I'm getting the 'Cold Shoulder'

[docmartin]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Honestly, this all sounds pretty normal for terriers and how they can react to what is going on around them vs. their perceptions of the same and how they are so personally affected by it all - the reality vs. their ideas about it all... I knew she didn't care for other dogs and probably never should have tried to bring in another dog, let alone a puppy who was going to grow larger and probably be more dominant than Jilly, who was a tiny diva.

Jeanie, thank you for such a detailed and as always extremely helpful answer. Crystal doesn't like other dogs at all and is getting quite aggressive to them as she grows up. We know she had to share a compound before we re-homed her at 5 months. When first introduced to our home she used to take her food from the bowl and hide it and this habit took a few weeks to break. Obviously she'd had to compete to eat in peace and was very scared of other dogs at that time. This has never improved and as maturity enhances her intrinsic character, she growls at the largest, with no fear at all.

In contrast, whilst a really sharp eared little house guard, once people are in the flat she's all over them, but is reticent to show the same emotion it seems outside?

I'm nervous therefore about introducing another dog into the home and have not committed to the Dachshund pup yet. My wife leaves to see her new born grand daughter in Belarus on the 20th. She'll be gone for nearly a month and it will be interesting to see how Crystal handles this absence?

I intend to walk her every day at least once and play with her inside as well. In the afternoons now she enjoys joining her dad for a snooze.

I think Crystal would be the 'boss dog' in a partnership, but may enjoy a little companion, as she essentially has a very loving and gentle nature. Perhaps once the pup has had injections they should meet up here and see what goes off?

[margaritaville]

Sounds like Crystal is beginning to forgive you (for whatever sin you committed against the dog community ). I believe when your wife goes away to visit, Crystal with be attached to you like velcro. It will be interesting to see if when if when your wife returns if she will be treated to the Crystal cold shoulder list, I certainly hope not.

But, keep up the good work, it sounds like she is coming around.

[kjc]

Originally Posted by docmartin

Took her out this afternoon, we went about half a mile each way and stopped at our usual little shelter on the sea-front. She was up on the bench next to me immediately and was very affectionate. Back home she's also paying attention again. Her mood change could be down to my being physically unable to have these little strolls recently? Perhaps they have meant a lot to her and in excess of what I'd imagined? Although not so long, or rigorous as her Mom's morning workouts; it could be she's missed these little sojourns and chats more than I'd appreciated? Maybe the first heat's still having effect. Five weeks since she first showed and her little teats and vulva are still quite swollen?

I must have missed this entry. And I still am having trouble trying to find the most appropriate reply. Let me get this straight: Your wife has been walking Crystal off-lead since your surgery? At which time Crystal came into season (started her heat/estrus)? And after knowing about Crystal's escape from you while out one day? I still don't know how to say this nicely, but have you both lost your minds? This is totally such high risk (for disaster) behavior!

One cannot compare a dog's personality when not in heat to when the dog is in heat. A trusted companion turns into a reproductive machine! In heat, Crystal's body is constantly telling her to 'make puppies', regardless of any consequences. (It's not that she likes your wife more, it's because your wife is fulfilling Crystal's basic primal urge to get out and about!)

Dog heat starts with swelling of the vulva. This can go on for a week before the bleeding starts. Bleeding can last a week or more. When the bleeding stops is the optimal time to get pregnant and is when professional breeding takes place (3-5 days after bleeding stops). Notice the word 'optimal'. Fertilization can still occur before and after the 'optimal time'. The absolute safest thing to do is keep her on leash at all times, but especially when her vulva is swollen. The entire time. Even professional breeders miss a day or two here and there.

Intact males can smell a female in heat from miles away.

Originally Posted by docmartin

Jeanie, thank you for such a detailed and as always extremely helpful answer. Crystal doesn't like other dogs at all and is getting quite aggressive to them as she grows up. We know she had to share a compound before we re-homed her at 5 months. When first introduced to our home she used to take her food from the bowl and hide it and this habit took a few weeks to break. Obviously she'd had to compete to eat in peace and was very scared of other dogs at that time. This has never improved and as maturity enhances her intrinsic character, she growls at the largest, with no fear at all.

