New and Frustrated Owner
 

First of all, can I get help navigating, very confusing? What is a "thread", how do I post and respond, communicate, sorry am a tech resistant senior?

Second and most important, was given by our daughter a near one year old, male yorkie. Is a bundle of neurotic behavior. Outside yanks, tugs, barks at everything living and sometimes inanimate (like cars). Inside, impossible to get him under control when people come to door. Some minor successes but not enuf to give us comfort. My wife and I are in our 70s and do not know if we can ride this out. I have always trained my dogs but this little guy seems genetically predisposed to obsessive behavior that defies correction. I want to know if he is trainable or if there is a breeding, genetic issue that can not be overcome? While no dog has ever left our home after entering, we now have health issues that do not need avoidable stress. We would be challenged to afford a trainer on our fixed income budget.

Someone told me a friend of his had a yorkie that barked from morn to night at a window until the day he passed. I have seen small dogs exhibit this type behavior forever with no end in sight. Want this to work, but.....

On the plus side he is bright and lovable (the latter when he is not crazy)

Please, HELP

A thread is a new line of comments, you started a new thread by posting the question! So far you're doing well!
As far as the behavior, I think it would be best to bring a professional dog trainer either to your home or try some of the classes at Petsmart or Petco. I'm sure others here will have some ideas as well. Puppies are frustrating but worth it! Welcome to Yorkietalk!

If cost is an issue you might contact your local Human Society. Some of them teach basic obedience classes and you may be able to get a better price for a class - that is if Petsmart classes are too costly.

Secondarily, are you. Able to,provide enough exercise for your pup? This has a lot to do with expending energy and stimulus. Not all Yorkie's are yippies or barkers.

Good luck to you and maybe keep in mind that if you need to rehome him, the younger that is done the better.

Keep in touch with us! There is a lot of good experience and knowledge here.

Yorkiemini brought up an excellent point: exercise. Most Yorkies need lots of exercise and stimulation. They tend to be bundles of energy. If there is no outlet for that energy, the dog will be more difficult to train in general.

My Yorkie boys are 7 and 8 years old and still don't know how to enjoy a casual walk unless we are out for extended periods of time, more than an hour. Our daily walks at the office park are usually fast paced.

A daily routine is calming. Basic training in the house also helps. My boys perform simply tricks for kibble: sit, shake hands, down, and so on.

Use positive reinforcement training for everything. Do not show your frustration or anxiety. The negative energy will only contribute to your Yorkie being hyper.

If your daughter lives close, perhaps she could help with training. There are videos on YouTube that are free and very useful. Trainer Victoria Stilwell has a website and books that are available at the library.

Yorkies are a challenge. Don't feel bad if you decide this is not the right dog for you at this stage of your life. If you do decide to re-home him, just make sure to find the right home.

Best wishes in making your decision.

While I LOVE my Yorkies, they are definitely high energy. We go for a walk in the morning and the afternoon to work out some of the wiggles. They do behave well but I did puppy classes at Petsmart when they were about 4 months old. That being said, they are a breed that was intended to keep rodents under control. Even with puppy classes, if a bunny runs out, or a squirrel, they want to chase it. I agree with the others...if high energy doesn't fit with your current life stage, don't feel bad. Yorkie's are not for everyone.

Yes, as everyone has said Yorkies are a bundle of energy. As he gets older he will calm somewhat. If you are able to walk him a few times a day would be great for bonding and releasing energy. Make sure he has a non chock harness with leash. If you and your wife can play fetch in the house would be great too. The more interaction you have with him the more he will settle into your lifestyle.
Yorkies do not bark all day. Ours will bark only if he sees or hears something amiss. They are great loving family members. He will bring you & your wife great joy. Did I mention Yorkies are very smart and funny.