not babying a yorkshire terrier - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

yorkieusa · 08-19-2008, 01:25 PM

I have always babied my yorkies and will continue to do so. However, you can baby and train as well. Kacee is a wonderfully social little doggie and I wouldn't change a thing about her. Why do you want a yorkie if you don't want to baby her? Just had to ask.

JeanieK · 08-19-2008, 01:27 PM

Pampering your dog and allowing it to become the pack leader are two different things. all dogs need rules and limitations or they tend to take over the position as pack leader. But after setting the boundries there is no reason at all why you can't treat them like a baby and dress them up. As long as they know the boundries.

just like with a child you can indulge them all you want as long as they understand that when you say NO, you mean it5.

Mom to Hot Rod · 08-19-2008, 01:27 PM

I baby mine all day long but at the same time they have rules to follow. All of my friends say that they want to come back as my dog. Hot Rod was my first very own dog but I lived with my sister who had (over the years) 2 german shepherds that I took care of. I don't let my yorkies act any differently than the shepherds. The basic discipline things such as jumping on me or other; barking like crazy; sitting when fed or given a treat; taking off on his own without his leash, etc.

I don't see anything wrong with disciplining your dog...it is for their benefit as well as yours. I ask myself this all the time..."if he weighed 70 lbs, would I let him do _______?"

Congrats and good luck on your new addition.

fufufashions · 08-19-2008, 01:30 PM

I do baby my babies...all 5 of them but i am still Leader of the PACK and they know it. They are crated at night and they know their own little "room" and go to it when it is bed time and out in the morning. They all get dressed and love wearing clothes. I think you will feel differently once they get into your system...there is nothing like a yorkie!! Socializing them is very important too.

Welcome to YT...keep reading and learing about the breed. We all love them here and we will be happy to help you with questions/answers.
Be sure and post pictures when you can!

chachi · 08-19-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

I have always babied my yorkies and will continue to do so. However, you can baby and train as well. Kacee is a wonderfully social little doggie and I wouldn't change a thing about her. Why do you want a yorkie if you don't want to baby her? Just had to ask.

I agree both of mine are babied but they are also trained. I think you can have both when you put the effort in

RebelBelle · 08-19-2008, 01:47 PM

Most of my family, friends and coworkers say Jamie is spoiled rotten for several of the following reasons: I dress him, I bathe him every week, I brush him 3 times a day, I put his hair up in a topknot, I threw him a birthday party, I buy him presents for holidays, I let him sleep with me, I take him everywhere with me, I bought a stroller for him, Our vet knows my voice on the phone, I feed him premade raw food, and the ultimate offense is always... he drinks bottled water.

HOWEVER, those same people will assure you that Jamie is one of the smartest and most well behaved dogs they've ever encountered. He knows who is boss. He never begs for food (well sometimes just to me but never obnoxiously

). He does "sit", "lay down", "quiet", "speak" and "roll over" on hand signal alone. He enters rooms after me. He is INCREDIBLY gentle with children and the elderly.

So it is entirely possible to "baby" or "spoil" your furbaby and still have a well behaved dog.

BiffsMama · 08-19-2008, 02:00 PM

I think you're on the right track. We socialized Biff with all the big dogs in the neighborhood (his girlfriend is a chocolate lab named Chloe) as well as our niece who was just over 1 when we got him. We knew we wanted him to be a well rounded, grounded and not nervous dog. The one thing that we really stuck to our guns about that might seem like babying was that we trained him not to jump. He won't jump off the couch or the bed I mean. He has a few t-shirts and sweaters, but honestly I've always had big dogs and we take him on walks, he plays with tennis balls and chew toys...we don't carry him all over the place and honestly most of the time when we take him places I put his leash on and make him walk. We take him to the park. The only thing I have to say is that they're terribly smart, terribly sneaky and very stubborn so you may think that your "tough love" training isn't working, but keep it up. There were times training made me want to cry, but with time and some sleepless nights he came around.

yorkiesmiles · 08-19-2008, 07:13 PM

Welcome to YT

-- Just wanted to say Hi! You've gotten lots of good advice and comments. I think you will know the line -- it's hard not to just love them up - but they are like children - they do want to be disciplined - but most importantly need consistency.

Good luck with how your heart will be stolen

good_gurl63901 · 08-19-2008, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yorkiesmiles

Welcome to YT

-- Just wanted to say Hi! You've gotten lots of good advice and comments. I think you will know the line -- it's hard not to just love them up - but they are like children - they do want to be disciplined - but most importantly need consistency.

