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Originally Posted by Britster  I agree with everyone else pretty much. While I do believe that every dog can benefit from being walked, I do believe other things can occasionally take the walks place. But it truly depends on the dog. Jackson, for example, CAN do okay without a walk (but he usually gets 30-45 mins per day) but I need to replace that walk with other things. A game of fetch, trick training, tug-of-war, running. For example, bringing him to the dog park where he runs for 2-3 hours wears him out a whole lot more than a 30 minute walk.
However, if you "don't have time for walks" then what DO you have time for? Dogs in general take up ALOT of time and will need a lot of your attention. A Yorkie lacking training, exercise and attention will be one very annoying dog to live with. Like I said, they will need other forms of exercise to keep them in shape and a happy well balanced dog. Yorkies and terriers in particular are like a big dog in a little dog body and are hardy little canines who NEED exercise and stimulation. As do most dogs though. I would just re-think how much time you can devote to a dog before actually getting one. |
I have to agree with most posts. I apologize if this bursts your bubble, but as a "new" yorkie mom (I've had my baby boy for a year), and first time dog owner, a terrier is a wonderful handful to have. Here's my honest take on owning a yorkie.
Each dog is an individual. My dog does not bark. I'm not kidding or exagerating, he just doesn't do it. He'll make a cute sigh, screech, do the most annoying high pitched whimper/cry and other things, but he will not bark. It is a rare "treat" to hear him use his man voice. He is genuinely mellow, and is for the most part content to sit by my side while I do what I gotta do. BUT.... even he demands his play times. If ignored, or overlooked for too many days, he'll get up at 3 am demanding playtime. No, I'm not joking. Even if I give him everyday playtime, and stimulation with dog puzzle games (no, not kidding there either) physically he still needs his exercise. He has grade 3/4 LP (I suggest you look that up, it's a common problem in poorly bred yorkies) which means if he goes up in weight by .5 lbs, his knee caps pop out more than usual. I'm struggling right now to get his weight back down. Before, when I walked him 5 times a day, we never had to worry about that problem, but now that we live in a teeny apartment, with no option to walk, we struggle with his weight.
Their coat is a blessing and a curse. I love that it's hair and not "fur" because he doesn't shed, and his coat is just so soft and gorgeous. BUT, even with a short cut, it's a lot of work. Yorkies are definitely not for the lazy. But, I can guarantee you that if you decide that even with all the work you must put in to them, they are totally worth it. They're little people dogs that love to love. It's my favorite part to come home from work to have a little creature do the happy dance for me.
