Showing posts with label Stacey B. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stacey B. Show all posts
Friday, August 3, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Top 2 photos are male #1
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Looking for a Puppy
Puppies
Looking for a puppy? Have a puppy? Learn about puppies from the experts.
There's nothing sweeter than puppy breath, those inquisitive little noses and non-stop wiggling tails. Our puppies section covers all you need to know about these adorable little guys, from the time you take one home to the moment you can call your pup an adult dog. Learn how to prepare your home for a puppy, get the lowdown on what vaccines are needed at each stage of your puppy’s life, and bone up on basic training and commands. Our experts provide advice on how to deal with teething, house training, spaying or neutering, keeping puppies fit and happy, and then some.
Five Ways to Deter Your Puppy's Chewing
Puppies chew because they're teething, because they're bored, or because your stinky sweat socks are actually tasty to them. They are unaware that it's looked down upon by polite society and cannot calculate the cost of a ruined couch. Most puppies around week 21 are at their heaviest chewing period. Read more »
Health and Care
Housebreaking
Puppy Nutrition
Puppy Growth Stages
What to expect for your:Monday, December 12, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
"Recipe" for the Shih Tzu breed's creation
a dash of lion,
several teaspoons of rabbit,
a couple ounces of domestic cat,
one part court jester,
a dash of ballerina,
a pinch of old man(Chinese)
a bit of beggar,
tablespoon of monkey,
one part baby seal,
a dash of teddy bear,and the rest of the dogs of Tibetan and Chinese origin
described by: James Mumford
several teaspoons of rabbit,
a couple ounces of domestic cat,
one part court jester,
a dash of ballerina,
a pinch of old man(Chinese)
a bit of beggar,
tablespoon of monkey,
one part baby seal,
a dash of teddy bear,and the rest of the dogs of Tibetan and Chinese origin
described by: James Mumford
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Lifelong Immunity
Lifelong Immunity – Why Vets Are Pushing Back
The duration of immunity for Rabies vaccine, Canine distemper vaccine, Canine Parvovirus vaccine, Feline Panleukopenia vaccine, Feline Rhinotracheitis, feline Calicivirus, have all been demonstrated to be a minimum of 7 years by serology for rabies and challenge studies for all others.In the Duration of Immunity to Canine Vaccines: What We Know and What We Don’t Know, Proceedings – Canine Infectious Diseases: From Clinics to Molecular Pathogenesis, Ithaca, NY, 1999, Dr. Ronald Schultz, a veterinary immunologist at the forefront of vaccine research and chair of the University of Wisconsin’s Department of Pathobiological Sciences, outlines the DOI for the following vaccines:
Minimum Duration of Immunity for Canine Vaccines:
Distemper- 7 years by challenge/15 years by serologyParvovirus – 7 years by challenge/ 7 years by serology
Adenovirus – 7 years by challenge/ 9 years by serology
Canine rabies – 3 years by challenge/ 7 years by serology
Dr. Schultz concludes: “Vaccines for diseases like distemper and canine parvovirus, once administered to adult animals, provide lifetime immunity.” “Are we vaccinating too much?” JAVMA, No. 4, August 15, 1995, pg. 421.
Yet vets continue to vaccinate annually. Dog owners feel that their vets are doing their dogs a great service by vaccinating every three years instead of annually – why do we allow it when these studies were done over thirty years ago and have been replicated time and again by other researchers?
Ian Tizard states: “With modified live virus vaccines like canine parvovirus, canine distemper and feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis the virus in the vaccine must replicate to stimulate the immune system. In a patient that has been previously immunized, antibodies from the previous vaccine will block the replication of the new vaccinal virus. Antibody titers are not significantly boosted. Memory cell populations are not expanded. The immune status of the patient is not enhanced.
After the second rabies vaccination, re-administration of rabies vaccine does not enhance the immune status of the patient at one or two year intervals. We do not know the interval at which re-administration of vaccines will enhance the immunity of a significant percentage of the pet population, but it is certainly not at one or two year intervals.
Tizard Ian, Yawei N, Use of serologic testing to assess immune status of companion animals, JAVMA, vol 213, No 1, July 1, 1998.
“The recommendation for annual re-vaccination is a practice that was officially started in 1978.” says Dr. Schultz. “This recommendation was made without any scientific validation of the need to booster immunity so frequently. In fact the presence of good humoral antibody levels blocks the anamnestic response to vaccine boosters just as maternal antibody blocks the response in some young animals.”
