Three years ago my mom bought a puppy yorkshire terrier. At that point in time it was my sister, my mother, my father, and me living together. Since then my sister has moved out and three states away, and my parents have divorced. Now it's me, my mom, and the little yorkie. I came here because for the last 3 years I've viewed it as a pet, something to look cute. My mom loves it like it's her 2nd son. However, because she works nights, the most she gets to do is let it sleep with her during the day and take him for a walk before she leaves for work. I'm a huge video game nerd so I mostly stay inside all day, but I don't really do anything with the dog other than watch it mope around. Just a few minutes ago I sort of put myself in his shoes and saw how boring his daily life is. I never thought about it before since I'm in the house as much as he is, but I didn't continue that train of thought to realize that I have video games, tv, etc. to entertain me. So, I came here to ask you guys, what kind of fun activities do you do with your dogs? There's obviously the walk and playing catch, but are there any others? Thanks.

My pup is still very young, but she likes to go bye-bye with us whenever we can take her and she is NOT left in the car alone, walks every morning and again in the evening, as well as special playtime one-on-one each day (even if it's only 5 minutes). Soon she'll be able to go to the doggy park and socialize with other dogs too. She loves to chase my 10 year old dd out in the yard.

My girl is happy to lay on my lap when I play video games, maybe he'd be happy to lay with you while you play your video games?

[Lara's mom]

Both of my girls love to go for walks and to play ball outside. They get a kick out of digging holes in the garden, especially my JRT. They have loads of stuffed toys that make all kinds of noises that they like to play with when they're inside. They also like chewing their Bullwinkles - a long hard chewey made of something unmentionable but they enjoy it and it's good for their teeth.

[DoggieVogue]

My dog has tons of toys. He loves stuffed toys and Kong toys and balls. He loves to wrestle with me and play fetch. To amuse himself he has all kinds of chew toys and bones.

[LoneWolf]

My dog is simultaneously thrilled and confused when I play with the Wii. Since I'm already up and jumping around, I don't mind throwing his ball. So we both get a workout!

[Lara's mom]

I know this will probably not be a popular opinion here but, I don't understand why people get dogs when they don't have the time or the commitment to give them what they need. Dogs aren't that much different from very young children. They need a great deal of attention, affection and gentle discipline.

Would you leave a three year old child alone in your home all day while you went to work? A dogs mind is at about that level. Yet, people seem to have no qualms whatsoever about leaving a dog alone for 8+ hours. My family has always had dogs and cats - usually other peoples throwaways. There was always someone home to keep the dog company, take him/her for walks, etc. I think it it's nice that people want to take dogs that would otherwise end up at a shelter and possibly be euthanized if a home couldn't be found. However, is it not only fair to consider the quality of life a dog has when it is sitting home alone for hours on end?

I'm anxious to hear the opinions of others in the forum.

A dog's mind is in no way equivalent to the mind of a human child. I wouldn't leave a 3 year old child unattended because he would do himself an injury, or burn the house down. A dog, on the other hand, isn't likely to do either.

To the OP, get off your butt, go outside, and walk the dog. Play ball with him. If he likes toys (not all dogs do) get him some toys and play with him. Give him some training time; obedience, tricks, anything that will stimulate his mind. It will not only be good for him, a little exercise will do you some good too. You might even find that it's more fun than sitting in front of the idiot box all day.

[wishbone]

First welcome to the board.

Well us here really see the joy and passion our pets bring although sometimes our pets were so naughty and it mostly because it is their instinct, some others are from our own bad habit, lack of knowledge or something.. but we really adore and see challenges to train dogs, seeing an achievement when we accomplished them. Many people starts with not liking them but eventually see their unconditional love with all the times they spent together. Starts with playing fetch and tag-of-war with your dog, then try to train him with simple commands like making come when you call him, command him sit or lay (don't forget the powerful treats).

Also check out this story...
http://www.i-love-dogs.com/forums/69117-post1.html

Originally Posted by ConnorR

Three years ago my mom bought a puppy yorkshire terrier. At that point in time it was my sister, my mother, my father, and me living together. Since then my sister has moved out and three states away, and my parents have divorced. Now it's me, my mom, and the little yorkie. I came here because for the last 3 years I've viewed it as a pet, something to look cute. My mom loves it like it's her 2nd son. However, because she works nights, the most she gets to do is let it sleep with her during the day and take him for a walk before she leaves for work. I'm a huge video game nerd so I mostly stay inside all day, but I don't really do anything with the dog other than watch it mope around. Just a few minutes ago I sort of put myself in his shoes and saw how boring his daily life is. I never thought about it before since I'm in the house as much as he is, but I didn't continue that train of thought to realize that I have video games, tv, etc. to entertain me. So, I came here to ask you guys, what kind of fun activities do you do with your dogs? There's obviously the walk and playing catch, but are there any others? Thanks.

IMO it does you credit that you did become aware, however belatedly.
I don't know a great deal about Yorkies, but I believe that they are very intelligent and lively, so most probably the best thing that you could do for him is give him some exposure to something, anything, outside his normal environment, [which is inside the house]. See how he reacts to going outside and possibly seeing other people and kids and dogs? Depending on how much of it or little of it he has had since he was a puppy, he may enjoy it, or he may have a ball. Just make sure he is securely on a leash, and doesn't wander off anywhere and get lost.
Good luck and let us know what works?

[dogbuddy]

A good set of dog toys and accessories will be helpful to cheer your dog It would also be fun to have him around in whatever activity you may have like watching tv or playing video games

[mrandrei]

Get your dog some smart toys like puzzles where he works out how to find the snacks by sliding or opening things. My dog loves playing with toys like that.