New Yorkie Owner - YorkieTalk.com Forums

cmarsh9103 · 05-20-2008, 05:41 PM

I have a 6 month old male Yorkie. My 12 year old daughter wanted one so bad so I bought her one when he was 3 months old from a co-worker who loves her "babies" She is a friend so I can get advice from her, but I also wanted to get other perspectives on raising/owning a Yorkie. I say raising, because I feel like he is my third child and I have never felt this way about a dog before. I have always had Labs and they were dogs, but this little guy is just like my baby. People have always told me that Labs are sensitive and want to please and get love. Well they are nothing like Yorkies. i was not prepared. This is like having a new born. He of course is now my baby, although there are some things he will only let my daughter do, like clean his eye "goppies". Other than that I am his "mom". He will only listen to her when doing that. Otherwise he is at my feet 24/7 whining, unless he is sleeping or eating. He whines and scratches at the bathroom door if I am taking a shower. BUT when I go to pick him up he runs away from me and then cowers in a corner until I get him, then he wants to be loved and cuddled. Please someone explain to me the personality/needs/wants of a Yorkie, because I love him so much and want to give him what is best, but NOT allow him to be spoiled. I still beleive in the pack mentality and know that he needs to fit into our family and not the other way around. We are still the dominant providers but want to love him and give him what he needs. Example, he is 6 months old now, I am in my office in the basement and he has been sitting at the top of the stairs for 2 hours whining for me. And my daughters are up there griping and saying Jesus would you come up stairs to shut him up. He only wants me.....unless he is chasing and terroizing the cat, lol, then he is happy. Yorkies are more like people than any Lab if you ask me.

DONNADEE · 05-20-2008, 06:43 PM

Yorkies are like having a toddler,they want to be with you always and want to please you,i have three and they all have different personalities.
They also attach themselves to one person so i always have a a trail of babies behind me every where i go,i really find this a privilege,just love your baby and when your home just have him in the room with you that all he wants is to be with his mom, he chose you and i believe there unconditional love and devotion is price less,pm if you would like to talk on the phone,im here for you and yes they can become spoiled,but let me tell you there love has helped me these last few weeks my mom passed away on may6,2008 and was laid to rest on may10,2008,my babies sensed my loss and has comforted me and licked my tears as i grieve for her.

morningsting · 05-20-2008, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DONNADEE

Yorkies are like having a toddler,they want to be with you always and want to please you,i have three and they all have different personalities.
They also attach themselves to one person so i always have a a trail of babies behind me every where i go,i really find this a privilege,just love your baby and when your home just have him in the room with you that all he wants is to be with his mom, he chose you and i believe there unconditional love and devotion is price less,pm if you would like to talk on the phone,im here for you and yes they can become spoiled,but let me tell you there love has helped me these last few weeks my mom passed away on may6,2008 and was laid to rest on may10,2008,my babies sensed my loss and has comforted me and licked my tears as i grieve for her.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss *hugs* Everyday I learn more & more about Yorkies, & every day I love them more & more. I wouldn't trade my bby for the world. He means so much to me & I can't picture my life without him, & I've only had him for two weeks! It's amazing how quickly they take over your heart

-Amy

cooperk · 05-20-2008, 06:57 PM

Welcome to YT! I enjoyed your post. I also have a 6 mo old yorkie who follows me around everywhere. I also have daughters who absolutely adore Trixie. Over the years, my dogs have gotten smaller too. I once had a very large Samoyed (sweetie...loved her personality), then a Westie (another sweetie - stil have him), then a Yorkie. I figured I had to get off the "white dog" train

I thought the "following around" thing, was a "puppy" thing. So, Yorkies continue to follow around, eh? That's good, I like it. She's my little buddy - I work out of the home too.

Have you taught your baby any tricks? I have started to work with Trixie. I know I could have begun a few months ago, but hadn't. If you want to see her progress, look at my video in the video section, "Sit Trixie, Sit" It's really short and pretty funny.