He adds: “The patient receives no benefit and may be placed at serious risk when an unnecessary vaccine is given. Few or no scientific studies have demonstrated a need for cats or dogs to be revaccinated. Annual vaccination for diseases caused by CDV, CPV2, FPLP and FeLV has not been shown to provide a level of immunity any different from the immunity in an animal vaccinated and immunized at an early age and challenged years later. We have found that annual revaccination with the vaccines that provide long-term immunity provides no demonstrable benefit.”
Why then, have vets not embraced the concept of lifelong immunity in dogs?
“Profits are what vaccine critics believe is at the root of the profession’s resistance to update its protocols. Without the lure of vaccines, clients might be less inclined to make yearly veterinary visits. Vaccines add up to 14 percent of the average practice’s income, AAHA reports, and veterinarians stand to lose big. I suspect some are ignoring my work,” says Schultz, who claims some distemper vaccines last as long as 15 years. “Tying vaccinations into the annual visit became prominent in the 1980s and a way of practicing in the 1990s. Now veterinarians don’t want to give it up.”
The report of the American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccine Taskforce in JAAHA (39 March/April 2003)3 includes the following information for vets:
‘Misunderstanding, misinformation and the conservative nature of our profession have largely slowed adoption of protocols advocating decreased frequency of vaccination’; ‘Immunological memory provides durations of immunity for core infectious diseases that far exceed the traditional recommendations for annual vaccination.’
‘This is supported by a growing body of veterinary information as well-developed epidemiological vigilance in human medicine that indicates immunity induced by vaccination is extremely long lasting and, in most cases, lifelong.’
Both the AAHA and the AVMA must do more to “step up to the plate” says noted immunologist, Dr. Richard Ford. But the reality is the vets do not have to listen to the AAHA or the AVMA and it appears the state veterinary medical boards are not interested in enforcing vaccine schedules, opting to leave it up to the individual vet.
Dr. Bob Rogers hired a Chicago based law firm and initiated a class action suit for pet owners who were not given informed consent and full disclosure prior to vaccination administration. His article entitled “The Courage to Embrace the Truth”, states “While attending conferences like WSVMA and NAVMC I have asked over 400 DVMs from various parts of the country if they attended the seminars on New Vaccination Protocols. I was told by all but one, “I don’t care what the data says, I am not changing.” One DVM here on VIN even said “I am not changing until the AVMA makes me change.”
It seems that pet owners are against the wall when it comes to vaccination. The obvious conclusion is that pet owners who are concerned about the long term health of their companion animals must take it upon themselves to research vaccines, duration of immunity and vaccine dangers. At the very least, question every vaccine that goes into your animal – but none of the above information indicates you will get an honest or well-informed answer.
Be your dog’s advocate – protect him with knowledge and by taking a stand against unnecessary vaccination. His life may depend on it!
More Dog Food RECALL's
Two Dog Food Brands Recalled by Cargill
Cargill has announced a voluntary dog food recall involving two of its brands due to contamination with aflatoxin.
Both River Run and Marksman dry dog foods were produced at Cargill’s Lecompte, Louisiana plant.
The recall includes 13 states and 2 territories: Kansas, Missouri, Northeast Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Western Kentucky, Southeast Indiana, Southern Illinois, Hawaii, and limited areas of Florida, California Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by a certain species of mold commonly found in cereal grains.
The products listed have Lot Codes 4K0335 through 4K0365, 4K1001 through 4K1335, LL0335 through LL0365, and LL1001 through LL1335 on the tag or bag and include:
- River Run Professional Formula 27-18 Dog Food 50#
- River Run 21% Protein Dog Food (50# and 40#)
- River Run Hi-NRG 24-20 Dog Food 50#
- River Run Hi-Pro No-Soy Dog Food (50# and 40#)
- Marksman 28-18 Dog Food 40#
- Marksman 24-20 Dog Food 40#
- Marksman 20-10 Dog Food (50# and 40#)
What to Watch For
According to Cargill…“Exposure to excessive levels of aflatoxin, especially over extended periods of time, can lead to reduced liver function.
Call your veterinarian if your dog has had a product that may have contained aflatoxin and exhibits sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, diarrhea, or yellowing of the eyes or gums.”