This is very typical Yorkie behavior. I guarantee that 99% of all Yorkies do these behaviors at some point in their lives, if not their whole lives, mainly as puppies but also older dogs too will take a piece of food into another room and hide it or eat it there. My Biewer takes her food bowl into the living room to eat. My little Yorkie girl hides pieces of food under a scatter rug, and the Biewer finds them and eats them. I believe this was discussed in a thread on YT somewhere, and it ended being chalked up to their hunting instinct, moreso than an abuse issue.

Yorkies have no fear. They do not see themselves as 'small dogs', not in the least!

Originally Posted by docmartin

In contrast, whilst a really sharp eared little house guard, once people are in the flat she's all over them, but is reticent to show the same emotion it seems outside?

These are people you have welcomed into your home, and she reads this and accepts your friends. Are these the same people outside? Also, outside she goes into 'protect mode'. This is also common of the breed.

Originally Posted by docmartin

I'm nervous therefore about introducing another dog into the home and have not committed to the Dachshund pup yet. My wife leaves to see her new born grand daughter in Belarus on the 20th. She'll be gone for nearly a month and it will be interesting to see how Crystal handles this absence?

I intend to walk her every day at least once and play with her inside as well. In the afternoons now she enjoys joining her dad for a snooze.

I think Crystal would be the 'boss dog' in a partnership, but may enjoy a little companion, as she essentially has a very loving and gentle nature. Perhaps once the pup has had injections they should meet up here and see what goes off?

Congratulations on the Granddaughter! Wishing your DW a safe and happy trip!

I hope I haven't sounded too harsh, but I feel you both need a 'Wake-up call'. I keep telling myself you are 'new' owners and my intent is not to hurt anyone's feelings, but for Crystal's sake, please heed my advice.

[docmartin]

Originally Posted by kjc

I must have missed this entry. And I still am having trouble trying to find the most appropriate reply. Let me get this straight: Your wife has been walking Crystal off-lead since your surgery? At which time Crystal came into season (started her heat/estrus)? And after knowing about Crystal's escape from you while out one day? I still don't know how to say this nicely, but have you both lost your minds? This is totally such high risk (for disaster) behavior!

One cannot compare a dog's personality when not in heat to when the dog is in heat. A trusted companion turns into a reproductive machine! In heat, Crystal's body is constantly telling her to 'make puppies', regardless of any consequences. (It's not that she likes your wife more, it's because your wife is fulfilling Crystal's basic primal urge to get out and about!)

Dog heat starts with swelling of the vulva. This can go on for a week before the bleeding starts. Bleeding can last a week or more. When the bleeding stops is the optimal time to get pregnant and is when professional breeding takes place (3-5 days after bleeding stops). Notice the word 'optimal'. Fertilization can still occur before and after the 'optimal time'. The absolute safest thing to do is keep her on leash at all times, but especially when her vulva is swollen. The entire time. Even professional breeders miss a day or two here and there.

Intact males can smell a female in heat from miles away.


This is very typical Yorkie behavior. I guarantee that 99% of all Yorkies do these behaviors at some point in their lives, if not their whole lives, mainly as puppies but also older dogs too will take a piece of food into another room and hide it or eat it there. My Biewer takes her food bowl into the living room to eat. My little Yorkie girl hides pieces of food under a scatter rug, and the Biewer finds them and eats them. I believe this was discussed in a thread on YT somewhere, and it ended being chalked up to their hunting instinct, moreso than an abuse issue.

Yorkies have no fear. They do not see themselves as 'small dogs', not in the least!


These are people you have welcomed into your home, and she reads this and accepts your friends. Are these the same people outside? Also, outside she goes into 'protect mode'. This is also common of the breed.

Congratulations on the Granddaughter! Wishing your DW a safe and happy trip!

I hope I haven't sounded too harsh, but I feel you both need a 'Wake-up call'. I keep telling myself you are 'new' owners and my intent is not to hurt anyone's feelings, but for Crystal's sake, please heed my advice.

Firstly thanks for your wishes over my wife's grand daughter.

