Friday, July 25, 2008

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

Thursday, July 24, 2008

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

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

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

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

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

Monday, July 14, 2008

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

Friday, July 11, 2008

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

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

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

Sunday, July 6, 2008

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.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

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