What to Do
If a dog shows any of these signs, consumers should stop feeding the suspected products immediately — and consult a veterinarian.You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.
Cargill has suggested consumers return any unused portion of the recalled dog food to the store where it was bought for a full refund. For more information, call the company at 855-460-1532.
The Dog Food Advisor publishes independent reviews to help pet owners make better choices when shopping for dog food.Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Procter & Gamble voluntarily removed puppy food
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
puppy/dog Tear stains Review
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 Tear stains develop when bacteria and yeast form on the hair/fur located underneath the eyes of both cats and dogs. While it is possible to clean this area with a topical solution such as a wipe, the reality is that is only a short term solution. The next time tears gestate underneath the eyes, the same stains will return. " The best way to get rid of tear stains is to attack the problem from the inside out with natural supplements." Tear stains are most evident on light colored animals and commonly affect small breeds of dogs such as Shi-Tzus, Poodles and the Maltese. While tear stains are not life-threatening, they are often unpleasant looking and result in the appearance of clumpy, discolored facial hair. This is often very frustrating as most owners are very careful to ensure their pet is cleaned and groomed regularly. However, as previously stated, grooming will not stop tear stains from developing. The best way to remove tear stains is to use a supplement such as those listed below. These products work from the inside out and attack the root cause of the problem. After a few weeks of your pet taking these supplements the hair/fur underneath the eye will grow out and remain stain free. All you have to do is to trim the hair/fur as it grows out. Our staff has reviewed dozens of tear stain removal products and has narrowed down their list to the top 6 products available online. It should be noted that while all of the products we list can help, some of them contain the ingredient Tylosin, which is an antibiotic. This is important to mention as some animals can become sick after taking it which is why we suggest using a tear stain removal product that does not contain Tylosin. The following products are ranked according to the following criteria: strength and safety of ingredients, cost effectiveness, and overall customer feedback.  The Top Tear Stain Products: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product Image | Product Name | Ability to Help Remove Tear Stains | Ability to Help Prevent Future Tear Stains | Ability to Help Support Healthy Vision | Ability to Help Support the Immune System | Contains Potentially Dangerous Ingredient Tylosin | Learn More | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Tearlax | Superior | Superior | Excellent | Superior | No | Learn More |
| 2 |  | Angels Delight | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent | No | Learn More |
| 3 |  | Angels Eyes | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Yes | Learn More |
| 4 |  | Ocu-Clear | Excellent | Good | Fair | Excellent | No | Learn More |
| 5 |  | I-Clenz | Good | Good | Fair | Good | No | Learn More |
| 6 |  | Angels Glow | Good | Good | Unknown | Fair | Yes | Learn More |
American Kennel Club
American Kennel Club - Record-Breaking Entry of Nearly 4,000 Conformation Competitors at 11th Annual
www.akc.orgAmerican Kennel Club - News Article - Record-Breaking Entry of Nearly 4,000 Conformation Competitors at 11th Annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Shih Tzu Proofing Your Home~from a reputable California breeder
When you bring your Shih Tzu/Yorkshire Terrier home everyone in the family is very excited and a lot of the times this might be your first Shih Tzu/Yorkshire Terrier experience. We reputible breeders work very hard home raising our Shih Tzu/Yorkshire Terrier's so that the adoption into your new home is smooth and fun. Shih Tzu/Yorkshire Terrier puppies have lots of energy and natural curiosity, and they love to explore their new world in your home. This is part of what makes it so much fun for the family but can also lead your Shih Tzu/Yorkshire Terrier into potential trouble and danger. Make sure you secure your home as you would for a toddler. If you are not sure and how to do this just read the steps below. Its easy!
- Know which plants in your home are toxic to your new puppy and place them out of reach. Puppies love to smell and try new things like plants. Two plants that are typically found in your home would be Philodendrons and Caladium. Make sure these are out of reach.
- Keep all medications out of your puppies reach. Place them up high in your cabinets.
- Put bathroom trash cans off of the ground including sanitary supplies and kitchen trash as well. Puppies will search for items that have not been introduced to before such as toilet paper, paper towel rolls etc.
- Although most of your furniture is safe for your Shih Tzu/Yorkie puppy there are still a few items you need to watch out for. Rocking chairs can sometimes harm your puppies tail or paw. Sliding doors can sometimes do the same since your puppy will follow you for love all over your home.
