Need some ideas and help with my almost 17 month old yorkie. He is afraid of feathers. When we go on our walks in the morning he will find a feather on the ground and jump back and be afraid until I take him all the way around it or pick it up and hide it. Also he is strange around the water bowl. If he sees any little thing in the water he won't drink it. Since we have 2 other dogs there is always something in the bowl when he wants to drink. I bought him a water fountain that filters the junk out of the water thinking that would solve his problem. Now he is afraid of the water fountain. He stands there barking at the water until we shut it off or get him a different bowl of water. He is not afraid of anything else. He loves meeting people and dogs on the street. he plays with all kinds of balls and toys. He loves the Wobble wag Giggle ball and will chase it around the house for an hour. I just can't figure out why he is so frightened by these 2 things and so brave with everything else. Any suggestions on what I might try would be appreciated. I hate to have him so frightened by something so not scary. Thank you for any replies. |
For both issues, desensitization. Sit as near the fountain as you can with him in your lap and him not upset. Pet him, praise him and give him treats for 10 minutes or so. Next time get just a little closer, etc... Eventually, when you are next to the fountain, dip your finger in it and let him sniff that. In time, try putting him on the ground near the fountain. When he is no longer afraid of it, remove any additional water bowls so he needs to drink from it. For feathers, the same idea except maybe hold the feather in one hand and him as far from with the other (or on the ground in your home). Pet, praise and treats getting him closer and closer. When close enough for him to examine it, let him sniff it etc..... Good luck! |
Yorkies can be so funny! My boys were afraid or concerned about unusual things on their walks like balloons tied to a mail box or a flag flapping in the wind. Try talking to him in a positive way, encouraging him to check out the feathers. When we see a plastic bag blowing down a sidewalk, my boys will growl at it. I happily identify the foreign object and then say "Check it out." If they step closer or try to sniff, I praise them, 'good boy!' and say "let's pick it up and put in the garbage." They have learned "check it out" means it is safe. For the water, try different bowls and keep the water fresh as possible. We ended up using clear glass custard bowls and I put down a clean bowl with fresh water at least twice a day. |
Agree w/ what others have said: desensitization. But even then, the fears may not fully go away. Every dog has their unique little quirks and fears, so your little one may have these for life too. |
Well, I am trying your suggestions and they are working slowly. I am sitting by the dish and he will come over there and get a drink but still scared. Haven't had a feather to check him on that. Thank you all for the ideas. |
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