Is Your Yorkshire Terrier Obsessed?
Yorkshire terriers are cute little terriers that can be a little “quirky”. Trying to determine if a Yorkie is just a “Yorkie” or is possessed can be relatively easy and well… fun! This crazy, strange behavior can also be due to serious medical problems. Here are some tips to help you understand Yorkie behavior.
Known Yorkie behaviors include digging or scratching on the ground or floor. This is common Yorkie behavior. Although it may seem obsessive, the Yorkie is a member of the terrier family and was bred to hunt rats. When a Yorkie digs on the floor, it’s just following its instincts and looking for a rat…or whatever else it thinks is down there.
Licking everything in sight, from his own paws to the furniture and you, is enough to drive a sane Yorkie owner crazy. This Yorkie behavior can stem from something as simple as dry itchy skin or bad teeth. Yorkies are known to have dental problems even when they are young. Good dental care is very important for Yorkies.
Excessive excitement to the point of hyperventilation, even trembling is a common Yorkie behavior. The Yorkie is known to be the most people-oriented breed and does not like to be alone. This behavior can only be due to overexcitement or a serious condition called “collapsing trachea.” Tracheal constriction occurs if the airway (trachea) flattens; this can block the airway and cause hyperventilation. Lack of oxygen from the collapsing trachea can cause shivering and hyperventilation. Your Yorkie should be examined by a veterinarian if these symptoms persist or persist for more than a few minutes. Calm the dog before the airway muscle spasms worsen.
Constant barking and growling is attributed to Yorkies, but this is just bad behavior and not specific to the Yorkie. Some Yorkie owners reward this bad behavior unconsciously by picking up the dog when it barks. The dog thinks that being picked up is a reward, similar to a dog treat. Just train your Yorkie with a single word “No!” or “Quiet!” and the barking stops.
The Yorkie’s obsessive behavior is based on fear. Attacking the vacuum cleaner or broom is a common obsession. Because the Yorkie typically weighs seven pounds or less, the Yorkie is aware of large objects in its territory. We humans don’t help this behavior – because we’re likely to chase the Yorkie with the broom or the vacuum cleaner because it’s really funny. Unfortunately, we only reinforce bad behavior.
Circling the area where he is served food is intrusive behavior. This is especially true if your Yorkie was picky in the litter, as he probably had to fight for his fair share of food. You can help your Yorkie overcome this fear by giving your dog treats in the food bowl. He will soon learn to associate the bowl of food with a reward instead of a fight.
Repeatedly doing anything for unknown reasons may be habitual for the Yorkie. For example, a Yorkie may suddenly refuse to go to a certain area after going there for months. The Yorkie may suddenly start hiding when it’s time for food. Try to understand what might be bothering him so you can remove the object of his obsession. If you can’t figure it out, try to ignore the obsessive behavior and it will probably turn into a new obsession in no time.
Summary:
* Carry dog treats in your pocket to reward good behavior
* Remember that the Yorkie is energetic and strange – expect and enjoy his strangeness
* If your Yorkie has problems breathing or swallowing, take him to the vet immediately; it can be life threatening for him
* If your Yorkie appears confused or weak, take him to the vet immediately; these are signs of lack of oxygen to the brain
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