Yummy Homemade Healthy Dog Food

Greetings:

Something I have started doing is feeding my Yorkies Homemade Healthy Dog Food. I just couldn't get over worrying about what was in the food they were eating so I decided to start feeding them what I make so I know exactly what is in the food.

I was inspired by Doris, a woman I met at King Soopers (my local grocery store). Every evening at 7:30pm the store puts their cooked chicken on sale. My husband loves the fried chicken so I try to get up there once a week or so and buy him a box of it. One night as I was getting my husbands fried Chicken I noticed a woman buying four rotisserie chickens. They also go on sale in the evening. I commented that she must like chicken and she said "No, I feed it to my dogs. It is the only thing I have ever given them, chicken, rice and veggies." She said her vet said it was the best thing she could feed her dogs and that her dogs live to be 15+ years of age. Inspired I came home to see if I could find anything on the internet about homemade dog food.

Sometimes I crack myself up. I thought I was the first person to ever think of this. Please. I did a Google search and came up with 430,000 hits. Wow, I was overwhelmed. There are even dog food cookbooks, ebooks and lots more.

Basically you can get pretty fancy but according to Doris the best thing to feed them is brown organic rice, chicken or turkey and veggies (carrots or green beans are my two fur children's favorites). I cook the rice in my rice cooker using chicken stock and I throw in fresh carrots if I am using them and let them cook right along with the rice. I usually fix two cups of rice. I then cook or use the cooked chicken I have, tear or cut it into small pieces. Once the rice is cooked and cooled I mix the rice and carrots, or other veggies if I am using them (if not using fresh organic veggies that I cook I use organic canned veggies) and chicken together. I measure out about two cups which last them about 3 days and I freeze the rest in small batches.

That is pretty much it. It doesn't take a lot of time and they seem to really love it. I feel better about what they are eating and I am not having any problems with digestion with them as I was in the past.

There are lots of sites on the Internet that have pretty fancy recipes however I think I will stick with my simple one for now.

Rachelle

I'm Back

Oh my gosh it has been forever since I posted on the blog. Don't tell the fur children they will think I don't love them any more. Just got lost. But now I'm back.

I found an interesting website where you can make a promise to your Yorkie, or any small dog. Just go to The Little Cesar I Promise page and post your promise and a picture of your fur child or children as I did. I wrote, "Surrobbie and Buddy I will always love you." And that is the truth.


Rachelle

What not to feed your Yorkie

I admit it, I am an Obsessive Overfeeder. I feed my Yorkies anything I am eating, and I am not always the healthiest eater around. However there are things you and I should never give our Yorkies. Not everything is good for them and some things can even kill them. Check with your Vet as to what to feed and not feed your Yorkies.

Here is a list of a few things you should never feed your Yorkie, no matter how much they beg! (I know those brown eyes are hard to resist)

Although bones seem like a good idea don't give your Yorkie animal bones. The chances that they can choke on them is just too much of a risk.

Yorkies are omnivores, not carnivores, and don't tolerate bones very well. They can splinter or lodge their intestinal tract and cause blockages. If you have to feed your Yorkie a bone make it a milk bone!

NO Chocolate. It is toxic and can build up in their systems and kill your Yorkie. Really "Death by Chocolate" isn't what you want!

If your Yorkie has gotten into chocolate you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Surrobbie ate an entire family size Hersey Bar once. She might have shared a little with her brother Muffassa but not sure how much. When I got home she had been sick, both ends, all over the house. What a mess to clean up. I called the Vet and he said she should be okay since Hersey's isn't the purest of Chocolate. She was hyper for the rest of the day. Since then I have been more careful not to leave chocolate where she can find it, like in a zipped book bag. Still not sure how she got the book bag opened.

Drinking Alcohol is more fun with someone but don't include the Yorkie. They need to stay sober so they can make sure they stay out of the way when you are staggering around.

In high doses, alcohol will suppress the central nervous, respiratory and cardiac systems and can lead to death. It is best to just give your pet water.

Milk isn't a great idea for the Yorkie, and yes that includes Ice Cream. If you have to give them a special treat try Frosty Paws. They will feel like they are getting a nice treat and it is good for them.

Avoid Ham and salty foods. They can make the Yorkie bloaty and can cause injury.


Not only will onions give your Yorkie bad breath they are toxic to them. Onions contain allyl propyl disulfide, which damages their red blood cells and can cause fatal consequences in animals. Eating onions can cause your Yorkie to become anemic, weak and have breathing challenges. If your Yorkie gets a hold of an onion contact your vet immediately.

Although you may need a cup of coffee to wake up in the morning your pet doesn't. Buddy loves coffee. I can't have it anywhere near him or he will empty the cup.

It wouldn't seem like Avocados would be bad for your Yorkie but according to the research I did Avocados are on the don't feed list. It can upset their stomachs and cause them to vomit. Of course you would keep the pit away from your Yorkie as it could cause a choking hazard and is toxic to boot.

Although there isn't much my Yorkies won't eat, reasins and graps are two things they don't like. Turns out that is okay because they are not good for them and can make them really sick.

Macadamin nuts are not recommended for Yorkies either. I personally wouldn't feed my Yorkies any nuts. We had a bad situation with our Yorkie Muffassa after he ate some peanuts. They became lodged in his intestines and almost killed him.

Although I am bad about feeding my Yorkies extra, I stick with what I know to be safe and feed them high quality dog food and treats. You want them to live a long healthy life!

Love my Yorkie
Rachelle

Resources:

St. Lucia Animal Protection Society

PetEducation.com Provides a pretty extensive list of things not to feed your Yorkie.

Go for a carry

Surrobbie turns 10 this November and she just isn't as spry as she once was. She still loves to go with Buddy and I on our long walks but has a challenge making it the entire way. Because she doesn't like to stay home I would take her and then carry her when she got tired. Although she isn't a large dog she is a large Yorkie and carrying 10 pounds of Yorkie for very long isn't that easy to do. So I decided to do what any good Yorkie mom would do and I got her a carrier.

I went to PetsMart and looked for something I could strap on and carry her baby style. I didn't want a stroller although I considered it. Too bulky. They did have them though. Not all that expensive, about $80. However I opted for the strap on kind that she fits right into and I can carry her on my chest.

I ended up with a Outward Hound Pet Travel Gear pack. It straps on easily and I carry Surrobbie in the front. I was afraid that she wasn't going to like it but she has no problems with it at all. I just put her in it and she sits right down. I bought her the 10 to 20 pound size and it is nice and roomy for her. I am not sure though if a much bigger dog would really fit. Buddy is 16 pounds and I tried to fit him in it and there was no way.

You should see the funny looks I get when people see me carrying Surrobbie in the pack.

Love my Yorkie
Rachelle

Glucosamine for Yorkies

My oldest Yorkie Muffassa had trouble with his joints. The vet recommended Glucosamine. I have been giving my Yorkies Glucosamine ever since. It really seems to make a big difference especially with my oldest Yorkie Surrobbie. I use Nutri Vet Hip & Joint Plus with Glucosamine, MSM, Chondroitin and Hyaluronic Acid. I simply split a tablet in half and give Surrobbie half and Buddy half in their breakfast.

As always check with your vet before giving your Yorkie anything.

