Well, it depends on the dog's personality. Some dogs are nervous nellies and will yip if your touch startles them, like if you crept up from behind while the dog was distracted.

Others are very stoic and a vocalization like that could only mean that they're in pain. Sampson will "yipe!" if you grab his ears a certain way- it hurts, even though you're not pulling or twisting.

Generally though, a sharp cry is a sign of fear or pain, and it's up to you to figure out why. I can't tell you without knowing your dog.

Sampson answered on 1/15/12. Helpful? / 1

Did you grab him like "He was walking in a place he wasn't suppossed to" or "You were pulling him toward you"?

Buddy answered on 1/16/12. Helpful? / 0