6 Month Old Pup...some newbie questions - YorkieTalk.com Forums

gonzisupreme · 01-21-2015, 08:26 AM

Good Morning everyone!

We adopted a Male Yorkie Pup around Christmas and he's about 6 months now. He's caught up with all his shots and I have some lingering issues I was hoping to get feedback on.

First and most importantly: His walks. He hates to walk. He's receptive to putting on the leash, walking down the driveway...but once he realizes we are leaving the house...he shuts down. Our route is a typical suburban block circle...and the first leg of the path...I need to do light tugs and sweet talk to get him going. (I do have him set up with an "Easy Walk Harness" so no trachea issues)....when we come around the return leg of the walk...he's much more receptive to walking which makes me think he doesn't want to leave the house. I've tried praise..Leading him with treats...no luck. I've also tried doing the path clockwise and counterclockwise to rule out a particular spot in the route that he may fear....and it's always the first part of the walk that's a struggle.

Is it just going to take more time? Anything else I can try?

Second issue: Chewing. When we adopted him, he came with a few toys...the one that he absolutely loved was a raw hide in the shape of a candy cane. I've since learned that raw hide isn't good for him. So I went out and got Kong toys (won't play with unless peanut butter is in it), Nylabone (he's not interested in), Whimzees (he's not interested in), and mini squeeky tennis balls (interested in for about 1.24 minutes).

So between chew things being indigestible (Raw hide) or too hard and likely to break teeth (bully sticks...though he also seems completely disinterested in)...I'm lost as to what to give him to chew on that is constructive. I know he wants to chew because he is always trying to chew on twigs outside or house slippers in the house.....I'm just lost.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advanced and thank you all for creating this forum for people like me..lol

Wylie's Mom · 01-21-2015, 09:43 AM

Hi and welcome to YT, my fellow Arizonian

!

I'm not exactly sure why some dogs don't like walks, perhaps they just feel to insecure vs being inside a house? Since you've only had him since Xmas and he's quite young yet, I can see him growing out of this -- perhaps his first owners didn't walk him at all...? Our Pfeiffer hated walks at first, she was just terrified...so we'd carry her and let our other 2 walk; now, she loveslovesloves going for walks. So don't give up.

As for chews, I like giving CET Chews (get on Amazon) in the medium size (petite size is choking hazard, been there), Honest Kitchen Beams, RMBs (raw meaty bones, like bison rib bones), Munchy Stix and a few others.

Magnus · 01-21-2015, 09:57 AM

Magnus loves to walk no matter which path/distance. Zoey on the other hand is good with short distance but hates the longer distance walks. If I start walking toward the longer path, she'll walk for about half a block and wants me to carry her the rest of the way. Then on our way back, she's more than happy to walk/run back home.

I think she just doesn't like being too far away from the place she feels most secure/safe in. I got tired of carrying her in my arms so I ended up buying a doggie backpack to carry her in. I'm just thankful she's only 5.5 lbs. LOL

gonzisupreme · 01-21-2015, 11:38 AM

Thanks for the input so far!

I can almost guarantee the people who had the litter never walked him....especially since he couldn't get his shots till recently. I definitely will keep at it. I'm just afraid if I pick him up that he'll want that all the time for the walk.

I hope it's a phase, though he's already exhibited a more passive temperament. He was the quiet one of the litter. So I guess we'll just have to see how he is as he matures.

We've postponed his neuter and I wonder how his personality might change when we do eventually get it done. He has started to lift his leg and mark his spots...I wonder if he's preoccupied with wanting to do that.

I'll definitely try those CET chews since I've seen it mentioned on the forum quite a bit.

Thanks again! Any other input is appreciated!

