Please help - YorkieTalk.com Forums

harley · 03-14-2007, 07:05 PM

Hello - I have two sweet Yorkies - Rylee Jo and Lexie Lou. I need help with Rylee. Last year she was outside and the neighbors little boy came running over and tried to catch Rylee. I was telling the little terror to stop but he continued to chase her up the patio stairs. She was terrified and now is afraid of children and cowers in fear. Of course her natural instinct is to snap at them and that concerns me. Her little sister Lexie follows her lead and has started to cower when approached. I never leave the girls unattended but last night when we were out for a walk - another neighbor and her children were outside. The girls cowered in fear and as I bent down to calm them down the neighbor girl approached and Rylee snapped at her. What can I do to help her because I do not want her to bite someone. It makes me sad that she was so scared in the first place and that it literally changed her personality and is having a negative impact on the way Lexie is around people, mainly children. Please advise me on how to help my little princess. I would appreciate it.
Thanks!!!

daisy mae06 · 03-14-2007, 07:13 PM

Hi welcome to YT. I just want to say that I hope you can find all your answers here. I am no expert but if you take her out make sure that the kids stay back and act calm. maybe set up a sort of daily exercise where you take her for a walk and then a kid comes to say hello and is really calm then when she get used to that one try another... I don't know if it will help but it sounded good to me

ldenise · 03-14-2007, 07:16 PM

Have the cops come and get the kid...it'll scare the living jeebers out of him.
just kidding...
welcome to YT. I sure don't know what to tell you. There are more qualified members on here to advise you in this area than me. I have one that cowers with children also. we didn't get him until he was 2 yrs old. I think he was chased with a bike or something because he acts the same way with kids, running kids, kids on bikes,etc. he has snapped at one but that was out of jealousy. I have heard that if they are scared of something you should not baby them, just ignore it. I couldn't do it my self, so I dont' know.
I will be watching for the suggestions you get on here. good luck.

harley · 03-15-2007, 06:21 AM

I dont even think the cops would scare this little boy - I often think [I][I]hmmm...so this is what the devils son looks like!! I appreciate your suggestions and hopefully someone will have some great ideas on how I can help Rylee Jo get passed her bad experience!! ANd will help your little one as well.
Thanks again!

harley · 03-15-2007, 06:26 AM

Thanks for the advice. Now that the weather is nice again I will try getting them out for a walk everyday and having the neighbor girl interact with them and hopefully that will help!! I will let you know!!! I put up a fence in hopes of keeping the little terror away from the girls but have had to visit with his parents already about him hanging over the fence tormenting my babies!!! Not a good sign for the upcoming spring weather!!!
Thanks again!

LuvMySissy · 03-15-2007, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harley

Thanks for the advice. Now that the weather is nice again I will try getting them out for a walk everyday and having the neighbor girl interact with them and hopefully that will help!! I will let you know!!! I put up a fence in hopes of keeping the little terror away from the girls but have had to visit with his parents already about him hanging over the fence tormenting my babies!!! Not a good sign for the upcoming spring weather!!!
Thanks again!

Wow - what an ordeal to have to go through. I'm sure the parents wouldn't want to hear this, but in children (and adults) who torment animals - this is a warning sign of mental illness/psychotic behavior.

I know it is a pain, but I would make sure they are never out in the yard alone - always be with them and if the little boy starts acting up - immediately put the dogs in and report to his parents. I agree about continuing to expose the pups to children - very mild mannered ones who aren't going to be excitable and rile the pups up. Hopefully this will work for you. Good luck!! Oh, and welcome to YT!!

Yorkies-Mom · 03-15-2007, 07:06 AM

Quote:

but in children (and adults) who torment animals - this is a warning sign of mental illness/psychotic behavior.

i agree. i would make sure they are never out alone. it may take some time and patience but hopefully things will work out.