Good luck with how your heart will be stolen

common sense will be your guide young jedi

izzy816 · 08-19-2008, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn WDW

Baxter is 7 lbs and he can outwalk me so no stroller for him and he hates clothes!!! He does tolerate bows though. I am worried about him getting cold when walk this winter so any suggestions for getting him to wear clothes would be welcome.

Im with you on the walking. Izzy can out walk and out run me sometimes!

izzy816 · 08-19-2008, 08:03 PM

You have a lot of great advice already, I will add that socializing them is very important and being consistent with the training. Ive learned that the hard way. I had to re-train izzy on some things around the house. If I could just get his barking toned down, we will be fine. LOL

MyPeanutAbbyGra · 08-20-2008, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn WDW

Baxter is 7 lbs and he can outwalk me so no stroller for him and he hates clothes!!! He does tolerate bows though. I am worried about him getting cold when walk this winter so any suggestions for getting him to wear clothes would be welcome.

Just keep trying them on him everyday. He should get used to it eventually.

Philly · 08-20-2008, 07:23 AM

I've had Yorkies my whole adult life (which has been for quite some time) and I've always treated them like little "dogs". I've never dressed them up and don't believe in strollers. If you want to walk with a stroller, my belief is, have a baby.

I think Yorkies enjoy being "dogs". They like to run, fetch, play, and occasionally get dirty. Yes, they are little and adorable but that doesn't negate the fact that they are dogs.

Katylou · 08-20-2008, 01:41 PM

Katy is my first Yorkie and I plan on trying my best to treat her like the "big dog in a little dog's body" that she is. She is starting puppy class tomorrow but already I make her "sit" and "stay" before treats and "wait" when we go out the door. I don't let her walk in front of me and I don't free feed her. Since I stopped free feeding and placing her food before her I have gained more respect from her. Don't get me wrong, she has little dresses and such and I plan on "babying" her - but still knowing she is a little dog. Plus I love her so much that I think it is only being kind to her by teaching her manners and giving her boundaries. And by socializing her, it will give her more confidence.

roxies_mom · 08-20-2008, 05:01 PM

I spoil Roxie with lots of LOVE! She is queen of the house but not in a bad way. She just loves to be loved and paid attention to. But...I'm the leader of the pack and just with kids I expect rules to be followed. She accepts that she can't always go out of the door with me and is always so happy to see me when I return. I really have no complaints about her behavior as she's always just happy when one or all of us are home with her (esp. me

). When I'm busy around the house she just follows me around or entertains herself with her toys or takes a nap. Not bad for just a little over a year old huh? How could you not spoil them with love?

08-19-2008, 01:25 PM	#16
yorkieusa Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 21,173	I have always babied my yorkies and will continue to do so. However, you can baby and train as well. Kacee is a wonderfully social little doggie and I wouldn't change a thing about her. Why do you want a yorkie if you don't want to baby her? Just had to ask. __________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel

08-19-2008, 01:27 PM	#18
Mom to Hot Rod Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD Posts: 10,908	I baby mine all day long but at the same time they have rules to follow. All of my friends say that they want to come back as my dog. Hot Rod was my first very own dog but I lived with my sister who had (over the years) 2 german shepherds that I took care of. I don't let my yorkies act any differently than the shepherds. The basic discipline things such as jumping on me or other; barking like crazy; sitting when fed or given a treat; taking off on his own without his leash, etc. I don't see anything wrong with disciplining your dog...it is for their benefit as well as yours. I ask myself this all the time..."if he weighed 70 lbs, would I let him do _______?" Congrats and good luck on your new addition. __________________ www.kissecollar.com Soft Cone Collars for Post-surgery and much more! 10% (non-food) - Discount code YT10

08-19-2008, 01:30 PM	#19
fufufashions LEADER OF MyPACK Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sugar Land Texas Posts: 3,978	I do baby my babies...all 5 of them but i am still Leader of the PACK and they know it. They are crated at night and they know their own little "room" and go to it when it is bed time and out in the morning. They all get dressed and love wearing clothes. I think you will feel differently once they get into your system...there is nothing like a yorkie!! Socializing them is very important too. Welcome to YT...keep reading and learing about the breed. We all love them here and we will be happy to help you with questions/answers. Be sure and post pictures when you can! __________________ Linda FuFuFashions & Healthy Dog & Cat Food and Treats2hearts2: FACEBOOK

