Owning a tiny yorkie, one that is under 4 lbs as an adult, is nothing to be taken lightly. Tinies come with their own issues and agendas. A lot of folks think when they get a tiny, they are getting a meek, sweet, cuddly little baby, almost like a stuffed toy, to carry around with them. But tinies have big personalities and are real dogs, just like their larger counterparts.
Yorkies, in general, have no fear. And a tiny is no different. If you placed one on top of a tall building, they would likely jump to their death, because they think they can fly. It takes a special person to own a tiny. All yorkies need to be held properly and with two hands, is best. I teach folks the "football" hold, when instructing them on how to hold a yorkie, and a tiny is no different. I have heard COUNTLESS stories of tinies who have been stepped on, sat on, crushed by a door or recliner chair or jumped off of couches, stools, chairs, beds and even leaped right from their own loving owners' arms. And have died or been maimed. NEVER let children or other adults hold your tiny. Always have them sit on the floor first if they want to pet or play w/your puppy or yorkie adult. It is very dangerous and any person who does not understand the specific needs of a yorkie will probably not hold them properly even with encouragement from you.
A tiny should never be let out of doors w/o being on a SOLID leash and HARNESS. I highly DISCOURAGE using collars and retractable leashes. If another dog was to run to your tiny, he or she would likely be attacked, and they would attack BACK, because they have NO FEAR. Many have been maimed or killed this way. If you have him or her on a solid leash w/a harness, you can quickly pull them up out of harm's way.
Tinies need to be kept in a playpen or ex pen when not being supervised. They like to get underfoot and should always be treated like a baby, and put up out of harm's way when you can't give them your full attention.
Tinies also need to have food and water available at ALL times, until they reach an age where you know they can handle going all night w/o eating and are very stable. This is usually around 18 to 24 months old. You should always watch them closely to see that they are eating. PLEASE NEVER give any yorkie TABLE scraps!!! I cannot stress this enough. You are setting him or her up for pancreatitis or HGE. They have VERY sensetive tummies and you could easily lose one to this disease. The ONLY foods you should feed your yorkie are their dog food. If you insist on table scraps, there are a FEW that are fine. PLAIN white chicken meat (no skin and cut into very small pieces), shredded carrots, canned green beans, plain cheerios, PLAIN yogurt (no artificial sweetners). Some yorkies are fussy eaters and with a tiny, you want to be sure they are eating, so they don't get hypoglycemia.
If a tiny gets the least bit sick, you should never put off taking them to the vet or emergency vet clinic. They have less reserve than a normal sized yorkie, and have to be taken seriously when they don't feel well. Diarhea is also a danger in tinies, and must be attended to, or you can run into serious trouble.
Tineis are adorable and very small. They are lightweight and fun. But remember, they are REAL dogs and require very SPECIAL "parents". I highly discourage anyone w/small children in the home from getting a tiny.
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