Sorry you felt it necessary to rebuke us, the need for which is I feel misconstrued. My wife is simply able to run with Crystal 'on-leash' presently, which I cannot. Prior to her coming into season she did indeed let her off and throw a ball etc. etc. From other responses I thought I'd explained the position with clarity and I apologize if my narrative has been ambiguous. I also hope I haven't drifted too much in the past, if so accept my regrets for being a bore?

Both of us have had several dogs over our lives and would never release an 'in-season' bitch at any time. Indeed Irina has awoken at 5.30am each day during this episode to ensure maximum possible seclusion when Crystal was outside, as she was worried about her exposure even on a lead. She also took a riding crop as accompaniment!

As regards house guests I recognize familiarity as a concept. I was merely using the contrast between her attitude to people as against other dogs, not as axiomatic reasoning for the reaction in itself.

Reluctantly I still find your 'Wake-up' call reference both perplexing and to be candid, conclusively hurtful. I must obviously appear as either very naive, or in need of care?

I think it best to let matters and my future exposure rest there.

May I thank most sincerely all the people who have helped me on the forum, as I posted with growing confidence and trust amongst a mainly female audience. We really both express our feelings here, but I appear in the singular, as control of my native language is superior to Irina's and she didn't wish to be misunderstood.

In closing I will always retain the memory of many comments here with feelings of affection, gratitude and kindness, reference the little people we all love so much...

[kjc]

Originally Posted by docmartin

Firstly thanks for your wishes over my wife's grand daughter.

Sorry you felt it necessary to rebuke us, the need for which is I feel misconstrued. My wife is simply able to run with Crystal 'on-leash' presently, which I cannot. Prior to her coming into season she did indeed let her off and throw a ball etc. etc. From other responses I thought I'd explained the position with clarity and I apologize if my narrative has been ambiguous. I also hope I haven't drifted too much in the past, if so accept my regrets for being a bore?

Both of us have had several dogs over our lives and would never release an 'in-season' bitch at any time. Indeed Irina has awoken at 5.30am each day during this episode to ensure maximum possible seclusion when Crystal was outside, as she was worried about her exposure even on a lead. She also took a riding crop as accompaniment!

As regards house guests I recognize familiarity as a concept. I was merely using the contrast between her attitude to people as against other dogs, not as axiomatic reasoning for the reaction in itself.

Reluctantly I still find your 'Wake-up' call reference both perplexing and to be candid, conclusively hurtful. I must obviously appear as either very naive, or in need of care?

I think it best to let matters and my future exposure rest there.

May I thank most sincerely all the people who have helped me on the forum, as I posted with growing confidence and trust amongst a mainly female audience. We really both express our feelings here, but I appear in the singular, as control of my native language is superior to Irina's and she didn't wish to be misunderstood.

In closing I will always retain the memory of many comments here with feelings of affection, gratitude and kindness, reference the little people we all love so much...

You have my sincerest apologies... I was just very concerned from what I had pieced together and obviously taken 'out of context', and felt I had to post, rather than let it go unsaid. I am truly relieved that I am in error, and I ask that you please forgive me... again, I am so sorry to have hurt your feelings.

[docmartin]

Originally Posted by kjc

You have my sincerest apologies... I was just very concerned from what I had pieced together and obviously taken 'out of context', and felt I had to post, rather than let it go unsaid. I am truly relieved that I am in error, and I ask that you please forgive me... again, I am so sorry to have hurt your feelings.

Thank you, I'm honestly so relieved as I always enjoyed your posts and replies.

My wife said 'ze lady only meant this wiz kindness' and your reply is both taken and accepted with gratitude and relief for any misunderstanding either way. I'm sure I'll be looking for solace on here soon when Crystal goes into shock at Mom's long absence. I only hope she's not worse than last time, when she attempted burrowing through the wall to Irina's room, when I'd mistakenly shut the door one day!

The other little girl was 7lbs 7ozs at arrival and was a Cesarean delivery, a fact they kept from both 'Grannies' until now. Both Mom and baby are doing well.