ForeverPiper · 03-15-2007, 07:32 AM

Welcome to YT. I think there are two things you need to address here. First both dogs need positive socialization with children, and secondly, having a firm talk with the neighbors and their child.

Do you have any friends with young children that would be willing to help you socialize Rylee Jo and Lexie Lou? The way to do this is by being in total control of the situation. Preferably work with each dog individually while the other is contained out of the room. Have each dog on their leash controlled by you. Ask the parent of the child to sit down with the child and let the child talk to you and the dog in a very low and calm voice. Do this with the child sitting away from the pup. If your dog's behaviour is favorable, praise the heck out of him/her. If he is tense or growling at the child, tell him "no" in a sharp voice, and give a tug on his lead. Keep doing this till the pup is more comfortable. Remember consistancy and POSITIVE reinforcement is the key.

Eventually, as the pup gets more comfortable around the child you can let the child hold a treat or toy in his hand. With the dog still on the leash move closer and if the dog is inquisitive toward the child let him sniff near him. Explain to the child helping you that he needs to be still and not make sudden moves. Let the dog move toward him if it is calm and you should always be ready to pull him back if he acts badly. If this goes well, sit on the floor with your dog in your lap and allow the parent and their child to sit near you. If the pup is handling this ok, allow the child to gently throw the treat or toy to your dog. Hopefully by now, the pup will be thinking "hey, this kid might not be so bad afterall, and he justs wants to play with me".

Gradually build up the time and closeness you allow your pup to interact with the child. But, untill you are very sure of your pet, YOU, be in control. It may not happen overnight. You may have to stop after the first few moments if your dog is on edge and aggressive. And working with a kid who is a bit older and can understand that you are working in stages is important. With patience you should be able to get both dogs comfortable around children. Something important to remember is that you should show that you feel comfortable with the child to your pet. Don't be tense, try to relax! Pets feed off of our feelings.

Next, I would ask the neighbors for a convenient time to talk with them and their son, and then explain that Yorkies while normally very friendly and inquisitive, can be put off and scared by sudden and loud stimuli. It is their defense system to bark and snap at what scares them. It's the "I'm just a little guy, so I'll scare you first" syndrome. They can be tenacious in this feeling.

Explain to the parents and their little one that there are rules when approaching anyone's pet. They should always wait and ask permission to say hello. This is hard for a young child to comprehend, but, if you are firm about it, in time you will be doing him and other pet owners a world of goodness. Firmly tell the young offender that it is NOT ok to be hanging over the fence trying to reach the puppies. Explain that there are appropriate times for him to say hello to your pets, and that he cannot invade their territory.

Of course, his good behavior should be rewarded by being able to interact with your pups when they are ready to do so safely and happily. The advantages to doing the work needed to get through this problem are obvious. First, you and your pups will be happier. No one wants a pet that is scared and unfriendly. Secondly, you are legally responsible if your pet/s hurts someone. You don't need that headache. And thirdly, wouldn't it be neat to be the neighbor that the kids in the neighborhood thinks is cool with her sweet little Yorkies?

Good luck and post some pics of your furkids when you have the chance. We'd love to meet them both!

TLC · 03-15-2007, 08:30 AM

WOW Great Advice!!! - Thanks, I needed that too - my 2 are sorta scared and unsure of kids!

Betty'sMom · 03-15-2007, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harley

Thanks for the advice. Now that the weather is nice again I will try getting them out for a walk everyday and having the neighbor girl interact with them and hopefully that will help!! I will let you know!!! I put up a fence in hopes of keeping the little terror away from the girls but have had to visit with his parents already about him hanging over the fence tormenting my babies!!! Not a good sign for the upcoming spring weather!!!
Thanks again!