I also added Trixie to our family to "distract" us from some very sad things going on in our lives. She has done such a tremendous job with this. My father in law has terminal cancer and our family is really upset about it. We're very close to him and it's tearing us apart. So much sadness for such a long period of time is not healthy for anyone, much less children. She's been our little angel thru all of this. They are miracle workers, aren't they?

yorkiesmiles · 05-20-2008, 09:12 PM

welcome to YT! Yes, yorkies are easy to spoil, but I believe you can still be leader of the pack. This is a great place to learn so much about yorkies

Nancy1999 · 05-20-2008, 09:51 PM

Yorkie are very people oriented and I agree with the others who say they pick one person, and want to be with them. When you work in the office can't he go down with you? I don't think this would spoil him. I think it's important to do things like making him sit before you set his food down to eat, and don't allow him to eat until you give the release command. This helps establish your authority, but he'll still want to be with you. Some say that if you have two or more yorkies they bond more with each other than the human. I think of a spoiled dog as a scared, yappy, out of control dog, who doesn't know who is in control. Indulging your dog, pampering and loving them to pieces is a different kind of a spoiled dog, one that everyone enjoys being around. I also agree that training is important 5 minutes 3 times a day can make your dog feel like a valued member of the family.

piptickle · 05-20-2008, 11:12 PM

I've had Mika for two weeks, she is my first yorkie! I too am surprised by my feelings for her! I have two other dogs and don't get me wrong I love them to bits, but Mika does feel more like a baby than a dog! She will still be brought up to understand that she along with the other dogs are at the bottom of the pack, but she is so loving and wants to be with me all the time. I'm a SAHM and she follows me round and sleeps on curled up on feet when I'm feeding my daughter! It feels like she has been with us forever and already I can't imagine life without her!!!

nygee · 05-21-2008, 12:31 AM

to YT, you'll find yourself spoiling him without wanting to, they are absolutely so easily spoiled.

That adorable face, you just can't help yourself...

Mom to Hot Rod · 05-21-2008, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DONNADEE

Yorkies are like having a toddler,they want to be with you always and want to please you,i have three and they all have different personalities.
They also attach themselves to one person so i always have a a trail of babies behind me every where i go,i really find this a privilege,just love your baby and when your home just have him in the room with you that all he wants is to be with his mom, he chose you and i believe there unconditional love and devotion is price less,pm if you would like to talk on the phone,im here for you and yes they can become spoiled,but let me tell you there love has helped me these last few weeks my mom passed away on may6,2008 and was laid to rest on may10,2008,my babies sensed my loss and has comforted me and licked my tears as i grieve for her.

So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending you healing prayers.

I have found that my yorkie is attached to me...he will go with my hubby if he has treats but he definitely is a mommas boy. Good luck in figuring your baby out...I'm still trying.

autumn star · 05-21-2008, 03:09 AM

Welcome to YT, you are correct - yorkies are very human like!!!! Isn't that wonderful

Gazou · 05-21-2008, 03:13 AM

Welcome to YT .

cooperk · 05-21-2008, 04:17 AM

Heck, my 8 year old Westie seems like a baby at times. They just want attention and love and they will be as sweet as all get out to get it! Yes, gotta love 'em.

erickajm · 05-21-2008, 05:02 AM

Zoe has always been a momma's girl until she had this litter and now she gets "mad" at me when I pay any attention to the puppies. Last night I took turns holding and talking to each one and after I started talking to Zoe..she wouldn't even look at me, wouldn't lay next to me...so jealous!

Yorkiedaze · 05-21-2008, 11:02 AM

First, don't go to him if he runs and cowers. Let him come to you or he will always do that. There is nothing wrong with spoiling. I treat all three of mine the same way, but have one that won't let me out of her sight and one that is independent and one that just goes with the flow providing it isn't to strenuous.

I totally agree with you when you said they were more like kids than dogs. I've had dogs for 48 years, but it wasn't until I had Yorkies that I noticed a major difference. I raised 6 sons, so I know I wanted little Yorkster girls to call my daughters and put ribbons in their hair and buy "PINK" things for a change.

