Poor little guy is always scared - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Percys_mamma · 03-16-2007, 05:13 PM

Has anyone found their little one to be really high strung? Poor little Percy is scared of everything. He hates to leave the house, I try to take him for a walk and he just starts shaking. Loud noises cause him to jump. We were walking in the backyard and a snake sent him running for the house (A terrier...scared of a snake?) I just feel so bad for him. Almost everything causes him to shake and whimper.

My house is pretty quiet for the most part. But even sometimes at home when I try to play with him, his ears go back and he gets scared. I'm not a loud booming person or anything either. I will go to pet him and he hits the floor. I don't get it. He is only happy and calm when sitting in my lap. (which don't get me wrong..I adore). I just want him to be well adjusted. I offer lots and lots of praise when we are out.

Any tips?

Hokule'a · 03-16-2007, 05:24 PM

OMG, my Kalani is the same way! He hates to go outside and will walk just a little bit and then something will spook him and he will refuse to walk

And forget meeting new people, he'll shake the whole time unless he's in my arms. He's also a big cuddle-bug and would live in my lap if I let him. He does play real well with his sister but he's definitely a momma's boy. I just keep taking him for walks and out to meet new people and hope he'll come around eventually

mizzwanned · 03-16-2007, 09:21 PM

awww I'm srry he's like that. How old was he when you got him? Maybe something happened before you got him that caused him to be that way. Or maybe he's just a nervous puppy

kelkiss5 · 03-17-2007, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mizzwanned

awww I'm srry he's like that. How old was he when you got him? Maybe something happened before you got him that caused him to be that way. Or maybe he's just a nervous puppy

Ye I was thinking that to. My little terrors would face goliath they fear nothing.
Except the bath, of course.

chachi · 03-17-2007, 02:21 AM

Some yorkies are more nervous than others. My Jewels is a more nervous dog where My Chachi is fearless

Reese1 · 03-17-2007, 02:24 AM

Wrigley is really nervous around other people. When my niece and nephews come over, she hides the entire time. It takes her a long time to warm up to people she hasn't seen before or that often.

alaskayorkie · 03-17-2007, 02:32 AM

I'd be interested in knowing how old he was when you got him and whether you had him around a lot of people and other dogs when he was young.

Eddie is a social butterfly, but he can still be a scaredy cat. I think a lot of it comes from their size. There's lots to be afraid of when you're that tiny.

Percys_mamma · 03-17-2007, 02:43 AM

He is 6 months old now. And he has only been home for about two weeks.
I have been trying to get him out for walks and around other people and animals. At home I have two cats.

The breeder that he came from had other animals there. The puppies and parents were all kept in the house, not a kennel. So he was raised with his litter mates, a few cats, and people. Percy was quieter then the rest, a little shy. But that is what drew me to him.

I actually emailed the lady I brought him from and asked if someone else had purchased him before me. I was almost wondering if something had happened to him. She states that Percy was with her the whole time and some Yorkies are just high strung and that he will grow out of it the more I socialize him. I think the thing that worries me the most, is that he hits the floor when I try to pet him sometimes.

red98vett · 03-17-2007, 03:03 AM

poor little guy....If I were you - I'd keep trying ....maybe take him on walks where it's very quiet and start him off slowly...then eventually take him to busier places and see if he gets used to it.....Yorkies are naturally nosy and he just may need to see that there is nothing in the world to hurt him when he's with you....Good luck

ps...EDITED TO ADD....

I've seen where training techniques says don't baby them. As hard as it is ...you should try to ignore the fearfull behaviour. I did that with my girls when they were scared of Fireworks about 3 years ago....I would go outside and pretend to be enjoying the loud noises - and since they want to be with ME all the time eventually I got them out there with me and they learned to not be scared because of MY actions....now when the 4th of july hits - they play in the yard like nothings happening...

alaskayorkie · 03-17-2007, 03:16 AM

The first few weeks in a new home can still be scary for a pup. I agree I'd be concerned about the cowering, but I don't think it's anything that won't disappear as he becomes more comfortable with you and your home.

I definitely second Villette's advice above. As hard as it is, don't baby them. That just rewards the behavior that you're trying to get them over. Keep toys and treats handy and try to distract him when he seems scared.

