| [QUOTE=yorkiegold]According to many experts, before one year of age, the best exercise for a puppy is free play. You need to avoid "forced marches" and any kind of repetitive movement. But I have found that Yorkies in general have an amazing amount of energy and if properly conditioned and in good physical health, they can go and go and go.
I think if you're going at his pace and you're picking him up and carrying him when he seems tired, you're doing it right. When you get home and he still has as much energy as he did when you left, you'll know he can take more.
That is right on the money. I never had a yorkie pup because I adopted Corky at 11 years! That is only two months ago. His previous mother had diabetes and other issues and had NEVER,EVER, walked him. She had a small garden and would just open her back door so he could do his business. He had a leash because twice a year her son would visit and he would take Corky on a "token" walk.
At first Corky could barely walk for 10 minutes he was so out of shape and the weather was pretty hot. Today, Corky can walk for hours if we take occassional rest/water breaks. I guess he is getting pretty spoiled since I don't work and I share the walks with my husband, we walk him around 5x a day. He poops a lot more too. The former mommy said he only pooped around 2x week at her house and either was constipated or had diarhea. Here he goes at least 2x day and it is normal. We don't have a car because we live in the city so I have to walk everywhere and I don't like to leave him at home unless I have to. I hardly ever make him climb stairs, though.
He is acting like he has a second chance at life. Sometimes after a 45 minute walk I need to go back home and he just stops at the door to our building and says "WHAT? Already?" and then he does the slow, slow walk inside giving me the "you're a mean mommy" looks.
On specific dog walks my husband now lets Corky lead the way and lets Corky decide when he wants to turn around and go home. Corky also seems to love this and when he finally goes home, he runs at full speed to the elevator, then at full speed from the elevator to the front door (only 10 feet) and then when we open the door he dances around the apartment for awhile before napping.
As others have said, I am so sorry for your loss, but having a yorkie to talk to and carress is good medicine for the pain. |