Walking a Tiny - YorkieTalk.com Forums

xkagomechanx · 03-26-2015, 08:31 AM

Hi guys!

My yorkie is currently 8 months and I've been trying to walk her places! I've been attending training at Petsmart to help train her to loose leash walk for 2 classes. Even now, she will still have moments when she will stop and refuse to walk! She won't move until someone picks her up. She will even start backing up.

I spoke with the trainer about this issue and she noticed that she will not walk when there's large things around, she gets easily overwhelmed. She's about 3 lbs and tiny so I guess the world looks huge to her. On top of that, I get scared when I bring her to crowded places because someone might step on her. I'm starting to think I can never walk with her!

Any advice on how to break this fear she has?

Verbena · 03-26-2015, 08:59 AM

Galen is 3.5 lbs. if there is way too many people I do not have him on the ground. People do not watch were they walk. And yes they can get hurt.

i do take him shopping with me. I go to Homegoods and places that allows dogs. It does help getting them used to walking around with people. I also used treat to coax him into walking. Patience . . Keep at it. She will get used to things. She is still young. And a terrier lol they are stubborn

xkagomechanx · 03-26-2015, 09:03 AM

Thank you for the response!

I guess it's something she will hopefully get used to haha

yavenay · 03-26-2015, 11:02 AM

My Yorkie use to do that. When she got tired of walking, she came to a complete stop. I just learn to pick her up and carry her a few feet than put her back down and she would walk again. Something I just learn to live with. She was only 4lbs so I really didn't mind. She was after all a diva and divas run the show. I had her for 6 wonderful years before she passed away. She was pretty spoiled but well socialized (most of the time).

Because she was so small I tended to carry her when there was a crowd because I didn't want anybody to accidentally step on her.

Magnus · 03-26-2015, 11:21 AM

Kagome..... Inuyasha fan? LOL

Zoey isn't a big fan of walking either. She's a lot better now but still won't go through the entire walk. And for crowded places... I actually don't want her to walk. Especially b/c I have to keep an eye on Magnus as well so I can easily get distracted. I'm bit paranoid that she'll get stepped on, or some kid with that doesn't know better might try petting Zoey, etc... So the best solution I came up with was the pet carrier backpack.

She likes it in there MUCH better too and we both feel "safe" so it's a win/win situation for everyone. Some take their furbutts around in a stroller (for various reasons).

capt_noonie · 03-26-2015, 11:46 AM

I agree with everyone above. Even the non-extra tiny ones should be carried in certain circumstances. Toto is normal sized, about 5 lbs, but he gets tired quickly (plus he's almost 10) so I carry him when he doesn't want to walk anymore. If we go to a store, I carry him in his sling. He feels more safe and doesn't bark as much at everything.

Another popular thing is a stroller. Those are more pricey, but if you have more than one small dog it may be worth it. I don't have one just bc I don't want to be a dog stroller person, LOL but many people use it and they love it.

dinkster · 03-26-2015, 01:10 PM

A couple of reasons I would not walk her in crowded places (although I am not sure what you mean by crowded)-One as you know by now is that people are constantly stopping and wanting to talk about her. Most are well intentioned, but we have had people actually grab for Dinky. No, you may not just hold my dog. Small children are likely to approach also, and they will likely startle her, which could end badly for her or the children.
and then what others said, she could be overlooked by someone and hurt.
She learn to walk with you. They do get smarter as they get older!

xkagomechanx · 03-26-2015, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnus

Kagome..... Inuyasha fan? LOL

Zoey isn't a big fan of walking either. She's a lot better now but still won't go through the entire walk. And for crowded places... I actually don't want her to walk. Especially b/c I have to keep an eye on Magnus as well so I can easily get distracted. I'm bit paranoid that she'll get stepped on, or some kid with that doesn't know better might try petting Zoey, etc... So the best solution I came up with was the pet carrier backpack.

She likes it in there MUCH better too and we both feel "safe" so it's a win/win situation for everyone. Some take their furbutts around in a stroller (for various reasons).

LOL yes, I've used this sn for 10 years now it just stuck LOL..

Thank you everyone for your responses!

I appreciate it!!

Verbena · 03-26-2015, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I agree with everyone above. Even the non-extra tiny ones should be carried in certain circumstances. Toto is normal sized, about 5 lbs, but he gets tired quickly (plus he's almost 10) so I carry him when he doesn't want to walk anymore. If we go to a store, I carry him in his sling. He feels more safe and doesn't bark as much at everything.

