Ask Josiah: Yorkie Edition

A blog post by Josiah, the expert Yorkie puppy

Hi, I’m Josiah, a nearly grownup Yorkie puppy. I understand that humans have questions about Yorkies. Because I’m nearly one year old, I’ve become a true Yorkie expert. I would love to answer your questions. Ask me anytime!

*If you have questions about Yorkies, just ask. I’ll be glad to answer. I’m an almost grownup Yorkie, so I’m an expert now.*

What Is Your Job in the House?

Wow, that’s an important question. Actually, everything is my job. Yorkies have a lot of responsibilities.

In addition to writing this blog every week, I also have daily sentry duty. I have to listen for who’s coming and going outside. If a delivery truck comes up, I need to supervise. If a rodent-squirrel runs by, I need to scold. If I hear any strange sound, I need to alert.

I’m also in charge of ground patrol. I have to sniff the perimeter, indoors and outdoors, throughout the day. It’s my job to supervise everything that goes on. I notice when anything seems different.

*Sentry and patrol duties are very important for a Yorkie.*

My biggest job is taking care of Miss Janet, my human. She takes more concentration than you would think. She’s up, she’s down, she’s in, she’s out. One minute she’s upset, the next minute she’s laughing. It can be very confusing.

We Yorkies are very tuned in to the way our humans feel. I have to make sure she is mostly okay and calm. If something goes wrong, I have to make sure she quickly returns to her “settle” command.

Looking out for her well-being is probably my most challenging job. It’s why I need so many naps throughout the day.

Which Items in the House Belong to You?

I have an awesome inventory of toys: chew toys, rolly balls, plushie toys to snuggle with. I keep them organized and love to combine them. I’m a great toy engineer. I keep some toys in my playpen, and other toys stay out in the living room.

*I love my toys. I keep them very organized, so I always have what I need close by. My chew toys are great when I need to burn through my excitement after seeing a rodent-squirrel through the window.*

I have yummy food and treats. I’m getting new food this week! I’m almost a one-year-old grownup puppy. I’ll be starting to mix adult small breed dog food with my puppy food. I also get a few human treats: blueberries and carrots. Miss Janet breaks them into little pieces because I’m a small dog.

The couch is also mine, along with the couch steps, blankets, and pillows. I let Miss Janet share the couch because it’s fun to jump on her and cuddle. I take lots of naps on my couch.

I have two crates that belong to me: one for overnight, and one for when Miss Janet goes out during the day, though I can’t understand why she ever leaves. When Miss Janet moves one of my crates, I protest loudly. She can’t understand why, but that’s my furniture. How would she feel if someone moved her bed around?

*Yorkies like to keep track of our inventory. I become very alert when my possessions are being moved around. It’s always best to show me what you’re doing and let me supervise.*

I’ve also claimed Miss Janet’s socks as my property. They make great toys to chase around, whether they’re rolled up in a ball or on her feet. She seems to think the socks belong to her, but if you count the teeth marks in them, I think it’s clear the socks are mine.

What Are You Still Trying to Figure out about Humans?

There’s a lot I still don’t understand about humans. But I’ve learned to accept that they’re just different. Humans are definitely not Yorkies.

I can’t figure out:

why humans leave the room and expect me to stay calm or expect me not to follow.
why humans won’t share their yummy food with me.
why humans stare at that little glowing box instead of tickling me.
why humans don’t include me in their conversations when I clearly have a lot to say.
why humans don’t get alarmed at the sheer number of rodent-squirrels running through the yard.
why bedtime is sometimes earlier and sometimes later with no explanation.
why some packages arrive in the mail that aren’t for me.
why humans would bother doing anything other than play with me.

*I assume every package that arrives in the mail is for me. Sometimes it’s not, and I can’t understand that. In this photo, it was my treats arriving, so I helped open the package.*

What Advice Would You Give Younger Yorkie Puppies?

Rule number one of being a Yorkie: Bark first. Ask questions later.

Watch humans carefully. It’s important to study their routines. This is how you’ll learn what mischief you can get away with.

Look and sound brave, even when you’re scared.

Stay close to your human. They really will look out for you.

*Even though I am unruly sometimes, I always know Miss Janet is looking out for me.*

Learn the location and sound of every treat and snack in the kitchen, so you can be right underfoot when a package is opened.

Take as many naps as possible. You’ll need the energy. Being a Yorkie is hard work.

Enjoy your youth. Before you know it, you’ll be an almost adult grownup puppy like me.

When all else fails: Look cute. Cuteness will get you out of a lot of trouble.

*When all else fails, look cute! Cuteness solves a lot of problems.*

What Makes for a Good Yorkie Day?

A good Yorkie day starts with a “Good morning” greeting, a cuddle, and a treat from Miss Janet. Then an exciting walk through the yard, followed by breakfast and more treats.

A good Yorkie day includes playtime with Miss Janet, snuggles on the couch, lots of tickles, belly rubs, and back scratches. A good game of chase, some zoomies, and maybe the chance to snag a sock.

*Any day that includes a belly rub is a good Yorkie day.*

More treats. A walk patrolling the property and chasing away the rodent-squirrels. A yummy dinner with my favorite snacks (carrots and blueberries) as a side dish.

Lots of naps throughout the day. Getting a package of treats in the mail after barking at the delivery truck. And most importantly, feeling included in everything that goes on in our home. I love my awesome Yorkie days.

I hope you now have a better understanding of what it’s like to be a Yorkie. I think we Yorkies are pretty amazing. I hope you have a fun, treat-filled day!

Barks and squiggles,

Josiah