Curbing Fear-Based Aggression in Yorkshire Terriers
Yorkshire Terriers being so small, they often get scared by objects that are larger than them.
And, let's face it, most objects are larger than them.
Fear-based aggression is a problem with many small breeds for this reason, but it can be easily corrected with proper and frequent socialization.
When you first get your new Yorkshire Terrier puppy, you will want to gradually introduce him or her to more and more things that he or she is likely to interact with later on on life.
This includes other people, small children, dogs and other species of animal, new terrain, various environments, and all the objects that make noise in your home and neighborhood.
It is important to introduce your new Yorkie to a variety of these things slowly, as too much at one time can overwhelm them and force your socialization attempt to backfire.
The easiest method to begin socializing is in your own home.
If you have roommates, children, or other pets, introducing your Yorkie to them within the first week of bringing them home is ideal.
Always make sure you are present when first introducing your puppy to new people or animals, for his or her safety and the safety of the others involved.
Keeping your Yorkshire Terrier on a leash for these first introductions is always best, in the event that he or she gets scared and tries to run away, or even if he or she gets too excited and needs to calm down.
After your Yorkshire Terrier is used to all the interesting new friends he or she has made in your home, you can move on to other obstacles.
Take your Yorkie for a walk with your neighbor and their dog, or invite company with their own pets over to interact with you both.
Playing with another person's dog in front of your Yorkie will help indicate that the animal is also safe for them to play with, as well as helping curb jealousy issues that may arise in the future.
You will also want to get your Yorkie used to walking on different types of terrain as they are present in your neighborhood or the areas in which he or she may be spending time with you.
Being such a tiny dog, the difference between walking on gravel and walking on grass can be vast and scary at first.
It is important that your dog not be fearful of walking across streets, as a dog pulling the opposite way when you're trying to cross at the walk signal can be dangerous! After your Yorkie puppy has aged a bit, you can explore other options like dog parks or doggie playgroups.
Since Yorkshire Terriers are so tiny, it is not a good idea to pursue interaction with large dogs, especially off leash, until they are at least six months old.
Remember, socialization may seem like a chore at first, but it will help curb many difficult issues down the road.
Besides, it's a wonderful way for you and your new puppy to spend time together and create an unbreakable bond!
And, let's face it, most objects are larger than them.
Fear-based aggression is a problem with many small breeds for this reason, but it can be easily corrected with proper and frequent socialization.
When you first get your new Yorkshire Terrier puppy, you will want to gradually introduce him or her to more and more things that he or she is likely to interact with later on on life.
This includes other people, small children, dogs and other species of animal, new terrain, various environments, and all the objects that make noise in your home and neighborhood.
It is important to introduce your new Yorkie to a variety of these things slowly, as too much at one time can overwhelm them and force your socialization attempt to backfire.
The easiest method to begin socializing is in your own home.
If you have roommates, children, or other pets, introducing your Yorkie to them within the first week of bringing them home is ideal.
Always make sure you are present when first introducing your puppy to new people or animals, for his or her safety and the safety of the others involved.
Keeping your Yorkshire Terrier on a leash for these first introductions is always best, in the event that he or she gets scared and tries to run away, or even if he or she gets too excited and needs to calm down.
After your Yorkshire Terrier is used to all the interesting new friends he or she has made in your home, you can move on to other obstacles.
Take your Yorkie for a walk with your neighbor and their dog, or invite company with their own pets over to interact with you both.
Playing with another person's dog in front of your Yorkie will help indicate that the animal is also safe for them to play with, as well as helping curb jealousy issues that may arise in the future.
You will also want to get your Yorkie used to walking on different types of terrain as they are present in your neighborhood or the areas in which he or she may be spending time with you.
Being such a tiny dog, the difference between walking on gravel and walking on grass can be vast and scary at first.
It is important that your dog not be fearful of walking across streets, as a dog pulling the opposite way when you're trying to cross at the walk signal can be dangerous! After your Yorkie puppy has aged a bit, you can explore other options like dog parks or doggie playgroups.
Since Yorkshire Terriers are so tiny, it is not a good idea to pursue interaction with large dogs, especially off leash, until they are at least six months old.
Remember, socialization may seem like a chore at first, but it will help curb many difficult issues down the road.
Besides, it's a wonderful way for you and your new puppy to spend time together and create an unbreakable bond!
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