Taking your Yorkie for a walk can be a great way to bond with your pet while also providing them with the exercise they need to stay healthy. However, you may be wondering if it’s safe to take your Yorkie for a walk, especially if they are a puppy or have health issues.
According to pet experts, Yorkies can start going on short walks as early as six weeks old, but it’s important to introduce them to the world slowly. Start by practicing walking on the leash inside your home for five minutes at a time. Once your Yorkie is used to walking on the lead for 15 minutes, then it’s time for them to venture outside. Remember to use a vest harness, not a collar, to prevent any risk of a collapsed trachea.
Walking your Yorkie regularly can provide them with a variety of benefits, including mental stimulation, confidence building, and exposure to fresh air and new experiences. It’s also a great opportunity for them to socialize with other dogs and people. Just be sure to bring water, poop bags, and any necessary shots records with you, and avoid taking your Yorkie to areas with vermin or standing water.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Walking Your Yorkie
Taking your Yorkie for a walk is not only great exercise but also has several physical and mental benefits for your pet.
Physical Benefits
Walking is a great way to keep your Yorkie physically fit. Regular walks can help maintain a healthy weight, improve muscle tone, and strengthen their heart and lungs. Walking is also a low-impact exercise that is easy on their joints, making it a perfect exercise for their small size.
Mental Benefits
Walking your Yorkie can provide mental stimulation and reduce boredom. It gives them an opportunity to explore their surroundings, smell new scents, and interact with other dogs and people. This can boost their confidence and improve their socialization skills.
Fresh air and sunshine can also be beneficial to your Yorkie’s mental health. It can improve their mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Plus, walking can help them sleep better at night, which is important for their overall health.
In conclusion, walking your Yorkie is a great way to provide exercise and mental stimulation for your pet. It can improve their physical and mental health, boost their confidence, and reduce boredom. So, grab a leash and take your Yorkie for a walk today!
Sources:
- “Yorkie Exercise – Do Yorkshire Terriers Need a Lot of Exercise?”
- “Yorkie Exercise Requirements [How Much Exercise for a Yorkie] – Oodle Life”
Preparing for a Walk with Your Yorkie
Before taking your Yorkie for a walk, it is important to prepare properly. This means having the right equipment, supplies, and safety considerations in mind.
Leash and Harness
Your Yorkie should always wear a leash and harness when going for a walk. The leash should be short, but not too tight, and the harness should fit snugly but not be too tight. This will prevent your Yorkie from running away or getting tangled up in the leash.
Water and Treats
Bring water and treats for your Yorkie on the walk. This will keep them hydrated and energized. A collapsible water bowl is a great option for bringing water on the go. Treats can be used for positive reinforcement when training your Yorkie to walk on the leash.
Safety Considerations
When walking your Yorkie, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Avoid busy streets and areas with lots of noise and distractions. Also, make sure your Yorkie is up to date on their vaccinations and has proper identification tags in case they get lost.
Remember to take it slow and be patient when introducing your Yorkie to walking on a leash. Use positive reinforcement and reward good behavior. With proper preparation and safety considerations, taking your Yorkie for a walk can be a fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry companion.
Where to Walk Your Yorkie
When it comes to taking your Yorkie for a walk, it’s important to choose the right location. Here are some options to consider:
Parks and Trails
Parks are a great option for walking your Yorkie. Look for parks that have walking trails or paths. These areas are usually well-maintained and offer plenty of space for your Yorkie to explore. Be sure to keep your Yorkie on a leash and follow the park’s rules and regulations.
Dog-Friendly Places
There are many dog-friendly places where you can take your Yorkie for a walk. Some pet stores allow dogs to come inside, while others have outdoor areas where dogs can play. You can also check with your local coffee shops, restaurants, and breweries to see if they allow dogs on their patios.
Agility Courses
If your Yorkie has a lot of energy and loves to run and play, consider taking them to an agility course. These courses are designed to challenge your dog’s physical abilities and provide mental stimulation. Look for a course that is designed specifically for small dogs like Yorkies.
Remember to always keep your Yorkie on a leash and bring plenty of water for them to drink. Also, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for any potential hazards, such as broken glass or other debris.
Sources:
- Parks and Trails for Dog Walking
- Dog-Friendly Places to Visit
- Agility Courses for Small Dogs
Grooming Your Yorkie After a Walk
After a nice walk with your Yorkie, it’s important to give them a proper grooming to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Here are some tips to help you take care of your pet’s coat:
Bathing and Shampooing
Yorkies don’t need to be bathed too often, as frequent baths can strip their coat of natural oils. However, after a long walk or if your Yorkie gets particularly dirty, a bath may be necessary. Use a mild shampoo specifically designed for dogs and make sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid any leftover soap residue.
Coat Care
After bathing, it’s important to dry your Yorkie thoroughly to prevent any tangles or vermin. Use a towel to gently dry their coat, making sure to pay extra attention to the ears and paws. Once your Yorkie is dry, use a pin brush to brush out any tangles and remove any loose fur. You can also use a comb to get rid of any mats or tangles.
Regular coat care is important to keep your Yorkie’s coat healthy and shiny. Brush your Yorkie’s coat at least once a week to prevent any tangles or mats from forming. You can also use a leave-in conditioner to keep their coat soft and silky.
Remember to check your Yorkie’s coat regularly for any signs of vermin, such as fleas or ticks. If you spot any, use a flea and tick shampoo to get rid of them.