I'm having such a wonderful life with them. They give back more than I give them and so yes, I like spoiling them as much as possible. I want their short lives to be as comfortable, healthy and happy as I can possibly make it.

05-20-2008, 05:41 PM	#1
cmarsh9103 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2008 Location: lock haven pa Posts: 1	New Yorkie Owner I have a 6 month old male Yorkie. My 12 year old daughter wanted one so bad so I bought her one when he was 3 months old from a co-worker who loves her "babies" She is a friend so I can get advice from her, but I also wanted to get other perspectives on raising/owning a Yorkie. I say raising, because I feel like he is my third child and I have never felt this way about a dog before. I have always had Labs and they were dogs, but this little guy is just like my baby. People have always told me that Labs are sensitive and want to please and get love. Well they are nothing like Yorkies. i was not prepared. This is like having a new born. He of course is now my baby, although there are some things he will only let my daughter do, like clean his eye "goppies". Other than that I am his "mom". He will only listen to her when doing that. Otherwise he is at my feet 24/7 whining, unless he is sleeping or eating. He whines and scratches at the bathroom door if I am taking a shower. BUT when I go to pick him up he runs away from me and then cowers in a corner until I get him, then he wants to be loved and cuddled. Please someone explain to me the personality/needs/wants of a Yorkie, because I love him so much and want to give him what is best, but NOT allow him to be spoiled. I still beleive in the pack mentality and know that he needs to fit into our family and not the other way around. We are still the dominant providers but want to love him and give him what he needs. Example, he is 6 months old now, I am in my office in the basement and he has been sitting at the top of the stairs for 2 hours whining for me. And my daughters are up there griping and saying Jesus would you come up stairs to shut him up. He only wants me.....unless he is chasing and terroizing the cat, lol, then he is happy. Yorkies are more like people than any Lab if you ask me.

05-20-2008, 06:57 PM	#4
cooperk YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Westford, MA Posts: 382	Welcome to YT! I enjoyed your post. I also have a 6 mo old yorkie who follows me around everywhere. I also have daughters who absolutely adore Trixie. Over the years, my dogs have gotten smaller too. I once had a very large Samoyed (sweetie...loved her personality), then a Westie (another sweetie - stil have him), then a Yorkie. I figured I had to get off the "white dog" train I thought the "following around" thing, was a "puppy" thing. So, Yorkies continue to follow around, eh? That's good, I like it. She's my little buddy - I work out of the home too. Have you taught your baby any tricks? I have started to work with Trixie. I know I could have begun a few months ago, but hadn't. If you want to see her progress, look at my video in the video section, "Sit Trixie, Sit" It's really short and pretty funny. I also added Trixie to our family to "distract" us from some very sad things going on in our lives. She has done such a tremendous job with this. My father in law has terminal cancer and our family is really upset about it. We're very close to him and it's tearing us apart. So much sadness for such a long period of time is not healthy for anyone, much less children. She's been our little angel thru all of this. They are miracle workers, aren't they? __________________ Kathy, Trixie, Barkley, and Rascal Follow Trixie's pups progress at www.ladybugyorkies.blogspot.com

05-20-2008, 09:12 PM	#5
yorkiesmiles Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,493	welcome to YT! Yes, yorkies are easy to spoil, but I believe you can still be leader of the pack. This is a great place to learn so much about yorkies __________________ yorkiesmiles Loved by Bubba & Roxy *Holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come*

05-20-2008, 09:51 PM	#6
Nancy1999 I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 25,396 Blog Entries: 2	Yorkie are very people oriented and I agree with the others who say they pick one person, and want to be with them. When you work in the office can't he go down with you? I don't think this would spoil him. I think it's important to do things like making him sit before you set his food down to eat, and don't allow him to eat until you give the release command. This helps establish your authority, but he'll still want to be with you. Some say that if you have two or more yorkies they bond more with each other than the human. I think of a spoiled dog as a scared, yappy, out of control dog, who doesn't know who is in control. Indulging your dog, pampering and loving them to pieces is a different kind of a spoiled dog, one that everyone enjoys being around. I also agree that training is important 5 minutes 3 times a day can make your dog feel like a valued member of the family. __________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals

