In this article, we will answer the following question: How do I get my Yorkie to get along with other dogs? It is very important to follow a series of steps to achieve a friendly and pleasant coexistence between the two dogs. It is going to take time and patience is needed, but the result is going to be most gratifying.
How do I get my Yorkie to get along with other dogs?
If your Yorkie can’t get along with other dogs, you can try a couple of tips in order to smooth things over between them. Keep reading!
The first thing to keep in mind is that dogs are very territorial pets. If they think they are invading their territory, they will try to defend it! It is essential that before choosing a new dog companion, both of you can meet outside the home, on neutral ground.
Although they may get along great from the start, if there are problems, you can spot and fix them as soon as possible! If they growl or challenge each other, you could start taking walks together so they get used to each other’s presence before they start living together.
My dog can’t stand other dogs at home, what can I do?
The first thing to keep in mind is that dogs consider their home as their own territory that they must defend. This is what causes them to become aggressive when another pet enters.
If your pet behaves possessively when there is another dog in the house, it is essential that you know how to act! Remember that as the owner, you are responsible for the behavior of your pet!
If you plan to add a new member to the family, and they do not get along with each other, you can try to train them separately in order to bring them together little by little. This is a good method if you want them to respect each other. If each animal has its own things (bed, feeder, toys …) they will have fewer problems if one of them shows possessive behavior.
If you want to change their behavior, remember that positive reinforcement is the key to training your pet. Try to always reward the pleasant behavior of your dog.
On the other hand, keep in mind that they may be fighting not only for the territory but also for your love! To avoid this, try to pamper them equally. In this way, you will be showing your fellow veteran that … Nothing has changed even if there is a new member of the family!
Among animals there is a hierarchy, unless your new partner is submissive, at first they will try to challenge themselves, this is a normal attitude in dogs!
If you want to adopt another dog
Before joining our dog with another we must do a reflection exercise. We must be aware of the character of our dog. If he shows aggressive behaviors or is poorly socialized, we can have problems and the process will be much slower. For this reason, we have to think about the time and effort that it will require and if we have enough patience to do it.
We should not leave the process halfway or rush, the result can be a complicated coexistence, and in the worst case, fights and attacks between the dogs. Also, in case the situation overcomes us, we must know how to ask for help, a professional can advise us and make everything easier. This must be a dog trainer or an ethologist.
Introduction: The first contact between two dogs is a very important moment. If it goes well, we have a much better chance of achieving good results in a short time.
The presentation must be in a neutral place for the two dogs. One of the most common mistakes in presenting two dogs is bringing them together in the territory of one of them. We should not take a dog to the house of the other because we can give him the feeling that his space is invaded by a stranger. For this reason, their behavior may be aggressive, they will be defensive.
The best thing is to meet in a dog park where we can let the two dogs loose. Once the two are in the same space, we should not force the situation. If dogs prefer to sniff their surroundings or run around and ignore each other, we will not force them to be together. We must respect their rhythms.
We have to pay special attention to their body language. In this way we will know if the approach between the dogs is friendly and “in peace” or if there are aggressive behaviors.
Our dog will also notice our attitude, and we must be calm and collected at all times so that he feels that everything is fine. If we are nervous, the dog’s behavior will reflect our state and will have negative consequences.
If they want to play together we don’t have to stop them. Anyway, it is better to avoid bringing toys from one of the dogs, since we can start a fight.
The walk: If you do not have a space to let the dogs go and get to know each other at your own pace, it may be a good idea to go for a walk. This option is also good for the second contact between the two dogs or in the case that one of them shows aggressive behavior.
Ideally, you should be the one who takes your dog and the other goes with someone rather unknown to him. The walk can be in any area, but it is advisable to go to a quiet place with olfactory stimuli for the dogs. Using the nose relaxes them and we will get a calmer walk.
Dogs can go on a long leash, without tension, and we will allow them to come up and sniff. In any case, we will always be attentive so that, in case of aggressiveness, we can quickly separate them.