- Electrical cords are possibly the most dangerous for your puppy. Since cords are rubber/plastic and puppies love to chew this makes it a direct target for your Shih Tzu/Yorkie. Tie up your loose electrical cords and try to keep them out of site.
- Keep small objects away from your puppy as you would away from a child. Coins, knits, clothing, jewelry and anything else your puppy would love to chew on.
- Food scraps are your puppies desire! Make sure your puppy never gets to your chicken bones and or any other scraps left behind.
Monday, November 28, 2011
The breed counts for the 2011 AKC Eukanuba National Championship -
blog.eukanuba.com
We are so excited to announce the Breed Counts for the 2011 AKC Eukanuba National Championship being held December 17 & 18 in Orlando Florida! #AKCEukShow
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Breeders~Handlers
In canine-loving households, The National Dog Show Presented by Purina is as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and pumpkin pie. Watch today at noon on NBC!
In canine-loving households, The National Dog Show Presented by Purina is as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and pumpkin pie. For the 10th consecutive year, NBC will air The National Dog Show Presented by Purina immediately following its telecast of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Some 2,000 purebreds from 170 breeds will vie for the coveted Best in Show title at the prestigious event, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. This year, six new American Kennel Club (AKC)-sanctioned breeds make their debut at the event: Entlebucher Mountain Dog, Norwegian Lundehund, Xoloitzcuintli, American English Coonhound, Cesky Terrier and Finnish Lapphund. (Click here for more on the new breeds.)
John O’Hurley of Seinfeld fame and the season one winner of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars will host the show. O’Hurley will be joined by analyst David Frei, the voice of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on the USA Network and one of America’s top authorities on the sport. (Check out their video below on how to watch a dog show.)
According to the AKC, the goal of dog shows is to evaluate breeding stock in order to find the best dogs who can produce the next generation of purebreds. The judges evaluate teeth, muscles, bones and coat texture, as well as view each dog in profile to assess overall balance and see how the features fit together in action. Judges then give awards according to how closely each contender compares to the mental image of the "perfect" dog described in the breed's official standard, including specifications for structure, temperament and movement.
The elite canines must prevail through several levels of competition in order to capture Best in Show. The dogs are initially judged against their own breed, with the first-place winners advancing to compete in one of seven group competitions — Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. Four placements are awarded in each group, but only first-place winners advance to the Best in Show competition. Last year’s Best in Show winner was a 3-year-old Irish Setter named Clooney (aka GCH. Windntide Mr. Sandman).
NBC’s broadcast of The National Dog Show Presented by Purina airs Thursday, November 24, 2011, from noon to 2 p.m. in all time zones.
More from Vetstreet.com:
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Why Does My Dog Lean on Me?
Why Does My Dog Sleep Belly Up?
9/11 Therapy Dog Eli visits The National Dog Show
Also on
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Top Ten Thanksgiving Tips for Pets
Thanksgiving celebrations have almost arrived once again which means we must take extra care to keep our furry friends safe. With visitors coming and going and all types of foods surrounding the home it is important to keep a close eye on pets to make sure they stay out of trouble and enjoy thanksgiving too. This month's article gives you the top ten thanksgiving tips to make sure you know the do's and don'ts to keep your pet happy during all the festive celebrations!
- Festive treats can harm pe
ts
Owners need to be aware of the festive treats that their pets are eating. A number of foods that are found on the table at this time of the year can be very dangerous to our pets. Leftover fat and other various fatty foods can cause pancreatitis, a very serious and occasionally fatal disease.
- Bones can be dangerous
Although bones may seem to be a favorite among pets, it is important to keep turkey and ham bones right away. These bones can splinter and become lodged in an animal’s throat or intestine as well as cause severe constipation.
- Nut warning
Different forms of nuts have been found to produce muscle weakness and paralysis among pets. Macadamia nuts are found to be the most dangerous. Paralysis tends not to be permanent, with pets usually regaining full use of their legs. If you think that your pet may have eaten any nuts, then it is important to seek veterinary advice immediately.
- Strictly no alcohol
Alcoholic drinks are a popular part of the festive season, but it is important to remember to keep them far away from any animals. Dogs and cats are highly susceptible to the poisonous affects of alcohol due to them being much smaller in size than humans.
