In this article, we will answer the following question: What are Yorkies scared of? We will also teach you how to help a frightened Yorkie and what you should avoid if you have a scared Yorkie on your hand.
What are Yorkies scared of?
Most Yorkies are scared of loud noises, other dogs, or even people (especially the vet). Below we explore ten things that scare Yorkies.
- Yorkies are scared of … Loud noises
Acousticphobia or, what is the same, fear of noises or loud sounds is very present in the day-to-day life of most dogs, but especially in Yorkies.
Their extra sensitive hearing and the spontaneity or surprise with which these noises usually occur only aggravate the discomfort. Other more planned sounds, such as that of the dryer or the vacuum cleaner, can be controlled and this makes it easier for us to avoid them, but the same does not happen with thunder or firecrackers.
- Yorkies are scared of …Storms
Surely you have ever noticed how your dog was restless just before a storm as if he sensed it. It is not surprising, especially when they intuit what is probably going to happen next, thunder and more thunder, that annoying noise that seems to burst their eardrums.
- Yorkies are scared of … Fireworks
Among all the things that cause fear in dogs, this is probably the one that causes the most impotence in their humans, first, because it is avoidable and second because it is common knowledge that they cause such great annoyances in our pets, even death in some terrible accidents.
- Yorkies are scared of … the Veterinarian
If you continue to panic about the dentist or the injections, do not be surprised that your dog is not completely comfortable going to the vet. Thus, attending a veterinarian’s consultation is usually one of the most common Yorkie fears.
- Yorkies are scared of … People
It may be that due to an excess of protection, due to previous experiences, or due to their shy or reserved nature, some dogs do not get along very well with strangers and fear anyone who does not belong to the closest family environment.
- Yorkies are scared of …. Other dogs or other animals
The same happens with the fear of other animals, whether or not they are of the same species, especially by those who are not very used to socializing with “non-humans.”
Other times the fear can come simply from ignorance, from lack of previous experiences; Imagine a dog seeing a turtle or a duck for the first time.
- Yorkies are scared of … Water
Taking you out of your natural environment and entering another in which your body experiences new sensations can trigger fears in your dog; Are there not people who are afraid of flying?
- Yorkies are scared of … Loneliness
Many dogs fear being alone because they identify loneliness with abandonment, especially those who have had previous negative experiences. How to make our furry understand that we are only absent for a while and that the possibility of abandoning him would not even cross our minds?
- Yorkies are scared of … That we are disappointed or sad
It seems as if all a dog’s behavior revolves around a single goal: to please its human family. For this reason, every time our Yorkie perceives that we feel disappointed with him or sad for any other reason, we communicate that state to him and he catches it and he may cry or show a state of nervousness similar to that caused by other fears.
- Yorkies are scared of … The most absurd things
There are dogs that panic about the most harmless and absurd things we can imagine, perhaps due to a misperception of possible risk, a bad experience or novelty, and therefore ignorance.
In specialized forums, you can find humans distressed because their dogs have such curious fears as those caused by metal structures, zucchini, going up or downstairs, crossing bridges, touching with their paws off the carpet, or approaching adorable stuffed animals.
Types of fears and phobias in dogs
You must learn to distinguish the difference between fear and phobia. Fear in a dog appears as a survival instinct response to dangerous situations. Phobias, however, are excessive fear reactions to circumstances that do not pose a real danger and that can be caused by several factors:
- A lack of early socialization.
- Genetic factors.
- Or having had a negative experience.
- The fears and phobias of a dog can lead to the following symptoms:
- Tremors
- Drooling
- Barking
- Destructive behavior.
- And, in some cases, aggressiveness.
Most common causes of fear in Yorkshire
Interestingly, Yorkis can develop a fear of different things or situations for three clearly different reasons. Do you want to know them? We will tell you about them below!
