Do you think Yorkies have to be spoiled to have a good personality?

[erin619]

I have two Yorkies who are both 6 years old. Very shortly after getting them I got pregnant with my third child. My other two were school aged so I was alone with the puppies in the beginning. A year after her birth I got pregnant with #4. Getting to the point, my Yorkies were not spoiled at all. I hate to say they may have been a little neglected for a while there. My older teen son wasn't even nice to them, saying he hated them.

Well, I don't care for their personalities. The male, Jack, is kind of skittish. I believe it is solely my oldest's fault for that. My female, Gracie, is just... well, not very loving. She could care less if we are around or not. Don't get me wrong they are nice dogs. They just aren't fun or loving. I've met a few Yorkies recently who are just the sweetest dogs ever. One even fetches balls all day long. She is just the sweetest most adorable dog ever. I am so jealous of that. The only difference between these dogs and my own is how spoiled they are. So....

I am thinking of getting a puppy and starting over. There will be no shortage of spoilage now. The kids are old enough that I can have time to spoil her.
I also have two daughters who would love to spoil a new puppy. I'm just worried I won't get the sweet loving dog that I want. I would hate to end up with three dogs that I don't care for so much. Maybe I should try a different breed. I am confused.

I would love to hear your opinions. Thanks

[shodanusmc]

My opinion is do not get another dog, but work with the 2 you have. You either made them like that, or a combination of genetics and environment. Sorry, that is my story and I am sticking to it. They take their cues from you. Work with them, take them out, play with them, hold them, and show them some love.

[John Stelting]

Work with them, take them out, play with them, hold them, and show them some love

Ditto.........................

[erin619]

That was my original decision too. We have all been trying to spoil them and love them and give them more attention. They seem to be set in their ways. It's very disappointing. They are so unloving my 3 and 5 year old don't even care for them. I'm thinking maybe I should look into other breeds. I just love the way the Yorkie looks

[shodanusmc]

Maybe your Yorkies do not care for your 3 and 5 year old. They aren ot the best dogs with small kids. Do you really believe adding another dog would change the situation. I think you may just make it worse. Work with what you have....it is up to you, not a 3 and a 5 year old.

[TexasKat08]

Originally Posted by John Stelting

Work with them, take them out, play with them, hold them, and show them some love

Ditto.........................

We are from Colorado Springs! You are the first member I have seen from CO. We moved to Austin 3 years ago. Are you from the Springs or are you a transplant?

[JasmineNoelle]

It is my opinion that my furbabies are loved a great deal, therefore they are spoiled. In return they "spoil" me with their love. I always said my skin kids were spoiled (and) still are......not because they are brats (because they have turned out to be responsible, hard working, loving adults) because they have always been loved. Spoiling to me is just a nick name for giving a lot of attention and love. I think I would get better aquainted with the two you have and spoil them first. This is just my humble opinion.

[Bellasmom30]

I think that everything I wanted to say has already been posted. I agree with everyone, love and spoil the ones you have. Another addition might further complicate this already complicated situation you seem to have. JMO.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Try some behavior modification techniques to get them involved and interested in you. Positive reinforcement and a lot of interaction is what Yorkies lap up! They want you, you, you and lots of you! Ha! They take everthing so personally as terriers so they sense you do not like their ways. Only you can change that. And that is where a little working with them will pay off in spades if you are positive and happy-talking and upbeat as they learn. They are very smart and just love to be worked with on a regular, daily basis where possible.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Try some behavior modification techniques to get them involved and interested in you. Positive reinforcement and a lot of interaction is what Yorkies lap up! They want you, you, you and lots of you! Ha! They take everthing so personally as terriers so they sense you do not like their ways. Only you can change that. And that is where a little working with them will pay off in spades if you are positive and happy-talking and upbeat as they learn. They are very smart and just love to be worked with on a regular, daily basis where possible.

[TexasKat08]

Hmmm, OP, you have no idea the can of worms you may have just opened by admitting on this forum that you created 2 dogs you don't like by neglecting them and asking for opinions on whether or not to get another. Your littlest kids are only, what 4 and 5 (ish)? Still a pretty demanding time in their lives. Does blaming your oldest son for your yorkie's skittish behavior indicate your son was mean to the dog?

Perhaps if you focus on loving the 2 you have and spending more quality time with them they will meet your expectations and gain your approval. Introducing a new puppy is only going to isolate the 6 year old's more when the family spends all their time with her. Is that really fair to the older dogs?

[miabellaamoure]

Here's an idea...surrender your two Yorkies to a reputable breed specific rescue group. They will find homes that can dedicate the time and energy to caring for your Yorkies from where you fell short (by your own admission) and then what ever you do (which I'm sure you'll ignore)...DO NOT GET ANOTHER DOG!

[laci32]

I will say this and then shup. I am in the midst of rescuing a yorkie that is negleted as the woman had a child and the poor yorkie was left out. Did any of the other children suffer because you had more children or did you spread yourself out ? I would not get another pup as it would not be fair for those you have GIVE THEM ATTENTION. I raised 4 children and my dog at the time (passed away) was very happy.

Another thing yorkies and small children do not mix. Sorry if this comes across as harsh but I'm just shaking my head in disbelief here

[mauirobin]

I'm curious, where do the yorkies sleep? I find it hard to believe they haven't found a favorite human to attach themselves too. I agree with the other posters. Yorkies return the love you hand to them a hundred-fold. Spend some time with them yourself if the kids aren't favored by them.

If you don't like em in your bed, then purchase some doggy beds & put them in your room or some place that the kids won't bother them. I fear if you don't spend time with them, then your kids (following your example) don't either.

I think they are probably used to trying to stay out of everyones way, as they must have felt they were. A little attention & love will go a long way to turning these guys around. Please at least give them 5-6 months of some attention, & see what happens. By all means, do not purchase another one!

As any Yorkie owner will tell you, a little love & attention WILL go a long way. Just remember that they have been over-looked so long, that it will take some time. But I promise you, once they love you, you will NEVER regret choosing this breed. Once you have the adoration of a Yorkie, YOU will never be the same.

Best of wishes to you, & please keep us posted of your progress with your little ones.

[Sweet Apple]

Have you considered trying to spoil the dogs you have If you don't have the desire to spoil these pups, what makes you think you will a new puppy?