- Chocolate can kill
Even the slightest ounce of chocolate can be fatal to a small dog. The substance theobromine found in chocolate, particularly in dark and unsweetened forms, is extremely dangerous to pets. Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity and seizures are all the major symptoms of poisoning. In some cases, dogs may not show any signs of poisoning for several hours, with possible death occurring up to twenty-four hours later. - No turkey stuffing
The chemical thiosulphate can often be found in turkey stuffing, which is made up of onions and garlic. This chemical can cause a pet’s red blood cells to weaken and even rupture.
- Pet friendly treats only
With all the food dangers that your pet may be faced with, it doesn’t mean that they have to miss out on indulging in any special treats altogether. There are many treats on the market such as Aristopet's Healthy Pet Treats that you can give them so they don’t feel left out. These treats are tasty and provide your pets with a reward while also contributing to a healthy balanced diet.
- Pet safety zones
When it comes to parties and celebrations it is often a good idea to consider setting up a pet-safe retreat so your pets can relax away from all of the excitement. The retreat could be in a spare room or quiet corner of the house with all of the necessities such as food, water and a few toys to keep them entertained. You should also remember to regularly check on them to ensure that they are not stressed. - Shut doors and gates
With people coming and going and lots of strangers around, it is very important to check that doors and gates are shut tight. Pets should be supervised or kept on a lead to avoid them escaping. It is also a great time of the year to get your pet micro chipped for extra caution.
- Put rubbish away
Rubbish and leftovers can be very tempting for pets to eat, but they can also be very dangerous for them. Be sure to dispose of any leftovers and waste to avoid your pet getting hold of anything that might be harmful. It is important to dispose of trash properly and to make sure that garbage cans are secured properly so that curious pets can't get into them or knock them over.
Dog Treat Kitchen
Making jerky for your dog is not a difficult process. These chicken jerky treats are a perfect example of easy dog treat recipes.
Ingredients:
http://www.dogtreatkitchen.com/chicken-jerky-dog-treats.html
- Chicken Breast Fillets
- Preheat oven to 200° F
- Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Rinse off chicken breast and remove any fat.
- Slice the chicken with the grain. This will help make the jerky even chewier for your dog. The slices should be very thin, about 1/8" to 1/4" thickness.
- Place the strips on the baking sheet.
- Bake for approximately 2 hours (see note below).
- Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack until completely cool.
- Cut strips into bite sized pieces.
Tips & Techniques
- Checking - The baking times will vary due to difference in ovens, temperatures and meat size. Your jerky treats should be firm and dry, not at all soft or spongy. It is safer to go a little extra dry and firm than for the meat to be underdone.
- Cutting - Once the treats are cool, it's easier to cut them with kitchen scissors or a pizza cutter, than a regular knife.
http://www.dogtreatkitchen.com/chicken-jerky-dog-treats.html
Monday, November 21, 2011
Yorkshire Terriers
Discover the breed characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier.
Diane Morgan
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Don’t believe me? While nobody was paying attention, for example, the Yorkie has made a silent but steady ascent up the ladder on the American Kennel Club’s registration lists. Half a century or so ago, the Yorkie ranked 57th among the 112 breeds, but by 1970, the breed had climbed to 17th place. By 1980, he was up to No. 11, and broke into the top 10 in 1995. Today, the formidable toy terrier ranks No. 2, behind only the perennial Labrador Retriever. But Labs had better watch out, because Yorkies are about to bite ‘em in the butts. Metaphorically speaking, of course.
The idea of Yorkies taking over the world is, in a way, a comforting one. The Yorkie is beautiful, courageous, sociable, hyper-sophisticated and super intelligent. If any dog deserves to own the planet, it’s surely this one. Let’s take a look at the Yorkshire Terrier’s 13-step program for taking over.
Step 1: Distract the owner with extreme cuteness.
While the human is oohing and aahing over the adorable mite, the tiny terror (I meant “terrier,” of course) is using his magical powers to receive extra treats, a special place on the bed or a diamond necklace in place of the cheap rhinestone one originally purchased. Tap water will and must be replaced by Perrier. As for ordinary dog food -- forget it. Yorkies prefer lean cuts of home-prepared beef, salmon and chicken, with fresh grilled veggies on the side. Step 2: Smother with hair.