Here's to good friendship,

Martin

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by docmartin

Jeanie, thank you for such a detailed and as always extremely helpful answer. Crystal doesn't like other dogs at all and is getting quite aggressive to them as she grows up. We know she had to share a compound before we re-homed her at 5 months. When first introduced to our home she used to take her food from the bowl and hide it and this habit took a few weeks to break. Obviously she'd had to compete to eat in peace and was very scared of other dogs at that time. This has never improved and as maturity enhances her intrinsic character, she growls at the largest, with no fear at all.

In contrast, whilst a really sharp eared little house guard, once people are in the flat she's all over them, but is reticent to show the same emotion it seems outside?

I'm nervous therefore about introducing another dog into the home and have not committed to the Dachshund pup yet. My wife leaves to see her new born grand daughter in Belarus on the 20th. She'll be gone for nearly a month and it will be interesting to see how Crystal handles this absence?

I intend to walk her every day at least once and play with her inside as well. In the afternoons now she enjoys joining her dad for a snooze.

I think Crystal would be the 'boss dog' in a partnership, but may enjoy a little companion, as she essentially has a very loving and gentle nature. Perhaps once the pup has had injections they should meet up here and see what goes off?

It sounds as if you want that little male Doxie pretty bad! If you do proceed on to possibly getting him, I think your idea of a play-date where they are introduced to one another would be a good idea, perhaps allowing them to meet on the front lawn for a time and then allow then in the home together after a while longer and see how they do. She'll no doubt accept a young pup, as most dogs do, but once he begins to grow up and assert himself, just be prepared to react to whatever develops. description of her guarding behavior at the food bowl indicates some things about her that could present a problem with another dog living in the home but you could hopefully overcome that with rehab training if it flares up - and the two of them could develop a forever friendship and love for one another just as easily as anything else when all is said and done.

[docmartin]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

It sounds as if you want that little male Doxie pretty bad! If you do proceed on to possibly getting him, I think your idea of a play-date where they are introduced to one another would be a good idea, perhaps allowing them to meet on the front lawn for a time and then allow then in the home together after a while longer and see how they do. She'll no doubt accept a young pup, as most dogs do, but once he begins to grow up and assert himself, just be prepared to react to whatever develops. description of her guarding behavior at the food bowl indicates some things about her that could present a problem with another dog living in the home but you could hopefully overcome that with rehab training if it flares up - and the two of them could develop a forever friendship and love for one another just as easily as anything else when all is said and done.

She has not displayed the food removal habit from her bowl for over eight months now and never minds it being picked up mid-meal, if we've forgotten the pro-biotic for example. Essentially her nature is gentle and submissive, but she now gets very quiet and reclusive if either of us goes out. For instance this morning Mom's gone to work and she's curled in a little ball on her bed looking very sorry for herself just now. I'd hoped another dog would help keep her active when this occurs. She will play for a little while with me, but then quietly exits to mom's room and the default mourning mood.

Friday night I was out and the same attitude applied apparently. I think a few dress rehearsals with the pup may be a good thing to try in a few weeks or so. I'm lucky having that option through friendship, available.

My pal also knows her little 'Doxie' would gain a loving home with two retired parents to cherish what has become a surrogate pup for her too. I really think that if we decline, she'll keep her anyway and in that respect is hoping one way or another I'll make the decision for her...

In conclusion I would only ever do whats right for Crystal. It's her home and happiness that is paramount in any determination, which I feel is only fair.

[margaritaville]

As for her going to her bed when your wife goes out, when I go to work in the morning my husband (retired) says that as soon as the garage door closes they both get up on the couch. He said they stay there and sleep most of the day except for once or twice to go outside. Then about 15minutes before Iam due home they get up and begin to run around, looking out the front window and door for my car to pull into the drive.
I think it's a pack instinct, when a member of their pack is missing they wait. Do they think we went out to hunt for food as wild animals do? They always seem interested in what I bring home in shopping bags

[gracielove]

My little shadow, Gracie, is very, very loyal EXCEPT when the grandchildren arrive or basically anyone new arrives at the front door. Then she becomes absolutely ecstatic with the company of the new arrival.

I have some severe arthritis in a back injury that slows me down but I still force myself to take her on at least 2 walks a day. I have someone else take her on at least one walk a day so she gets to go as fast as she likes with them. I am always the one to feed her (except for the little snacks she may get from the grandchildren) When I have been sick she is always right with me the whole time. She seems to know when she needs to be the nurse dog.

