[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.