Shicks · 01-21-2015, 01:01 PM

It took my yorkie about a year to learn to walk. I did all the treat stuff and picking him up. They just need time for security. Good luck don't give up

Jkpal · 01-21-2015, 01:27 PM

Piper loves going for walks, the faster the better, new and old territory~~loves walking! However, I am in exactly the same boat as you when it comes to long-lasting chews, plus she only likes chicken flavored. I've spent a small fortune on chews in hopes find thee one, but thus far, no luck. Maybe we'll do a chew-run this afternoon and look for items Wylie's Mom suggested. Have fun with your little one and here's hoping both of us score in finding chews they like!!!
"I am as confounded by dogs as I am indebted to them."
-- Roger Caras

gonzisupreme · 01-21-2015, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkpal

Piper loves going for walks, the faster the better, new and old territory~~loves walking! However, I am in exactly the same boat as you when it comes to long-lasting chews, plus she only likes chicken flavored. I've spent a small fortune on chews in hopes find thee one, but thus far, no luck. Maybe we'll do a chew-run this afternoon and look for items Wylie's Mom suggested. Have fun with your little one and here's hoping both of us score in finding chews they like!!!
"I am as confounded by dogs as I am indebted to them."
-- Roger Caras

Yeah...He'll eat Blue Buffalo treats and BB potato bones or whatever...but yeah...long lasting chews that are safe and he'll like...been the biggest obstacle so far. I'll let you guys know how I fare with the CET Chews.

Jkpal · 01-21-2015, 01:55 PM

Dang, I'm looking at medium CETs on Amazon, but how do I know which one to choose? I don't mean to come across as completely helpless, but there are many to choose from and I'd sorta like to hedge my bet as to ordering the right kind...As always, I can really use and really appreciate your suggestions!

gonzisupreme · 01-21-2015, 02:17 PM

Wylie's mom suggests medium:

"As for chews, I like giving CET Chews (get on Amazon) in the medium size (petite size is choking hazard, been there), Honest Kitchen Beams, RMBs (raw meaty bones, like bison rib bones), Munchy Stix and a few others."

Graneet · 01-22-2015, 07:52 AM

I give mine peanut butter oinkies. They soon learn how to pull out the peanut butter crunchy centers and leave the outer. So i put peanut butter in the outer and freeze it. What concerns me wonder if people peanut butter isnt to fatty and salty. Just gave it to thenm yesterday so may wait until i know for sure.

As for walking is their something strange near where he/she walks? Sorry forgot mail or femaale. Boo is a real scaredy cat and sees things hes not sure of and barks and barks. What seems to be nothing. So your baby could be afraid of something there. Other wise just keep walking him vhe will come around its just new to him/her.

gonzisupreme · 01-26-2015, 01:41 PM

I just wanted to give you guys some updates...

Tito is currently doing much better with his walks. I've brought my son along and I think the whole "pack" situation makes him more comfortable. He's now focused on marking every single bush he can reach...lol

As far as chew things, I got him the CET Chews and he absolutely LOVES them! So thanks for that suggestion.

Thanks again for everyone's input

Lovetodream88 · 01-26-2015, 02:55 PM

Hello and Welcome to YorkieTalk! Have you tried picking him up and carrying him a few feet then putting him down to walk? My yorkie hates the harness that connects in the front. You might want to try a cheap step in harness from the pet store the hooks on the back and he might like that better. If he does when he is fully grown I recommend a buddy belt. They have puppy chew toys that you can freeze and then they chew on and other things like that at the pet store. You also might want to try some plush toys too. Our Petsmart has a whole section of puppy toys.

gonzisupreme · 01-28-2015, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

Hello and Welcome to YorkieTalk! Have you tried picking him up and carrying him a few feet then putting him down to walk? My yorkie hates the harness that connects in the front. You might want to try a cheap step in harness from the pet store the hooks on the back and he might like that better. If he does when he is fully grown I recommend a buddy belt. They have puppy chew toys that you can freeze and then they chew on and other things like that at the pet store. You also might want to try some plush toys too. Our Petsmart has a whole section of puppy toys.

That's another thing I think helped....we used a more traditional harness...I'm not as concerned with him pulling ahead of me right now as I'm trying to help him build his confidence in the walk. But again, he's been doing much better.

