why is my yorkie SO skittish and why wont she EAT?! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

maybug · 03-06-2011, 10:17 AM

I adopted my yorkie 5 months ago..she is 8 years old. She was used for breeding for most of her life so I believe she does have some issues, and may have even been abused in the past, I do not know. It seems like her skittishness is just getting worse though. I swear I can't even turn a page in a book without her flipping out. She runs out the doggy door if I even open the refrigerator or turn on the faucet. Its obviously frustrating. The other problem is getting her to eat. Since she is so skittish everyone in the house has to stand still, and watch her eat until shes finished. She won't eat unless someone is watching her. Even then its still a battle, I'm sitting with her in my room right now, the food bowl at my feet and shes just laying on the floor next to it. I'm lucky if I can even get her to eat once a day. I have no idea what to do or how to help her. I took her to petsmart for possible lessons and they said they can tell just from looking at her that she is very shy and untrusting. Help!

Maximo · 03-06-2011, 10:29 AM

Aww, poor girl! Thank you for giving her a loving home.

Here is some info for you: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/tra...nt-advice.html

chachi · 03-06-2011, 10:33 AM

Poor baby. I would say her current behavior is because of her past. Just give lots of TLC and time

Sammy Mommy · 03-06-2011, 12:06 PM

Thank you for rescuing this doggie. She probably isn't used to having a "normal" doggie life. I would think you need to have alot of patience with her and when she feels more at ease and comfortable she will trust you more. She just isn't used to this type of life. Sending hugs!

YorkieRose · 03-06-2011, 12:46 PM

Sounds like a typical Yorkie who has been usd for breeding and nothing more...she has been kept from most of lifes normal surroundings, noises and activities.
Much like a child who has been abused and put up for adoption at 8 yrs of age...what are the chances there will be no issues...I would speak to the vet about Prozac...many kennel dogs need it to adjust..and this will take lots of time and patience.
Serioulsy, I doubt she will ever totally be normal..but she will improve and have some good years with someone who cares about her feelings...

Nancy1999 · 03-06-2011, 12:53 PM

Megansmama wrote a great thread with tips on rehabilitating a rescue. Perhaps some of the suggestions will help you. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...ll-rescue.html

God Bless you and I'm so glad we have people willing to give these dogs a second chance.

Rhetts_mama · 03-06-2011, 01:01 PM

If it were me, I would not go to Petsmart for training with her. Although they do have good training services, the atmosphere can be overwhelming for a shy or skittish dog. Would it be possible for you to have a private trainer come in to your home to work with her while she is building up her confidence?

Find one who does positive reinforcement only. Poor little girl has no idea that people are good and can be trusted. Thanks for giving her a chance at a normal life.

Nancy1999 · 03-06-2011, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximo

Aww, poor girl! Thank you for giving her a loving home.

Here is some info for you: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/tra...nt-advice.html

I can't believe I didn't see you post this, lol, I don't have you on ignore!

Bon*Toby · 03-06-2011, 01:35 PM

When I rescued my first yorkie a few years ago, he was also "spooked" at everything. He is certainly much better today, but he still has issues. When anyone goes to pet him he ducks his head and shys away. We have made sure never to scold him harshy or of course never over correct him. Also he takes his food piece by piece and hides it to eat later. Having other calm confident dogs around him has helped a lot. Since I live in Lancaster Co, Pa I suppect he came from a pup mill and will never be 100 percent confident in his surroundings, but he still has a lot of love to give.

gemy · 03-06-2011, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maybug

I adopted my yorkie 5 months ago..she is 8 years old. She was used for breeding for most of her life so I believe she does have some issues, and may have even been abused in the past, I do not know. It seems like her skittishness is just getting worse though. I swear I can't even turn a page in a book without her flipping out. She runs out the doggy door if I even open the refrigerator or turn on the faucet. Its obviously frustrating. The other problem is getting her to eat. Since she is so skittish everyone in the house has to stand still, and watch her eat until shes finished. She won't eat unless someone is watching her. Even then its still a battle, I'm sitting with her in my room right now, the food bowl at my feet and shes just laying on the floor next to it. I'm lucky if I can even get her to eat once a day. I have no idea what to do or how to help her. I took her to petsmart for possible lessons and they said they can tell just from looking at her that she is very shy and untrusting. Help!