Love My Yorkie
Rachelle

Is it safe to give your Yorkie baby aspirin

My oldest Yorkie has arthritis. Some days are better than others but I have taken to giving her one half of a baby aspirin for the pain. This was recommended by my vet. It really helps and makes her much more comfortable.

Before you give anything to your Yorkie make sure you check with your vet. One thing I learned was that Tylenol was not safe for Yorkies and should not be given. You also have to be careful with how much you give your Yorkie as anything medicine can be deadly if overdosed.

I have found that baby aspirin is not as easy to find as one might think. The last time I bought a bottle for Surrobbie I got Bayer Chewable low does 81 mg. I give her just a half in her breakfast.

You can also buy aspirin that is made just for dogs. Check out DoctorDog.com for a variety of aspirin related products for your Yorkie.

For more information about giving your Yorkie aspirin check out School for Champions. However before giving your Yorkie anything ask your vet. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Love my Yorkie
Rachelle

Should a Yorkie wear Pearls

Greetings:

I have dressed my Yorkies up since I have had Yorkies. My first Yorkie was dressed as a Devil for Halloween. He had other little outfits that he would wear mostly when it got cold. I live in a climate that gets down right arctic so having a little extra protection from the elements is needed.

However many people think dressing your Yorkie, or any kind of dog, is stupid. It can be I guess but when you have a small dog it can also be practical.

In an article by Connie Limon "Why Should you Dress Your Dogs?" she offers these tips:

"Clothes for Warmth:

If you and your little toy dog will outside in Maine in the winter, it truly matters that your little guy is in a nice, warm coat. Sure your main objective here is to keep the little guy warm, but it is more fun if that coat is “mink,” or even faux fur. Wow! How cute can that be? Real cute! Even long-coated little dogs sometimes need a little help keeping warm. Small dogs do lose their body heat much faster and are prone to hypoglycemia. A fleece t-shirt inside is also great to help keep your little guys from losing too much body heat.

Clothes for Worried Dogs:

When you are a Teacup Shih Tzu and you only weigh 5 pounds, you will have lots to worry about if the larger size Shih Tzu is around. Dressing the little guys in clothes will actually relieve some of the tensions between them and their rivals – the bigger guys. It creates calming to wrap up your little guy in something warm and cozy like a fleece t-shirt or sweater for inside. It gives the little guys more confidence.

Dogs like attention. When you dress up your dog in a beautiful party dress, people pay that attention. Your little dog will probably respond with lots of tail wagging and an increase self confidence. Most dogs love to interact with people and clothes are very good conversation starters. Dress your dog up in something really, really pretty and unusual and have fun watching her/his reactions when people stop and tell him or her just how precious they look. People won’t be able to resist smiling and petting your little dog. Dressing up your pet in beautiful dog fashions is definitely a way for the two of you to meet new people anywhere you decide to go."

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. Purchase fleece t-shirts in a variety of colors and hand crochet dog blankets at: http://www.littleguysdogclothesshop.com

So clothes are a good thing but a pearl necklace? My girlfriend Jill gave Surrobbie a pearl necklace for Christmas last year and I just adore it. Surrobbie wears it all the time and gets tons of compliments on it. It doesn't keep her warm, make her feel more secure or give her confidence (well maybe it makes her feel more like a princess) however I just love it.

For Buddy he gets a Bandanna.



He isn't so fond of it so I don't put it on him very often. If it truly bothers either of the dogs to have something on I don't make them wear it. I don't want them worried and upset over it. If indeed they don't seem to mind I will go with it.

Also you want to make sure the garment or whatever you put on your Yorkie is safe, they can move in it and it isn't going to get caught on something and choke them. You should stick with things that are made for small dogs and are designed for the four legged fur person.

Love my Yorkies

Rachelle

Yorkie Dog Training

I am always on the lookout for good articles on how to train your Yorkie. This one by Joshua McNiel is basic and to the point. When training a Yorkie I think consistency is the most important thing you can do. If you stick with it your Yorkie will get it.


Yorkie Dog Training
By Joshua McNiel

Yorkies are wonderful animals and make great pets. However, training your Yorkie dog can oftentimes be difficult unless done correctly.

Yorkies are the second most favorite breed of dog in the U.S. They are a very intelligent dog breed and generally learn commands, such as sit, stay, and fetch fairly quickly. Here are a few basic principles to follow when training your Yorkie:

* Treats, treats, and more treats - Giving your Yorkie a treat anytime they do a command correctly is probably one of the most effective actions for training. If you want to try to teach your Yorkie to sit, then put the treat in your closed fist and let your Yorkie smell it, then speak the command "sit" and when they successfully sit, give them a treat. This is a proven method, and it makes performing acts a fun time for your dog.


* Potty training - Yorkies are very smart animals, but sometimes they need a little extra time to be potty-trained. It is best to start teaching your Yorkie to go outside as a puppy, but if yours is older, it's ok too. When you see your Yorkie doing their business on the floor, yell loudly "NO", or "STOP", followed by taking them to a familiar spot outside. When yours does their business outside, give them a treat and lots of praise of affection. If your Yorkie doesn't catch on, consider crate training. Place your Yorkie in a crate at night time and when you leave the house. Only let your Yorkie out when you can supervise them.


* Distraction Free - Remember to take away distractions when you are trying to train your dog. Such things as the television, kids, phone calls, etc. can distract your Yorkie from learning. You want a quite place to train.


* Punishment - You should never be physically aggressive to your Yorkie. This can be traumatizing and create an adverse affect on their training. Yelling at them firmly is enough.


* Barking - Some Yorkies have a tendency to bark loudly when visitors to the door. If your Yorkie wont stop barking, try to yell "NO" at them. If this doesn't work, try to ignore them completely. If you are consistent, your Yorkie will realize he will be punished the next time he acts like that.

Yorkies are fast learners and are very affectionate. Be patient training your Yorkie and always give them lots of love.

For more information and great deals on yorkie clothes visit http://yorkiedogclothes.net

What's up Yorkie?

Greetings:

I figured why I was talking about treats, my last post was about giving the Yorkies Peanut Butter on their treats, I also have another suggestion for fun and I think very healthy treats. Baby Carrots. My Yorkies love them. My little Yorkie Muffassa who passed away was a big fan of raw baby carrots. He just ate them down and begged for more. Surrobbie likes them however wants them cut into smaller pieces. Buddy loves them and will just take the whole baby carrot and munch away.

My vet recommended giving the Yorkies canned green beans. I treat a lot so she suggested a way to cut back on the calories was giving them green beans. They love them and I often mix a few green beans with their food to add bulk but not calories.

Most other veggies they are not all that fond of. I noticed that they don't tend to digest corn very well so I don't give them any.

They really are not too fond of fruit either. At times they will take a little but I think it is only because I am eating it.

Always keep in mind moderation in everything. Even too many carrots isn't a good thing.

Rachelle

Special Treat for the Yorkies

Greetings:

Today I was munching on a Peanut Butter Sandwich and I totally forgot to share with the Yorkies. Surrobbie was not at all happy so I decided to make both her and Buddy a little treat. I took four gourmet dog treats and coated one side with Peanut Butter and sprinkled just a few sun flower seeds on the peanut butter. I then put a treat on top of the peanut butter and made a little dog treat sandwich. They each had one and boy did they like them. Simple and good for them.

I often spread a little peanut butter on the Yorkies dog treats. It just gives it a little zip. I figure it puts a little variety into their diets. If they really need that or not I don't know but it makes me feel better.

