Is A yorkie a good choice for anxiety prone people?

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by ckuz13

Great..Did I mention I have allergies..so my choices are limited. I think I have owned almost every popular breed, a chihuahua, a cocker spaniel, a golden retriever, husky, and pug. Except the pug, all were rescues. I think as I get older I am more anxious. I love, love, love animals. I think it is funny how we waste so much energy on the "what ifs". I don't want a large breed. It has to be indoors here most of the year cause of the heat. I have a fish..she is sweet but I can't hold her. haha..will a calm layed back puppy make a calm adult?

If it doesn't work out, you can always give it to me.

[ckuz13]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Interesting thread. I think it depends on what type of anxiety you mean; someone who worries about every little thing, or someone who is more of a specialist. I think for most people pets do help relieve anxiety, but for certain types of individuals pets may increase anxiety. For example, there was a member who claimed to be a clean freak, and many other members who identified with her responded to her thread. They explained how they had found ways to adjust to a puppy, and still keep a clean house. With this member it was different though, and her anxiety surpassed the normal range. She described how her little puppy would hide under the glass table shaking all the time. She used her vacuum often, and this does scare puppies, and even some dogs, but she was unable to relax her cleaning habits. She finally decided to rehome her yorkie. However, for the typical, "worry wart", I think pets relieve stress.

I just want to add, before I got Joey, everyone was talking about what high maintenance dogs yorkies are, and I just have not found that to be the case. This again, I think is an individual thing. A Golden Retriever, I think is high maintenance because of his high exercise needs and the fact that they shed so badly. Joey does need daily grooming, but he never sheds. I give him a bath once a week, but this is really enjoyable to me rather than running 10 miles with him. Did you like playing dolls when you were a child? If so, think this is a good indication that a Yorkie is a good pet for you. All you men just replace the word "action figure" for "doll".

Psychologists have found that most people are better off if they can focus on other things rather then themselves. That's why yorkies and other pets can be used as service dogs for people who suffer from panic attacts.

Wow,,great response Nancy. I am a worry wart. I do find distraction calming. Tell me if this is weird. I thought the search for the perfect yorkie was my therapy in a way..The daily browsing of pictures, and researching breeders and webistes etc..And just when I think I found the dog for me, I find a reason to not buy it. I think I have legitimate reasons but I do feel anxiety when I am about to make a decision to make the purchase. I think about liver shunts, hypoglycemia, patellas,,hawks you name it. But I was calmer when I did have my dog. Maybe I have information overload..haha..

[ckuz13]

Okay..

[cooperk]

Yorkies have alot of personality and are a hoot to watch and play with. I think any dog will relieve stress to most any dog lover, but I have to bring up one point...

You have to absolutely LOVE them to handle their shrieking bark! We'll be so relaxed and quiet in the living room, Trixie on my lap sleeping and then it will happen... She'll send us out of our skin with a sudden shrieking bark at something. She barks at one of us walking in the next room... We are working on the "no bark" command, but I think it's a long road. Now, we can all handle this lovely bark (ha), especially since we all love her so much, but I can honestly say that for someone with anxiety, you may want to visit someone with Yorkies to test how your nerves can handle their loud shrieks.

Gotta love the shrieks too!

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by ckuz13

Wow,,great response Nancy. I am a worry wart. I do find distraction calming. Tell me if this is weird. I thought the search for the perfect yorkie was my therapy in a way..The daily browsing of pictures, and researching breeders and webistes etc..And just when I think I found the dog for me, I find a reason to not buy it. I think I have legitimate reasons but I do feel anxiety when I am about to make a decision to make the purchase. I think about liver shunts, hypoglycemia, patellas,,hawks you name it. But I was calmer when I did have my dog. Maybe I have information overload..haha..

You sound so much like me, I investigate everything so thoroughly before I make a commitment, going back and forth should I, or shouldn't I. I really decided not to buy one, but I just couldn't stop thinking about it. Then I found YT, and decided if that many people can love yorkies so much, there must be something to it. Best choice I ever made.

[Dougal&Little]

All dogs will pick up on your anxiety. some dogs respond by also getting anxious and some dogs will try to make you feel better. When i cry dougal snuggles into me and tries to lick me better but Dixie doesn't like it and walks away -- she's a much more nervous dog herself and I think she relies on me to be strong for her. Which in some ways is actually very good for me because I have to pull myself together.

Yorkies do require regular exercise -- tho not as much as a dalmatian! for my stress i find nothing more relaxing than a dog walk and watching their fluffy lil butts running around. And even when I don't feel like going for a walk I force myself to do it for their sakes and I usually feel so much better for it!

[morningsting]

Originally Posted by browniesmom622

I think a chihuahua would be great for you, They are Calm when i'm with Austin it's very calming & relaxing.

