Why they do the things they do?

[VGK]

I adopted a 7-month old male Yorkie six months ago. He has not been affectionate although he is very playful. When I would put him on my lap he would always almost immediately jump off. Las night, for the first time and without prodding, he jumped up on my lap as I sat in my recliner. He stretched out on my lap while I pet him and he fell asleep. Have we crossed some kind of hurdle? It made me happy that he wanted to sit with me like that. I'm an old guy but very new to dog things.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Some dogs are just more stand-offish, need to make many affection overtures themselves especially in any new environment until they feel they can trust those they live around and it can take months for the more indepent dog to assess and trust his people. I've always thought of it as a genetic trait as some dogs with no history of ill-treatment can be rather distant acting, not very demonstrative while others come bursting with an obligation to show you mass quantities of open affection, like seeking approval desperately. The latter group seem needier, less certain of themselves, no matter how their owner/handler treats them. Some are an equal mix of both natures. I always prefer an independent, less needy dog though they may show less open affection, they still show deep loyalty, all other things being equal and can accpet most things with less drama. Don't get me wrong, who doesn't love a wildly affectionate dog but they can require a lot more or your attention and approval.

[nanajoy]

As I have often mentioned, our little Gus is a wildly demonstrative lovebug, but he is also independent (and bossy at times), and I love his BIG personality. His brother, Tyrone, will give kisses if asked, but would rather just sit on your lap, or snuggle. When they were babies they always were sweet, but much preferred to play at every opportunity rather than cuddle or relax together. We have had many dogs over our lifetime, and each had his own distinct personality. All of them have been willing to just quietly "hang out", but not until they outgrew their puppy phase. Sounds like your little guy is right on schedule...enjoy!

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by nanajoy

As I have often mentioned, our little Gus is a wildly demonstrative lovebug, but he is also independent (and bossy at times), and I love his BIG personality. His brother, Tyrone, will give kisses if asked, but would rather just sit on your lap, or snuggle. When they were babies they always were sweet, but much preferred to play at every opportunity rather than cuddle or relax together. We have had many dogs over our lifetime, and each had his own distinct personality. All of them have been willing to just quietly "hang out", but not until they outgrew their puppy phase. Sounds like your little guy is right on schedule...enjoy!

Sounds like your sweetie Gus is that mix I mentioned. I've had every kind of personality type with the rescues and fosters and usually found the more independent types to have less drama over things that happened to them but those needy little lovebugs often stole my heart the first hour they were here. My first Yorkie, little Scotty, was a huge lovebug and the reason I had to stop fostering or taking in rescues as he couldn't manage my showing any other dogs affection. Had some fosters like that, was so hard to tell them goodbye to their new home. Also had a huge GSD and a Dobie just as affectionate, eager to show it years back.

But oh how quickly Scotty, first Yorkie I ever saw in person, took me in! First hour I got him home he climbed right into my lap, pressed his tiny, bony little head up into my chest as if to get as close as he could after wetting my chin with his kisses, sighed heavily and lay down to sleep right in my lap at age 12 1/2 weeks. He owned me from that moment on, took great pains to seek me out, show affection. My Jilly was that wonderful mix, Tibbe quite independent and stand offish until he knew he totally owned me, about 5 - 6 weeks in. He was 9 mos. when I got him w/a terrible history of living those 9 mos. alone in a crate outside under a shed,! I adored each of them.

[Lovetodream88]

I got my Ollie as an almost 6 month old puppy and I believe the breeder kept him in a basement and he was very timid and scared of everything and not cuddly or kissy or anything. Now at 2 he lets you hold him for several minutes at a time, he gives kisses all the time and he likes sitting next to people and sometimes on laps. He even comes and stands up with his front paws on my leg to check on me and get a pet at random times of the day. It took him well over a year to get settled. I think that they just like to do things on their own time.

[Lovetodream88]

The more I think about it Penny wasn’t much into cuddles until after a year. I rescued her at 8 months old. Now she likes to lay on laps and right up next to you. My now passed Callie who was about 4 months old when I got her was a huge cuddle bug and liked to sleep on chests. I could have her asleep on my chest and eat a full meal. Joey who we got after having 2 homes before us at 9 weeks was always sleeping on my chest and still does. He is the hugest cuddle bug but more with me then anyone else. It must be also a personality thing and with rescues it might just take more time to trust.

[Britster]

Some are just like that. Jackson has never been into cuddles or being held and he's 11 years old so I don't see that changing any time soon lol. He likes being *close* to me... like when I'm the toilet (lol) he goes and lays on the throw rug near my sink. At night he sleeps either by my feet or by my side. And he wants to always be in the same room as me. But if I try to pick him up and give him love, he hates it and tries to get away LOL.... he shows his love in other ways. Oh and i've had him since he was 9 weeks old.

[lilgidget]

They each have their own cute little personalities.

[Captainzing]

I had a little female that wasn’t real affectionate. Not like my little boy is.
Only thing I know for certain is they love walks and car rides.

[matese]

Cody doesn't like to be picked up and loved on, but he sure loves to cuddle, I must be in his sight at all times, yes the bathroom too lol. In bed he needs to be touching me, when he gets cold he digs at the blankets until I lift it, then snuggles against me. But pick him up for smooches, he ain't having that lol, lil bugger. Yes he loves cars rides even if he doesn't get out of the car.

[Captainzing]

Dexter now has to get out of the car and mark his territory wherever he goes 😂