My yorkie won't cuddle..

[kirbybirby]

I feel as though my yorkie doesn't trust me because she very rarely cuddles with me. The only time she will ever "cuddle" is when it's early in the morning and cold. But any other time she will sit on the opposite side of the room. She never seems to be happy to see me other than a quick 30 second burst of energy when I come home. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I know some dogs are laid back and maybe it's just her personality but it makes me very sad that she won't cuddle with me or show much affection towards me. Is there any way I can get her to cuddle? I've tried rewarding her when she does cuddle but it never works. She always pushes away from me when I hold her or bring her over near me to sit next to me. I've been around her since, well, before she was even born so I would think there should be a stronger bond. She is 2 years old as of yesterday. I don't know, I just feel so untrusted by her.

[Graneet]

How old is she and how long have you had her. If you just got her give her time i also think if they are not held a lot at the breeders they are independant but she may come around. My boo was like that some but his cuddling has to be on his time.

[kirbybirby]

She is 2 years as of yesterday. I was around her mother before my pup was born and then I visited my pup every Sunday, holding her the entire time, until I was able to bring her home.

[Jkpal]

I refrained from picking up Piper, just patted her adorable little head and then let her move away, or I did...I think when she realized she had some say in the matter (if you will), she became much more assertive in seeking attention and snuggles. And now I can grab her, cover her with smooches or position her any which way as long as she can enjoy endless tummy rubs. It seems space and allowing her to make decisions helped my girl...

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by kirbybirby

I feel as though my yorkie doesn't trust me because she very rarely cuddles with me. The only time she will ever "cuddle" is when it's early in the morning and cold. But any other time she will sit on the opposite side of the room. She never seems to be happy to see me other than a quick 30 second burst of energy when I come home. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I know some dogs are laid back and maybe it's just her personality but it makes me very sad that she won't cuddle with me or show much affection towards me. Is there any way I can get her to cuddle? I've tried rewarding her when she does cuddle but it never works. She always pushes away from me when I hold her or bring her over near me to sit next to me. I've been around her since, well, before she was even born so I would think there should be a stronger bond. She is 2 years old as of yesterday. I don't know, I just feel so untrusted by her.

That must be so upsetting - and frustrating - for you.

We give our all to the little ones - keeping them loved and fed and totally looked after - and yet you're feeling this way - I'm sorry.

I realise it sounds a little bit harsh and cruel - but I wonder if you should try a bit of 'reverse psychology'? A little bit of ignoring her - a little bit of coolness - make her think she wants to come to you, instead of you wanting that?

I know that if I MAKE Harry do anything, then he'll struggle. But he'll do anything in the world for my husband Andy - but Andy never asks anything of him - they just bash along together (as men do!!!).

How is she with other members of your family? My heart really goes out to you....Sally + Harry xx

[ritapatt]

Ziva was really too busy for cuddling as a puppy. She was almost 2 when I got very sick with the flu and stayed on the couch during the day. Ziva parked herself next to me and hardly moved all day- she has been my pal ever since- but only when I am still and settled in for awhile (tv show, nap, reading)

[pstinard]

Wow, from my experiences with Bella, I was thinking that Yorkies were natural born cuddlers. Bella would spend hours under my blanket curled up against my chest if I let her. And she's always begging for attention. I didn't do anything special to make her this way--she came that way. We did get her from the breeder at 8 weeks of age, which is legal in Illinois, but not recommended (12 weeks is preferred). Maybe she thinks I'm her mother? I guess each dog is different.

[kirbybirby]

Thanks for all the kind words and understanding..

I've tried to let her do her own thing and "ignore" her. In fact, that's what I do just about 99% of the time because I never want to force her into anything she doesn't want to do. But it hasn't worked, she's still stubborn. I'm just at a loss on what to do. I obviously love her to pieces either way but I would just love it if she would be closer with me. It's weird, too, she doesn't like belly rubs. I mean, she doesn't mind them for about 5 seconds but she never rolls over and asks for them. I'm just concerned that she doesn't trust me enough and she is feeling alone and therefore feels the need to "fend for herself". :\

[yavenay]

Does she like to play? When I brought Dutch home, she was standoffish. Then I started getting on the floor and just playing with her. We would play tag, hide and seek, football or tug of war, teaching her new commands and of course plenty of walks. I think doing all of those things help to build a bond. Now she seeks me out for cuddles and she even gets under the covers now.

[yorkietalkjilly]

I'd begin by training her to do small things and then really praise her and instantly treat her - allowing her to learn that working with you forms a fast bond as you two work together to achieve something that teaches her to feel good about herself for doing something you've taught her. Dogs get so excited when they learn they can connect to us through simple working at obedience training. If you amp her up for training and keep the sessions short, fun and really rewarding for her, she'll adore working with you and likely will soon always be touching you or lying on you, wanting to be always near her soulmate. Use warm, boiled chicken for her treats and a high, squeaky voice when you first start out and she'll delight in her training.

[kirbybirby]

She does like to play but when I first brought her home she was very scared. Wouldn't play and just wanted to hide. She has obviously gotten much better at playing. I try to be active with her every chance I get but maybe it needs to be more often. She is still on a 5AM schedule from the breeder (yes, 2 years later lol) and wants to start her day at 5AM.

I will try with the training, that sounds like it would be beneficial for her and I can see how that would help.

[maxsassy]

My Amy isn't into cuddling when I want to hold her but on her terms. When she wants me to pick her up and hold her or cradle her like a baby then she will come and put her paws on my knees. Some times she will give a little bark also. I wait for those moments.

[Tink04]

Everything you said is exactly how my yorkie, Tink acts (she will be 11 next month) She has never been a cuddler (except when cold...). She has never liked being held/picked up. If I would pick her up from where she is to try and cuddle, she would return to her original spot. She chooses what she wants, and will come lay next to me when she wants.We have always kidded around she us more cat than dog.
However, she always follows me, and is in the same room as me. And I have no doubts that she doesn't love me - I have just accepted that she isn't a cuddler
Maybe it will just take some time, especially since she was so timid when you got her. For what it's worth, my other dog (non yorkie) did not trust either of us when we got her. She was a rescue and was very very untrusting. I took her to a very experienced trainer (who actually trains police dogs) and the difference was HUGE. She went from being completely distant to wanting to be around us all the time. its very obvious you love your little girl, maybe it will just take some time. Best of luck!

[Siouxz]

Sounds like you have an independent little girl. So do I. She will sit and snuggle with me only if I am sitting in the chair "she" wants to sit in. Otherwise she will curl up somewhere else. I heard somewhere that female puppies love their human, and male puppies are "in love" with their human. Ever thought of a male?

So I make sure I play with her, pick her up and squeeze and love her up cuz, I need it. Then she wants outside to play with the cats.

[KazzyK810]

It sounds like you have an independent girl. I do too!

My ZoE only cuddles on her terms. She will come and lay next to me if I sit on the sofa for a while, but if I try to pick her up, she'll move away. She will hardly ever actually cuddle on my lap. It's a rare time when she does and I treasure it!