Due to lack of socialization: due to stimuli to which they have not been subjected before. It would be the closest thing to fear of the unknown. This situation is also very frequent in puppies when, for example, they have to be taken out for a walk for the first time, since everything they find is new to them and -in their thinking- it can pose a threat to their integrity.
Due to trauma: due to past experiences that could have generated a kind of disorder or phobia. For example, this occurs when a Yorkie has been attacked by another dog or has felt vulnerable.
By inheritance: oddly enough, some behavioral characteristics, such as fears, maybe the result of inheritance received from the parents.
5 things to avoid if you have a scared Yorkie on your hands
Is your Yorkie afraid and you don’t know how to act or control it in these uncomfortable situations? Whatever happens, remember never to resort to this type of action, as it could further aggravate the situation and affect the well-being of your frightened dog. Take note!
Don’t overstimulate it: take care that your dog does not get too excited – playing, during the walk, with the children, or when you receive a visit – as it could lead to an uncontrollable situation of stress. This is not recommended for small and sensitive Yorkies.
In the case of travel or new surroundings, try to give him security and confidence with his favorite bed and prepare an appropriate corner for him.
Don’t punish him: Punishment is never a good solution, whether it be for training, correcting bad behavior, or – least of all – treating fear. Avoid talking to her aggressively or by yelling, this will only accentuate the fear that the dog suffers.
Carry out shock therapy: although you may think that this is an option, it is not the most appropriate way to cure fear. By confronting our Yorkie with those things, objects, or situations that make them uncomfortable we will only make them feel threatened and, in some cases, even that they can attack us.
Protect him: as with overstimulation, protecting or pampering our dog excessively can be counterproductive. With this type of practice, we encourage the animal to develop a kind of protective bubble that can easily be broken by any action that occurs outside its comfort zone when its owner is not around. Pampering and affection yes, but in the right measure!
Don’t leave it alone: leaving a dog at home, especially if it is for many hours and it is not used to it, can generate great trauma and frustration in it.
How to help your Yorkshire deal with phobias
Phobias or fears in a dog, as we have already mentioned, should always be treated by a professional. However, there are a series of tips or advice that will make it easier for these fears to gradually disappear or decrease.
Work on confidence, but not excessively: offer her a comfortable, calm, and friendly environment, away from noise and stimuli. Show him, with your attitude and actions, that everything he is afraid of is trustworthy and does not pose any type of threat. But let him act freely, never force him to act or behave in a certain way!
Establish a routine: always set the same times for walks, meals, cleaning… This will make actions more and more predictable and build confidence. In addition, it is interesting for learning and tolerance to certain practices such as brushing hair and teeth.
Practice positive training: always avoid punishment. Encourage and reinforce positive actions and behaviors with the delivery of prizes, whether in the form of food, games, or yourself.
Try to be empathetic: always put yourself in their shoes. It is not always easy to think like a dog, but using common sense, we can understand certain behaviors and attitudes. This will help us decide how to proceed in each case.
Take him out for a walk for a certain time: for Yorkshire terriers, it is advisable to take them for a walk three times a day, at least 15 minutes per walk. While it is true that some hold more, this depends a lot on the breed, size, and, especially, on customs. In the event that your Yorkie does not feel like walking more or after five minutes he wants to go home, do not force him, and give him a rest.
If you want to read more on how to help a frightened dog, click here.
Conclusions
There are many things that can scare your Yorkie. It is recommended to pay attention to your dog until he shows a calm and patient attitude. At this time, you can reward him with caresses or words of encouragement. Likewise, working on basic obedience also allows the dog to foster this calm attitude that we seek, so asking to sit or lie down will help you.
On the other hand, promoting a quiet environment in which the dog feels comfortable is more than recommended, as is establishing healthy routines for him and covering all his needs. In this sense, the use of synthetic pheromones in a diffuser is a technique that favors the creation of a relaxed environment because it emits a copy of the pheromones that mothers transmit to their puppies.
If you have any questions or comments on the content, please let us know.
FAQ on What are Yorkies scared of?
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
