Is this a YORKIE thing?? I've never had such a SENSITIVE little dog!!

[butchpoodle]

Originally Posted by Foster Mom

My smallest boy when I used to put belly bands or any other kind of clothing on him, he would immediately become crippled. Would not move AT ALL, stood stock still ...

THAT's my girl!! Crippled is exactly what I call her - in an exaggerated tone, no less. She's quite consistent, as I have never taken anything off her 'til she was well past being over it. Stubborn little dog.

[butchpoodle]

Originally Posted by TxVicki

My Lizzie who is 14 1/2 yrs old, can't stand to have sweaters, collars or anything on at all. She has been this way since I got her as a puppy. I was however successful with the harness as she will tolerate that when I need to use it.
If I put anything on her, she will slink away and hide.

Well, I'll keep you posted. I certainly hope she gets over this in less than 14-1/2 years, but one never knows, does one??

[butchpoodle]

Originally Posted by kjc

Maybe take her around other pups wearing clothes ...

Good idea - my other 3 (poodles) wear clothes and collar regularly and we put them in/out of harnesses to walk. My beloved Butch Poodle (d. 2009) came running to get her collar put back on after grooming - 'cause it meant she was my girl (my interpretation) ... but come to think of it, my other yorkie a decade ago was not good with the clothes. Did finally find a jacket she was okay with, and she took to a collar just fine. Eh ... Brookie is a special girl ... :o)

[wetherc]

My little guy is also sensitive, he is almost 3 and does not wear a collar only a harness on walks. I find I need to distract him with something he loves, like playing with a ball to get him to forget about a new jacket or shirt. It slowly gets better. Good luck!

[ASTPhi877]

I read something once that said that when a puppy does this, they feel dominated. It is the feeling of having something OVER or ON TOP OF them that they dislike... Not so much the clothing. My Lucy does this - that stock-still, immobilized, stare-at-the-ground-with-her-head-down, so-pathetic-looking-it's-sad, POUT - when I put her rain coat on her. At first I thought it was just the raincoat... But it turns out to be anything with a hood.

I honestly have no idea how to fix it... But if I can find that book, it might help you to understand WHY she does this. And that can't hurt! So, if I'm able to find it, I'll let you know!!!

[Ringo1]

Some dogs just don't like to wear clothes and never will. Ringo HATES sweaters, etc of any kind and so I usually don't put them on him. It's just not worth it.

I got this great backpack for him for when he take long walks - but one would like he was dying or paralyzed if I actually try to walk him with it. Sigh.

Lucy is not as bad. She doesn't mind little t-shirts. She's been wearing quite a few of them since they shaved all her hair off! I would wake up in the morning with her shivering so started putting those on her.

She doesn't HATE her ladybug dress - but usually only has that on if I want to show her off to company. I probably woulnd't try to walk her in it or anything.

[butchpoodle]

Originally Posted by ASTPhi877

I read something once that said that when a puppy does this, they feel dominated. It is the feeling of having something OVER or ON TOP OF them that they dislike... Not so much the clothing.

Brilliant! That makes a lot of sense. This pup was dominant in her litter but is quite submissive (though fearless) with our three adult dogs, which I don't quite understand - but then again, we'll see where she lands when she's grown.

Thanks everybody for your insights and experience - helps a lot. I love this little girl and mean for her to have the best life possible.

[zekie's mom]

Yorkies are not the only ones. I think it has more to do with the personality of the dog rather than the breed.

[Perrella]

Originally Posted by Maximo

Sounds like she is sensitive and fearful of new things, especially "strange" and "restrictive" things that go on her body. Remember, none of this stuff is natural to a dog. Some dogs don't like when they see humans wearing "odd" objects like hats.

I would try introducing her to new items before putting them on her. First do something fun with her like play fetch, or whatever activity she likes. With a happy and confident demeanor, bring out the new item and say, "Oh, look what I got for my good girl!" Put the item on the floor and let her sniff, but not chew. Encourage her to check it out. In fact, use that phrase, "check it out." Give her small treats and praise for any movement toward or interaction with the new item.

Once the familiarity with the new item is established, then put it on her (harness, coat, whatever it is). Praise her as you do it. I think Yorkies love adoration. Tell her she is beautiful and such a good girl. Once the item is on, continue praising and distract her again with her favorite activities.

The more you expose her to new things, praise her for accepting new experiences, the more confident she will become.

This is excellent advise and makes so much sense. I would also add, once you do all the above, I would put it on her for only short periods of time with lots of "good girl", so she realizes....what goes on will come off. Then do the same process...over and over. Time and patience will build her trust and confidence.