Although the Yorkshire Terrier is tiny, he magically produces more hair than a Newfoundland in the dead of winter. However, Yorkies do not shed, and that’s part of their magic. Still, they can and will manage to tangle or mat up their luxuriant and silky hair at a moment’s notice, forcing the owner to spend hours grooming or having it cut to a sensible length. (If you decide to try for the long coat, it is essential that the part is even. Yorkies cannot abide a crooked part.) Most Yorkies seem to enjoy the bows their owners insist on decorating them with, as long as the colors complement their hair. Some people have no taste in this matter. Step 3: Misdirect the human’s attention.
The Yorkie is well-versed in the art of slight-of-paw. Notably, he is able to use his skills in misdirection to disorient the human about how many terriers he or she actually owns. Many Yorkshire Terrier owners thought they had only one Yorkie, only to discover later that they had four of them. Or vice versa. Those old enough to remember the original Star Trek TV series may recall the incredibly cute tribbles, which looked suspiciously like Yorkshire Terrier puppies, and which eventually took over the Starship Enterprise. That’s what will happen at your house -- even if you only have one Yorkie. (Be forewarned: Nearly everyone who gets one Yorkshire Terrier eventually gets two -- and so on. They are so small and active, it’s hard to keep count.)
Step 4: Start barking.
Yorkies are sometimes accused of being “yappy.” They are not yappy. They are engaged in a carefully planned (and high-pitched) tactic to get what they want. Nor do they bark all the time, as detractors claim. Yorkies bark only when: (a) intruders approach, (b) it’s dinnertime, (c) it’s near dinnertime, (d) they think it’s near dinnertime, (d) they want to be petted, (f) they want to go out, (g) they want to play, (h) they want you to come home, (i) they want to you throw the cat off your lap so they can sit there, or (j) they want something else, and who knows what the heck it is? The important thing is that Yorkies like to keep you guessing. The Yorkshire Terrier has perfectly calibrated his barking to a pitch that’s precisely unbearable to human ears when continued for more than five seconds. The Yorkie employs this method to obtain his desires when more subtle clues like staring, nudging and peeing on the floor seem to escape the owner’s notice.
Step 5: Manipulate the other pets.
Yorkshire Terriers are smarter than most other dogs, and usually can manage to get someone else blamed for things they do themselves. “It couldn’t have been the Yorkie,” thinks the naïve owner, gazing with dismay at the ripped curtains, unrolled toilet paper and chewed-up couch. “She’s too tiny to make a mess this big.” The Lab gets in trouble instead, and the Yorkie snickers up his silky sleeve. The Labrador just looks guilty. Step 6: Convince the owner that he is impossible to housetrain.
Almost every Yorkie book and website warns owners that the little dogs are a challenge to housetrain. Well, maybe, but the true reason is seldom given. Yorkshire Terriers find outdoor toilet facilities demeaning and prefer to eliminate in the house, same as their owners. You can solve the problem quite easily by providing an indoor doggie litter box, preferably encrusted with jewels, or by using the outdoors yourself, so the dog doesn’t feel so self-conscious. Step 7: Complain about the cold.
Because they only have a single coat (not double coated like other breeds), most Yorkies hate cooler weather, and owners try to compensate by buying or knitting charming dog sweaters and booties for their darlings. These are better than nothing, especially if they are designer-made, but the most advanced Yorkies manage to convince their humans to buy a winter home in Bermuda or Hawaii. They prefer beachfront property, as long as it is near high-end shopping. In Bermuda, the little dogs can wear their bikinis. Step 8: Take over family planning.
Many Yorkshire Terriers are leery of small, loud, bumbling children, who have been known to tease or fall on these little dogs. In response to that unsatisfactory state of affairs, some Yorkies have managed to convince their owners that a child-free relationship is better for everyone. Someone I knew refused to consider having a baby “until Twitters passes away,” as she said. Being a member of a long-lived breed, Twitters hung on until he was 18, and my friend’s biological clock stopped ticking. So she and her husband got another Yorkie. Step 9: Fake being a watchdog.
Yorkies are renowned for their alertness, and most family members fondly believe that the Yorkie is warning them of dangers. Wrong. The Yorkie aims to keep everyone out -- both friend and foe. And they don’t care what the neighbors think, either. Part of the Yorkie’s diabolical world takeover plot is to isolate his family from the outside world, so that you soon will have no friends or anywhere to turn when the inevitable happens, and you are begging your terrier for a scrap of food or the corner of the bed.