Just in case I checked the internet to make sure Peanut Butter was okay for Yorkies. It is however I would check with your vet to make sure.

Love my Yorkies
Rachelle

What we can learn from our Yorkie

Yorkies have so much to teach us if only we are willing to learn. Here are just a few things you can learn from your Yorkie.

My friend Margo sent me the following and I just loved it. It sums it all up what a dog can teach us.

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Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn thing like:


When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp. and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simply joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.


ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

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I love the one about never pretend to be something you are not. One of the things I love about my Yorkie Buddy is he doesn't pretend to be anything but what he is. Buddy knows he is a dog, although mommy thinks of him as a fur child. Buddy likes being a dog, doing dog things and being treated like a dog (in the best of ways). I love that Buddy is simply Buddy and he is the best Buddy he can be. There is a good lesson right there. Are you the best you that you can be? Another great lesson from a dog.

Rachelle

A Dog's Purpose

Greetings:

My friend Margo sent me the following story and of course I cried. It made me think of my sweet Muffassa who died in 2005. I think losing a pet is one of the hardest things a person has to do. They become such a part of the family and of your life.
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A Dog's Purpose

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Share, were all very attached to belker, and they were hoping for a miracle


I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.


The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.


The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."


Startled we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.


He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?"' Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Author Unknown
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I just think that is the sweetest concept that dogs already know how to love and live the good life. I tell my dogs all the time that I am coming back next time as someone's beloved dog.

Love My Yorkies
Rachelle

Yorkies like to be the one and only

Greetings:

If you think your Yorkie needs a little friend, think again. They really don't. My vet told me the only reason to get another Yorkie is because I want one, not because my Yorkie wants one.

When we had Muffassa I decided he needed a little friend. When we got Surrobbie he was so mad. We took him with us to get her and he growled at her the entire way home. When we got her home the first thing he did was bit her. It took him a good 6 months to get over it, or at least deal with it. He never wanted to have a sister, he wanted to be an only child.

After Muffassa died I decided Surrobbie was lonely and needed a new friend. When Buddy came over for a home visit, he was a Rescue and they bring them over for home visits first, she did fine until he jumped on the bed and rolled on her blanket. She simply started peeing. I couldn't get mad at her, she didn't want him on her blanket and that is the only way she knew to let us know.

If you do get a second pet give your Yorkie time to adjust. They most likely are not going to take to the new arrival overnight. Give it time and make sure you let your Yorkie know that she is still as special as can be.

Here is a great article I found on how to introduce your Yorkie to a new pet.


Yorkshire Terriers - Introducing A New Pet Into Your Home If You Have A Yorkie
By Connie Ragen Green

Yorkshire terriers can be sensitive, stubborn and territorial all at the same time. If you bring a new pet into your home, you will see a side of your Yorkie that you did not know existed in the past.

Yorkies like to be the only pet in your home. You may already have other dogs or cats so she will find her place among the group and look for a way to stand out. This may occur by her doing whatever she can to get your attention. Attention grabbing ideas may range from vomiting right in front of you to hiding in a closet or under a bed so that you will have to search for her. Yorkshire terriers will do most anything to be the center of attention.

When you introduce a new pet, whether it is a dog or a cat, into your home, your Yorkie will be taken aback and have to think about how to react. The goal will be to edge out the new pet and put the focus back on them. You are the human so you will be the one to deal with this situation.

One way is to give each of your pets private time with you. Even if it is only five minutes a day, take each one into your bedroom or another room of the house where they can have you all to themselves. Play with them and cuddle with them so that they feel like they are the only pet in your life.

With a new pet you will want to pet both of them at the same time to show that you love both of them equally. Go out of your way to make sure everything is fair, including the amount of food each of them gets, as well as how much attention you show.

Training your Yorkshire terrier can be both challenging and rewarding.

Connie Ragen Green is an official dog lover. To find out more about training small and toy dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese visit http://www.YorkshireTerriersAretheBest.com

Keeping the Fur Children Beautiful

Greetings:

I love my Yorkies but they don't like to get brushed. Not so good with long hair like Yorkies are suppose to have. At the groomers I ask them to give my little ones a "Puppy Cut." They end up with short hair all over. Since neither of them will let me brush them, much, this makes it easier to care for them.

Surrobbie gets a lot of build-up around her eyes. I call it "eye burgers" and it can be pretty gross. You should take a wet wash cloth every other day or so and clean out your Yorkies eyes.

I give my Yorkies a bath about every two weeks or so. Neither of them love it but they don't fight me much. I love Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo in Lavendar & Mint. It smells so good and makes their fur so soft and yummy smelling.

Here is a great article I found on keeping your Yorkie Beautiful and smelling great.

Keeping Your Yorkie Groomed
By Joshua McNiel

Yorkies can be easily distinguished by their long beautiful coat of hair. Keeping your Yorkie groomed properly is important to keep their coat looking that way. In this article I will discuss some things an owner can do to keep their Yorkie healthy and elegant-looking.

One of the most important tools a Yorkie owner needs is a soft comb. You should comb all the way through your Yorkies coat once a day to keep their hair clump-free, and untangled. Be sure to use a soft comb, because stiff and hard ones can hurt your Yorkies skin. It's a good idea to run it over your skin first to see if it hurts or not.

Many Yorkies fear the word "bath", but its a necessary part of keeping a healthy and clean Yorkie. You should bath your Yorkie once every week or two, using some small dog shampoo and conditioner found at pet stores. Simply use some warm water with the shampoo and conditioner, and thoroughly clean your Yorkies body, followed by gently drying them with a towel. Be careful not to get any water or shampoo in your Yorkies eyes.

Yorkies often develop mucus buildup around their eyes. You should check them for this every day. If you see some, just use a wet cloth and very gently wipe it off.

Tarter buildup is a common problem many owners leave untreated. There are many different teeth cleaning products you can find at your local pet store, but I would recommend you ask your Veterinarian which one they would suggest for your particular situation.

Just like us humans, Yorkies will need to have their nails trimmed on a regular basis. It is important not to trim them too short, as this will lead to bleeding.

You will still need to frequently take your Yorkie to get professionally groomed. They will trim the hair correctly, check for ear mites, and give a good cleaning to your Yorkie.

Grooming your Yorkie should be a fun process for both the owner and and the Yorkie. A good idea is to give your Yorkie a treat anytime you need to spend time grooming them. Before you know it, your Yorkie will start to love being groomed!

For more information on Yorkies and Yorkie clothes, visit http://yorkiedogclothes.net

Should Yorkies Eat Human Food

Greetings:

I am just going to get it out, I feed my Yorkies human food. I have since they were babies. And of course since Buddy arrived he has gotten special treats as well. I try not to over do it and I am careful of what I give them, however I don't hold much back.

So is feeding my Yorkies human food bad for them? Well first off all food is human food, or food a human would eat. I didn't say you would want to eat it I just said you could. Dog food is just food that is sold for Dogs - some of it is pretty nasty and no I wouldn't eat it and I wouldn't feed it to my fur children either.

I feed Surrobbie and Buddy Kumpi Dog Food. It is an all natural dog food created by Evy Serpa who started manufacturing the food after her beloved fur child died from Cancer. She wanted to provide a food for dogs that was delicious, nutrition and actually good for them. The fur children love it and the problem I had with Surrobbie throwing up is just about gone.

