Anyone who has lived with a Yorkie can confess that they are little furry balls of energy and mischievousness. Much of this is, more often than not, due to having too much time on their paws, and no opportunity to burn their energy off. To help alleviate the problem, if you want to call it a problem, is to provide them with a toy to help them to get all of that energy worked out.
Tug O’War
At first glance, a Yorkie may look like the perfect choice for a lap dog. However, don’t let that first impression fool you. Although they may be small in stature, they can more than rival most larger breeds in both spunk and energy.
That is why one of the perfect methods to release that energy is a good old fashioned tug o’war. Most tug of war type toys are constructed of a braided cotton rope, and may even have a squeaky toy attached. Be forewarned though, Yorkies play to win, and if you start the battle, they will be the ones to finish it.
Squeak Squeak
The history of the Yorkie breed is that of a working dog. They were bred primarily to hunt and run rats and vermin out of underground tunnels. For this reason, they need a toy that will play to their predator and prey instinct.
Nothing helps to take care of this instinct better than a squeaky toy. Available in the form of high-pitched squeaks, low honks, and even those that crinkle and crackle, you are pretty much guaranteed to find one that will appeal to your Yorkies inner “beast.”
Let Me At It!
They may have little mouths, with tiny teeth, but don’t let this fool you by any means. Yorkies can go toe to toe with just about any breed when it comes to gnawing ability. The crucial thing to remember with a toy that’s intended for the purpose of chewing is that extreme care must be taken to make sure the chosen toy is both safe and size appropriate.
Stimulate That Brain
Are Yorkies adorable? Yes. Are Yorkies feisty and energetic? Yes. However, the adjectives to describe this small breed do not end there. Yorkies are also extremely smart and intelligent, and as such, they need to exercise more than just their muscles. They need to stimulate and exercise their brains and as well, which means you can’t go wrong with a thinker toy.
The most popular thinker toy is one that rewards your pup with some sort of treat for a job well done. Usually fashioned with several compartments, that when the Yorkie opens it, will receive a delicious treat for their efforts. Not only do they receive a reward, but they also exercise both their mind and their memory, keeping them sharp and on their toes.
Soft And Chewy
Finally, we have saved the best for last. The best and most recommended toy for your Yorkie is that of a soft toy. The toy itself needs to be very light in weight, as a small Yorkie is not able to pick up the heavier, bulkier toys that larger canines can.
The toy needs to be not only small but very soft to the touch. This is to help protect the pup’s teeth and prevent any possible damage. Yorkies are genetically disposed to having dental issues, and as a result, hard and heavy toys can pose a problem.
