[yorkietalkjilly]

I really don't think you can show a dog too much affection as long as they have a well-balanced life with boundaries they can't cross - such as challenging you in a mean way or barking continually after you have said "Quiet" or ignoring you when any command is given. Correction, standing them down, redirection and the obedience training and active, challenging games and and enriched lifestyle will all begin to work together to stop any aggression they develop. But once a dog is well-trained and has a rich life with firm boundaries, they rarely present with any type of behavioral problems.

The reason I say that is because dogs do love hierarchy - it's inherited for centuries - and expect to have a leader - they need it and once it's established and they are happy, they don't want to challenge that or act out. We choose our domesticated dogs frequently for their juvenile and cute qualities and want to let them get away with all but murder as they are so dang cute. And that's fine until it leads to general disorder, chewing up expensive items, peeing anywhere they want, guarding certain areas or objects and failing to even come to us when called. As you know, the lack of a leader who sets boundaries can leave them feeling no one is in control really and from their point of view, the pack needs a leader. So in they step into that role and begin to do what they want when they want and ignore their owners while beginning to take charge of many things. Why? Because at heart, they are just like little toddlers and toddlers are darling but willful.

Just be a strong, benevolent owner, kind and patient beyond measure, teach her firm boundaries, keep her life challenging, working hard learning commands and to work for her food at times such as feeding her in interactive toys and bowls, a day full of activities and always lots of fun, play and most of all love sessions, and she will do fine - no matter how affectionate you two may be. But the first six-nine months or so with a troubled dog of any kind can be extremely rocky at times when they seem to revert to old ways and you feel defeated. Don't. With a good rehab program, slowly they get better and begin to learn how to exist with us. But I'll tell you, that first half year or so with Tibbe was truly tough and almost constant work. He was a mess psychologically, had very bad teeth, ear mites, worms I think and totally unsocialized at all, but now he's a happy and very, very well-behaved little monster who rules my life most of the time in all the ways that I like. Actually, he's got ME pretty well trained.

I'm so glad you joined YorkieTalk and will become a donating member. I've learned so much here and actually made some wonderful friends here. There is lots of support here and in good times or bad, we hang together and try to help all posters. Once in a while it gets tense on some threads but those generally work themselves out. Now that you are a member here, join right in and begin to help those that can use your knowledge. We badly need guys and all the things you all know!!! Stories and pictures of Crystal will be much appreciated, too. We all love to hear about Yorkies and their antics! Sounds like she is one blessed dog who lives in an ideal setting and is destined for many wonderful years blessing your life and vice-versa.