How social is your yorkie?

[QuickSilver]

Hi, all. I am new to yorkie ownership. I inherited my baby from a coworker who was bringing him to work every day. Some of what I have read about the yorkie breed does not seem to match this dog, and I'm curious as to others' experiences.

My yorkie weighs 3 lbs and is 3 years old.

1) How much exercise does your dog need?

2) How independant is s/he? Does s/he show interest in other humans outside your immediate circle? Does s/he like to remain with you at all times?

**3) Does your dog have other doggie playmates?

I'm asking primarily because this dog needs a TREMENDOUS amount of exercise for his size. He is 3 lbs and needs about 60 minutes of vigorous activity a day. I can't imagine crating him (I was not involved in his potty training, and sadly, he's not entirely consistent).

I would really like to get him some dog buddies to help him get enough exercise and also because I feel like he's overbonded with his caretakers. Currently, he is not comfortable around dogs bigger than him, which covers most of the doggie universe.

I have been trying to socialize him with other dogs, but now I'm wondering if I am just fighting against the breed. The stuff I've seen indicates that yorkies are extremely attached to their humans. I take him to yorkie events, but I don't see the other dogs playing together much (my guy likes to sniff butts, but he is not generous with his own).

The thing that surprises me is that he used to be extremely independant, and much more interested in other people. He comes to work with me every day, and he's been banned from other floors because of his bad manners. I'm working on the manners and potty primarily so he doesn't have to be stuck in my office all day. But now I'm wondering if he needs or wants more freedom.

[marcerella02]

well I think your best bet would be a dog trainer or behaviorist. This poor guy is probably feeling very diplaced since changing owners. A trainer can help with his manner and a behaviorist can help with how to introduce him to other dogs. Layla is very scared of dogs who are very excited and jumpy- she likes to meet older, calmer dogs!

[tr_farmer]

Our Daisy is 13 pounds and is terrified of other dogs. She sits and shakes and hides behind my legs. I play with her in our home, she loves to fetch ropes and other toys and also take her out on her leash for potty breaks quite often. She is completely housetrained and doesn't have accidents anymore. I do baby gate her in our bedroom when we leave home though, I am not sure if she would chew cords and whatnot, but don't want to chance it.

[chewiesnewmom]

I just recently adopted Chewie, who's 4 years old and about 6lbs. He has major little dog syndrome....even though he was raised with Silkies. We have an older adult Staffordshire that he tries to boss around. I've been taking him out with me wherever I go to get him exposed to all new sights and sounds. We've also been working on his manners, he wasn't housetrained and after 5 days he's going to the door when he needs to go do his business. I've been using some of Ceasar's techniques with him and he's really coming around.

[duckie215]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

Hi, all. I am new to yorkie ownership. I inherited my baby from a coworker who was bringing him to work every day. Some of what I have read about the yorkie breed does not seem to match this dog, and I'm curious as to others' experiences.

My yorkie weighs 3 lbs and is 3 years old.

Walker is only 14 weeks and already weighs 6 pounds 5 ounces Bit bigger than your baby.

1) How much exercise does your dog need?

Walker Likes to exercise for at least an hour. He can do more if mommy has the motivation. He's constantly in motion. He is crate trained though and as long as he has a stick and a slipper in the crate with him, he's fine.

2) How independant is s/he? Does s/he show interest in other humans outside your immediate circle? Does s/he like to remain with you at all times?

Walker I think may be a bit abnormal on this one from what i've been reading. He's not constantly under my feet and i have no need to do the "yorkie shuffle" He likes other people just as much as He likes me most times unless he gets scared which happens randomly.

**3) Does your dog have other doggie playmates?

A big white fluffy one named Shayna. And a doberman named Jager. Then again he's also bigger then your dog, so i dunno how big you want his playmates to be.


I have been trying to socialize him with other dogs, but now I'm wondering if I am just fighting against the breed. The stuff I've seen indicates that yorkies are extremely attached to their humans. I take him to yorkie events, but I don't see the other dogs playing together much (my guy likes to sniff butts, but he is not generous with his own).