With their Kumpi I do add in some rice, leftover meat or other veggies, just to moisten it up a tad. Surrobbie and Buddy love veggies so I often add some cooked veggies into the food.

For treats they get Dog treats. They get a treat every time they come back in from going potty, which is a lot so I just give small bite size pieces.

And they get to clean the dishes and they get the last bite of everything I have.

They do eat sweets however I don't give them chocolate (not much anyway). Chocolate can kill a dog so you have to be very careful. Best not to even go there.

I know people who cook for their fur children and never give them commercial Dog Food. If you subscribe to Every Day with Rachel Ray you know that she always has a recipe in her magazine for the Fur Children, and it is one a dog or human can eat. Rachel has some animal friendly recipes on her website as well, so check it out. Also check out the Food Network TV site for recipes from Rachel's special on cooking for your Dog.

I believe everything in moderation. Because Yorkie's are so small it would be easy to create a Porky Yorky if you feed them too much (okay I do have Porky Yorkies but not as bad as they once were). You also will want to check with your Vet on what she thinks is the best food to feed your Yorkie and what types of treats are appropriate. My Vet recommended giving green beans and carrots for treats. My two love both.

Protect your Yorkie from Fireworks

Greetings:

I have never met a dog that enjoyed Fireworks. Surrobbie doesn't get too bothered by them if she is indoors and the air conditioning is on. However Buddy can't stand them and when he hears just the slightest fireworks sound he goes nuts. He starts spinning around and barking. If we are outside he goes totally crazy and I can't control him.

According to Amy Jordensen of MatchMyPet.com,

"Another summer activity is using fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July. Dogs generally don’t appreciate fireworks as much as humans – the loud noises can scare them. Keep your dogs indoors if you or neighbors are going to be using fireworks to minimize your pet’s stress. Also, remember that fireworks can cause injuries to dogs and if they are not cleaned up properly can even be ingested by dogs which can lead to serious health complications."

I found additional tips for protecting your Yorkie during Fireworks from the RSPCA:

#
# Exercise your dog during the day.
# Never walk your dog while fireworks are being let off.
# As with cats, keep your dog indoors, close the curtains and play music or turn on the television to drown out the noise.
# Let your dog hide if it wants to take refuge under furniture or in a corner.
# Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and tag and is microchipped in case it bolts and becomes lost.

One solution I have found that works really well is to take the fur children to the Day Care and let them stay overnight. This way they are in a safe place, not near a neighborhood or any firework displays and can have a peaceful evening (and we don't have to worry about them when we are gone enjoying the Fireworks).

Rachelle

Yorkies can't hold it forever

Greetings:

I believe that Yorkies (small dogs in general) are a tad more difficult to housebreak. I also go mad when people tell me that they leave their dog home alone all day long and expect it not to go potty. Excuse me, do you hold yours all day long? Yorkies need to be taken out for long walks or let out often so they can go Potty. I walk my dogs at least a dozen times a day, one or two long walks and then the rest are quick short walks around the area. (We live in a townhouse so there is no just letting them out)

Even with going out Buddy has a problem. We rescued Buddy at the age of 4.2 (don't ask me how they knew he was .2 years old) and he was not neutered or housebroken. We were able to do the first, but never got the second one down. We even had Buddy's trainer take him for two weeks in order to get him trained but she brought him back and said he was the first dog she could not house train.

The good news is Buddy doesn't Poop (at least not very often) in the house. We worked with him so that he understands he needs to do number 2 outside.

I have done everything I was told by the trainer and the books to get Buddy to stop peeing inside. I even tethered him to me for three months. That was the most effective but who can live with a fur child tied to them all day?

So how do we manage living with a fur child that pees in the house. Buddy wears a Belly Band or what we call, a Nappy. I put a pad in it (the kind people use for incontinence) and change the pad when he goes in it. He wears one at all times in the house. He doesn't like wearing it but I don't like him peeing in the house, so in order to keep him this is what we had to do. We also put a wrap on Surrobbie our female if we are going to be gone for very long. She does okay for a few hours but not all day.

According to Your Pure Breed Puppy,

"As a behavioral consultant, I would put the Yorkshire Terriers on my Top Five List of "Hard to Housebreak." Consistent crate training is mandatory. Sometimes a doggy door is necessary. And some owners never do get their Yorkshire Terriers fully housebroken."

There are some great books and methods for training your Yorkie and I think most Yorkies can be house trained. Not to say there won't be accidents. If you have a Yorkie you need to own a carpet cleaner!

Rachelle

Safe Toys for Your Yorkies

Greetings:

One of the things that is important to provide your Yorkie with is safe toys. Yorkies like to play and chew and if they have something that is safe and fun it will entertain them for hours.

My Yorkies love stuffed toys. Muffassa especially loved the fluffy stuffed animals and would play with them for hours and often liked to sleep with them. He was so funny. He would bring a toy over to my husband or me to play with and if we didn't respond he would go get another toy and bring it over as if to say, "Hey if you don't like that one I got others." He would do that until we picked up the toy and tossed it for him. Because he was a chewer I made sure that any removable objects such as plastic eyes and noses were removed. Most of the stuffed animals Muffassa had were from garage sales. Muffassa and I were at a garage sale and I picked up a little stuffed bunny and I showed it to Muffassa and said, "Mommy is going to get this for you." The lady having the garage sale looked at me and said, "That was my babies toy and I don't want a dog playing with it." I just gave her a strange look and said, "I would never give this to a dog." She seemed relieved and took my quarter. As Muffassa and I were walking away I looked down at Muffassa and said, "Who was she calling a dog?" Muffassa had no idea because he didn't know he was a dog, as far as he knew he was a "fur child."

I also never give my Yorkies those thin plastic toys. Muffassa just made a meal out of them.

I have to watch Buddy with Tennis balls. He likes to eat the insides out of them. We now have several flat Tennis Balls.

I keep Buddy and Surrobbie's toys in a toy basket and they are free to go and choose whichever ones they like. Buddy usually has half a dozen balls rolling around the house at any given time. Surrobbie really isn't that crazy about toys although every once in a while she will go get one and play around with it.

I found an interesting blog all about Kong toys. My Yorkies are not really all that crazy about them, they get pretty bored when they can't get the treat out of them fairly easily. If you do get your Yorkie a Kong get the smallest one you can get. They also have the special treats that fit inside of them or you could fill the hole with peanut butter. My two like that the best, but of course it doesn't keep them busy for long.

Make sure the toy is safe, that your Yorkie can't chew a piece off of it and choke and that it is made with material that can easily be washed. I often put the stuff animals in the washer and the sturdy plastic toys in the dishwasher.

Rachelle

How to train your Yorkie - with no hitting

Yorkie Dog Training
By Joshua McNiel

Yorkies are wonderful animals and make great pets. However, training your Yorkie dog can oftentimes be difficult unless done correctly.

Yorkies are the second most favorite breed of dog in the U.S. They are a very intelligent dog breed and generally learn commands, such as sit, stay, and fetch fairly quickly. Here are a few basic principles to follow when training your Yorkie:

* Treats, treats, and more treats - Giving your Yorkie a treat anytime they do a command correctly is probably one of the most effective actions for training. If you want to try to teach your Yorkie to sit, then put the treat in your closed fist and let your Yorkie smell it, then speak the command "sit" and when they successfully sit, give them a treat. This is a proven method, and it makes performing acts a fun time for your dog.