CET chews and Kong toys seem to be working...and i'm done with plush toys after he ripped off a Kong plush toy's head in less than 24 hours

lol

Jkpal · 01-28-2015, 09:49 PM

Oh my, what a headstrong, ferocious little beast he is...! I'll bet he was quite proud at having decimated his furry toy--all that shaking going on...And I'm sure with his feisty little personality, he brings you sheer joy daily! They certainly keep us on our toes, don't they?!

sophie31 · 01-29-2015, 07:22 AM

Sophie was the same with walks it took awhile we would walk her in our yard for the first bit to get her comfortable I think she was scared of the bug world full of smells. As for the chewing we found a great chew toy by pet stages at petco it looks like a little stick. Good luck

01-21-2015, 08:26 AM	#1
gonzisupreme YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Litchfield Park, AZ, USA Posts: 6	6 Month Old Pup...some newbie questions Good Morning everyone! We adopted a Male Yorkie Pup around Christmas and he's about 6 months now. He's caught up with all his shots and I have some lingering issues I was hoping to get feedback on. First and most importantly: His walks. He hates to walk. He's receptive to putting on the leash, walking down the driveway...but once he realizes we are leaving the house...he shuts down. Our route is a typical suburban block circle...and the first leg of the path...I need to do light tugs and sweet talk to get him going. (I do have him set up with an "Easy Walk Harness" so no trachea issues)....when we come around the return leg of the walk...he's much more receptive to walking which makes me think he doesn't want to leave the house. I've tried praise..Leading him with treats...no luck. I've also tried doing the path clockwise and counterclockwise to rule out a particular spot in the route that he may fear....and it's always the first part of the walk that's a struggle. Is it just going to take more time? Anything else I can try? Second issue: Chewing. When we adopted him, he came with a few toys...the one that he absolutely loved was a raw hide in the shape of a candy cane. I've since learned that raw hide isn't good for him. So I went out and got Kong toys (won't play with unless peanut butter is in it), Nylabone (he's not interested in), Whimzees (he's not interested in), and mini squeeky tennis balls (interested in for about 1.24 minutes). So between chew things being indigestible (Raw hide) or too hard and likely to break teeth (bully sticks...though he also seems completely disinterested in)...I'm lost as to what to give him to chew on that is constructive. I know he wants to chew because he is always trying to chew on twigs outside or house slippers in the house.....I'm just lost. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advanced and thank you all for creating this forum for people like me..lol

01-21-2015, 09:43 AM	#2
Wylie's Mom Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 35,889 Blog Entries: 2	Hi and welcome to YT, my fellow Arizonian ! I'm not exactly sure why some dogs don't like walks, perhaps they just feel to insecure vs being inside a house? Since you've only had him since Xmas and he's quite young yet, I can see him growing out of this -- perhaps his first owners didn't walk him at all...? Our Pfeiffer hated walks at first, she was just terrified...so we'd carry her and let our other 2 walk; now, she loveslovesloves going for walks. So don't give up. As for chews, I like giving CET Chews (get on Amazon) in the medium size (petite size is choking hazard, been there), Honest Kitchen Beams, RMBs (raw meaty bones, like bison rib bones), Munchy Stix and a few others. __________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann \| Pfeiffer \| Marcel Verdel Purcell \| Wylie \| Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨°

01-21-2015, 01:01 PM	#5
Shicks YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Friendsville Tn. Posts: 879 Blog Entries: 1	Walking It took my yorkie about a year to learn to walk. I did all the treat stuff and picking him up. They just need time for security. Good luck don't give up

01-26-2015, 02:55 PM	#12
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,247	Hello and Welcome to YorkieTalk! Have you tried picking him up and carrying him a few feet then putting him down to walk? My yorkie hates the harness that connects in the front. You might want to try a cheap step in harness from the pet store the hooks on the back and he might like that better. If he does when he is fully grown I recommend a buddy belt. They have puppy chew toys that you can freeze and then they chew on and other things like that at the pet store. You also might want to try some plush toys too. Our Petsmart has a whole section of puppy toys. __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!