I definitely feel for you. Last year, we lived next to horrible children...they will grow up and be in jail...no question. The boy was only 8 years old and horrible beyond words. We spoke with the parents several times, but it never seemed to help the situation. Sometimes 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree' if you know what I mean. We finally moved!! Is there any way possible to section off a portion of yard that it not reachable to the neighbor's kid? You could always run him over

(j/k)

bdbmamaw · 03-15-2007, 09:14 AM

Why is it that a dog will be taken and possible 'put down' if he torments a human, but not the other way around??? Now I know you can't 'put' the child 'down' (shucks), but surely they should have some kind of fine that could be imposed if you don't get releif..... Sometimes there's another side to the story. Because I guarantee the parents are gonna go after you if their precious child gets bit! Perhaps you can get some video of the child leaning over the fence and show it to the parents... If not for them, then for your own protection. I really like the suggestion of fencing off that area so the child can't get to you fur babies...

harley · 03-15-2007, 10:41 AM

Too funny!! I thought about running an electric fence just below my wooden one and the little s--- would learn fast not to lean over the fence!! I have talked to his parents on many occassions about the devil child but seem to get nowhere. Normally the girls don't bark but have started to bark entire time they are outside because he is on the other side of the fence!!! Maybe they will move

Potter · 03-15-2007, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harley

Hello - I have two sweet Yorkies - Rylee Jo and Lexie Lou. I need help with Rylee. Last year she was outside and the neighbors little boy came running over and tried to catch Rylee. I was telling the little terror to stop but he continued to chase her up the patio stairs. She was terrified and now is afraid of children and cowers in fear. Of course her natural instinct is to snap at them and that concerns me. Her little sister Lexie follows her lead and has started to cower when approached. I never leave the girls unattended but last night when we were out for a walk - another neighbor and her children were outside. The girls cowered in fear and as I bent down to calm them down the neighbor girl approached and Rylee snapped at her. What can I do to help her because I do not want her to bite someone. It makes me sad that she was so scared in the first place and that it literally changed her personality and is having a negative impact on the way Lexie is around people, mainly children. Please advise me on how to help my little princess. I would appreciate it.
Thanks!!!

There are already a lot of suggestions and steps that was given but the most important thing is DO NOT BEND DOWN TO PET OR CALM YOUR DOG when they cower and snap. I know as a loving dog owner, you want to love and soothe your dog and calm your dog when it happens but in a dog's mind, it just doesn't work that way. Owner bending down to pet or calm them when they cower means they think that their behaviour is correct. They think that it is what you want them to do, that is okay to behave that way. Unfortunately with the bad experience that they have had, it is best you keep your dog out of noisy and fast moving children and get one or two children who are well behaved and gentle to help you in the desensitization training and start the training at a quiet place. It will be a slow process and requires patience and time but the result will be well worth it.

daisy mae06 · 03-15-2007, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harley

Too funny!! I thought about running an electric fence just below my wooden one and the little s--- would learn fast not to lean over the fence!! I have talked to his parents on many occassions about the devil child but seem to get nowhere. Normally the girls don't bark but have started to bark entire time they are outside because he is on the other side of the fence!!! Maybe they will move

I wouldn't run the electric fence I wanted to do this and the DH told me that if a Child was shocked by it the parents can and most likely would sue

.
Even if they come on your property with or without asking you. so put up signs or take a broom and shoo the brat off.

harley · 03-15-2007, 04:46 PM

This site is great! As a newbie to the site I am so excited to get some advice on helping my little girls. Of course my natural instinct is to bend down to calm them and I would of never thought that it was encouraging their behavior. I will try that next time although I am sure it will be hard. I will have to train myself as well!! I am going to start slow in exposing them again to kids - nice calm ones! It will take some time but I am happy that everyone seems to think with effort Rylee will not be so scared. It actually breaks my heart when she cowers - and when Lexie starts to mimic her.
Thanks again for all of the great advice!!

