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