And let him be around a lot of people and dogs. Small dogs, ideally, at first, but other dogs. Maybe a puppy class?

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

Percys_mamma · 03-17-2007, 04:58 AM

Thank you for the advice! I was thinking that the whole don't baby them thing was the way to go. I was just worried I would cause a nervous breakdown! I have been starting off slowly, little walks, short trips out to PetCo, things like that, nothing too overwhelming like a dog park or something like that.

I am thinking of a puppy class. I think it would be really good for him in general. He is being "fixed"

next week, so I was going to start one after he was healed up.

Patti · 03-17-2007, 05:25 AM

I got Pixie 7 weeks ago and she was 13 months old and the Breeder had her puppies and dogs in the basement in runs. Pixie cowers when we try to pick her up but is slowly getting better. She also freaks out when I take her outside on a leash and just hits the ground shaking. As far as picking her up I always say Mommy's going to pick you up before I do so she gets use to it. I am going to try and keep walking her a little whenever I can. Just give it some time

bmax77 · 03-17-2007, 07:24 AM

Josh was very scared when I first got him, he acts like he was dropped as a puppy. I have been able to get him out of it alittle by just alot of love. I also put him with one of my small females which is very calm. This really helped him alot. He is now playing alot and as long as the other dogs are with him he is very couragous but by himself he's still alittle spooked. Maybe getting him a playmate will help. It sure helped Josh.

03-16-2007, 05:13 PM	#1
Percys_mamma Donating YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Palmetto, Fl Posts: 293	Poor little guy is always scared Has anyone found their little one to be really high strung? Poor little Percy is scared of everything. He hates to leave the house, I try to take him for a walk and he just starts shaking. Loud noises cause him to jump. We were walking in the backyard and a snake sent him running for the house (A terrier...scared of a snake?) I just feel so bad for him. Almost everything causes him to shake and whimper. My house is pretty quiet for the most part. But even sometimes at home when I try to play with him, his ears go back and he gets scared. I'm not a loud booming person or anything either. I will go to pet him and he hits the floor. I don't get it. He is only happy and calm when sitting in my lap. (which don't get me wrong..I adore). I just want him to be well adjusted. I offer lots and lots of praise when we are out. Any tips? __________________ 3 Furbabies + 2 children = 1 happy family Say hi to us on dogster! We have been egged!!

03-16-2007, 05:24 PM	#2
Hokule'a Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 4,591	OMG, my Kalani is the same way! He hates to go outside and will walk just a little bit and then something will spook him and he will refuse to walk And forget meeting new people, he'll shake the whole time unless he's in my arms. He's also a big cuddle-bug and would live in my lap if I let him. He does play real well with his sister but he's definitely a momma's boy. I just keep taking him for walks and out to meet new people and hope he'll come around eventually __________________ Eva and her keikis: Hokule'a, Kalani & Pi'ilani

03-17-2007, 02:21 AM	#5
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	Some yorkies are more nervous than others. My Jewels is a more nervous dog where My Chachi is fearless __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

03-17-2007, 02:32 AM	#7
alaskayorkie Banning Thread Dictator Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Anchorage Posts: 30,843 Blog Entries: 57	I'd be interested in knowing how old he was when you got him and whether you had him around a lot of people and other dogs when he was young. Eddie is a social butterfly, but he can still be a scaredy cat. I think a lot of it comes from their size. There's lots to be afraid of when you're that tiny. __________________ Mike ~ Doting Dad to Jillie, Harper, Molly, Cooper, Eddie (RIP), Lucy (RIP), Rusty (RIP) and Jack (RIP). Check us out on YouTube

03-17-2007, 02:43 AM	#8
Percys_mamma Donating YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Palmetto, Fl Posts: 293	He is 6 months old now. And he has only been home for about two weeks. I have been trying to get him out for walks and around other people and animals. At home I have two cats. The breeder that he came from had other animals there. The puppies and parents were all kept in the house, not a kennel. So he was raised with his litter mates, a few cats, and people. Percy was quieter then the rest, a little shy. But that is what drew me to him. I actually emailed the lady I brought him from and asked if someone else had purchased him before me. I was almost wondering if something had happened to him. She states that Percy was with her the whole time and some Yorkies are just high strung and that he will grow out of it the more I socialize him. I think the thing that worries me the most, is that he hits the floor when I try to pet him sometimes. __________________ 3 Furbabies + 2 children = 1 happy family Say hi to us on dogster! We have been egged!!