Another popular thing is a stroller. Those are more pricey, but if you have more than one small dog it may be worth it. I don't have one just bc I don't want to be a dog stroller person, LOL but many people use it and they love it.

OMG !! Your too funny !

I said that too. . . Well now I am one

capt_noonie · 03-26-2015, 02:40 PM

I might become one soon too. Toto is getting older and I end up carrying him. If i do the two mile walk I end up carrying him for 1 3/4 miles. At least I get an anaerobic bicep workout!

I just don't think the prices they charge are fair. Too much. So for now I won't get one.

SwordSister · 03-26-2015, 03:06 PM

I have a sling for Lexi. It was inexpensive, and it's comfortable for both of us and wads up nicely when not in use.

sophie31 · 03-26-2015, 05:13 PM

I had the same problem with Sophie she's almost nine months and 2.5 lbs I spoke with her trainer and he felt it was fear so he told me to start walking her around my backyard but before I go out with her throw a few treats out something very tiny and she will focus on the treats and forget her fears and it helped she now walks just about anywhere

MissSunni · 03-26-2015, 05:21 PM

I don't use a stroller, I actually have a bag for Sunni that has a little ring inside that I can attach her to and carry on my shoulder (It was a tote that I had pre Sunni). She's a real shopper, haha. I don't want to be the stroller lady either, LOL…but, I have an idea that may be less costly for those that want to try one. You can get baby (human) umbrella strollers pretty cheap..I had to get one for my visiting niece and it was under $15. so, if you get one of them you can get the seatbelt tethers they sell at petsmart and rig it up. I'm just winging it..I haven't actually put this idea together, but I'm pretty sure its doable.

Magnus · 03-26-2015, 05:25 PM

I'd like to mention one thing about slings... I used slings before and they are great but I think it's better to use a backpack type (or stroller) for longer walks. Personally, I have a bad back (and somewhat bad knee) when I carried Zoey (only 5.5 lbs) for 20-30 min, my shoulder/back/knee would start feeling uncomfortable.

capt_noonie · 03-26-2015, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sophie31

I had the same problem with Sophie she's almost nine months and 2.5 lbs I spoke with her trainer and he felt it was fear so he told me to start walking her around my backyard but before I go out with her throw a few treats out something very tiny and she will focus on the treats and forget her fears and it helped she now walks just about anywhere

Maybe I'm not reading this correctly, but I wouldn't throw treats on the floor. This may get her used to trying to eat stuff off the floor thinking they are treats. I would prefer to hand them to her. I have one that won't eat anything off the floor, and only from a hand. Once we walked by a hot dog on the ground and she didn't even so much as sniff it. Then another who will eat anything on the floor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnus

I'd like to mention one thing about slings... I used slings before and they are great but I think it's better to use a backpack type (or stroller) for longer walks. Personally, I have a bad back (and somewhat bad knee) when I carried Zoey (only 5.5 lbs) for 20-30 min, my shoulder/back/knee would start feeling uncomfortable.

This is a good point to anyone who has shoulder or back issues.

03-26-2015, 08:31 AM	#1
xkagomechanx Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: LA Posts: 37	Walking a Tiny Hi guys! My yorkie is currently 8 months and I've been trying to walk her places! I've been attending training at Petsmart to help train her to loose leash walk for 2 classes. Even now, she will still have moments when she will stop and refuse to walk! She won't move until someone picks her up. She will even start backing up. I spoke with the trainer about this issue and she noticed that she will not walk when there's large things around, she gets easily overwhelmed. She's about 3 lbs and tiny so I guess the world looks huge to her. On top of that, I get scared when I bring her to crowded places because someone might step on her. I'm starting to think I can never walk with her! Any advice on how to break this fear she has? __________________ Mitsy & Mochi

03-26-2015, 08:59 AM	#2
Verbena Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: with my flying monkeys Posts: 15,620 Blog Entries: 7	Galen is 3.5 lbs. if there is way too many people I do not have him on the ground. People do not watch were they walk. And yes they can get hurt. i do take him shopping with me. I go to Homegoods and places that allows dogs. It does help getting them used to walking around with people. I also used treat to coax him into walking. Patience . . Keep at it. She will get used to things. She is still young. And a terrier lol they are stubborn __________________ Teri . . . Galen Jameson Frazier Seraphina Luna Rosencrantz, Saber Tooth Tiger, Pussy Willow Pandora Guildenstern