* Potty training - Yorkies are very smart animals, but sometimes they need a little extra time to be potty-trained. It is best to start teaching your Yorkie to go outside as a puppy, but if yours is older, it's ok too. When you see your Yorkie doing their business on the floor, yell loudly "NO", or "STOP", followed by taking them to a familiar spot outside. When yours does their business outside, give them a treat and lots of praise of affection. If your Yorkie doesn't catch on, consider crate training. Place your Yorkie in a crate at night time and when you leave the house. Only let your Yorkie out when you can supervise them.


* Distraction Free - Remember to take away distractions when you are trying to train your dog. Such things as the television, kids, phone calls, etc. can distract your Yorkie from learning. You want a quite place to train.


* Punishment - You should never be physically aggressive to your Yorkie. This can be traumatizing and create an adverse affect on their training. Yelling at them firmly is enough.


* Barking - Some Yorkies have a tendency to bark loudly when visitors to the door. If your Yorkie wont stop barking, try to yell "NO" at them. If this doesn't work, try to ignore them completely. If you are consistent, your Yorkie will realize he will be punished the next time he acts like that.

Yorkies are fast learners and are very affectionate. Be patient training your Yorkie and always give them lots of love.

For more information and great deals on yorkie clothes visit http://yorkiedogclothes.net

Agressive Yorkie

I love to grill out on my patio during the summer. I was grilling dinner one night and witnessed first hand how one's actions can cause a reaction. I opened the door to go to the grill and my eight-pound Yorkie, Surrobbie, bolted past me. She was so fast that she was in the middle of the front yard before I even knew what was happening. I had not noticed the woman walking by with her Standard Poodle. Surrobbie was on that poodle barking and biting. The poodle stood there for a second and then in one graceful move chomped down on Surrobbie. Surrobbie screamed and rolled over like she had been shot. I scooped her up and tried to apologize to the poodle owner who glared angrily at me. I took my wounded dog inside. The bite was only surface.

Most people don't realize how aggressive little dogs can be. I did Surrobbie a big disservice by not training her as a puppy not to be aggressive and not bolt when she has the opportunity. I am working with her and she is getting better, however it is a challenge to train an older dog new tricks. Although it can be done it would be easier to do it when they are puppies.

Here are some tips for training your Yorkie not to be aggressive so you won't have to worry about her hurting anyone or getting hurt.

Yorkshire Terriers - 5 Tips On How To Keep Your Yorkie From Being Aggressive
By Connie Ragen Green

Yorkshire terriers can become very aggressive if they are not trained well when they are young. This surprises many people because we all think of our Yorkie's as being very gentle. This is not always the case. Here are 5 tips on what to do to keep your Yorkie from becoming an aggressive pet.

* When you feed your dog, make sure to separate her from any other animals you have in your home. Yorkshire terriers may become aggressive towards other animals when there is food involved, no matter if they are hungry or not.
* Make sure your Yorkie has her own toys. This way she will know that she has things that belong only to her. Do not make her share her toys with your other pets or with dogs that come to visit.
* When other animals visit your home, make sure you hold your Yorkie and do not allow the other animals to run around loose in your home. Your dog knows that it is her home, and should not have to share it with strangers.
* Begin teaching good behavior when your Yorkshire terrier is a young puppy. It is much easier to teach a young dog than one who is older.
* When your Yorkie behaves in an aggressive manner, see what happened before you do anything. Try not to raise your voice and certainly do not hit your dog. If you stay calm you will be able to diffuse the situation much more easily.

Follow these tips and training your Yorkie will be much easier.

And now I invite you to find out more about training small and toy dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese by visiting http://www.YorkshireTerriersAretheBest.com

History of the Yorkie

Understanding today's Yorkshire Terrier means looking at this dog’s ancestry. There seems to be little disagreement about the way in which the modern Yorkshire Terrier came to be. Even though there are no records of the earliest relatives of the Yorkie it's widely believed that the breed is estimated to is just over 100 or so years old. The Yorkshire Terrier of the past was much larger than today's terriers. It's surprising but the early versions of today's Yorkies were working class dogs.

From the 11th Century there was a rule that laborers were not allowed to hunt. In order to prevent hunting laborers were not allowed to own a dog big enough to be able to hunt. Dogs had to pass through a small hoop (7 inches in diameter) to prove that they were small enough. It was originally bred to be a hunting dog, catching rats, rabbits and mice to supplement their poor owner’s diet.

Before the beginning of the Industrial Revolution people lived in small communities and grew up around factories and mines. With the Industrial Revolution came great changes to family life. People were drawn to the cities seeking work and a better life.

These people brought with them the Paisley Terrier; who were mainly working dogs who used to catch rats and other small animals.

The Paisley Terrier, or Clydesdale Terrier was crossed with other types of Terriers. The English Black Terrier, the Tan Toy Terrier and the Skye Terrier. The Maltese was also crossed with these to produce long coats, and a smaller stature. You can still see the similarity in shape between the Maltese and today's Yorkies. There aren't any records about the early pedigree to confirm these crosses. There were low levels of literacy and this led to poor record keeping. It is believed that this is the most likely of the crosses.

The father of the modern Yorkie is said to be a dog called Huddersfield "Ben". Bred by Mr. Eastwood and owned by Mr. Foster; this was a very popular stud dog who had a great influence in the modern breed. He won many competitions and is believed to have set many of the standards for his breed type.

The British Kennel Club registered the first Yorkies in the British Kennel Club Stud Book in 1874. The American Kennel Club started recognizing Yorkshire Terriers as a breed in 1885. The first Yorkshire in 1910 was the first specimen seen in a German speaking area. Known as "Halifax Terriers" these dogs shared the appearance of the Yorkshire Terrier which to this day has changed very little. The breed standards for the Yorkshire Terrier have hardly changed. There are some small changes but these relate directly to the new knowledge in matters of canine health.

The Yorkshire Terriers of today are brave, loyal and energetic. A loyal guard dog who will be suspicious of strangers and defend their territory. Yorkies like to bark but with good training they can be taught not to. Some of the cross breeding which results in tiny "teacup" varieties can cause health problems for today's Yorkshire terriers. Often their skulls are too small and this results in a range of respiratory problems.

History of the Yorkshire Terrier
By Steve Allison

It is widely agreed that the breeding of such "Teacup" varieties is cruel and causes all kinds of health and behavioral problems. Be responsible and buy one of the more accepted varieties. If you are intending on breeding your Yorkshire terrier keep this in mind when choosing a sire.

Today's Yorkies are energetic, fun and a delight to have around. They will keep you entertained for hours and years to come.

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide

Rat Dog

Although it is hard to believe when I look at my little princess Surrobbie, Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to be ratters. The Yorkshire Terrier, although classed today as a toy breed, is descended from terrier bloodlines. A man-made breed created within the history of modern dogdom, the Yorkie's diminutive size can be said to epitomize the terrier reputation in that its courage, gameness, and resilience have always been known to far outstrip its relatively small size. As the breed name suggests, these dogs were bred to go to earth (terra is Latin for earth) for rats and other vermin that generally are pests to man. A favorite of British miners in the Yorkshire section of England where she was used as a ratter in the coal mines, the Yorkie had retained all of the hardiness and tenacity that his working dog origins demanded of him.