05-20-2008, 11:12 PM	#7
piptickle Love my Mika!!! Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Cheshire UK Posts: 2,430	I've had Mika for two weeks, she is my first yorkie! I too am surprised by my feelings for her! I have two other dogs and don't get me wrong I love them to bits, but Mika does feel more like a baby than a dog! She will still be brought up to understand that she along with the other dogs are at the bottom of the pack, but she is so loving and wants to be with me all the time. I'm a SAHM and she follows me round and sleeps on curled up on feet when I'm feeding my daughter! It feels like she has been with us forever and already I can't imagine life without her!!! Attached Thumbnails __________________ YORKIE MUM TO MIKA 12 MONTHS OLD!!! MIKA & FLETCHER D.O.B. 03/17/08

05-20-2008, 06:43 PM	#2
DONNADEE YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: MARIETTA GEORGIA Posts: 689	Yorkies are like having a toddler,they want to be with you always and want to please you,i have three and they all have different personalities. They also attach themselves to one person so i always have a a trail of babies behind me every where i go,i really find this a privilege,just love your baby and when your home just have him in the room with you that all he wants is to be with his mom, he chose you and i believe there unconditional love and devotion is price less,pm if you would like to talk on the phone,im here for you and yes they can become spoiled,but let me tell you there love has helped me these last few weeks my mom passed away on may6,2008 and was laid to rest on may10,2008,my babies sensed my loss and has comforted me and licked my tears as i grieve for her.

05-21-2008, 12:31 AM	#8
nygee Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 249	to YT, you'll find yourself spoiling him without wanting to, they are absolutely so easily spoiled. That adorable face, you just can't help yourself...

05-21-2008, 03:09 AM	#10
autumn star Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Long Island Posts: 6,095	Welcome to YT, you are correct - yorkies are very human like!!!! Isn't that wonderful __________________ *PROUD MOM OF (SKIN KIDS) LEXI & HUNTER AND (FUR KIDS) AUTUMN, BLAZE & CHANCE (OUR RESCUE)*

05-21-2008, 03:13 AM	#11
Gazou YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 2,180	Welcome to YT .

05-21-2008, 04:17 AM	#12
cooperk YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Westford, MA Posts: 382	Heck, my 8 year old Westie seems like a baby at times. They just want attention and love and they will be as sweet as all get out to get it! Yes, gotta love 'em. __________________ Kathy, Trixie, Barkley, and Rascal Follow Trixie's pups progress at www.ladybugyorkies.blogspot.com

05-21-2008, 05:02 AM	#13
erickajm Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central Pennsylvania Posts: 3,200	Zoe has always been a momma's girl until she had this litter and now she gets "mad" at me when I pay any attention to the puppies. Last night I took turns holding and talking to each one and after I started talking to Zoe..she wouldn't even look at me, wouldn't lay next to me...so jealous! __________________ Zoe Peppee Brady EARL!

05-21-2008, 11:02 AM	#14
Yorkiedaze My hairy-legged girls Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: lompoc, ca. Posts: 12,228	First, don't go to him if he runs and cowers. Let him come to you or he will always do that. There is nothing wrong with spoiling. I treat all three of mine the same way, but have one that won't let me out of her sight and one that is independent and one that just goes with the flow providing it isn't to strenuous. I totally agree with you when you said they were more like kids than dogs. I've had dogs for 48 years, but it wasn't until I had Yorkies that I noticed a major difference. I raised 6 sons, so I know I wanted little Yorkster girls to call my daughters and put ribbons in their hair and buy "PINK" things for a change. I'm having such a wonderful life with them. They give back more than I give them and so yes, I like spoiling them as much as possible. I want their short lives to be as comfortable, healthy and happy as I can possibly make it.