03-26-2015, 09:03 AM	#3
xkagomechanx Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: LA Posts: 37	Thank you for the response! I guess it's something she will hopefully get used to haha __________________ Mitsy & Mochi

03-26-2015, 11:46 AM	#6
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	I agree with everyone above. Even the non-extra tiny ones should be carried in certain circumstances. Toto is normal sized, about 5 lbs, but he gets tired quickly (plus he's almost 10) so I carry him when he doesn't want to walk anymore. If we go to a store, I carry him in his sling. He feels more safe and doesn't bark as much at everything. Another popular thing is a stroller. Those are more pricey, but if you have more than one small dog it may be worth it. I don't have one just bc I don't want to be a dog stroller person, LOL but many people use it and they love it. __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

03-26-2015, 02:40 PM	#10
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	I might become one soon too. Toto is getting older and I end up carrying him. If i do the two mile walk I end up carrying him for 1 3/4 miles. At least I get an anaerobic bicep workout! I just don't think the prices they charge are fair. Too much. So for now I won't get one. __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

03-26-2015, 11:02 AM	#4
yavenay Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 2,663	My Yorkie use to do that. When she got tired of walking, she came to a complete stop. I just learn to pick her up and carry her a few feet than put her back down and she would walk again. Something I just learn to live with. She was only 4lbs so I really didn't mind. She was after all a diva and divas run the show. I had her for 6 wonderful years before she passed away. She was pretty spoiled but well socialized (most of the time). Because she was so small I tended to carry her when there was a crowd because I didn't want anybody to accidentally step on her.

03-26-2015, 11:21 AM	#5
Magnus Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 3,192	Kagome..... Inuyasha fan? LOL Zoey isn't a big fan of walking either. She's a lot better now but still won't go through the entire walk. And for crowded places... I actually don't want her to walk. Especially b/c I have to keep an eye on Magnus as well so I can easily get distracted. I'm bit paranoid that she'll get stepped on, or some kid with that doesn't know better might try petting Zoey, etc... So the best solution I came up with was the pet carrier backpack. She likes it in there MUCH better too and we both feel "safe" so it's a win/win situation for everyone. Some take their furbutts around in a stroller (for various reasons).

03-26-2015, 01:10 PM	#7
dinkster YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Michigan Posts: 344	A couple of reasons I would not walk her in crowded places (although I am not sure what you mean by crowded)-One as you know by now is that people are constantly stopping and wanting to talk about her. Most are well intentioned, but we have had people actually grab for Dinky. No, you may not just hold my dog. Small children are likely to approach also, and they will likely startle her, which could end badly for her or the children. and then what others said, she could be overlooked by someone and hurt. She learn to walk with you. They do get smarter as they get older!

03-26-2015, 03:06 PM	#11
SwordSister YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Knoxville Tennessee Posts: 7	I have a sling for Lexi. It was inexpensive, and it's comfortable for both of us and wads up nicely when not in use.

03-26-2015, 05:13 PM	#12
sophie31 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: london on canada Posts: 94	I had the same problem with Sophie she's almost nine months and 2.5 lbs I spoke with her trainer and he felt it was fear so he told me to start walking her around my backyard but before I go out with her throw a few treats out something very tiny and she will focus on the treats and forget her fears and it helped she now walks just about anywhere

03-26-2015, 05:21 PM	#13
MissSunni YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: NJ USA Posts: 492	I don't use a stroller, I actually have a bag for Sunni that has a little ring inside that I can attach her to and carry on my shoulder (It was a tote that I had pre Sunni). She's a real shopper, haha. I don't want to be the stroller lady either, LOL…but, I have an idea that may be less costly for those that want to try one. You can get baby (human) umbrella strollers pretty cheap..I had to get one for my visiting niece and it was under $15. so, if you get one of them you can get the seatbelt tethers they sell at petsmart and rig it up. I'm just winging it..I haven't actually put this idea together, but I'm pretty sure its doable.

03-26-2015, 05:25 PM	#14
Magnus Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 3,192	I'd like to mention one thing about slings... I used slings before and they are great but I think it's better to use a backpack type (or stroller) for longer walks. Personally, I have a bad back (and somewhat bad knee) when I carried Zoey (only 5.5 lbs) for 20-30 min, my shoulder/back/knee would start feeling uncomfortable.