I found a great article that details even more of the history of Yorkies. However I won't be mentioning to my little fur children that they come from a line of ratters. My pampered pooches wouldn't believe me.

Love my Yorkies,
Rachelle

Today's Yorkshire Terrier is a far different dog than when the breed appeared in 1865. In over just one hundred years, the size has been greatly reduced from an average weight of thirty pounds to a mere seven pounds today. And the trend is to have the Yorkie (as the breed is affectionately called) get even smaller, with adults tipping the scales at a mere three pounds. But who knows? Perhaps in the future, there will be a demand for the Yorkshire Terrier to grow back into a thirty pound dog.

Like many breeds of dogs, the name does not reflect their point of origin. For example, German Shepherds were actually developed in France. And Australian Shepherds originated in America. The geographical difference isn't nearly so big, but it is still significant. The main stock for today's delicate, adorable and pampered Yorkshire Terrier came from the unforgiving landscape of Scotland.

The Yorkshire Terrier did not originate in the English country of Yorkshire, despite their name. The breed became famous when they were perfected in Yorkshire. Huddersfield Ben's ancestors came from various tough little Scottish breeds of terriers, which are thought to have included the Scottish Terrier, the Clydesdale (or Clyde) Terrier and the Paisley Terrier. All of these breeds (except the Scottie) are no longer with us, but do live on in the form of Yorkshire Terriers.

The Scottish breeds inevitably bred with the terrier breeds already in Yorkshire, which experienced a great wave of Scottish immigrants in the late 1800's. The Scottish breeds were purposefully put to breeds that were known for killing rats. Yorkshire Terrier information sources guess that these breeds included the Maltese, the Skye and the now extinct breeds of Black and Tan English, Waterside and quite possibly the Manchester Terrier (which still survives, but is considered an extremely rare breed). The result was a rat-killing machine that was extremely friendly with people.

As time went on, the need for big working dogs decreased. People were living in smaller homes and needed smaller dogs they could physically control easily. The Yorkshire Terrier filled this niche admirably. They were a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Not only did they make great guard dogs, but were affectionate and did not need a lot of exercise. They were introduced to America in 1872.

Over the last century, Yorkshire Terriers have become ever smaller. The original Yorkies were about thirty pounds and came in several colors. Today's show Yorkies are not to exceed seven pounds and must be steel blue and tan (and have those colors in specific proportions). The hot trend is top breed Yorkies that tip the scales at three pounds, which has lead to concerns about the health of breeding such small dogs. The Yorkshire Terrier, as of 2006, is the second most popular purebred dog in America.

Susan Bailey loves everything having to do with dogs, including Yorkshire Terrier history. The Yorkshire Terrier was a much larger breed in the beginning. This author is currently writing a series of articles containing Yorkshire Terrier information for interested readers.

If your dog is fat you are not getting enough excercise

There is a big connection between our fur children and our own life styles. If your dog is fat chances are so are you, at least according to a recent article I read. And if your dog is fat that is also a sign you are not getting enough exercise! One of the greatest things about having a dog is they love to walk, well most of them do. My little Yorkie Muffassa hated to walk, although he loved to go on carryies (that is where I walked and he was carried).

All the books on Yorkies will tell you they love to walk, and except for my spoiled little Muffassa I would say that is true. I take Buddy and Surrobbie for a 45 minute walk every morning. They love it. For them it is an adventure. They get to see and smell all kinds of new things. According to loveyourdog.com "Adventurous Yorkies love a long walk once or twice a day. It's healthy for him to get out and move his muscles. Even if you have a yard, it's important to go for long walks. Exercise will keep your dog's heart strong so that he lives for a long time. Make sure he wears a leash, though, because some Yorkies like to chase things!"

Always have your Yorkie on a leash. Those little guys can run fast and they can be out in the middle of the road and hit by a car before you know it.

Research shows that owning a dog is actually a great way to reduce your weight. People are more likely to keep up an exercise regiment when they have a dog to walk then if they are doing something on their own.

So take a look at your dog and if she is looking a little pudgy, it is time for you to get some exercise!

Love my Yorkie,
Rachelle

Do dogs reincarnate?

I found this article on ezinearticles.com while looking for something entirely different. Although I am not sure I believe it I find it intriguing. If I thought for an instant that Muffassa (that is his picture on the right in his SuperDog Costume), my beloved Yorkie that passed away in 2005, would reincarnate I would travel to the ends of the world to get him. As far as I know he hasn't. Although I did speak to Kelly Kreuger, and Animal Communicator, who said that Muffassa was thinking of coming back and if he did he would let me know. So far I haven't heard anything.

Now here is something out there. I do believe that my father sent Buddy (our rescued Dog that we got after Muffassa died) to me. Buddy is the kind of dog my dad would have loved. A simple easy going dog that just wants to be a dog. My sister has had several dreams where my father appears to her and the first thing he does is give a message to my sister for me about Buddy. My father died before I got Buddy so it seems odd that he would come back and talk about him. That is why I think he sent him to me. Who knows.

What are your thoughts. Let me know what you think about the article. If nothing else it will make you go "Hmmmm."

Love my Yorkies,
Rachelle

Is Your Pet Reincarnated? Animal Angel Reincarnation, Inspiring Hope for Pet Loss Grief Support
By Brent Atwater Platinum Quality Author

My dog died.

I was devastated! My heart experienced gut wrenching pain and loneliness. My life was obliterated. His wiggle wasn't waiting for me, and being in an empty home was more than I could bear.

I watched endless months of weekly photos, daily puppy updates, videos and rescue web cams. Nothing! I really didn't even care because my heart still mourned to my core and my tears still flowed. However, I felt compelled to keep watching the updates no matter how upset they made me feel.

Then this fluffy little fur ball dragging a LARGE stuffed toy in his mouth ran gleefully zoom zoom across my computer screen. My heart quickened. I must have watched, rewatched and memorized that video hundreds of times. I "felt" him in my soul (sign 1). I called, he was available albeit 2500 miles away. I thought too far to fly the little fellow with stopovers. (Sign 2) as the Universe would have it, the airline carrier added a holiday non stop flight from that area to our airport, so now I had no excuses. I had been unencumbered for years now and a new pup, well...

I talked to and questioned the puppy's guardian till she was probably really tired of me. In one conversation, she jokingly referred to him as "bad boy." I asked why. She stated that he had what looked like a B on his right hip and would send me a photo. (Sign 3) the image sent chills up my spine and all my friends into a chorus of "what don't you get?" He was already spoken for at a higher level then any of us knew at that time. It was as if God had assigned an Angel to monogram my signature on his hip so I wouldn't be so "human" as to not understand that this dog was meant to be mine.

With a weary heart, afraid and excited I met him at the airport VERY Apprehensive! What if I had the wrong pup and we didn't connect? I had never picked a puppy from a distance. He launched out of his crate and immediately sat all 7 pounds of 9 weeks old fluff right down in front of me. He looked up and stared directly into my eyes as if to say where have you been? Now let's get on with our life. Then he hopped into my arms and slept all the way to my house that had now become our home.

