Yorkie temper :(

[Montysmom2]

Well unfortunately Monty STILL is fighting me with his harness I spent 45 min yet again yesterday trying to get his harness on and my husband finally had to step in. I have done all of the positive reinforcement, he has gotten a ton of treats for every baby step he makes. He will put his muzzle through the harness to get the treat but immediately backs up knowing what is coming next. I am still trying but it is the most frustrating thing I have ever been through. I do feel if we (I) can master this that perhaps we can stop his aggression in other areas as well. He is teething right now but I don't really think it is related to the harness, he still allows us to put blankets on his head, massage his muzzle, touch his face and head without any signs of it bothering him at all. I haven't even attempted his sweater as this will surely spin him right into an angry frenzy He does need to get used to this as he will be spending winters in Canada (as of next year) and it is too cold for him without his sweater. Right now I am fine with his winter coat which does not go over his head but the sweater is better when it is chilly but not really cold. UGGHHHH!!
Thanks everyone for sharing their experiences, I can use all the support I can get on this one.

[Montysmom2]

My husband started making a game out of the harness (playing with it and letting him have some fun playing tug of war with it and then sneaking in the slip over the head) and Monty responded quite positively, I have managed to get the harness over his head twice now in about 10 min!!! I am sooo excited!! He is progressing in leaps and bounds now!!

[bobohyde]

I think I have a suggestion that could help. You said in your previous post that you have to slip his head through the harness. Columbo's harness isn't like that. I've posted pictures of the type he wears below. It opens up and I just put a leg through each opening. (He even puts each leg out for me to do it) Then is snaps together at his back/shoulders. Then there are two rings, one from each side, that the leash hooks to. If you get one like this that doesn't go over his head, he might fight you less. Then, later when he's outgrown this phase and is more trusting (yes, it will happen) you could go back to the other style harness if that's what you prefer.

[Montysmom2]

that is a really nice looking harness, I am using something like a fleece harness and it cost me the earth so I don't think another harness is in the budget right now . It is nicely padded for comfort but it is a pain that it needs to go over his head. He is getting a wee bit better but of course it is one step forward, two steps back with him. We shall persist!!

[Montysmom2]

I tried to attach a photo of Monty in his harness (it is def photo worthy) but the file is too big...does anyone know how to upload photos here? Everytime I have tried it has given me this message

[marlenemaria]

I'm so happy it's getting a bit better.

Sometimes our babies sense our stress and tension and they respond to that...

When someone else steps in a bit more relaxed it seems to do the trick. When you mentioned your husband stepped in I got scared I thought he was upset , but I see he is making progress by playing and making it a game, he is probably feeling real proud of himself

[bobohyde]

Originally Posted by Montysmom2

I tried to attach a photo of Monty in his harness (it is def photo worthy) but the file is too big...does anyone know how to upload photos here? Everytime I have tried it has given me this message

You need to resize it to a smaller file size that can be uploaded to the web. If you don't know how to do that, I think they have directions on this site somewhere.

[navillusc]

Originally Posted by bobohyde

You need to resize it to a smaller file size that can be uploaded to the web. If you don't know how to do that, I think they have directions on this site somewhere.

Google and download Photoscape...downsizing is easy...saving is easy...and upload the photo. There is a sticky I think on the 'photo's' part of YT, but if you do the regular REPLY and click the little paper clip at the top of the reply window, the instructions (buttons) are pretty simple and you'll know if the size is acceptable or not right away.

I am sorry you're having this trouble. A step-in harness is nice...I don't like the over-the-head kind and switched Brody out of one because I don't like pulling it over his head.

I would make an effort to make putting the harness on be fun...desirable...take him somewhere special...maybe even leave it on all day, maybe just until he can take a special walk before you remove it...even if you just put the harness on and just drive him around the block, if he likes to ride, etc. Even putting the harness on for indoor playtime or treats...even feeding, not just for potty time walks, then remove it...or maybe only remove it after a walk if you put it on for feeding...and if using it to treat don't give him more treats UNLESS he has the harness on until he gets more used to it. You can offer the treat, but not give it unless he puts the harness on.

He's in the 'terrible two's' and you'll likely need to divert attention AWAY from the harness and TOWARD a better experience so the harness becomes an unimportant but necessary 'thing' to get to where he wants to be or get his prize.

I would also look for any possibility that the harness is uncomfortable in any way...or the process hurts him in any way...maybe even put the harness on while he's up on a counter or something.

[yakkwak]

Monty will respond to praise significantly more than he will to verbal admonishment (although that is also needed). i'm absolutely convinced that the trick to all training is teaching them to please us, to WANT our praise. All that gooey baby talk can come in handy for that. Once they learn that, ANYTHING is possible. Same way with furless babies. Sounds like Monty is getting a handle on that; good job, mom!

[Wallee]

Hi Everyone: what would you do if your baby ran away every time you went to put the harness on. I had him in puppy class and they taught us to get them to come and to reach down with the other hand so they got used to the hand coming to them. When he is just in the house doing nothing, I can get him to do that easily.
When it is time to go for a walk, totally different story. I have been walking him 2 or 3 times a day since I got him and he loves his walks. I have tried every kind of harness out there.
He runs away if he even thinks I am going to put anything on him. Once I do get it on him, he immediately runs to the front door to go for his walk like all of it meant nothing.
I try not to get frustrated as I know that only makes it worse, but I am getting tired of him running away and it taking 20 minutes to get his harness on before I can take him for a walk.
Putting the harness physically doesn't seem to be an issue by the way. It is just getting ahold of him to do it.

