I read on many sites not to "over protect" the dog because they might become neurotic. What do they mean when they say "over protect"?
I am w/ my dog most of the day, starting from when I wake up [he is sleeping by my side] to when I leave, which is about 5pm. He stands by the window when I leave & watches me as I leave.
My father has told me he gets sad when I am not here & mostly just lays in my bed waiting for me to come home.
Sometimes I find him playing w/ my other brother, but he goes to bed early so I don't know how long this last.
Should I worry about my Yorkie? Or is this just a common thing that happens when dogs love their owners. When I read online "don't over protect" the yorkie it made me confused & worried. Any answers will be nice. Thanks.
2006-11-30 16:19:30 · 6 answers · asked by sandalsinsand 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I think whatever your read could have been interpreted as "don't make your dog insecure by spending every waking moment with it."
Your dog needs to feel confident even when you're not there. If you think your dog is too dependent on you (you can't leave the room without him crying, you can't go to work without him being destructive) then you need to start teaching the dog to be ok in his own skin by spending some time apart.
Don't overthink. If your dog is not acting out, there's probably no issue. I wouldn't spend every waking moment with the pup though because he might get attached to an unhealthy degree.
2006-11-30 16:40:05 · answer #1 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds a lot like my Rat terrier mix. I leave, and he gets mopey (or "Pathetic!" as my friends have remarked) He's totally fine when I come back.
When I think of being overprotective or coddling a dog, I think of people reinforcing their dog for being scared and/or helpless. While it's important to be able to see if a dog is stressed or anxious, it's also good to let him have some space too, and not be all over him with treats and kisses because he worried about something. That, or keeping him from playing with other dogs (a mistake, no matter what the dog's size!) But it doesn't sound like you're doing this.
2006-11-30 16:42:55 · answer #2 · answered by Misa M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All normal dogs get sad when their owners leave - they want to go with them! Your Dad can help by being jolly with your dog instead of sympathetic. Your brother helps by playing with him. Get your dogs some chews and toys for when you're out, and try to encourage your Dad to play with him too!
You love your dog and want the best for him - you are already doing that by leaving him regularly. Its good for him to learn that the world doesn't stop when you walk out the door.
Keep on reading and learning about dogs, but try not to worry too much because from where I'm sitting everything sounds just fine.
2006-11-30 20:55:37 · answer #3 · answered by sarah c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yorkies are very loyal and all little dogs like companionship I am sure he will be ok. I dont know what over protect means.
2006-11-30 16:22:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the Yorkie is capable show affection for your brother then he is behaving perfectly normal and its you who might be displaying neurosis.
2006-11-30 16:32:32 · answer #5 · answered by TROLL BOY 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont worry about your yorkie...iv had them 4 15yrs and thy all did the same as i left i have 1 remaining yorkie and when he sees us putting our coats on he goes up 2 bed and when we come home he returns downstairs(he isnt left for long)..so please dont worry
2006-11-30 18:12:50 · answer #6 · answered by greyhound mummy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