I named him Friend. He responded to his "old" name without missing a beat. He knew where his bed was, recognized his past life toys and gathered them into his same toy spot where they were supposed to be! He did not even inspect the new toys, he wanted HIS toys! He talks, hugs, and does all the things all my soul dogs "did." When I look into his eyes we never left one another. He is my "baby dog," my best Friend. When my heart asked where have you been, his spirit replied: I had to exchange my old body for this new one so I could be in your life again. At 10 weeks old he knew and responded to all the old dog's commands, no training was necessary. He's my old adult dog with few puppy moments except he runs at "wide open", is learning how to operate those new feet and is a chewing machine!

Even Mikey our senior cat recognized this 90 day reincarnate. She had lived with Friend 1 and Electra. She slept on Friend's grave for the longest time. It was like a class reunion. They knew they knew each other before but didn't know how to act now. Mikey instigated head bumps, a game of tag with a playful paw bat, and she nonchalantly weaves back and forth under Friend's stomach before she cleans his ears. They can be seen intertwined in the late afternoon sun napping. Sometime "His puppyhood" is exasperated as how to handle his feline buddy.

I am blessed to have gentle paw pads stroking my face to awaken me each morning. All the eccentric little habits, routines, traits, favorite toys, foods, spots and tricks known only to my soul is back in my world in another earthly "monogrammed" fur form as Friend.

If you've lost your pet, service dog, companion animal, assistance dog, pet therapy dog, soul dog and forever fur baby child, don't lose hope. Listen to your heart urgings, watch your dreams, and follow your soul's knowing and intuition. If you feel that you want to hold onto your pet's beds and toys, there is a reason, some part of your soul knows that they will be back. Each dog's soul is a spirit composed of eternal energy that lives forever in all that is.

When it's your soul pet, animal spirit guide or spiritual teacher in an animal form, God/ the Universe honors his choice to reincarnate to be with you many times in various physical bodies. Know that your pet is not gone forever. Give their spirit time to choose a new body. You'll KNOW when you see them! "Mom, I'm home again!"

Here are some signs that your pet may have reincarnated:

1. Listen to and follow the timing and guidance of your inner urgings to search for their
new body form. You'll "know" whether puppy, rescue dog, animal shelter, newspaper ad,
internet search, just listen and trust!

2. Never overlook the little details and just pass them off as not worthy of attention.
Follow through on the details and trust they are correct. There are no coincidences.

3. Look into your pets eyes the window of their soul, you'll know and recognize your
connection.

4. Ask questions with and listen to the answers with your heart.

5. If you feel that you want to hold onto your pet's beds and toys, there is a reason, some
part of your soul knows that they will be back

Sometimes when they return, they embody a new trait that you had been hoping they would have, in addition to their former traits as a further answer to your prayer. The reincarnation timeframe in which they return can be as short as several hours or longer.

There are many pet bereavement and pet loss groups and books available to assist in your healiing. Just Plain Love books provide further information and a list of signs of pet reincarnation. Pet Grief Counselors, animal communicators, animal angel networks have many books on Amazon and in retail stores. Internet resources can provide pet reincarnation blogs, discussion forums on my space pet reincarnation will help you deal with the loss of your companion. Listen to your heart, you WILL know if your beloved pet is going to reincarnate and say I'm home again!



Contact Information:
Brent Atwater, Pet ExpertPet Medical Intuitive, Pet Energy Healing
ATL, GA Phone: 404.242.9022 USA
NC Phone: 910.692.5206 USA
Website: http://www.brentatwater.com/
Email: Brent@BrentAtwater.com
http://www.myspace.com/petreincarnation

Disclaimer: Brent Atwater collaborates with and participates in ongoing energy medicine and intuitive diagnostic medical research, and independent case studies with the world's leading doctors, physicians, researchers, scientists, and medical facilities, helping to create evidence based research that documents the bridging of traditional and alternative healthcare into integrative medicine. Atwater is not a medical doctor or associated with any branch of medicine. Brent offers her opinions based on her intuition, and her personal energy healing work, which is not a substitute for medical procedures or treatments. Always consult a physician or trained health care professional concerning any medical problem

Remove Temptation

My little fur person, Buddy, decided that chewing on my leather backpack purse that I store in my office closet was fun. I tried scolding him, moving him and even reasoning with him. Nothing seemed to work. Whenever Buddy could get to the backpack, he would start chewing on it. After several days of trying to dissuade him from this behavior, I decided to remove the temptation. I moved the backpack from the bottom shelf in the closet to the top shelf. Now Buddy can't see or reach the backpack, and he has moved on to other things.

The best thing to do if you don't want your Yorkie to chew something is remove it. I call this "Buddy Proofing" the house. Don't leave things like expensive shoes laying around. Your Yorkie doesn't know the difference between a chew toy and a pair of expensive leather shoes.

Make sure you have plenty of Yorkie Toys laying around. This way your Yorkie will have plenty to chew on that is acceptable and not be so tempted by what isn't.

Use the command "Leave it." Anytime your Yorkie starts going for or is chewing on something she shouldn't be say "Leave it." This command can be taught by putting something in front of your Yorkie and saying "Leave it." Practice until they understand the command. When your Yorkie does indeed "Leave it" praise her by saying "Good leave it."

Love my Yorkie
Rachelle

"No, Buddy, this isn't heaven; it's Aurora"

"No, Buddy, this isn't heaven; it's Aurora"

Heaven on earth can be anywhere we want it to be. Many people are searching for that perfect place when, if they would just look around, they would realize they are already there. My favorite movie, "Field of Dreams," has a great scene where Ray Kinsella and his father are having a conversation and Ray's dad asks, "Is this Heaven?" Ray responds, "No, it's Iowa." Then Ray looks around at his surroundings and sees the beauty, love and family that surround him and he smiles, knowing that it may not be heaven, but it is a little piece of it right here on earth.

The newest member of our family, Buddy, is a rescue Yorkie, at best guess, about four years old when we got him. Although we don't know very much about his former life, what we do know leads us to believe it wasn't an easy one. Now that he is with our family, he is safe, secure and well fed. At times Buddy looks up at me as if to say, "Is this heaven?" Several times I have answered him out loud, "No, Buddy, this isn't heaven; it's Aurora." To Buddy it most likely seems like heaven on earth. Buddy so appreciates everything he now has -- and if there were ever a dog that could say, "Thank You," it would be our Yorkie Buddy. He knows that wherever this place is, it is a good place to be.

Yorkies are the best
Rachelle

Training is Key

Buddy is a great example of how training is key. My husband and I rescued Buddy and although Buddy was 4 plus years old when we got him, he had never been trained to do basic dog things, like go potty outside. I have had people ask me "How can a dog that is four years old not know to go outside?" Easy! No one ever trained him.

Buddy worked with a private trainer for about six months and the results were amazing. He now knows what to do when he meets the Queen (he bows) and then he dances. He can shake hands, sit pretty and fall over on his side when I say bang. All of this training has assisted Buddy with his focus and has helped him calm down. As for the potty training he shows improvement every day and I am confident with continued training that will not be an issue soon. The key here is the training. Buddy isn't a dumb dog although he does have some challenges. He was never taught what to do, therefore, he doesn't know.

Here are a few tips I picked up from Buddy’s trainer that helped me help Buddy

Be consistent. Work with your Yorkie every day. The more you can get into a routine with the training the faster and easier it will be to get your Yorkie trained.

