Playing...or not?

[KwiddyKat]

OK, this may seem a little strange but my Yorkie (Roscoe) doesn't like to play! It's almost impossible to get him excited about anything except treats and me coming home from work each day. Even then, he calms down in about 5 mins. He's gotten a little too chubby and I'm trying to take all neccessary steps to get him back to his initial weight including a strict feeding and treat schedule. He eats really good food (Innova EVO) and gets 6 low calorie treats a day. But he's not losing! I need to get him to exercise but he just doesn't seem to want to play. He doesn't fetch, he doesn't run, he doesn't chase...nothing! It's so frustrating because I want him to be a happy and healthy baby and he needs to drop his 2lbs. to be back at recommended weight. He grew up with 3 other Yorkies and his previous humans just let the dogs play together...not much human/dog play interaction. Could this be the problem? He's about 2.5 years old. Does anyone have any suggestions or similar situations? I've had dogs all my life and have never encountered one that didn't like to run after a toy or me! I'm at a loss. Anything you guys can recommend would be great! He's got lots of different types of toys and nothing seems to do it for him. Thanks guys!

[chachi]

Do you take him on walks?

[grandmatoall]

Are you taking him for a walk? They need that exercise to keep their brains motivated and their weight down. Like us.. they get bored when their environment never changes.
Have you considered play dates with another dog? Is there a doggie park around where you live?
Others may also have some great ideas.. the best of luck to you.

You might also try treat balls.. where they have to work at getting the treat out.

[TeresaM]

As stated, walks are very good and important for his good health. It's also a great bonding tool for you both. Is there other YT'ers near enough to do some play dates with? A dog park? Doggie Daycare where he can run and interact with others. Boo doesn't play with toys either, but he will "rough-house" with DH, and play with other dogs. (but not the sister so much girl cooties!!) And we have a backyard that he will run around in. Be creative, look outside the box for ways to get him moving. Even if it's a slow walk to start with, the benefits are there.

[KwiddyKat]

Yes, we walk a LOT. LOL. He gets at least 3 15-25 minute walks a day with shorter walks in between just for peeing purposes. I try to keep his pace up on our long walks but he doesn't want to do anything other than meander. He's a very relaxed and laid-back dog...not noisy at all and very calm. I couldn't ask for a better demeanor! I'll check into a dog park in my area. I know of one about 20 mins away but they don't separate large and small dogs and he's VERY intimidated by anything larger than a miniature schnauzer (he befriended one before we moved to my new house). I'd love to know if there is anyone else in the area from this forum! I'm sure he'd love to see another Yorkie again! My neighbor has a female chihuahua (sp?) but she isn't spayed and Roscoe isn't neutered yet so that's a delicate situation! LOL. He LOVES her but we have to be very careful when they are around each other...wouldn't want any accidents! Thanks again for your help! I'm in Richmond, Virginia if anyone else is in the area and wants to play!

[yorkieusa]

Try posting on the Mid-Atlantic forum to see if you can get together with others for meet-ups and play dates. That would be fun.

[Malia]

Here, try this link, its others in Richmond, VA looking for getting together with yorkies/small dogs. Find a Meetup Group - Yorkshire Terrier Meetups - Richmond
Maybe you can get in touch with them. I get together with the South Bay chapter of the yorkie meetup in California. Its free to start one of these groups and its a lot of fun.
You need to get him around other dogs and I can almost guarantee he'll get excited.
Good luck to you and keep us updated

[Yorkiedaze]

Getting a dog to lose weight is not all that difficult. It's the same principle for them as it is for us. Feed him three tiny meals per day not exceeding what his allowable intake is per day as stated on the bag. Feed adult not puppy formula. Next, stop all the treats. You didn't say what kind of treats you feed, but 6 sounds like quite a bit. For snacks, give some carrots or a few tiny bits of peeled apple. Beef up the walking. Walk about 40 minutes a day. Find a puppy play-date or start one of your own. Good luck.

[KwiddyKat]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I'm signing up for that Yorkie play date chapter thing...I'm really excited! I didn't know dogs could eat people food! I'll invest in some carrots and apples. He could use the extra veggies and stuff since his food is very high protein. It's regular dog food...he's WAY past the puppy stage. I'll start doing some research on what other kinds of fresh food dogs can eat. I think he might really get into that! He's always under my feet when I'm cooking, hoping to catch a nibble. LOL.

[J_is_my_initial]

My Gypsy would not play except for playing with my hubby in gnawing on his fingers. I solved the problem by getting Puff our new chi pup. Now she gets a lot of exercise.

[Lily5]

My Lily could care less about chasing toys or playing with them she'd rather chase me! haha maybe your baby just doesnt like toys!
I would deffinately make sure he's getting enoigh exercise though it's very important
good luck!