7 Week Old Yorkie...Need Help! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

pbrand · 01-10-2009, 10:22 PM

My wife and I just purchased a wonderful 7 week old Yorkie and she is the cutest thing ever. We are in the process of pad training Zoey which is a lot of fun

We have had her for 2 days now and have been contemplating between crate training and locking her up in the downstairs bathroom.

Question #1: We have a 2 story home and there is no way she can make it up the stairs right now. Is it possible to train her for both downstairs and upstairs pee pads?

Question #2: We are mainly training her to eliminate in the downstairs bathroom. Telling her "No" when we see her going on the carpet and then proceeding to pick her up and sit her on the pad to finish whatever is left over if any. Is this the right approach?

Question #3: That bathroom we are training her for we plan on locking up with a gate and keeping her in there with a pee pad, food/water, and her bed/toys during work and sleep. We are generally gone for 8+ hours during a work day and therefore have concluded that crate training might not be the best. Since she is only 7 weeks old is it too early to keep her locked up in the bathroom at night? She constantly whines when we leave her and is okay when we put her in our room on the floor. The problem with the room is that we cant control where she eliminates and we wake in the morning to some wonderful surprises!

Please help! We appreciate everyones input!

Thanks,

Phillip!

JoeyP · 01-11-2009, 03:29 AM

Best of Luck with your little one

It's going to be a bit harder at least in the beginning since she's just 7 wks old. That's a bit early to take her home
But she'll do fine ... if she's very little watch for hypoglicemia
make sure she has food available esp if your gone for long periods
To answer your questions
1. Since you have her both up and downstairs Yes, you are going to have to have pee pads in both places

2. lol ... Okay

if you think you'll be able to catch her everytime
But at least for the beginning if she's not completely supervised she has to be contained somewhere
Whether that's in a crate or a room that's up to you

3. The whining unfortunately is going to occur ..... it's a reult of her being taken home a bit too early
She still needs some closeness. The bad thing is if you spoil her and give in to her whining you're setting up a situation where she gets what she wants when she cries
Crateing makes a puppy hold it for a period of time training them as they get older not to eliminate on the spot
but you can train her to eliminate in a room
at first pee pad the floor ... as she eliminates more on the pads take more and more away

phfgkl · 01-11-2009, 06:16 AM

I got my yorkie at 7 weeks also, and she housebroke real quickly. I was home with her all day though, which really helped out. My suggestion would be instead of putting her in the bathroom, to get an xpen, this way there is no molding for her to chew on, etc. I would put a lot of toys in there, her food, pee pad, water and bed, you can make these xpens any size, I would leave it big enough for all the things mentioned. I would also leave either a tv or radio on for her, this way they're not "alone". Good luck with your baby

JeanieK · 01-11-2009, 06:40 AM

X pen is a good idea. Since she is only 7 weeks she probably cannot hold it all night. to help wioth the crying, you can try giving her a Tshirt with your sent on it, to sleep with. and also make sure she get worn out before bed time.

whatever you do, DO NOT, cater to the crying, or it will never stop. No attention at all, do not even look at her.

pbrand · 01-11-2009, 10:08 AM

Thanks for the input guys! Its much appreciated! We will not be catering to her crying anymore. I think we will leave her in the bathroom for now until we notice signs of her gnawing at the molding.

I think we will also purchase a crate and leave it open in the bathroom so she can feel safe while in there. Plus we need one anyways for transporting her around.

Thanks again!

nycyorkiemom · 01-11-2009, 10:41 AM

I wouldn't do the bathroom. Even if you puppy proof it, there are too many variables for it to be safe. I'd definitely do an x pen and set it up for her. Instead of wee pads, I'd use newspapers in case she starts trying to eat/chew the wee pads, it's safer (this is per our vet). Also 7 weeks is super young in general, but to leave for 8 hours it's very young. Is there any way you can have a friend or hire someone to come in and play with her/check in on her?

Karrie · 01-11-2009, 11:38 AM

I recommend two books:
House Training for Dummies
Yorkies for Dummies

I bought 'em both at Barnes & Noble. In House Training for Dummies - the main idea is crate training. My Bailey has never liked the crate -but we did use it somewhat while potty training. Take the ideas from this book and develop your own method.