[navillusc]

Originally Posted by Wallee

...Once I do get it on him, he immediately runs to the front door to go for his walk like all of it meant nothing.
I try not to get frustrated as I know that only makes it worse, but I am getting tired of him running away and it taking 20 minutes to get his harness on before I can take him for a walk.
Putting the harness physically doesn't seem to be an issue by the way. It is just getting ahold of him to do it.

Oh I feel for you...it's an exercise program for sure!

You know...this sounds like the "Gingerbread Man" game Brody plays sometimes...you know..."Catch me if you can 'cuz I'm the Gingerbread Man" from the fairy tale...and I was thinking about what I did that eventually turned him around...mostly...

If that is what is happening, maybe if you play 'the game' at other times, when you're not planning to walk him...to disassociate the game with harness and/or walk time...maybe he just feels that is the ONLY time he gets to play that game that he loves.

I now play the Gingerbread Man game with Brody when I get home from work. I know how hard it is to catch that little furry "C" while it is spinning wildly, bouncing, yipping, and play-biting...grinning from ear to ear. When we play, I 'errrrr' at him and he 'errrrrs' at me, and we go at it for a little while...at the same time I am also kissy-facing with Mia and petting her little golden spinning, bouncing furry "C" with the advantage that she is 'velcro' and will stick with me as I 'gingerbread' around the room with Brody. Incidentally, if I get too far from Brody, he will move back into a 'just out of reach' location, too.

Maybe all you need to do is make his walks a bit 'disorganized'...snatch him up for a walk when he is not expecting it...pull him out of a nap, maybe, hold him and dress him in his harness...or leave it on during the day to remove that piece of the problem...and play 'the game' when going out is NOT on your list of things to do right now so you can just walk away when YOU get tired of the game. I cannot swear it would fix it permanently...Brody really loves the game and occasionally plays it at walk time...but it may help. Oh, and only praise, reward and treat when he comes to you...if you are NOT playing the game, just monotone whatever you say, and or walk away to indicate a 'game over' condition. Do try NOT to let on that you are frustrated...walking away/not participating in 'the game' should let him know you are displeased.

Another thing that may help...and I've done this with Brody, too...is, when he plays the game and you are dead set against it but MUST get his attention, just walk away from him, get something HE WILL WANT...with Brody, a crinkly bag that MAY contain a toy is sufficient, and play 'keep away' with it keeping him from getting it temporarily until you can get hold of him, then he can have the treat after a few minutes lag time, or after his walk, etc. but at least until after the harness in on. A toy works better for Brody, except that if I give him the toy afterward, that little 'Yorkshire Terrior Retriever' will then tote the toy, clenched in his teeth, around the yard and NOT do his bit BECAUSE he'd have to lay down the toy for that business and he is convinced Mommy will STEAL it!

Good luck!

[Wallee]

Well, this whole "running away" thing is starting to get out of hand. I just don't understand what is happening. I have never ever used any form of negative punishment with this little guy. Not only is it "impossible" to walk over to him with a harness in my hand, he is starting to even back away every time I reach for him "period". He refuses to jump up on the couch by himself, (which is ok by me) however he has always come to me to lift him up. It seems now when I reach to pick him up, he backs away. Same reaction any time I approach him and try to reach down to him. Doesn't matter if I even bring myself down to the floor to his level. I just don't understand it. Part of his puppy training was to get him to come and give him a treat with one hand and reach for his "pretend collar" with the other so he gets used to me reaching down to him in case he was running away. He did that great every time in puppy class, but now as soon as he sees the other hand coming towards him he backs away.....ugggh...I have to sneak up to him to pick him up to put on the harness. I don't even approach him with it in my hand. If he sees me coming towards him, he runs....H E L P !!!!!

[Teresa Ford]

NILIF - Nothing in Life is Free Program For Dogs

[gracielove]

Maybe you should try a harness that does not have to go over the head if that is an issue with him. A step in harness may be a better option. Does he ever wear clothing? I wonder if he has an ear sensitivity? I just mentioned in another thread that we have friends whose dog bite their daughter and attempted to bite another person before they found he had a serious ear infection and was in a lot of pain.

If the harness going over the head is really bothering him I would try a step in harness in order to make the process a happier event. He has already learned to hate the one you have. Some Yorkies do have stubborn streaks and forcing them can create more problems. If one method does not work try something else. If you have hit a wall in training then you have to find a way around it. It is not giving into him, it is just working with his particular personality. Dogs sometimes have fears and phobias that appear to manifest as aggression.

[gracielove]

Originally Posted by bobohyde

I think I have a suggestion that could help. You said in your previous post that you have to slip his head through the harness. Columbo's harness isn't like that. I've posted pictures of the type he wears below. It opens up and I just put a leg through each opening. (He even puts each leg out for me to do it) Then is snaps together at his back/shoulders. Then there are two rings, one from each side, that the leash hooks to. If you get one like this that doesn't go over his head, he might fight you less. Then, later when he's outgrown this phase and is more trusting (yes, it will happen) you could go back to the other style harness if that's what you prefer.

This is a good example of the step in harness. I have one that I bought from a YT member, chattiesmom. She makes silk harnesses that are adjustable in various colors. When Gracie was a puppy we used the Puppia step in vest harness that was more confining and I was able to control her puppy antics with. Now that she is older the silk harness works great. She loves it and kisses it every time I get it out.