I think a trainer might help. I don't think its necessarily a breeed thing. A lot of terriors are oblivious to their size and happy to play with just about anything.

The thing that surprises me is that he used to be extremely independant, and much more interested in other people. He comes to work with me every day, and he's been banned from other floors because of his bad manners. I'm working on the manners and potty primarily so he doesn't have to be stuck in my office all day. But now I'm wondering if he needs or wants more freedom.

Good luck and I wish you the best in finishing his potty training.

[Odie in London]

When I got Odie, he was all of 6 weeks old! I have gone to great extents to have him well socialized but sometimes there are either people or dogs that he just doesn't seem to like. He thinks that he is a Big dog, when in fact he is all of 2.8 lbs. He has been good so far in training but since the snow has hit the ground, he isn't wanting to go outside to potty. Which really bugs me because we were making huge leaps with his training. (Oh by the way he is only 11 months old) Hopefully come spring he'll get back to going outside again. I think because he is so small he gets too cold too quickly and then he forgets just why we are outside doing the walk thing. ( he doesn't like the snow hitting his belly and other bits ) He is very attached to me, I am his owner. He'll go to my husband and son but when push comes to shove, it is me he wants to cuddle with. ( I think it is because I spoil him ).
I have been using Cesar Millan's approach to training him as well, sometimes works, sometimes doesn't especially with his barking for no reason. (He barks at the snow ) He is just too funny at times.
Good luck with your new baby. Enjoy every second with him because they love you no matter what you look like or what you wear

[nneessaa]

You might want to consider this article. It pretty much says Yorkies have a TON of energy, but that does not necessarily mean they need hours of exercise. I'm not really sure why not, because I give the dog I might adopt hours of exercise everyday. I walk him three times a day, totalling over 2 hours.
Choose The Right Active Small Dogs For Your Lifestyle | Small Dogs Paradise

He LOVES people and dogs. At the dog park it was hard for him to choose between people and dogs, but since he is not neutered that really has an effect. He sniffs the dog all day, rather than playing chase all the time. When it's only one dog he usually plays chase. He likes to be with me all the time, except when at the park, where he goes around peeing and sniffing everything.

[TeresaM]

Hi! Welcome!

Yorkies are as varied and different and yet the same, just like people are. Each has their own personality, quirks, likes and dislikes. They behave as they do because of their genetics, their early development and their environment. Your challenge is to find out what your boy's needs and 'buttons' are.

Boo (we got as a rescue) is 10 lbs, 6 years old - he needs as much exercise and outside time as he can get. His 'buttons' are his daddy and cuddles. He'll do anything for his daddy and he thinks he's hit the jackpot when he gets extra cuddles. He does ok when left on his own, but would really rather be with you. He's cautious of strangers, but not aggressive. Enjoys playing with other dogs, as long as they don't get too near Daddy.

Gracie Ruth (we got as a puppy at 12wks) is 4 lbs, 10 months old - she loves to go out, for walks, for car rides, shopping. Her 'buttons' are Boo and playing with toys. She'll play with you for hours with her squeaky toys, running, chasing and bring them back for you to throw again. She is quite independent and only just now is starting to realize the advantages of cuddling. She has always gone out and explored her world, not afraid of anything. Every day is an opportunity for a new adventure. Everyone is her friend and it is her mission in life to meet and greet every living thing in this world.

Yogi (we got as a puppy at 12 wks) is 3 lbs, 14 wks old - he is G's full brother and is very much like her. He is very outgoing, loves to play, loves to investigate things (that means put things in his mouth ) He loves our walks, but not as obsessed as Boo and G about them. But will play until he drops. His #1 button is food, but chewing on his sister is a close second. He is like G in that everyone is his friend and he is a great greeter. He'll run up to you wiggling his whole body with the biggest smile on his face just waiting for you to pick him up so that he can shower you with kisses and hugs. He's not afraid of anything and does not hesitate to follow Boo & G when they have to run out in the backyard to protect the realm from invasion. He uses his voice to let the world know that they can only come in on 'his' terms.