03-14-2007, 07:05 PM	#1
harley YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 7	Please help Hello - I have two sweet Yorkies - Rylee Jo and Lexie Lou. I need help with Rylee. Last year she was outside and the neighbors little boy came running over and tried to catch Rylee. I was telling the little terror to stop but he continued to chase her up the patio stairs. She was terrified and now is afraid of children and cowers in fear. Of course her natural instinct is to snap at them and that concerns me. Her little sister Lexie follows her lead and has started to cower when approached. I never leave the girls unattended but last night when we were out for a walk - another neighbor and her children were outside. The girls cowered in fear and as I bent down to calm them down the neighbor girl approached and Rylee snapped at her. What can I do to help her because I do not want her to bite someone. It makes me sad that she was so scared in the first place and that it literally changed her personality and is having a negative impact on the way Lexie is around people, mainly children. Please advise me on how to help my little princess. I would appreciate it. Thanks!!!

03-14-2007, 07:13 PM	#2
daisy mae06 Kodi & Pixie 2 Donating Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: NEBRASKA Posts: 14,766	Hi welcome to YT. I just want to say that I hope you can find all your answers here. I am no expert but if you take her out make sure that the kids stay back and act calm. maybe set up a sort of daily exercise where you take her for a walk and then a kid comes to say hello and is really calm then when she get used to that one try another... I don't know if it will help but it sounded good to me __________________ OK Yorkie Rescue - http://okyorkierescue.org LorisCritterSitter.com

03-14-2007, 07:16 PM	#3
ldenise YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Rancho Viejo, Tx Posts: 2,698	Have the cops come and get the kid...it'll scare the living jeebers out of him. just kidding... welcome to YT. I sure don't know what to tell you. There are more qualified members on here to advise you in this area than me. I have one that cowers with children also. we didn't get him until he was 2 yrs old. I think he was chased with a bike or something because he acts the same way with kids, running kids, kids on bikes,etc. he has snapped at one but that was out of jealousy. I have heard that if they are scared of something you should not baby them, just ignore it. I couldn't do it my self, so I dont' know. I will be watching for the suggestions you get on here. good luck. __________________ Buckeye, Ahia, Tressie, Archie & LDenise Dogs are really people with short legs in fur coats

03-15-2007, 07:32 AM	#8
ForeverPiper Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Somerville, New Jersey, USA Posts: 42	Welcome to YT. I think there are two things you need to address here. First both dogs need positive socialization with children, and secondly, having a firm talk with the neighbors and their child. Do you have any friends with young children that would be willing to help you socialize Rylee Jo and Lexie Lou? The way to do this is by being in total control of the situation. Preferably work with each dog individually while the other is contained out of the room. Have each dog on their leash controlled by you. Ask the parent of the child to sit down with the child and let the child talk to you and the dog in a very low and calm voice. Do this with the child sitting away from the pup. If your dog's behaviour is favorable, praise the heck out of him/her. If he is tense or growling at the child, tell him "no" in a sharp voice, and give a tug on his lead. Keep doing this till the pup is more comfortable. Remember consistancy and POSITIVE reinforcement is the key. Eventually, as the pup gets more comfortable around the child you can let the child hold a treat or toy in his hand. With the dog still on the leash move closer and if the dog is inquisitive toward the child let him sniff near him. Explain to the child helping you that he needs to be still and not make sudden moves. Let the dog move toward him if it is calm and you should always be ready to pull him back if he acts badly. If this goes well, sit on the floor with your dog in your lap and allow the parent and their child to sit near you. If the pup is handling this ok, allow the child to gently throw the treat or toy to your dog. Hopefully by now, the pup will be thinking "hey, this kid might not be so bad afterall, and he justs wants to play with me". Gradually build up the time and closeness you allow your pup to interact with the child. But, untill you are very sure of your pet, YOU, be in control. It may not happen overnight. You may have to stop after the first few moments if your dog is on edge and aggressive. And working with a kid who is a bit older and can understand that you are working in stages is important. With patience you should be able to get both dogs comfortable around children. Something important to remember is that you should show that you feel comfortable with the child to your pet. Don't be tense, try to relax! Pets feed off of our feelings. Next, I would ask the neighbors for a convenient time to talk with them and their son, and then explain that Yorkies while normally very friendly and inquisitive, can be put off and scared by sudden and loud stimuli. It is their defense system to bark and snap at what scares them. It's the "I'm just a little guy, so I'll scare you first" syndrome. They can be tenacious in this feeling. Explain to the parents and their little one that there are rules when approaching anyone's pet. They should always wait and ask permission to say hello. This is hard for a young child to comprehend, but, if you are firm about it, in time you will be doing him and other pet owners a world of goodness. Firmly tell the young offender that it is NOT ok to be hanging over the fence trying to reach the puppies. Explain that there are appropriate times for him to say hello to your pets, and that he cannot invade their territory. Of course, his good behavior should be rewarded by being able to interact with your pups when they are ready to do so safely and happily. The advantages to doing the work needed to get through this problem are obvious. First, you and your pups will be happier. No one wants a pet that is scared and unfriendly. Secondly, you are legally responsible if your pet/s hurts someone. You don't need that headache. And thirdly, wouldn't it be neat to be the neighbor that the kids in the neighborhood thinks is cool with her sweet little Yorkies? Good luck and post some pics of your furkids when you have the chance. We'd love to meet them both! __________________ Karen, "Mom" to Libby, my Golden Girl, and "Nanny" to Piper, who left us much too soon.