Yes, we work 8+ hrs a day too - so don't expect a clean area when you get home. Your baby will pee and poop every where and chew up the pee pads. Thats okay!! Just take an extra 5 minutes when you get home and clean it up for the next day. Also, expect to give some extra baths. At 8 mos - my Bailey was holding it all day and quit chewing the pee pads. If you have tile or wood floors in your bathroom - you might consider purchasing a piece of vinyl floor to lay on top - until your baby gets older?

With diligence and persistence - Bailey was houstrained at 4 mos and reliable at 6 mos - even with a full time job. Because watching the pup at every minute is a MUST when potty training- two trainers are much better than one. I couldn't have done it without my husband's help.

Good Luck - and you found the right site for all your questions!!!

jrsygal37 · 01-11-2009, 11:46 AM

Welcome to YT. 7 weeks old is very young and she should not have been sold that young. Ideally 12 weeks but no younger then 10 weeks before the pup leaves mom. Hence why she is crying a lot. Be diligent with the training but don't expect too much. It will take time. Some Yorkies do not train to well after six months (if you're lucky). Elaine

golfbooboo · 01-12-2009, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeanieK

X pen is a good idea. Since she is only 7 weeks she probably cannot hold it all night. to help wioth the crying, you can try giving her a Tshirt with your sent on it, to sleep with. and also make sure she get worn out before bed time.

whatever you do, DO NOT, cater to the crying, or it will never stop. No attention at all, do not even look at her.

I am bringing my baby home on Thursday. She is 10 weeks. I bought the xpen like you have suggested and made a place for her to play, sleep, and, of course, wee wee pad. I do not work so I am going to work very hard with her. My goal is to get a good start as golf season starts up in March. I plan on using the wee wee pads all the time. Do you think that is OK???

phfgkl · 01-12-2009, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfbooboo

I am bringing my baby home on Thursday. She is 10 weeks. I bought the xpen like you have suggested and made a place for her to play, sleep, and, of course, wee wee pad. I do not work so I am going to work very hard with her. My goal is to get a good start as golf season starts up in March. I plan on using the wee wee pads all the time. Do you think that is OK???

Golf??

I used to work for maxfli, until I cut off part of a finger and then tore up my shoulder. Used to make balls for Greg Norman. As far as pee pads all the time, yes, love them, all 4 of my little ones use them, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Hubby and I can put fresh water down and food and even go away for the night without any worries of having to let them out doors.

MollysMum54 · 01-12-2009, 09:32 AM

could you get an xpen and have it in your room at night, so your pup is at least near you? Alone for 8 hours while you are at work and then all night on her own seems a very long time for such a young pup.

mscat · 01-12-2009, 09:35 AM

Hi there and welcome to YT ! I see that you live in Clovis, that is not too far away from me.. I am home all day and would be happy to be a babysitter

Setting up a little home in the bathroom should work for a while. 7 weeks old is very young to bring home A yorkie puppy. And she needs A lot of love and attention from you guys right now. Make sure she is eating and drinking to avoid any hypo. attacks. you do not want her to become to stressed out because then she may not eat as well as she needs to .
Definately leave A blanket or something that has your scent on it for her , she will feel more secure . Make sure that she is kept warm too, and as comfortable as possible.
Is their anyone that could come over and check on her while your gone working? A friend or family member? Maybe during lunch hour you or your wife could go home and spend time with her? Just A thought. You want this little puppy to feel secure and safe. She needs you guys more then ever right now at such a young age.

golfbooboo · 01-12-2009, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phfgkl

Golf??

I used to work for maxfli, until I cut off part of a finger and then tore up my shoulder. Used to make balls for Greg Norman. As far as pee pads all the time, yes, love them, all 4 of my little ones use them, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Hubby and I can put fresh water down and food and even go away for the night without any worries of having to let them out doors.

Yes, I put the pen in our bedroom so she will be near us. Also, when I play golf, I will leave the television on for her. Glad somebody told me not to pick her up everytime she cries, because I would be a sucker for that! I will only be gone about four hours when I play golf, but I play at least 4 times a week. I am truly addicted. (I had an eagle on a par 5 three weeks ago!)

phfgkl · 01-12-2009, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfbooboo

Yes, I put the pen in our bedroom so she will be near us. Also, when I play golf, I will leave the television on for her. Glad somebody told me not to pick her up everytime she cries, because I would be a sucker for that! I will only be gone about four hours when I play golf, but I play at least 4 times a week. I am truly addicted. (I had an eagle on a par 5 three weeks ago!)

