A blog post by Josiah, the human-teaching Yorkie
Miss Janet has asked me some questions lately, so I thought I’d share my answers with you. This will help you learn more about why we Yorkies do the interesting things we do.
Why do you bark out the window?
I’m a Yorkie. We were originally bred to hunt down rodents in factories and mines. When I see a rodent, I must alert you. I have to get your attention, so you know a rodent has been sighted.
Do you have any idea of the number of rodent-squirrels I see out the back window? They are running everywhere, across the yard, on top of the fences, up in the tree branches. They are out of control!
Clearly, you can’t see them because you don’t show any awareness of the utter rodent chaos in the back yard. How else will you notice them if I don’t bark an alert?
Why do you place your rope balls so carefully next to my shoes?
As a Yorkie, it’s important that I keep my inventory organized. I place my toys where it’s easy to find and access them. Which is why it drives me crazy that you still haven’t retrieved that rope ball that rolled under the chair two months ago. I can’t reach it; you can. Yet there it sits.
I keep my two remaining rope balls next to your shoes for several reasons:
One, they are in the same category: they are items that move. You put on your shoes, and we go outside. The shoes cause you to move. My rope balls roll, and that causes me to chase them. Those moving items fit well together. You park your moving shoes by the door, and that’s where I park my moving rope balls.
Two, I love it when you toss the rope balls with me. I know you put your shoes on at different times of the day. I figure if my rope balls are parked next to your shoes, you’ll notice them easily and toss them my way. I love our play time together.
Three, your shoes have your scent. You are my favorite human. I like putting my favorite toys next to your shoes. It’s just to remind you of how devoted I am to you.
Why do you like to get into awkward spaces outdoors where it’s hard for me to follow?
I’m trying to protect you. As a Yorkie, it’s my job to patrol the perimeter and make sure all is well. Because you can’t or won’t get into those spaces, I have to go in there myself.
Whether it’s climbing through a fence, pushing deep into the jungle, climbing around the rocks, or getting between the big old tree trunk and the fence, I have to check out those places and make sure everything is safe for you.
I know you don’t like walking in those places, but it’s really not necessary for you to follow me. That’s your idea, not mine.
Why do you not like having water on your hair, but you seem to love the creek on a hot day?
Having wet hair is too much sensory overload for a Yorkie. We Yorkies don’t have fur; we have a single layer of hair, similar to human hair. When our hair gets all wet from a bath or from the rain, it feels like a wet sweater would to you. It makes us feel heavy. It chills us. It makes our skin extra sensitive because it messes with our natural protective skin oils. And it changes our scent. We can’t wait to shake and rub that wetness off our hair.
The creek is different. On a hot day, we Yorkies cool off through panting and releasing heat from our bellies and paws. If I can get into a creek and let the water cool my paws and my belly, without getting the rest of my hair wet, it’s a wonderful feeling. And the creek water smells amazing: moss, fish, mud, sunshine, all those wonderful farm smells in one place.
Why do you prefer eating your meals from a small plate instead of a bowl?
We Yorkies are small and highly sensitive. Even the smallest bowl has a rim. That tickles our whiskers and creates a weird feeling every time we take a bite.
I also like to see my food spread out on the plate instead of piled in a mound in a bowl. It lets me choose exactly which piece I want to eat next. I don’t have other food slipping and crowding against my nose while I eat.
I can also track how much I’ve eaten, so I can pace myself. That plate really is an amazing upgrade from the bowl. I do think it’s really funny that while I’m eating from a plate, you’re using a bowl for your meals.
Those are my answers to Miss Janet’s latest questions. I hope that gives you a glimpse into a Yorkie’s life and the reasons we behave in such interesting ways. While our behavior may seem strange at times, we really do have our reasons. I hope you have an interesting week!
Nuzzles and kisses,
Josiah
The Inquisitive Yorkie 