I agree. My Chi is very calm now that she's full grown&she always helps me feel better. She'll come&sit in my lap all the time, or she'll sleep under the blanket that I have on top of me She also sleeps in my bed at night, which is really comforting to me because my husband works nights&it gets quite lonely without him. She's also a very good watchdog. If anyone even comes near our front door, she knows (even if she's upstairs with me in the bedroom!) &she starts barking&growling immediately. I really don't consider her barking&growling stressful at all. In fact, I really appreciate it because I live right next to a very bad neighborhood&I'm constantly worrying about whether someone is going to break into my house or not With my Chi, I know that she will alert me if something goes amiss. She's a very faithful&loving dog&I don't know what I would do without her. She never really went through the puppy phase. I got her at two months&she never nipped me or chewed on everything. She's very smart&took to puppy pads quickly without a lot of help from me! Of course, we live in a house with carpet&now she goes on the carpet, lol, so she needs some training again, but overall she's a wonderful dog&a great companion. A Chi might be the perfect dog for you!

-Amy

[MeganS]

Might I suggest looking for an adult yorkie?

Yorkie puppies can be psychotic (in the best way possible haha). They can be really stressful because they're so small and constantly under-foot. and they can also be high-strung.

If you get an older dog (I mean 2-3 years) you will already know his/her temperment and attitude. and if you get one who is trained then one of the most stressful parts is dealt with!

Sometimes people post on here if they need to rehome an older dog for an unfortunate circumstance.

[*sophie's mama*]

Good idea!

Originally Posted by MeganS

Might I suggest looking for an adult yorkie?

Yorkie puppies can be psychotic (in the best way possible haha). They can be really stressful because they're so small and constantly under-foot. and they can also be high-strung.

If you get an older dog (I mean 2-3 years) you will already know his/her temperment and attitude. and if you get one who is trained then one of the most stressful parts is dealt with!

Sometimes people post on here if they need to rehome an older dog for an unfortunate circumstance.

[TootiesMom]

My babies bring me SUPER WONDERFUL joy, but if I had an anxiety issue I dont think I could handle them either.... they are HIGH maintenance and demanding.... I would also suggest adopting an older pup from a shelter, maybe not so tiny...
My calmest, most soothing pup is a chi/spitz mix, she will do whatever she feels like I need her to do, she has a sense of my feelings...
I wouldnt change having my yorkies for anything in the world but I agree with the others, a rescue would work wonders!
I did have a conversation with someone the other day who said that they read in their research for a pup that maltese are known for being "healing" dogs... I dont know but it would be worth reading up on...
d

[TootiesMom]

Originally Posted by MeganS

Might I suggest looking for an adult yorkie?

Yorkie puppies can be psychotic (in the best way possible haha). They can be really stressful because they're so small and constantly under-foot. and they can also be high-strung.

If you get an older dog (I mean 2-3 years) you will already know his/her temperment and attitude. and if you get one who is trained then one of the most stressful parts is dealt with!

Sometimes people post on here if they need to rehome an older dog for an unfortunate circumstance.

Megan that is too cute! never thought of it that way but pups can be psychotic... hehe.....

[cesar49]

Originally Posted by ckuz13

I was wondering if a yorkie is a good breed for individuals witn anxiety. I know pets are wonderful for relieving stress and good for our blood pressure, but does breed play into this? For instance, a dalmation, jack russel, weimeraner etc..are very high energy dogs..which to me can add to stress. I am excluding such factors as vet bills and potty training and other small things...I know yorkies are higher maintanance. Just want honest to goodness opinions. Thanks

get 2 puppies together, so they are not so needy... they will pick up on your energy...if providing us with unconditional love helps with stress, then puppies are the medicine.. but dogs need other dogs.. having a pair is perfect..i have learned so much from my dogs.. but they are a big responsibility... now i have different stress and am anxious about my puppies..
my yorkie is very mild mannered and sweet, eager to please..

[cooperk]

My Westie is a very calm dog, even was as a pup. They have a reputation of thinking they are a big dog (not that all big dogs are calm). They also have the hearts of gold. They don't bark as loudly either... lol

[cesar49]

Originally Posted by ckuz13

I was wondering if a yorkie is a good breed for individuals witn anxiety. I know pets are wonderful for relieving stress and good for our blood pressure, but does breed play into this? For instance, a dalmation, jack russel, weimeraner etc..are very high energy dogs..which to me can add to stress. I am excluding such factors as vet bills and potty training and other small things...I know yorkies are higher maintanance. Just want honest to goodness opinions. Thanks

no matter what breed you get.. having a pair will help them be balanced. you can also pass your anxiety to them.. raising a pair will help you become calm and assertive in your own life.. its fun to be recognized as a pack leader
i am a better person because i have to train my dogs.. puppies are definitely prozac

[ckuz13]

Originally Posted by TootiesMom

My babies bring me SUPER WONDERFUL joy, but if I had an anxiety issue I dont think I could handle them either.... they are HIGH maintenance and demanding.... I would also suggest adopting an older pup from a shelter, maybe not so tiny...
My calmest, most soothing pup is a chi/spitz mix, she will do whatever she feels like I need her to do, she has a sense of my feelings...
I wouldnt change having my yorkies for anything in the world but I agree with the others, a rescue would work wonders!
I did have a conversation with someone the other day who said that they read in their research for a pup that maltese are known for being "healing" dogs... I dont know but it would be worth reading up on...
d

The maltese being healing is very interesting.. I look at maltese all the time. If I can't find the Yorkie I am searching for I always end up looking at maltese too.. I just don't like the tear staining..then I end up looking at yorkies again..I am going to look that up..thanks.