She will be fine for 4 hours at a time. I never could get in to the "golf thing"! They do like the tv or a radio.

genie · 01-12-2009, 11:03 AM

I think the idea you had about the bathroom during the day while you are gone is a good idea and at night you could crate her in your room. One of my yorkies very small and she is full grown, so she still can't hold it through the night, so I have a wire crate ( I think it is medium size) and in the back I have a rubbermade storage container big enough for her to sleep in and I have blankets in there, then in the front of the crate I cut a puppy pad in half and place it there for her to use at night. The storage container keeps her bed off the puppy pad. She just jumps out of her bed and potties and then gets back in the bed.

Like some of the others said before, 7 weeks old is really young for a yorkie to be away from their momma, but I think she will be fine as long as you give her lots of one-on-one attentions when you get home. She will need lots of walks and play time after being alone for so long while you are at work.....good luck...

01-11-2009, 11:38 AM	#7
Karrie Donating YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 903	I recommend two books: House Training for Dummies Yorkies for Dummies I bought 'em both at Barnes & Noble. In House Training for Dummies - the main idea is crate training. My Bailey has never liked the crate -but we did use it somewhat while potty training. Take the ideas from this book and develop your own method. Yes, we work 8+ hrs a day too - so don't expect a clean area when you get home. Your baby will pee and poop every where and chew up the pee pads. Thats okay!! Just take an extra 5 minutes when you get home and clean it up for the next day. Also, expect to give some extra baths. At 8 mos - my Bailey was holding it all day and quit chewing the pee pads. If you have tile or wood floors in your bathroom - you might consider purchasing a piece of vinyl floor to lay on top - until your baby gets older? With diligence and persistence - Bailey was houstrained at 4 mos and reliable at 6 mos - even with a full time job. Because watching the pup at every minute is a MUST when potty training- two trainers are much better than one. I couldn't have done it without my husband's help. Good Luck - and you found the right site for all your questions!!! __________________ This is Bailey's world and we just live in it!

01-12-2009, 09:35 AM	#12
mscat YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hanford, CA Posts: 4,895	Hi there and welcome to YT ! I see that you live in Clovis, that is not too far away from me.. I am home all day and would be happy to be a babysitter Setting up a little home in the bathroom should work for a while. 7 weeks old is very young to bring home A yorkie puppy. And she needs A lot of love and attention from you guys right now. Make sure she is eating and drinking to avoid any hypo. attacks. you do not want her to become to stressed out because then she may not eat as well as she needs to . Definately leave A blanket or something that has your scent on it for her , she will feel more secure . Make sure that she is kept warm too, and as comfortable as possible. Is their anyone that could come over and check on her while your gone working? A friend or family member? Maybe during lunch hour you or your wife could go home and spend time with her? Just A thought. You want this little puppy to feel secure and safe. She needs you guys more then ever right now at such a young age. __________________ "No matter how little money & how few possessions, you own, having a dog makes you rich."

01-10-2009, 10:22 PM	#1
pbrand YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Clovis, CA Posts: 3	7 Week Old Yorkie...Need Help! My wife and I just purchased a wonderful 7 week old Yorkie and she is the cutest thing ever. We are in the process of pad training Zoey which is a lot of fun We have had her for 2 days now and have been contemplating between crate training and locking her up in the downstairs bathroom. Question #1: We have a 2 story home and there is no way she can make it up the stairs right now. Is it possible to train her for both downstairs and upstairs pee pads? Question #2: We are mainly training her to eliminate in the downstairs bathroom. Telling her "No" when we see her going on the carpet and then proceeding to pick her up and sit her on the pad to finish whatever is left over if any. Is this the right approach? Question #3: That bathroom we are training her for we plan on locking up with a gate and keeping her in there with a pee pad, food/water, and her bed/toys during work and sleep. We are generally gone for 8+ hours during a work day and therefore have concluded that crate training might not be the best. Since she is only 7 weeks old is it too early to keep her locked up in the bathroom at night? She constantly whines when we leave her and is okay when we put her in our room on the floor. The problem with the room is that we cant control where she eliminates and we wake in the morning to some wonderful surprises! Please help! We appreciate everyones input! Thanks, Phillip! Last edited by pbrand; 01-10-2009 at 10:24 PM.

