[alaskayorkie]

Eddie turns 14 next month. He’s always been a pretty mellow, non-needy dog. He slept until I got up at 10 am. He wasn’t very barky. Suddenly, he’s barking more to alert me he wants something. At first, it was more bathroom breaks at night. No problem. I figured maybe a diet change or change in physical needs of an older Yorkie explained that.

But today, at 8 am, he’s throwing a hissy fit, barking in bed — because he thinks it’s time for breakfast two hours early. I let him out once because I figured he needed a potty break, but no. He walked straight to his food bowl. Now I will pretty much do anything for my dogs, but I don’t want to train them that they’re in charge!

He also barks more when outside in the backyard. He barks to let the neighbor dog know he’s outside. He barks routinely as he looks down the street. He barks to go outside more often.

It’s not really an annoyance. I’m just interested in the change of habits. Is this a senior Yorkie thing?