Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We have a 4 month old Yorkie named Gracie who we have had almost 2 weeks now. She is adorable and we have enrolled in "puppy kindergarten" which begins next week. The problem is she thinks she is an attack dog and goes after the vacuum cleaner, the ironing board, the broom, the mop, etc. She is relentless in her barking and leaping all around - Even when the vacuum is not on, she barks at it - I need to hide everything in the garage! When she comes out with us, if she sees a broom she barks until it is out of sight. How do I get her to stop? She is driving us nuts! As much as I'd like to give up housework, she is more likely to be given up first! Any suggestions? Help!

ACKKK! Well don't give up on her yet, tons of people here can probably help you! I don't know about terriers, but some of the advise I've seen recommended for your type of situation are these:
Keep her on a leash when you're leaving, and use a clicker or some other attention getting training tool, and give her a nice treat for sitting or being quiet. I don't know the full details or have step by step instructions, but start off slowly and take baby steps... Maybe even bring the broom into the kitchen and have practice sessions with it. Try the same thing with the vaccum and other objects she gets excited about. When she sees the object and starts to bark, hold fast to the leash, click or say her name or whatever to get her attention. Maybe show her the treat to get her mind off the object. If she sits and/or stops barking, give her the treat. Do this enough times so that when she sees the object, she looks at you for a treat instead of going crazy about the object. After a while a "Good Girl!" will probably be sufficient.
I bet other people would have more advise, good luck!

DestanyF

My yorkie is 2 and he still attacks the vacuum cleaner. I put him in his kennel when I have to vacuum, sweep, or mop because he will attack all of the above and my ankles occasionally. LOL!! Just make sure you move him into another room, in his kennel, and shut the door when you vacuum, because the noise hurts their ears. It will get better though, and I love my little guys, all of them. I rescue yorkies for Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue, and have even seen some on the site that are little attack dogs. Good Luck!!

I think it is based on the personality of your yorkie. My Noah is 4 month old male and is basically quiet. He does more whimpering than barking. He kind of has a love/hate with my vacuum cleaner. Chases it, runs back and forth....follows the exhaust air from the end of the canister and loves it blowing his face. He has no reactions to mops or brooms but my suggestion would be to leave them out until they become a fixture. Yorkies love to sniff and explore anything new.