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A smiling woman with short silver hair holds seed for sparrows at a feeder while a Yorkshire Terrier watches. 9 / 30

Penny Stayed Statue-Still as Sparrows Crowded Grandma's Feeder

AI imageyorkshire terrierbird feederbackyard

Dusk settles over the backyard as Grandma holds out a handful of seed, smiling gently at the sparrows lined up along the wooden feeder. Her gray cardigan is soft and her short silver hair catches the last of the light. In the foreground, Penny the Yorkshire Terrier sits very still with her ears tilted and her dark eyes fixed on the birds, a brown collar around her neck. Potted herbs, a few plants, and a wooden fence fill the little garden around them. A few seeds have scattered across the ground around her paws.

Yorkies were bred as small hunters, and many still have a strong drive to chase birds and small animals. Teaching a reliable sit and stay can help keep wildlife safe, and a leash or fence helps in a yard with active feeders. Keep birdseed out of her reach, since it can cause stomach upset. Clean feeders regularly to keep birds healthy, and praise your dog calmly when she stays still, so that calm behavior becomes a habit. Every dog learns at her own pace, so short, cheerful practice sessions work best.

Penny seems to be putting all her willpower into staying still. Grandma looks proud. The sparrows eat peacefully, unaware of the careful audience. Soon the light will fade, and the birds will fly off to roost for the night.

Patience is its own kind of reward.

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