03-15-2007, 08:30 AM	#9
TLC Slave to My Rug-Rats Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 7,247	WOW Great Advice!!! - Thanks, I needed that too - my 2 are sorta scared and unsure of kids! __________________ Adopt Donate Foster www.yorkie911rescue.com

03-15-2007, 06:21 AM	#4
harley YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 7	I dont even think the cops would scare this little boy - I often think [I][I]hmmm...so this is what the devils son looks like!! I appreciate your suggestions and hopefully someone will have some great ideas on how I can help Rylee Jo get passed her bad experience!! ANd will help your little one as well. Thanks again!

03-15-2007, 06:26 AM	#5
harley YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 7	Thanks for the advice. Now that the weather is nice again I will try getting them out for a walk everyday and having the neighbor girl interact with them and hopefully that will help!! I will let you know!!! I put up a fence in hopes of keeping the little terror away from the girls but have had to visit with his parents already about him hanging over the fence tormenting my babies!!! Not a good sign for the upcoming spring weather!!! Thanks again!

03-15-2007, 09:14 AM	#11
bdbmamaw Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 883	Why is it that a dog will be taken and possible 'put down' if he torments a human, but not the other way around??? Now I know you can't 'put' the child 'down' (shucks), but surely they should have some kind of fine that could be imposed if you don't get releif..... Sometimes there's another side to the story. Because I guarantee the parents are gonna go after you if their precious child gets bit! Perhaps you can get some video of the child leaning over the fence and show it to the parents... If not for them, then for your own protection. I really like the suggestion of fencing off that area so the child can't get to you fur babies...

03-15-2007, 10:41 AM	#12
harley YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 7	Too funny!! I thought about running an electric fence just below my wooden one and the little s--- would learn fast not to lean over the fence!! I have talked to his parents on many occassions about the devil child but seem to get nowhere. Normally the girls don't bark but have started to bark entire time they are outside because he is on the other side of the fence!!! Maybe they will move

03-15-2007, 04:46 PM	#15
harley YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 7	This site is great! As a newbie to the site I am so excited to get some advice on helping my little girls. Of course my natural instinct is to bend down to calm them and I would of never thought that it was encouraging their behavior. I will try that next time although I am sure it will be hard. I will have to train myself as well!! I am going to start slow in exposing them again to kids - nice calm ones! It will take some time but I am happy that everyone seems to think with effort Rylee will not be so scared. It actually breaks my heart when she cowers - and when Lexie starts to mimic her. Thanks again for all of the great advice!!