How Much Attention Is Too Much???
 

My 8 week yorkie has been with us for just over a week and follows us everywhere, literally. It's hard to walk since he's always under our feet and we don't want to step on him. Anywho, I was wondering if constent attention is better or periods of solitude to let him gain independence? Some sites say that they become spoiled and even nippy if they get too much attention and others say they can't be alone for more than a few minutes but I'm not sure.
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For walking, do a slide step, like gilding over the floors. That way they won't get kicked as hard... My personal opinion is to have times of play and then have times where they can find their own thing to do. Too much play and you'll go crazy because he'll ALWAYS want to play and expect it.

When we first got Toto at 16 weeks, we went through a long period of being terrified that we would step on her! We practiced the "Yorkie Shuffle" and constantly looked down when walking in the house. At some point [I guess it was so gradual we just didn't realize when] she began to be "aware" of our feet! Now, at 14 months, when we walk she just kinda trots along with us and watches our feet! :) Of course we are still careful and she has gotten a couple of small accidental kicks along the way but I think they eventually become aware of their own safety! I personally don't think that they can get too much attention. It's all part of that committment that you make when you decide to allow a Yorkie to "own you"!! ;) I think when they get older that they begin to feel confident enough to venture out on their own and spend time playing or napping by themselves when you are busy, but if there is a lap ... they're gonna be on it!! :D

Don and I are retired, so Higgins has us around 24/7. He likes to be with us, and loves attention, but he has always enjoyed playing and amusing himself with his toys. He has LOTS of toys! Our house looks like a typical two year old kid lives in it. And if he's bored with his toys, there are lots of rocks to play with. Higgins has a thing about rocks. He needs a therapist about the rocks. I digress. Having lots of toys has kept him from being destructive with OUR stuff. (However, I bought a new pair of $85 walking shoes last week and found one outside on the front lawn the other day......)

They do demand a lot of attention. It is one of the endearing things about them, actually. Higgins wants to be "in" on everything! But when he gets too wound up or becomes demanding (gives us the "Yo, Momma!" bark), we give him a "time out." Don usually administers time out by picking him up and cradling him and soothing him and telling him to calm down and relax a bit. Somehow it works most of the time.

I have owned many dogs in my lifetime, and take it from me, YORKIES ARE DIFFERENT! They are energetic little creatures that really are "velcro dogs" as Bettyeanne calls them. Since my son's young long-haired Chihuahua is staying with us this week, we have really noticed a difference in breeds. She is the sweetest little dog, very affectionate, but pretty laid back. She will gracefully accommodate to your schedule. Loves to be in your lap, but won't insist. Loves to play, but won't bug you. I love her to pieces, but compared to Higgins.....she's kinda boring......oh I can't believe I said that!

When there's a Yorkie in the family, be prepared to give til it hurts! But it never seems to hurt.......

Spoken like a true Yorkie owner, Higgin's Mom. No doggy compares to our beloved Yorkies!

Well said, Mary Ellen!!! ;)

Yories Rule!!!!!

tehehe, I agree! ^^