Yapping, jumping, over excitement

[Samc]

I walk Bailey almost every day at the same time in the morning. He is great with people and other dogs but initially he is out of control and you would think he had never seen another human being or dog. In particular there is a German Shepherd he adores and she love him also. His owner often gives him a treat and when we see them it triggers his outburst. I know he is being rewarded for yapping and jumping and carrying on. Lately she hands me the treat and I can make him sit before accepting it.

What techniques could I use so that when we approach someone he feels affection (or attraction to something he perceives they may have for him) to the extent he loses it. It is a little embarassing to have an out of control Yorkie.

In every case, after 5-10 minutes he settles down. It is just the initial encounter where he flips, twists, turns, jumps, yaps, etc.

Thanks,
Samc

[loki]

I am not sure how to avoid this. My yorkie is exactly the same. I just don't worry about it and explain to the other dog owners that he is just excited. Loki isn't doing anything bad- and neither is your dog- they are happy and full of energy- nothing wrong with that. Maybe if your yorkie is around more dogs more often he will get used to it and eventually calm down a little. But in my opinion- after years of having different kinds of dogs of all ages- they are all always excited to see other dogs and have that few minutes at the beginning where they seem out of control- but they are really just super excited.

Hope that helps

[lickthestar]

Archie's like that too. But all he wants is to see the other dog and that's it. He can hear people and other dogs out the window, so he's always running over to see who is there, what they're doing, etc. It's just his personality to be happy and excited to see other dogs, but I've started to walk him on a shorter leash and train him to stay next to me at all times, so that when I call him he will listen. Also, he gets some time to play with dogs in the building so he's not so excited when he sees dogs.

[yorkieagility]

As I see it, I think it is great that Bailey is a social butterfly. I woudn't call it "out of control", just extremely excited. Remember dogs don't hide their feeling, and all Bailey is doing is expressing himself.

I think it is also great that you are teaching him good manners. As cute as we all think yorkie are, not everyone like dogs that bark, yaps, turn, or jumps especially on people.

How old is Bailey? If he is young, he will slow down a little when he is older. However, it sounds like you are doing the right thing when you ask him to sit and calm down before you give he get a treat. I think all is lacking is a little more time. I'm sure if you keep up with it, sooner or later Bailey will realize that is okay to be exited but if he sits and behave really quickly , he will get an reward(treats, praise, petting).

[Samc]

Good advice. Bailey just turned 1 year and he does seem to be getting better.

Thanks again!

Samc