03-16-2007, 09:21 PM	#3
mizzwanned Donating YT 11K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: new york Posts: 14,007 Blog Entries: 2	awww I'm srry he's like that. How old was he when you got him? Maybe something happened before you got him that caused him to be that way. Or maybe he's just a nervous puppy

03-17-2007, 02:24 AM	#6
Reese1 Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,304	Wrigley is really nervous around other people. When my niece and nephews come over, she hides the entire time. It takes her a long time to warm up to people she hasn't seen before or that often.

03-17-2007, 03:03 AM	#9
red98vett Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston TX Posts: 33,590 Blog Entries: 1	poor little guy....If I were you - I'd keep trying ....maybe take him on walks where it's very quiet and start him off slowly...then eventually take him to busier places and see if he gets used to it.....Yorkies are naturally nosy and he just may need to see that there is nothing in the world to hurt him when he's with you....Good luck ps...EDITED TO ADD.... I've seen where training techniques says don't baby them. As hard as it is ...you should try to ignore the fearfull behaviour. I did that with my girls when they were scared of Fireworks about 3 years ago....I would go outside and pretend to be enjoying the loud noises - and since they want to be with ME all the time eventually I got them out there with me and they learned to not be scared because of MY actions....now when the 4th of july hits - they play in the yard like nothings happening... __________________ Villette, Chanel & Cheri www.DesignsByVillette.net Custom Address Labels and Note Cards using YOUR Photos! Just Click HERE! Last edited by red98vett; 03-17-2007 at 03:06 AM.

03-17-2007, 03:16 AM	#10
alaskayorkie Banning Thread Dictator Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Anchorage Posts: 30,843 Blog Entries: 57	The first few weeks in a new home can still be scary for a pup. I agree I'd be concerned about the cowering, but I don't think it's anything that won't disappear as he becomes more comfortable with you and your home. I definitely second Villette's advice above. As hard as it is, don't baby them. That just rewards the behavior that you're trying to get them over. Keep toys and treats handy and try to distract him when he seems scared. And let him be around a lot of people and dogs. Small dogs, ideally, at first, but other dogs. Maybe a puppy class? Good luck, and let us know how it goes. __________________ Mike ~ Doting Dad to Jillie, Harper, Molly, Cooper, Eddie (RIP), Lucy (RIP), Rusty (RIP) and Jack (RIP). Check us out on YouTube

03-17-2007, 04:58 AM	#11
Percys_mamma Donating YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Palmetto, Fl Posts: 293	Thank you for the advice! I was thinking that the whole don't baby them thing was the way to go. I was just worried I would cause a nervous breakdown! I have been starting off slowly, little walks, short trips out to PetCo, things like that, nothing too overwhelming like a dog park or something like that. I am thinking of a puppy class. I think it would be really good for him in general. He is being "fixed" next week, so I was going to start one after he was healed up. __________________ 3 Furbabies + 2 children = 1 happy family Say hi to us on dogster! We have been egged!!

03-17-2007, 05:25 AM	#12
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	I got Pixie 7 weeks ago and she was 13 months old and the Breeder had her puppies and dogs in the basement in runs. Pixie cowers when we try to pick her up but is slowly getting better. She also freaks out when I take her outside on a leash and just hits the ground shaking. As far as picking her up I always say Mommy's going to pick you up before I do so she gets use to it. I am going to try and keep walking her a little whenever I can. Just give it some time __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

03-17-2007, 07:24 AM	#13
bmax77 Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Stanley, NC Posts: 85	Josh was that way too. Josh was very scared when I first got him, he acts like he was dropped as a puppy. I have been able to get him out of it alittle by just alot of love. I also put him with one of my small females which is very calm. This really helped him alot. He is now playing alot and as long as the other dogs are with him he is very couragous but by himself he's still alittle spooked. Maybe getting him a playmate will help. It sure helped Josh.