Don’t get your hopes up. Yorkies are not known for their compassion. But they do have a sense of humor. In a famous incident, two Yorkshire Terriers leapt to the aid of their elderly owner when she was accosted by a flasher. The Yorkies leapt up and bit the man where it hurt the most. Yorkies not only are brave, but they also are terribly offended by lewd behavior.
They also are fearless where other dogs are concerned. A Yorkie named Oliver broke out of his own house and raced across the street to distract an insane Akita who was attacking an elderly lady. He distracted the huge dog long enough for the victim to make a getaway and suffered some injury himself before he was able to scamper to safety under a car. He received eight stitches and a lot of praise for his courage. There truly is no braver dog than the Yorkshire Terrier.
For another real Yorkie hero, one has to look no further than Smokey, a decorated World War II dog who took baths in her owner’s, Army Corporal Bill Wynne, helmet. (Even on a New Guinea battlefield, a true-blooded Yorkie insists on cleanliness.) Found in a fox-hole, she participated in 12 air-sea rescues and lived through 150 bombardments. It was never clear where she came from originally, since she refused to answer commands in either English or Japanese. Perhaps they forgot to say “please.” The dog actually helped build Allied airfields by dragging wires though narrow culverts no one else could get through. Smokey was later voted “Mascot of the South Pacific,” and finished her career by traveling around the world demonstrating her tricks -- she could walk a tight wire blindfolded.
Step 10: Be portable.
Nothing pleases the adventurous Yorkie more than being where the action is, which is seldom at home. It’s not an accident that the Yorkshire Terrier is so small. Being little is part of the big plan. The Yorkie is so small that you have no excuse not to carry him along with you wherever you go, even into places that are usually forbidden to lesser breeds. (Most toy breeds hate being “boarded out,” and Yorkies are probably tops in this category. They also are not crazy about being left on their own, so you basically have no choice. The Yorkie has made sure of that.) And once you’re in that fancy restaurant or high-class boutique, who is going to be cold-hearted enough to kick you out? Not with that adorable little dog, who’s busy distracting the proprietor with his cuteness. Eventually, the dog will be attached to your hip and you’ll be unable to leave without him even in the unlikely event that you should wish to. Step 11: Be nice.
The Yorskhire’s Terrier’s ability to get along with other pets, including cats and larger dogs, makes him an easy addition to anyone’s home. And that’s part of the plan, of course. Almost everyone has room for a least one Yorkie, and before you know it, people own a dozen of them and nothing else. Don’t worry, your Yorkie will be very friendly with all the other pets while he is easing them out of your heart and home. As a favor, he may also de-mouse your house, mostly because he can’t stand sharing his living quarters with rodents.Step 12: Get bored.
Yorkies are so intelligent that they bore easily, and that means they require a great deal of slavish attention from their owners to keep them entertained. The captivated owner can play games with them or even enlist them in a sport that’s laughably known as “obedience.” Yorkies are quite good at this endeavor, so long as they are given treats, toys and other rewards every step of the way. They also excel at agility, although they tend to negotiate the jumps in the order they prefer, rather than the one “ordered” by the owner. The result, however, is that all the spectators gather around and say, “Oh, how sweet!” Thus, the sneaky terrier ropes in more slavish admirers while still doing precisely as he pleases. Of course, Yorkies excel in the show ring, where they simply float by their competition. However, one should be aware that every Yorkie thinks he should win every class and if he doesn’t, he is liable to take it out on you, and demand more toys and costly items of apparel.
Step 13: Replace the remaining family members in the owner’s heart.
Everyone who has a Yorkie falls deeply and irrevocably in love. Husbands, parents and even children soon take second, third and fourth place in the Yorkie owner’s affection. Soccer games are missed to take the dog to the beauty parlor. Anniversaries are forgotten because the Yorkie needs a new sweater. Family vacations are skipped because the Yorkie doesn’t want to stay in a kennel. Important children’s vaccinations are omitted because there is only enough money for one family member to be up to date on shots. A friend of mine had just gotten a charming Yorkie as a birthday present for her husband. As she was driving home, she passed an ancient Navajo woman walking along and gave her lift. For a long time the woman remained silent, but finally asked my friend what was in the crate. “It's a Yorkshire Terrier puppy,” my friend explained. “I got it for my husband.” The woman was quiet for another minute, staring at the puppy. At last she solemnly pronounced, “Good trade.”
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