do play time with her when I'm a little tired - we both win. She gets the attention and exercise she needs, and I get a little rest and a lot of love. Can you enlist any of your kids in helping with your little one? Can you find anybody nearby who does daycare for little dogs exclusively? I found a wonderful place just a few blocks from me that does "Yorkie Camp." I realized the first weekend I had her how hard it is for these little guys to be alone a lot, especially when they're puppies. Now T goes to camp when I'm at work and I think we're both much happier than we would be if I left her alone. She loves going - can't wait to get down and play with the other dogs. And she loves to come to me at the end of her day because she knows we will have dinner, more play time, and some quality napping time on my lap. I also feel much better knowing that she is being watched by people who know and love these little dogs. A bonus is that she is learning better manners all around by being around the other dogs. It's not cheap, but probably costs me less than the damage to her and to my home if I left her alone, even confined. On approaching your dog, are you extending your hand to pet him on the head or the back? I've noticed that the only time Tallulah shows fear of me is when I do that. I think it's instinctive. I've learned to approach her by putting my hand below her eye level. She loves to come up and rest her chin in my hand -- then I can pet her anywhere after the initial touch on the chin. You have gotten a lot of good advice from others -- and I think the common thread is that it takes a LOT of time and patience to train a Yorkie. If you can do this, the rewards are huge. I hope you are not getting your feelings hurt by the strength of some of the responses -- people are giving you their best advice because they feel so passionate about their dogs and want you to have the same good experience. If they didn't care, they wouldn't say anything and let you flounder on your own. When I was looking for a Yorkie, I got several messages that on first reading hurt my feelings or even made me a little angry. But after reading more, I found that they just wanted me to know how much of a commitment would be needed and the information they gave me saved me a lot of expense and pain. These people are always the first to answer when you have a question, and to be supportive when you need comfort. If you have reached the end of your rope, and I think maybe you have, perhaps the best solution for you and for the dog is to find him a new home. It really sounds like you have too much on your plate to be able to give your dog the time he needs to become a happy part of your family. This is not a reflection on you as a person -- just an observation that at certain times in our lives, a pet with lots of needs is just not a good match for us. I know that a few years ago when I had my invalid father living with me, despite all the support I had from the rest of the family and hired caregivers, I would never have been able to handle a "regular" puppy - let alone a needy little Yorkie. I don't think there's any shame in throwing in the towel and finding a new home for your dog, as long as you can make sure he goes to a good home. There are people here who can help you with that. That doesn't make you a bad person or an incapable person -- just a human who has too many responsibilities to take on another big one. Last edited by boopster; 10-19-2010 at 10:54 AM.

10-19-2010, 09:49 AM	#42
beader Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: wi Posts: 91	My Cooper was easy to train BUT I am home with him all the time. I took him out every 2 hours and said go potty. I now have to walk outside with him every time he goes. If I just open the door for him to go outside he will sit there and wait for me to come out. I am trying to break him of this because it is getting cold here and I don't want to go out and stand in my pajamas. On the other hand if we go to other peoples houses he will mark at their house so I put a belly band on him. We are working on that bad behavior and you are right it is hard to break. I find that when we go outside that he has to smell, smell, smell then decide to do his duty. Watch and be patient when he is outside and you will see they do the same thing every time they are ready to poop. Now that it is cold he will pee and then think he is going to come in, I pick him up put him back on the lawn and say I know there is more and then he figures out goes and runs back into the house. Dogs will poop at about the same time everyday. If you know when that time is you can kind of control it. Best of luck in training be patient, and consistent, they like a routine I'm sure he will come around. Celeste

10-19-2010, 03:52 PM	#45
Kelli Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 19	I can understand your frustration with the potty habit issues. We adopted our yorkie and have had her for a year now. She constantly has to be kept up on training habits. She will be good for awhile and then she goes right back to her intentional puddling and pooping on RUGS! We remove rugs as much as possible. We keep her in a crate at night and now are only allowing her in a square pen during the day. I take outside and allow her freedom only when by my side.