01-11-2009, 03:29 AM	#2
JoeyP YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Miami, FL,USA Posts: 1,005	Best of Luck with your little one It's going to be a bit harder at least in the beginning since she's just 7 wks old. That's a bit early to take her home But she'll do fine ... if she's very little watch for hypoglicemia make sure she has food available esp if your gone for long periods To answer your questions 1. Since you have her both up and downstairs Yes, you are going to have to have pee pads in both places 2. lol ... Okay if you think you'll be able to catch her everytime But at least for the beginning if she's not completely supervised she has to be contained somewhere Whether that's in a crate or a room that's up to you 3. The whining unfortunately is going to occur ..... it's a reult of her being taken home a bit too early She still needs some closeness. The bad thing is if you spoil her and give in to her whining you're setting up a situation where she gets what she wants when she cries Crateing makes a puppy hold it for a period of time training them as they get older not to eliminate on the spot but you can train her to eliminate in a room at first pee pad the floor ... as she eliminates more on the pads take more and more away __________________ Mike and Zach's Dadd

01-11-2009, 06:16 AM	#3
phfgkl BANNED! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,376	I got my yorkie at 7 weeks also, and she housebroke real quickly. I was home with her all day though, which really helped out. My suggestion would be instead of putting her in the bathroom, to get an xpen, this way there is no molding for her to chew on, etc. I would put a lot of toys in there, her food, pee pad, water and bed, you can make these xpens any size, I would leave it big enough for all the things mentioned. I would also leave either a tv or radio on for her, this way they're not "alone". Good luck with your baby

01-11-2009, 06:40 AM	#4
JeanieK Donating YT 12K Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Council Bluffs Iowa Posts: 12,552	X pen is a good idea. Since she is only 7 weeks she probably cannot hold it all night. to help wioth the crying, you can try giving her a Tshirt with your sent on it, to sleep with. and also make sure she get worn out before bed time. whatever you do, DO NOT, cater to the crying, or it will never stop. No attention at all, do not even look at her.

01-11-2009, 10:08 AM	#5
pbrand YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Clovis, CA Posts: 3	Thanks for the input guys! Its much appreciated! We will not be catering to her crying anymore. I think we will leave her in the bathroom for now until we notice signs of her gnawing at the molding. I think we will also purchase a crate and leave it open in the bathroom so she can feel safe while in there. Plus we need one anyways for transporting her around. Thanks again!

01-11-2009, 10:41 AM	#6
nycyorkiemom Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: new york, ny, usa Posts: 53	I wouldn't do the bathroom. Even if you puppy proof it, there are too many variables for it to be safe. I'd definitely do an x pen and set it up for her. Instead of wee pads, I'd use newspapers in case she starts trying to eat/chew the wee pads, it's safer (this is per our vet). Also 7 weeks is super young in general, but to leave for 8 hours it's very young. Is there any way you can have a friend or hire someone to come in and play with her/check in on her?

01-11-2009, 11:46 AM	#8
jrsygal37 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Jersey Shore Posts: 3,370	Welcome to YT. 7 weeks old is very young and she should not have been sold that young. Ideally 12 weeks but no younger then 10 weeks before the pup leaves mom. Hence why she is crying a lot. Be diligent with the training but don't expect too much. It will take time. Some Yorkies do not train to well after six months (if you're lucky). Elaine

01-12-2009, 09:32 AM	#11
MollysMum54 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: England,UK Posts: 1,176	could you get an xpen and have it in your room at night, so your pup is at least near you? Alone for 8 hours while you are at work and then all night on her own seems a very long time for such a young pup.

01-12-2009, 11:03 AM	#15
genie Loves Hannah & Gracie Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: washington Posts: 1,752	I think the idea you had about the bathroom during the day while you are gone is a good idea and at night you could crate her in your room. One of my yorkies very small and she is full grown, so she still can't hold it through the night, so I have a wire crate ( I think it is medium size) and in the back I have a rubbermade storage container big enough for her to sleep in and I have blankets in there, then in the front of the crate I cut a puppy pad in half and place it there for her to use at night. The storage container keeps her bed off the puppy pad. She just jumps out of her bed and potties and then gets back in the bed. Like some of the others said before, 7 weeks old is really young for a yorkie to be away from their momma, but I think she will be fine as long as you give her lots of one-on-one attentions when you get home. She will need lots of walks and play time after being alone for so long while you are at work.....good luck...