Sources:
- PetMD
- American Kennel Club
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking your Yorkie for a walk is an excellent way to keep them healthy, happy, and active. It is recommended that you take your Yorkie for at least one walk a day, with two walks being even better.
Remember to pay attention to your Yorkie’s behavior during the walk. If they seem overly lethargic or refuse to continue walking, you may have walked too much. On the other hand, if your Yorkie seems restless or hyper, they may need more exercise.
When walking your Yorkie, it is important to use a vest harness instead of a collar to avoid the risk of a collapsed trachea. Additionally, make sure to carry water and a collapsible bowl for your Yorkie to stay hydrated during the walk.
Overall, walking your Yorkie is a great way to bond with your pet and keep them healthy. By following the tips and recommendations in this article, you can ensure that your Yorkie gets the exercise they need to live a happy and active life.
FAQ
When Can I Start Walking My Yorkie?
Yorkies can take their first walks between 6 and 16 weeks old. For Yorkies this young, it is important to introduce them to the world slowly.
Start by practicing walking on the leash inside your home for 5 minutes at a time. Once your Yorkie pup is used to walking on the lead for 15 minutes, then it’s time for them to venture outside!
Stay close to your home and walk them up and down your street briefly, 5 minutes is ideal for the first walk.
Extend the time from there and support them to build their confidence by encouraging them to explore their surrounding safely.
Can I Run With My Yorkie?
Yes! Yorkies make excellent running partners. They love to run, and, although they prefer to run freely, running with them on a leash helps to keep them safe.
If you are new to running, running with your Yorkie is a great way to stay motivated. Yorkies require walks anyway, so incorporating some running into your regular walks is a good way for you to burn off some excess energy too.
Just make sure to stop frequently so your Yorkie can toilet if they need to, or take a short break to sniff around and explore.
Socialization is essential for Yorkies, so if one of your walks is only for running, make sure to take them somewhere where they can play and explore during their second walk.
How Far Can I Walk My Yorkie?
Contrary to popular belief, Yorkies can walk for much longer than half an hour. Yorkies can walk for a few hours at a time, and enjoy long hikes with their owners.
After all, Yorkies are terriers. They were originally bred to hunt, and hunting parties would sometimes continue for hours at a time. Yorkies were bred to keep up with this demanding schedule.
Just make sure to stop and give your Yorkie access to water. If they seem tired out, it’s time to call it quits and head home.
How Much Excercise Does A Yorkie Need?
Yorkies need a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day, but they can go for much longer than this.
Terriers were built to move. They are hunting dogs that have stores of energy to use up. Their energy is dispersed in several ways, by walking, playing, exploring, and actual hunting.
Yorkies love to chase. It is their favorite pass time. So if you do not have time to walk your Yorkie longer than the recommended 30 minutes, you can help them throw off excess energy by playing games like fetch, or tug-of-war.
How Much Is Too Much Excercise For Yorkie?
How much is too much depends on the Yorkie and the lifestyle that Yorkie has led up until the point of exercise.
Yorkies that have active owners that hike or are out and about for hours on a regular basis have built up enough stamina to continue walking for 2 or even 3 hours at a time.
Whereas a Yorkie that has led a sedentary lifestyle could be worn out after 30 minutes.
The key is to read your Yorkies’ body language, and if they seem fatigued, it is time to take them home. Signs that Yorkie is tired and needs to stop walking are:
- Excessive panting
- Frequent sitting or lying down
- Sweating
- Reluctance to move
Yorkies, and any other dog, that is over walked is at risk of dehydration if not given access to water and electrolyte imbalances in their system. It is always best to let your Yorkie rest every 20 minutes or so and take water with you.
Why Does My Yorkie Get So Tired On Walks?
There are many reasons why your Yorkie gets tired on walks. If they are not used to walking very far, it could be that. If you have a senior Yorkie it could be just that they have reached old age, and no longer have the stamina they once did.
Other more serious reasons why your Yorkie is getting so tired on walks are:
- Excessive weight
- Cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Viral infection
If you are worried your dog may be sick, then you should take them to the vet for testing. If your vet finds nothing wrong and gives your Yorkie a clean bill of health, it may be just that they are not used to walking far and need to build up their stamina.
Is A 2 Hour Walk Too Long For My Yorkie?
For Yorkies that are used to walking long distances, 2 hours is not too long. However, if your Yorkie is only used to short walks under 30 minutes, 2-hour walks can be achieved so long as there is plenty of time to stop and rest between intervals.
If you have a long walk ahead and plan to take your Yorkie with you, schedule frequent stops and breaks – no matter how active your Yorkie is.
Dogs do not sweat as humans do. Their temperature regulation system is different from ours and heat is mostly lost through their mouths and paws.
This is why hydration and frequent stops are important. Your Yorkie will need to drink every 20 – 30 minutes and rest for a while so their bodies can re-regulate themselves.
Once your Yorkie has a drink, stops panting or the panting is significantly less, then you can resume the rest of the walk.
How Many Times A Day Should I Walk My Yorkie?
Yorkies can manage with one good walk a day, however, two walks are best and three would make them extra happy.
Most Yorkie wonders endeavor to walk their Yorkies first thing in the morning, and in the evenings. Letting them out midday helps to alleviate boredom but is not strictly necessary for health.
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.