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Smiling grandmother in glasses and a denim shirt plays checkers on a porch table as a Yorkshire Terrier rests a paw on it. 4 / 39

Grandma Set Up the Checkerboard on the Porch. Her Opponent Had Four Legs.

AI imageyorkshire terriercheckersporch

A wooden checkerboard sits on a little porch table, red and black pieces lined up and ready for battle. Grandma June leans forward in glasses and her denim shirt, silver braid draped over one shoulder, smiling with the confident look of someone who has won this game many times before. A knit throw and a set of keys rest near the edge. Across from her, Pip has rested one fluffy paw on the corner of the table and lifted his whiskered face up to board level, studying the pieces with great seriousness. Behind them, the porch is cheerfully cluttered with potted succulents, a laundry basket, hiking shoes and a canvas bag.

Yorkies are clever, alert little dogs who love to be in the middle of whatever their people are doing. That curiosity makes them quite trainable, especially with short, upbeat sessions and small rewards. Teaching a reliable sit or down, or a place cue on a nearby mat, can help a busy Yorkie settle during activities like board games or meals. Keep small game pieces, coins and keys out of reach, since tiny dogs can choke on small objects. Classic games like checkers are wonderful for older adults, too, offering mental exercise, friendly competition and a reason to spend time together.

Whether June wins this round or not, she has the most loyal spectator on the whole street, and he has not missed a single move.

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