We recently got a nearly 5 month old Yorkie and he’s been absolutely amazing, superb temperament, very few accidents in the house, and just generally super adorable.
However, struggling with a couple things as a first time dog dad and the usual source of totally gospel information (Tik Tok) isn’t proving too helpful so far.
Our wee man is the least food orientated dog I’ve ever met, admittedly he’s only about 1.5kg so probably has a smaller appetite that most, but finding it really hard to reinforce the positive behaviours as he often will just lick the treat and wander off to do something else. We’ve tried loads of different high reward ones with varying success, but there’s no rhyme or reason to when he wants to take them. This is proving tough when trying to teach him to walk on the lead, he’ll quite often stop dead in his tracks and just lie down – especially when crossing a road which isn’t ideal for teaching him a bit of rad awareness! He’s fab off the lead when we have taken him to parks etc but just not something I want to risk near busy roads.
Similarly, he really struggles to get settled in his play pen or his crate when he’s in a room on his own and will just whine and cry even if he’s just been out to do his business or been tired out from a good play session or walk – I’ve tried gradually building him up whilst I do 10/15 of work in the spare room next door but finding it hard to reward the calm moments when he’s doesn’t want to take a treat.
Another family had him before us for just over a month and gave him back as I think they had an older dog who really didn’t get on with him so I’m not sure if there’s some over hanging aspects from that.
Would just really appreciate if anyone has any tips, or has been in the same boat and has anything that worked for them – it’s all completely new to me and feel like I just have no clue where to start!
submitted by /u/WoodenBox6852
[link] [comments]