01-21-2015, 09:57 AM	#3
Magnus Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 3,192	Magnus loves to walk no matter which path/distance. Zoey on the other hand is good with short distance but hates the longer distance walks. If I start walking toward the longer path, she'll walk for about half a block and wants me to carry her the rest of the way. Then on our way back, she's more than happy to walk/run back home. I think she just doesn't like being too far away from the place she feels most secure/safe in. I got tired of carrying her in my arms so I ended up buying a doggie backpack to carry her in. I'm just thankful she's only 5.5 lbs. LOL

01-21-2015, 11:38 AM	#4
gonzisupreme YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Litchfield Park, AZ, USA Posts: 6	Thanks for the input so far! I can almost guarantee the people who had the litter never walked him....especially since he couldn't get his shots till recently. I definitely will keep at it. I'm just afraid if I pick him up that he'll want that all the time for the walk. I hope it's a phase, though he's already exhibited a more passive temperament. He was the quiet one of the litter. So I guess we'll just have to see how he is as he matures. We've postponed his neuter and I wonder how his personality might change when we do eventually get it done. He has started to lift his leg and mark his spots...I wonder if he's preoccupied with wanting to do that. I'll definitely try those CET chews since I've seen it mentioned on the forum quite a bit. Thanks again! Any other input is appreciated!

01-21-2015, 01:27 PM	#6
Jkpal YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Lake Geneva, WI Posts: 2,776	Piper loves going for walks, the faster the better, new and old territory~~loves walking! However, I am in exactly the same boat as you when it comes to long-lasting chews, plus she only likes chicken flavored. I've spent a small fortune on chews in hopes find thee one, but thus far, no luck. Maybe we'll do a chew-run this afternoon and look for items Wylie's Mom suggested. Have fun with your little one and here's hoping both of us score in finding chews they like!!! "I am as confounded by dogs as I am indebted to them." -- Roger Caras

01-21-2015, 01:55 PM	#8
Jkpal YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Lake Geneva, WI Posts: 2,776	Dang, I'm looking at medium CETs on Amazon, but how do I know which one to choose? I don't mean to come across as completely helpless, but there are many to choose from and I'd sorta like to hedge my bet as to ordering the right kind...As always, I can really use and really appreciate your suggestions!

01-21-2015, 02:17 PM	#9
gonzisupreme YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Litchfield Park, AZ, USA Posts: 6	Wylie's mom suggests medium: "As for chews, I like giving CET Chews (get on Amazon) in the medium size (petite size is choking hazard, been there), Honest Kitchen Beams, RMBs (raw meaty bones, like bison rib bones), Munchy Stix and a few others."

01-22-2015, 07:52 AM	#10
Graneet YT Addict Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Marion ohio Posts: 476 Blog Entries: 2	I give mine peanut butter oinkies. They soon learn how to pull out the peanut butter crunchy centers and leave the outer. So i put peanut butter in the outer and freeze it. What concerns me wonder if people peanut butter isnt to fatty and salty. Just gave it to thenm yesterday so may wait until i know for sure. As for walking is their something strange near where he/she walks? Sorry forgot mail or femaale. Boo is a real scaredy cat and sees things hes not sure of and barks and barks. What seems to be nothing. So your baby could be afraid of something there. Other wise just keep walking him vhe will come around its just new to him/her.

01-26-2015, 01:41 PM	#11
gonzisupreme YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Litchfield Park, AZ, USA Posts: 6	I just wanted to give you guys some updates... Tito is currently doing much better with his walks. I've brought my son along and I think the whole "pack" situation makes him more comfortable. He's now focused on marking every single bush he can reach...lol As far as chew things, I got him the CET Chews and he absolutely LOVES them! So thanks for that suggestion. Thanks again for everyone's input

01-28-2015, 09:49 PM	#14
Jkpal YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Lake Geneva, WI Posts: 2,776	Oh my, what a headstrong, ferocious little beast he is...! I'll bet he was quite proud at having decimated his furry toy--all that shaking going on...And I'm sure with his feisty little personality, he brings you sheer joy daily! They certainly keep us on our toes, don't they?!

01-29-2015, 07:22 AM	#15
sophie31 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: london on canada Posts: 94	Sophie was the same with walks it took awhile we would walk her in our yard for the first bit to get her comfortable I think she was scared of the bug world full of smells. As for the chewing we found a great chew toy by pet stages at petco it looks like a little stick. Good luck