Maybe your little girl feels you lost interest in her. They are very sensitive dogs. It seems strange that she would not be with you when you were not feeling well since my experience has been they are quite sensitive to illness or the pain of others. I would say bribery would work best in this instance. You know what she likes best so keep trying to win her back with her favorites.

[docmartin]

Originally Posted by gracielove

My little shadow, Gracie, is very, very loyal EXCEPT when the grandchildren arrive or basically anyone new arrives at the front door. Then she becomes absolutely ecstatic with the company of the new arrival.

I have some severe arthritis in a back injury that slows me down but I still force myself to take her on at least 2 walks a day. I have someone else take her on at least one walk a day so she gets to go as fast as she likes with them. I am always the one to feed her (except for the little snacks she may get from the grandchildren) When I have been sick she is always right with me the whole time. She seems to know when she needs to be the nurse dog.

Maybe your little girl feels you lost interest in her. They are very sensitive dogs. It seems strange that she would not be with you when you were not feeling well since my experience has been they are quite sensitive to illness or the pain of others. I would say bribery would work best in this instance. You know what she likes best so keep trying to win her back with her favorites.

Thank you for your response, I feel I should explain and re-iterate some points relevant to my present physical condition.

Four weeks ago I had surgery for spinal degeneration as the corollary of a trauma injury experienced in 1975, when I also lost an arm. I'm quite good at suppressing pain anyway and the operation has immediately relieved my position as well. However I was instructed NOT to walk far until an MRI scan was taken two days ago and only then after seeing a consultant to view it's result. I have been on half mile return jaunts with my little girl on a few occasions, as I miss my time with her very much. However not wanting to risk the first real pain free period of my life for over ten years, I have erred on the side of caution and have remained essentially static.

I suffered a heavy fall 3 months ago whilst walking with Crystal and she was extremely defensive when people rushed to help me. For a week or so afterwards she was my constant companion and as I've posted elsewhere here, literally licked my wounds every day, until they healed.

I am on the subornation trail as I write and she responds well, but then returns to her solitary confinement on mum's bed, after a short stay with me.

I did also explain I had a project deadline to reach which resulted in me working for many days on the computer, which meant that whilst together alone for some time, we were essentially apart - she may have felt rejection here maybe?

I think our prolonged period alone when we are both deprived of Mom's company for a month, from next weekend may effect a change though?

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by docmartin

She has not displayed the food removal habit from her bowl for over eight months now and never minds it being picked up mid-meal, if we've forgotten the pro-biotic for example. Essentially her nature is gentle and submissive, but she now gets very quiet and reclusive if either of us goes out. For instance this morning Mom's gone to work and she's curled in a little ball on her bed looking very sorry for herself just now. I'd hoped another dog would help keep her active when this occurs. She will play for a little while with me, but then quietly exits to mom's room and the default mourning mood.

Friday night I was out and the same attitude applied apparently. I think a few dress rehearsals with the pup may be a good thing to try in a few weeks or so. I'm lucky having that option through friendship, available.

My pal also knows her little 'Doxie' would gain a loving home with two retired parents to cherish what has become a surrogate pup for her too. I really think that if we decline, she'll keep her anyway and in that respect is hoping one way or another I'll make the decision for her...

In conclusion I would only ever do whats right for Crystal. It's her home and happiness that is paramount in any determination, which I feel is only fair.

I'm glad she's not feeling the need to guard her resources anymore due to having made some fundamental changes in how she regards her role in her current living situation. She's come a long way and all that could be forever settled in her psyche with two strong, loving leaders in her life now. But any time a new puppy is brought into the house, new owners understand it could change the pack dynamic in the home as the other dog sees it and cause some regression or bring out new issues. But if that happens, you know that could be a possibility and will be prepared to deal with it. I wouldn't be worried about it - it's just doggie nature for some dogs and may not ever surface again, especially if she adores the addition to her home. She may love sharing her space, things and people with a new, rambunctious puppy and enjoy having another of her species about to keep her company and play with. Most dogs seem to love having another dog about the house even if there are some bumps in the road occasionally. I hope if you do get him, things go very easily with the two of them bonding and he settles in quickly.

