Yorkie Show Dogs

Armadillo and dog face off for the second time

Safety Harbor, Florida --  Just like most Floridians , the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is not native to Florida.

With no natural predators other than an occasional coyote, bob cat, or automobile, the armored animal has thrived.

Lately, a whole group of them have thrived near Michelle Lynch's home in Safety Harbor.

"It's a very serious problem. They are causing a nuisance in my life," she told 10 News.

She says she had her first run in with the creatures about six months ago when her Yorkie Gus took off after one of them and had a bit of tussle.

On Monday night, she says it happened again.

"I was holding by dog, walking him out and they came together they they started fighting and they went underneath the fence, so he got his leash out from my hand and that was the end of that.  We couldn't  find him for five hours," she explained.

"I was crying.  I was in hysterics.  He's like my son.  I was very, very scared," she added.

It's not that there's just one or two armadillos coming around her condo, but several and that's why she's getting frustrated.

Her neighbor Mike Brosnan says he sees the animals at all hours of the day, foraging for worms and bugs in their grass and mulch.

"I see critters come around here and come and go, but they just pass through and they leave, but just lately we've seen more armadillos than anything else," he said.   ""I don't know if there's more families back there.  I don't know what they're doing out there."

Their condos back up to a nature preserve, which Florida Fish and Wildlife says may explain the increase in armadillo sightings.  Their yard may simply be the perfect habitat.

"It would be really hard to try and prevent them," said Gretchen Hochnedel, a Wildlife Assistance Biologist with FWC.

FWC says armadillos are pretty much everywhere in Florida and don't expect them to go anytime soon.  In fact, biologists say the armadillo population seems to keep spreading further north.

"If homeowners are really concerned about it, they can trap the animals or hire a professional trapper to come in and trap them and humanely euthanize the animal if they're causing a huge nuisance," she said.

Hochnedel says the creatures have terrible eyesight and hearing and rarely fight back or pose a danger to your pets.

Yorkshire Terrier Dog Breed Temperament, Health Issues, Grooming ...

Problems can arise if the owner is not the pack leader here we see a dog that becomes aggressive towards strange dogs and small animals, and may also become yappy. The Yorkshire Terrier dog, like all dogs, needs the owner to be the leader. This dog is better with older children, that can show leadership skills and treat the dog as the dog. Small dog syndrome in Yorkshire terriers is to be avoided, as this will make the dog unhappy, and also the owner. If the Yorkshire terrier starts to develop jealousy or becomes over demanding of human attention, then it is wise to think how you are treating the dog to put back the right balance. The Yorkie is easy to train but can be slightly stubborn, as with all terriers. This breed can be difficult to potty train. The Yorkshire terrier makes an excellent watchdog. The biggest problem Yorkies can have is if the owner thinks and treats them as a human baby, due to their size. The Yorkie is a sweet little dog, when the owner understands leadership skills that are gentle. Although the Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog they will still require walking daily. This will help burn up their energy, as this breed has lots to burn off. Dogs that do not have daily walks are more likely to have behavioral problems. A sure sign that your Yorkie may require more walks is if they are spinning around the house as fast as a bullet. Remember this dog is trainable and simple commands such as heel when out walking are needed. This dog will enjoy a good run in a safe open area off the lead. Grooming: Daily grooming is needed with the Yorkshire terrier, due to their silky coat. They have a topknot which is usually tied up. Family pets that are not for showing tend to have their pet coat cut shorter for manageability. Show dogs need hours of care for the show ring and this can be learnt. The Yorkie dog will benefit from daily tooth care, cleaning these from an early age will help your pet to know that it is part of the routine.

The everything Yorkshire Terrier book, a complete guide to raising, training, and caring for your yorkie

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Yorkshire terrier