Annie B (was a rescue also) 5 lbs and 12 years old when she passed - she was totally a momma's girl. It took her over a year to get comfortable with going out and new situations. Walking was absolutely out...Queens don't walk, they are carried. She didn't play with Boo or toys. She just wanted to be with me wherever I was. She didn't care what I dressed her in or did with her as long as we were together. Her buttons were FOOD and me. She didn't care to socialize with other dogs, but did enjoy going places. I miss her terribly!

I do play dates as often as can be arranged with my friends and their dogs. The thing I've found when we get together is to let them meet up with all the dogs on the ground and off leash-if possible. Speak in a firm, calm tone. Stay calm, clear your mind of worries, trust me if you are stressed thinking that a fight may happen, your boy will sense that and be worried too. He'll think if you are worried about something then there must be something to be worried about. If he's anxious around 'larger' dogs, try to find one of the smallest 'larger' dog that you can that is calm and well socilized. Keep the group to a small number until you see his confidence growing. That way he won't feel overwhelmed by all the new dogs to meet.

Crating is a 'safety' zone for them. You may be surprised at how well he'll take to it. I've found that they don't really do much during the day usually. I work from home some times, and you would think that they'd be running around and playing like they do at night. But I find that they choose to do just a lot of sleeping/napping during the day. I've decided it so that they can recharge and store up energy to help Momma and Daddy to exercise at night.

If he's been independent and outgoing in the past, perhaps something has happened to make him now worried in social gatherings. You can help him over come this, I did with Annie, but it will take time and vigilance on your part to get him to understand that you won't put him in a place were he will be in danger. That your job is to look out for him, protect him, and give him opportunities to be carefree and have fun. Freedom is good, but he has to know that rules and acceptable behavior will be expected and that love, safety and protection will be given.

All this long post to say, Yorkies can like to socialize, can like to be by themselves, can like to be only with their family, can like to greet others, can be independent and dependent all in the same dog.

If you've made it to the end of this, then bless you, I tend to rattle on and on sometimes. Your post touched me as I could see you are only wanting the best for your boy and are really trying to explore all options to improve your lives.

1) Gracie Ruth and her best friend, Ducky
2) My pack. DH, Yogi, Gracie & Boo
3) My sweet little Annie B.
4) Boo, Keeper of the Realm

[Sookie]

Matty is 3 1/2 lbs and she requires a lot of exercise too. Fortunately for me, she has a sibling to play with and the two of them run around together outside for long periods of time - we also take them for a walk 2x per day.

Both of my girls get on fabulously with dogs and people of all sizes, so I can't help you there.

[Mom to Hot Rod]

Hi there. Congrats on you new little one. My babies are 14 mo, 3.7 lbs and 6 mos, 3 lbs. I try to walk them at least 2x, 3x a day totaling about 3/4 mi. I play with them throughout the day (as I am home with them). Now with the cold, I am trying to play a lot more with them as we only go for one walk at the warmest part of the day.

I have kept mine on the pads because my schedule is eratic and I wanted to make sure that they had access to pottying when I couldn't make it home to take them out. I would think that you could get your little one potty trained, it will just take a little longer and a lot of patience.

Each one has had puppy class, as a matter of fact tonight is Maggie's last night. I have seen a transformation of each from the start of classes to the end. They are very social as far as wanting to sniff and jump on other dogs so they were bonkers at the beginning of class and now they are much calmer when we go to class. I took Hot Rod everywhere with me when he was a pup so he's very much a people person. Maggie has not been as exposed since taking two would be too much but we do go to daddy's office at least once a week.

As mentioned, your little one may just be a little out of whack from being in a new home. I am sure that with time he will settle in and down and everything will fall into place. Remember, his routine in his little world is different now, he will have to start from scratch to figure out where and how he fits in. Just give him lots of love and attention (as it sounds like you are already doing). Good luck.

