My hellion Yorkie

Question
Hi Becky -

I have an 8-mo old Yorkie, and she's absolutely wild.  I've always had Poodles before which were relatively easy to train in comparison.  She eats EVERYTHING, from plants to books to furniture.  She has enough toys and chew bones to fill a closet, but prefers to dump the trash and find new "toys" instead.

Zoe bites continually, and I have tried everything from the firm "NO!" to holding her mouth to pushing her lips against her teeth.  My vet told me "You are just going to have to win" so with this in mind, had a marathon session of Zoe biting me, then me pushing her lips to her teeth and saying "NO!".  This went on for about five minutes until Zoe turned around and vomited.

More maddening than the biting even is the LICKING.  When she's not hyperactively biting, she licks...and licks - any skin that she can come into contact with. I've tried bitter apple, I've tried the pennies in the soda can - the more she's corrected the more determined she seems to get.

It's gotten to the point where none of the family can tolerate being around her anymore.  My husband has me pen her up the minute he gets home (around 8pm), as she's too out-of-control for him to unwind.

Is this a familiar problem with Yorkies?  Can one be "too firm" with them, thus creating anxiety-based behavior in the dog?  Or do you have to be "tough until you win"?

Any insight you have would be greatly appreciated!

Beverly

Answer
Hi Beverly,

WOW, you really are having a problem with Zoe. I have not experienced any of the things you mention here!  It sounds like you have gotten a very hyper dog.  Did you happen to get her from a pet shop?  Sometimes the puppies they sell are from puppy mills where the breeding is not selective, and the breed sometimes doesn't turn out the way it normally would..... behaviour wise.    

That doesn't help you much now though, no matter where you got her.  I disagree with your vet,  I would not continue the lip biting thing.  For one,  she really cannot comprehend what you are doing, and I know you don't mean it to be, but it seems somewhat cruel.  Dogs are not going to comprehend the meaning behind what you are doing.  If it were me,  I would consider a mild sedative.  The licking and her bizaare behaviour makes me think that she may have somewhat of a psychological problem ( yes, dogs have those too) and a medication may calm her down enough to stop the excessive chewing and licking.

I hate to see you go through so much with this pup.  I love my Yorkie/Silky mix and my daughter has a Yorkie that also displays none of these behaviours.  

I hope this has helped a little.  God Bless and Good luck

Becky