I'd love to see any pictures you might snap of this little guy!!!

[docmartin]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

I'm glad she's not feeling the need to guard her resources anymore due to having made some fundamental changes in how she regards her role in her current living situation. She's come a long way and all that could be forever settled in her psyche with two strong, loving leaders in her life now. But any time a new puppy is brought into the house, new owners understand it could change the pack dynamic in the home as the other dog sees it and cause some regression or bring out new issues. But if that happens, you know that could be a possibility and will be prepared to deal with it. I wouldn't be worried about it - it's just doggie nature for some dogs and may not ever surface again, especially if she adores the addition to her home. She may love sharing her space, things and people with a new, rambunctious puppy and enjoy having another of her species about to keep her company and play with. Most dogs seem to love having another dog about the house even if there are some bumps in the road occasionally. I hope if you do get him, things go very easily with the two of them bonding and he settles in quickly.

I'd love to see any pictures you might snap of this little guy!!!

Well, following comments on here, I took the ball by the horns and took her out on the beach this evening at 7pm, by which time it's usually deserted. I took her off leash for the first time since last August as she kept peering over the sea wall with longing at the empty low-tide sands. Once free she went absolutely berserk running and jumping like a mad thing, but always returning immediately to the call. Last year the bin collection van scared her badly and she bolted from me, since then with my reduced physicality I've kept her on the spool-lead.

She finished menstruation over a week ago now and tonight met with a little boy chihuahua/maltese cross who was only interested in rubbing noses. They were both on leads at the time. Eventually she started charging and bossing him around and he cried to be picked up (little bully).

Perhaps she's been feeling I don't trust her anymore as only mom has been letting her run free, who knows? Anyway she returned to a maternal bath, which is definitely on the reject list, big-time. So maybe I'm in the good books again, by this combination of benefit versus dislike to mother's aquatic insistence?

I got a whole series of pics of the pup Friday and chose this one as the best. She is rather adorable and has an enormous pedigree going back many generations...

[yorkietalkjilly]

Oh, my goodness gracious, Martin, that Doxie is just beautiful! What a gorgeous, wee little missy she is. I thought for some reason she was a he - sorry! I don't blame you for wishing to have this little beauty. Look at her color - nice, deep and rich and such a lovely head and ears. Look at that intelligent expression. My, my, she's a specimen, as my grandmother used to say! I love her! ♥

Sounds as if Crystal is feeling good again and you two are resuming old times as you are able. No doubt the misses going away will further your return to partnership and you two will be forever best-pals once again.

I'm hoping for nothing but good things ahead for your little threesome or foursome, whichever it turns out to be down the road.

[docmartin]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Oh, my goodness gracious, Martin, that Doxie is just beautiful! What a gorgeous, wee little missy she is. I thought for some reason she was a he - sorry! I don't blame you for wishing to have this little beauty. Look at her color - nice, deep and rich and such a lovely head and ears. Look at that intelligent expression. My, my, she's a specimen, as my grandmother used to say! I love her! ♥

Sounds as if Crystal is feeling good again and you two are resuming old times as you are able. No doubt the misses going away will further your return to partnership and you two will be forever best-pals once again.

I'm hoping for nothing but good things ahead for your little threesome or foursome, whichever it turns out to be down the road.

Thank you for your good wishes. This photo was quite comical as I got down to get her face on. Those eyes were hypnotic I promise. Anyway just as I pressed the button, she jumped at me and bumped the camera onto my nose with quite some force! I thought it would be an out of focus write off, but the timing must have been almost perfect. As they say 'never work with animals'. She has the most gorgeous chunky plump little legs. You almost want to eat them they're so magnificent.

However that said my Crystal is one of the most photogenic creatures I've ever worked with for photo's. She'll be 15 months old tomorrow and just recently seems to have become simply beautiful. Her eyes are clear now, thanks to 'Angels Eyes' and really sparkle and her coat and trim are now perfectly balanced. She seems to have topped out around 7lbs 3ozs a nice weight and best of all she bursts with energy and good health. By the way she slept with me last night, I think I'd exhausted her on the beach. I certainly ache this morning, but well worth it!