If you’re considering getting a Yorkie, you might be wondering how much attention they need. Yorkies are a small breed of dog that are known for their playful and affectionate personalities. They are also very loyal to their owners and love spending time with them.
According to pet experts, Yorkies do need a lot of attention. They are high energy dogs that love to be around people and other animals. They enjoy playing, walking, and snuggling with their owners. Yorkies also require daily mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored. If you’re thinking about getting a Yorkie, be prepared to spend a lot of time with them.
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How To Give Yorkies Enough Attention
Incorporating your Yorkie into your daily schedule is one of the best ways to let them know how much you love them and value them. Your Yorkie just wants to feel like part of the family.
They enjoy going on walks with you, and being able to sniff around and admire their surroundings. They also enjoy playing with their pet parents, so having some toys you can play with together like rope toys or small balls will be so much fun for your Yorkie.
While Yorkies are energetic, it doesn’t take a lot to tire them out. At this point, cuddling with them on the couch is the perfect way to end your bonding time with them.
Yorkies and Staying Home Alone
If your Yorkie had their choice, they would want you home all the time. They don’t enjoy being home for extended periods of time by themselves.
If they have a companion animal, they might be able to handle being home alone a little bit easier, since they have someone to play with. Otherwise, it could be worth looking for a dog walker or sitter when you know you’re going to be gone for a long time during the day.
It’s also a good idea to spend a few minutes with your Yorkie when you do get home to help make up for that time that they were alone. Playing with them a bit to tire them out before you leave can also help, as they might just nap the day away waiting for you to get home.
Yorkie Communication
Yorkies like to bark, so there’s a good chance that if they want to divert your focus back to them, they’ll bark at you until you comply. They might also become a little bit restless and rambunctious until you give them the attention that they want.
They might also follow you around everywhere whining and barking at you until you stop what you’re doing and give them some love.
How Will Yorkies Behave When They Aren’t Getting Enough Attention?
Even though a Yorkie is small, they can do a lot of damage when they want to. When they are feeling lonely or neglected, they might start to act out in protest.
This could include scratching furniture, being rough with their toys, or they might even have an accident in the home.
Acting Out to Get Attention
Your Yorkie will probably not respond well if you yell at them or continue ignoring them when they are acting out. You want to firmly tell them no, and go to another room and sit down. Chances are, they’ll follow you and try to play or cuddle. When they interact with you nicely again, reward them.
This will let them know that when they ask nicely for attention, they will get it, and when they act out, they won’t get the attention they want.
Yorkie Personality and Needs
Energy Level and Exercise
Yorkies have big personalities and lots of energy. They require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. A short walk or playtime in the backyard is usually enough to keep them satisfied. They are also great at playing fetch and other games that involve running and jumping.
Socialization and Training
Socialization is important for Yorkies to develop good behavior and manners. They are intelligent dogs and can be trained easily. Positive reinforcement is the best method to train them. They also need lots of attention and affection to feel loved and secure.
Grooming and Coat Care
Yorkies have long, silky coats that require regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting. Brushing their coat daily is recommended to keep it healthy and shiny. They also need regular baths and haircuts to maintain their appearance. Their coat is similar to human hair and requires similar care.
Health and Care
Yorkies are generally healthy dogs but can be prone to certain health issues like dental problems, hypoglycemia, and tracheal collapse. Regular visits to the vet and a healthy diet are important to keep them healthy. They also need lots of attention and affection to prevent separation anxiety.
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FAQ
Are Yorkies Clingy?
Your Yorkie will enjoy following you around the house as you’re getting stuff done. They like to be around their family members, and want to feel included in your day to day life.
If you chat with them and acknowledge how they are attempting to help you, it’ll make your Yorkie very happy.
Can Yorkies Be Territorial?
Yorkies can end up viewing their humans as their territory, and they will become quite protective over you. Though they are small, they have no problem coming to your defense should you ever need it.
This could also result in them clinging to you, as they want to be sure they are by your side should you need them for anything, which is quite endearing.
If you have other pets at home, they might start to become a bit envious if you divert your attention away from them for too long to dote on the other pet.
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.
