Yorkies are fun-loving creatures, and yorkies and play go hand in hand. Play is essential for both exercise and socialization in yorkies. Through play, yorkie puppies learn to mix with each other, and with the human part of their pack. In fact, dogs are one of the few animals that continue to play throughout their lives, and not just in infancy.

When a yorkie is inviting another dog to play, the first thing it usually does is ‘bow’.

Playing with your yorkie dog is a vital part of your relationship and reinforces your roles within the pack.

There are many special puppy and dog toys available and plenty more that can be homemade. A ball is a traditional favorite and chasing after one provides plenty of vigorous activity.

Cheap and easily to play with, a large ball can provide many hours of amusement for both yorkie puppies and dogs. A game of canine football is always a treat for them. Make sure that the ball is too big to be swallowed and cause choking.

Frisbees have also become very popular, and yorkie dogs at this point have proved to be immensely skillful in twisting and jumping up to catch them.

Special dog Frisbees are available, but any one made of lightweight plastic that will not damage the yorkie’s mouth may be used.

Nylon chews and dumbbells are all popular and help to keep teeth and gums healthy. However, a pair of old but clean cloth knotted together also provides endless and completely free amusement.

Tug toys, usually made of chew-resistant rubber, are great fun, but should never be used with assertive, ‘mouthy dogs’.

It is important that there are rules about play and that the family understands them. Yorkies can become over-excited when playing if the game is not properly controlled. Never allow growling or frenzied barking: stop the game until the yorkie has calmed down.

Play biting in yorkies is not play at all. Yorkie puppies and dogs will play-fight with each other, but an adult yorkie should never snap its teeth as part of family fun.

Do not allow your yorkie to run the game. You are the one in charge, who gets out and puts away the toys. A yorkie that seizes a toy and growls when anyone comes near is showing worrying signs of anti-social behavior.

Equally, however, do not let children or even unthinking adults tease a dog. Yorkie play should be uninterrupted fun!