08-19-2008, 01:47 PM	#21
RebelBelle Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Madison, MS Posts: 2,597	Most of my family, friends and coworkers say Jamie is spoiled rotten for several of the following reasons: I dress him, I bathe him every week, I brush him 3 times a day, I put his hair up in a topknot, I threw him a birthday party, I buy him presents for holidays, I let him sleep with me, I take him everywhere with me, I bought a stroller for him, Our vet knows my voice on the phone, I feed him premade raw food, and the ultimate offense is always... he drinks bottled water. HOWEVER, those same people will assure you that Jamie is one of the smartest and most well behaved dogs they've ever encountered. He knows who is boss. He never begs for food (well sometimes just to me but never obnoxiously ). He does "sit", "lay down", "quiet", "speak" and "roll over" on hand signal alone. He enters rooms after me. He is INCREDIBLY gentle with children and the elderly. So it is entirely possible to "baby" or "spoil" your furbaby and still have a well behaved dog. __________________ Misty & Jamie

08-19-2008, 07:13 PM	#23
yorkiesmiles Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,493	Welcome to YT -- Just wanted to say Hi! You've gotten lots of good advice and comments. I think you will know the line -- it's hard not to just love them up - but they are like children - they do want to be disciplined - but most importantly need consistency. Good luck with how your heart will be stolen __________________ yorkiesmiles Loved by Bubba & Roxy *Holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come*

08-19-2008, 01:27 PM	#17
JeanieK Donating YT 12K Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Council Bluffs Iowa Posts: 12,552	Pampering your dog and allowing it to become the pack leader are two different things. all dogs need rules and limitations or they tend to take over the position as pack leader. But after setting the boundries there is no reason at all why you can't treat them like a baby and dress them up. As long as they know the boundries. just like with a child you can indulge them all you want as long as they understand that when you say NO, you mean it5.

08-19-2008, 02:00 PM	#22
BiffsMama Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: North Wales Posts: 16	I think you're on the right track. We socialized Biff with all the big dogs in the neighborhood (his girlfriend is a chocolate lab named Chloe) as well as our niece who was just over 1 when we got him. We knew we wanted him to be a well rounded, grounded and not nervous dog. The one thing that we really stuck to our guns about that might seem like babying was that we trained him not to jump. He won't jump off the couch or the bed I mean. He has a few t-shirts and sweaters, but honestly I've always had big dogs and we take him on walks, he plays with tennis balls and chew toys...we don't carry him all over the place and honestly most of the time when we take him places I put his leash on and make him walk. We take him to the park. The only thing I have to say is that they're terribly smart, terribly sneaky and very stubborn so you may think that your "tough love" training isn't working, but keep it up. There were times training made me want to cry, but with time and some sleepless nights he came around.

08-19-2008, 08:03 PM	#26
izzy816 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Washington, D.C. Posts: 922	You have a lot of great advice already, I will add that socializing them is very important and being consistent with the training. Ive learned that the hard way. I had to re-train izzy on some things around the house. If I could just get his barking toned down, we will be fine. LOL __________________ Peace and Love, Karla and Izzy! Check out Izzy on Dogster: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/433985

08-20-2008, 07:23 AM	#28
Philly Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Pa Posts: 108	I've had Yorkies my whole adult life (which has been for quite some time) and I've always treated them like little "dogs". I've never dressed them up and don't believe in strollers. If you want to walk with a stroller, my belief is, have a baby. I think Yorkies enjoy being "dogs". They like to run, fetch, play, and occasionally get dirty. Yes, they are little and adorable but that doesn't negate the fact that they are dogs.

08-20-2008, 01:41 PM	#29
Katylou Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 335	Katy is my first Yorkie and I plan on trying my best to treat her like the "big dog in a little dog's body" that she is. She is starting puppy class tomorrow but already I make her "sit" and "stay" before treats and "wait" when we go out the door. I don't let her walk in front of me and I don't free feed her. Since I stopped free feeding and placing her food before her I have gained more respect from her. Don't get me wrong, she has little dresses and such and I plan on "babying" her - but still knowing she is a little dog. Plus I love her so much that I think it is only being kind to her by teaching her manners and giving her boundaries. And by socializing her, it will give her more confidence.

08-20-2008, 05:01 PM	#30
roxies_mom YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: central illinois Posts: 1,396 Blog Entries: 1	I spoil Roxie with lots of LOVE! She is queen of the house but not in a bad way. She just loves to be loved and paid attention to. But...I'm the leader of the pack and just with kids I expect rules to be followed. She accepts that she can't always go out of the door with me and is always so happy to see me when I return. I really have no complaints about her behavior as she's always just happy when one or all of us are home with her (esp. me ). When I'm busy around the house she just follows me around or entertains herself with her toys or takes a nap. Not bad for just a little over a year old huh? How could you not spoil them with love?