[JenniferLeigh]

1) How much exercise does your dog need? I take her for a walk every other day. About 60 minutes. Although lately it's been on weekends, because by the time I get home from work its pitch black and I don't have a light for her yet. Although we have 3 large breed dogs at home, so she gets plenty of exercise playing with them and chasing the cat.

2) How independant is s/he? Does s/he show interest in other humans outside your immediate circle? Does s/he like to remain with you at all times? She is usually glued to my side, but loves other humans - friend or stranger. She's very friendly towards anyone.

**3) Does your dog have other doggie playmates? Yes, many. A lot of our friends have dogs, most of them are bigger than her. Lexi is 9lbs. We also take all of our dogs to the offleash by our house often, she gets a lot of socialization. She's grown up around lots of dogs. A playmate doesn't necessarily have to be a small breed. Lucy, our 13y/o Golden Retriever will ONLY play with our Yorkie - she is a complete bitch to the other large dogs. I've found a lot of large breed dogs we meet are very gentle with Lexi.


How old is your new pup? A puppy class might be a good option to meet other puppies in a safe environment.

[chloesMama]

I am also new to Yorkie ownership. Our Chloe is 8 mo.old is 2.5 lbs. and she needs alot of exercise and walking. She runs around alot ! My sisters dog on the other hand really just lays around. ( and her dog and mine are sisters from the same litter) so I guess all dogs have their own personality regardless of breed.

As for being social ...

I take Chloe with me just about everywhere except church. She is very social with people and she rarely barks , she seems to enjoy people.

As far as other dogs , she will play with our other dog ( a 7-8 lb. hyper terrier mix) and my mothers BIG dog which ( as best we can tell) is a mixture of a chow and a black shepherd and maybe a wolf ? She is all black , looks like a hell hound ( she even has a black tongue) and when on her hind legs stands a good 6 feet. She LOVES Chloe , and Chloe loves her and will run to see her when we go to my moms.. BUT if any other dogs come near her ,she shakes and hides behind me... go figure a six foot hell hound she loves , another 3 lb. dog scares her so I don't think she likes other dogs to well yet.

Your little guy went through some big changes , so maybe he just needs consistency for a bit , until he gets back to his social self.As for exercise I found the tunnels that little kids crawl through , my dogs love...she will occupy herself for an hour just running through it

[starbabe0182]

1) How much exercise does your dog need?

My dog needs a moderate amount I saw. He pretty much gets his daily activity needs by his daily walks, and in the evening while I'm watching TV, he likes to bring toys to me and I will just throw them down the hallway for him to fetch and bring back.

2) How independant is s/he? Does s/he show interest in other humans outside your immediate circle? Does s/he like to remain with you at all times?

This depends on his moods and where we are at. My dog definitely LOVES human companionship. If I have friends over, he will get excited at first when they come and want to sit/play by them. Eventually, he'll just be fascinated and watch us interact.

If we are at a dog play group, he will run around and play with the other dogs, and also go to the other humans and sit on their laps and want to be pet by them.

If he is scared, or unsure about the environment, at that point he will stay by me, but this is really rare for him.

**3) Does your dog have other doggie playmates?

Yes my dog has other dog playmates. He loves all dogs, it is just that not all dogs like him sometimes

I have seen many yorkies exhibit a variety of behaviors. It all just depends on the dogs personality, how s/he was raised, and so on. There are just so many factors that can play....

[Bhikku]

1) How much exercise does your dog need?

I usually walk him three times a day (short walks).

2) How independant is s/he? Does s/he show interest in other humans outside your immediate circle? Does s/he like to remain with you at all times?

He's a shy boy still at 8 weeks old. He will allow anyone to pet or hold him, but he is definitely attached to me and me alone and if he has a choice between my lap and someone else's, he'll always choose mine. He also hates being separated from me. Separation anxiety has been his biggest issue.

3) Does your dog have other doggie playmates?

Not so far. He's terrified of bigger dogs right now, but I'm hoping a puppy obedience course will help shape him up. He tries to play with the cats though. :P