When training use treats, in the beginning the yummier the better. When I first started training Buddy we used Hot Dogs. Believe me I had his attention. As the training progressed I began using regular doggie biscuits.

Speak in a firm tone when giving commands. When I first started working with Buddy I would say “Staaaaaayyyyy?” like I was asking a question. Instead the command should be given firm and stated as a fact, “Stay.” Also when correcting your Yorkie do so in a firm voice. I would correct Buddy in my lovey dovey Mommy voice. All Buddy heard was “Bla, bla, bla, Buddy.” When you use an authoritative tone your Yorkie will know you mean business and pay attention.

Your training sessions with your Yorkie should be private. Just you and your Yorkie (and a trainer if you have one). Other people and fur children are too distracting. I tried to train Buddy when Surrobbie was around but she wanted all the attention and simply got in the way. When Buddy was in training my husband would take Surrobbie and entertain her.

Teach one trick or command at a time. Work with that trick or command until your Yorkie has it down and then move on to the next. Buddy was a quick study and could learn a trick in just a couple of days. If your Yorkie needs more time don’t rush. Just keep working on one trick or command until she has it down and then add the next trick or command.

You can teach your Yorkie to key on any word for any trick you want to however always use the same word for that particular trick. For example I taught Buddy to bow when he hears the word Queen. I taught his to shake paws with the word President. I actually did this so it would be more fun when Buddy is showing off his tricks to others. I will say to Buddy, “What do you do when you meet the President?” Buddy hears “Bla, Bla, Bla, President” and responds to President. Also after your Yorkie has performed the trick or command you say “Good President” or whatever the word for the trick or command is. That way she knows what she is being praised for.

Yorkies are the best
Rachelle

What I Learned from Buddy

Adopting a fur child after the death of Muffassa, my first and most beloved fur child was not my idea. My husband, however, thought getting a companion for Surrobbie, our female Yorkie, was a good idea. We decided to adopt a rescue animal knowing that there would be issues to contend with, but feeling like that was a better way to go. After several months of searching, Buddy found us. I say Buddy found us because I never actually applied for Buddy. I had applied for a different Yorkie, but someone else adopted him. The woman who fostered that Yorkie notified me that she had Buddy and, after meeting him, we decided to adopt him. Buddy isn't the perfect Yorkie I had imagined. He doesn't have very good manners and he spends hours chasing his tail. The unexpected gift Buddy has given me is acceptance. No, Buddy isn't perfect. He is just Buddy.

At first, there was a lot of comparing Buddy to Muffassa. Of course, Buddy wasn't going to win that game. I quickly realized that comparing someone to anyone else, especially someone departed, isn't fair. Buddy will never be Muffassa, but he will always be Buddy. He has his own personality and is unique in his own way. What I learned from Buddy is that everyone is special. Instead of comparing I can appreciate the gifts Buddy has to offer and still love and treasure my memories of Muffassa.

I had a hard time loving Buddy at first. I felt that somehow that was going to diminish my love for Muffassa. That simply isn't true. Love is unlimited. There is more than enough to go around. I can love Buddy without feeling guilty and without worrying that it makes me love Muffassa any less. Muffassa will always have a special place in my heart, and so will Buddy.

The greatest gift I have received from Buddy is that of acceptance. Accepting others as they are with their gifts and quirks is amazing. Once I got over wanting Buddy to be something he wasn't I felt better and more open to allowing Buddy into my life. As long as you want someone to be anything but who they are, there is no opportunity to embrace that person and let them into your life. Acceptance is the greatest gift you can give anyone. Once you accept someone for who they are - gifts and quirks - you can create an opportunity for a deep and caring relationship.

Yorkies are the best
Rachelle

Everyone deserves a birthday

In April we celebrated our rescued Yorkieish (more ish than Yorkie) fur child's birthday. Actually we have no idea when Buddy's birthday is but everyone needs a birthday so we decided to celebrate his birthday on the day we adopted him. Buddy is around five years old and was very excited to celebrate his birthday, or maybe he was just excited to eat his birthday cookie and open presents.

My friend Judith sent me a great website about traveling with your small dog. I have never taken the fur children on a trip but have always thought it would be fun. The website is http://www.mysmalldog.com/. Lots of fun info and cute pictures.


Another friend of mine, Steve, told me about Dogster a website devoted to dogs and their owners. It is a community website where people can share information about their beloved pet, exchange ideas and share tips.

If you don't have a dog, you can always borrow one, no kidding. Many local SPCA's and Animal Shelters allow people to take the dogs for walks and even home for the weekend. So if you don't want a full time pet, borrowing one might be ideal. Check with your local shelter.

Here's to loving Yorkies
Rachelle

Yorkies are the best

When I was ten years old my family got our first dog, a Manapoo. He was part Manchester and part Poodle. Today he would be a designer breed, then he was a mutt and my dad’s friend begged him to come get one of the eight puppies. I picked him out and named him Sandy, his fur was a light sandy color. He was an amazing dog and I loved him dearly. I still remember the day he died 14 years after we got him. I still miss that dog and he has been gone over 20 years.

When I was in my twenties I married a man whose family raised Yorkies. He had a Yorkie, Chessed, which was a larger Yorkie. Chessed died a year after we were married. The year Chessed died we received a Yorkie puppy from my husband’s sister as a Christmas gift. I just adored that little guy. I named him Christopher because he had to travel from Texas to Florida to live with us ( I thought of him as being an explorer). Unfortunately the husband got custody of Christopher in the divorce. I still miss him, the dog not the husband!

I didn’t have a dog for years, just too much going on in my life. In 1995 I felt the yearnings for a little something to take care of. Not a baby, but something. I decided it was time to get a Yorkie. My husband however put his foot down and said no dogs. I convinced him to just go look at a Yorkie puppy I found advertised in the paper. Of course we all know you can’t just go look at a puppy. One look and we both fell in love. I named him Muffassa after the Simba’s father in the Lion King. Muffassa was an amazing dog, so smart. He was also a pretty mean Yorkie and would bite when he didn’t get his way.

Three years after we got Muffassa I decided Muffassa needed a little friend. Muffassa didn’t agree however he learned to put up with Surrobbie, a little female we got from a breeder in Kansas. She was so ugly when we got her that I was convinced we were the only people on earth to ever have an ugly Yorkie puppy. She however grew to be the cutest thing ever born and I just adore her.

Sadly in 2005 we lost Muffassa to cancer. My husband and I were in Florida visiting my sister and her family during the Christmas holiday. Both my parents died in 2005 and my sister wanted me to be with her during our first Christmas without our parents. Two days after Christmas we got a call from the boarder that Muffassa had been rushed to the Animal emergency hospital. He was in critical condition and died later that day. We didn’t even know he was sick. To this day I can hardly think about him without crying. Sure do miss that little guy.

Four months after Muffassa died we decided to rescue a Yorkie so that Surrobbie would have a friend. She seemed so lost without Muffassa. It is a very long story but we ended up getting Lionel, a Yorkieish (more ish than Yorkie) male who had been saved from being put down at the local Dog Pound. We changed Lionel’s name to Buddy and he really is a Buddy. Buddy has issues that as I go along in my blog I will explain. However after two years he is doing much better and we have come to love him dearly.

We call our dogs Fur Children and treat them better than many non-fur children get treated. Both my husband and I adore them and they are part of our family.

Here’s to Yorkies
Rachelle