Coexistence at home: When we have achieved a good relationship in neutral places and the dogs get along well, we can consider taking one of the dogs to the other’s house. If our goal is to get them to get along to adopt the other dog, it will have to be in our house. On the other hand, if we only want our dog to befriend someone else’s, we will do it at the home of the calmer and more submissive dog.
The house must be prepared before the arrival of the second dog. We must have two separate feeders and drinkers, one for each dog, and also two separate beds or resting places. In addition we would have to hide our dog’s toys to avoid fights.
When the dog arrives home, as we have already mentioned, we must take care of our attitude, showing ourselves calm and relaxed. You should always supervise the dogs, but it is better to intervene only when absolutely necessary.
If we see that one of the two dogs starts to get nervous, it is best to separate them and try again another day. As we have already said, each dog needs its time, and we must not force them or rush.
What to do in case of a fight: If a fight occurs despite following the guidelines, we must know how to react to solve it. The most important thing is to stay calm. If we get nervous the dogs will be even more nervous and the injuries will be worse.
If we are alone we will always try to separate the dog that is showing more aggression. In case we have help from another person, each one will be in charge of restraining one of the dogs. To avoid damage we will hold the dog by the leash (in case it is tied) or we will pull its hind legs.
We will never hold it in front, as the risk of being bitten will be very high. We must not forget that the dog is upset. Although he has never hurt us, in this situation he can attack us.
Another safe alternative if the fight occurs outside is to throw water at the dogs. We can use a pressure hose or a bucket of water. In this way, we divert the dogs’ attention to another stimulus.
After the fight, the dogs should be left in separate spaces to relax. If later we decide to try a new encounter we will have to be alert and supervise the dogs. Our attitude will have to remain relaxed to avoid a new incident. If we are upset or nervous we can promote a new fight to take place.
The feeding time: Although we may come to think that this does not influence, it is one of the factors that can cause more fights in dogs: The fight for food and, therefore, for survival.
Having our dogs with a good diet will help us make this less of a problem. Why? Easy, good food and availability of it will leave our dogs satiated and this will stop being a problem for them. Of course, there are cases and cases, you always have to look at the individual.
Conclusions
Many times, we think that our dog friend is social by nature and that he will also get along well with the rest of the animals. However, animals are similar to people! And the thing is … They don’t get along with everyone!
You have followed all the advice that we are giving you and still, it has not worked? If despite all your attempts, both pets continue to get on badly, it is best to consult an ethologist or a dog trainer. They will analyze the situation and look for a solution to that problem.
If they are simply growling, it could be considered something “normal”, however, if both dogs fight, the situation will require a professional who can give the guidelines to follow!
Ethologist? What is that? An ethologist is a kind of “dog psychologist”; will be in charge of evaluating our routine, that of our pet, and ultimately … Detect what is causing this situation!
If you have any questions or if you want to share your experience with trying to bring two dogs together, please let us know!
FAQ on How do I get my Yorkie to get along with other dogs?
Are Yorkies attached to their owners?
Yorkies can become very attached to their owners and become incredibly protective of the whole family. Yorkies are great dogs as guard dogs, no matter their size.
Why are Yorkies so needy?
Some Yorkies may be needy and clingy because they like (and are used to) being coddled and pampered by their owners. When you stop giving them so much attention, they seem too needy.
Why do Yorkies have separation anxiety?
Yorkies have separation anxiety if they are not properly trained or do not have a routine. Some other reasons include neglect, changes in pet parents, hereditary issues, or boredom.
Can Yorkies be left alone all day?
It is not advisable to leave a Yorkie alone all day. Yorkies are very affectionate and rely on their human parents. You can leave a baby Yorkie by himself up to 3 hours a day, and an adult Yorkie 4 to 6 hours a day.
References
Yorkieadvice.com
Petsworld.in
Animalwised.com