She may have been used to eating in her crate. Is there an expen you can use, keep the door open and put food in the xpen, and see if that works?

03-06-2011, 10:17 AM	#1
maybug YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: china grove, nc Posts: 2	why is my yorkie SO skittish and why wont she EAT?! I adopted my yorkie 5 months ago..she is 8 years old. She was used for breeding for most of her life so I believe she does have some issues, and may have even been abused in the past, I do not know. It seems like her skittishness is just getting worse though. I swear I can't even turn a page in a book without her flipping out. She runs out the doggy door if I even open the refrigerator or turn on the faucet. Its obviously frustrating. The other problem is getting her to eat. Since she is so skittish everyone in the house has to stand still, and watch her eat until shes finished. She won't eat unless someone is watching her. Even then its still a battle, I'm sitting with her in my room right now, the food bowl at my feet and shes just laying on the floor next to it. I'm lucky if I can even get her to eat once a day. I have no idea what to do or how to help her. I took her to petsmart for possible lessons and they said they can tell just from looking at her that she is very shy and untrusting. Help!

03-06-2011, 10:29 AM	#2
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,044	Aww, poor girl! Thank you for giving her a loving home. Here is some info for you: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/tra...nt-advice.html __________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy

03-06-2011, 10:33 AM	#3
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	Poor baby. I would say her current behavior is because of her past. Just give lots of TLC and time __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

03-06-2011, 12:53 PM	#6
Nancy1999 I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 25,396 Blog Entries: 2	Megansmama wrote a great thread with tips on rehabilitating a rescue. Perhaps some of the suggestions will help you. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...ll-rescue.html God Bless you and I'm so glad we have people willing to give these dogs a second chance. __________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals

03-06-2011, 01:01 PM	#7
Rhetts_mama Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,959 Blog Entries: 1	If it were me, I would not go to Petsmart for training with her. Although they do have good training services, the atmosphere can be overwhelming for a shy or skittish dog. Would it be possible for you to have a private trainer come in to your home to work with her while she is building up her confidence? Find one who does positive reinforcement only. Poor little girl has no idea that people are good and can be trusted. Thanks for giving her a chance at a normal life. __________________ Don't get your knickers in a knot. Nothing is solved and it just makes you walk funny.

03-06-2011, 12:06 PM	#4
Sammy Mommy Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York Posts: 3,896	Thank you for rescuing this doggie. She probably isn't used to having a "normal" doggie life. I would think you need to have alot of patience with her and when she feels more at ease and comfortable she will trust you more. She just isn't used to this type of life. Sending hugs!

03-06-2011, 12:46 PM	#5
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	Sounds like a typical Yorkie who has been usd for breeding and nothing more...she has been kept from most of lifes normal surroundings, noises and activities. Much like a child who has been abused and put up for adoption at 8 yrs of age...what are the chances there will be no issues...I would speak to the vet about Prozac...many kennel dogs need it to adjust..and this will take lots of time and patience. Serioulsy, I doubt she will ever totally be normal..but she will improve and have some good years with someone who cares about her feelings...

03-06-2011, 01:35 PM	#9
Bon*Toby YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: south central PA Posts: 8	When I rescued my first yorkie a few years ago, he was also "spooked" at everything. He is certainly much better today, but he still has issues. When anyone goes to pet him he ducks his head and shys away. We have made sure never to scold him harshy or of course never over correct him. Also he takes his food piece by piece and hides it to eat later. Having other calm confident dogs around him has helped a lot. Since I live in Lancaster Co, Pa I suppect he came from a pup mill and will never be 100 percent confident in his surroundings, but he still has a lot of love to give.