should I do it?

[Cocoabeaner]

I have a 7 mo old Yorkie and everything has been wonderful. I have thought about getting a 2nd Yorkie, especially for companionship when I am at work and because cocoa loves to play with other dogs. I had planned to wait until cocoa was 2, mainly for financial reasons. Well, today a woman in my town offered me her 7 year old Yorkie for free. Her Yorkie is very jealous when she gives attention to her 4 year old twins. It growls and snaps at them. Iknow the family, she says her dog has a good tempermant at all other times, loves to ceddle, play, good teeth, healthy, 5 pounds. (cocoa is 4 lbs) She goes to the same vet as me, has the papers from the breeder, will pay to have her spayed I'd I want. She offered to let me take the dog on and off and have a month to decide. Everything has been so wonderful that a part of me is a little freaked out about adding another dog to the mix. Any thoughts to share?

[BobbyYorkie]

I think her offer of you taking her dog on and off is good. That way you can see if the two get along. I do understand your dilema though. Bobby is a year and 1/2 and I would like to get another baby, but I am a little freaked out too. Having 1 is so easy. but I am sure I would love the 2nd just like the 1st!
Good luck with your decision.

[donnarod]

I am a stay at home Mom, I also want to get a second one. She has too much energy for me to keep up with.

[Nancy1999]

It would bother me that the dog growls and snaps at the twins, and it doesn't sound like it's been properly trained, also realize that this is the age where more and more medical attention is needed, especially if teeth have been neglected, and the dog has been bred. I would certainly want to talk to the vet about the dog, and mention any financial concerns I had. However, since she is willing to give a month tryout period, to see how they get along, I would be tempted. If you do decide to try the dog out, the first meeting should be in a neutral place such as a park, before they go to your house. Don't have them meet at her house/yard, or your house/yard for the first time.

[Cocoabeaner]

Thanks so much for your responses. As far as the training part, I feel somewhat confident that I could handle that. Even though this is my first dog, I have taken puppy kindergarten and dog obedience with awesome trainers, I watch "Its Me or the Dog", I have now read tons of good books on dogs, and I think I just make a good pack leader (smile).

However, the part about Yorkies starting to have health problems after 7 years does scare me and I will ask my vet. Am I understanding right that even if my vet tells me she has great teeth and is in great health, than she could still have serious medical problems in the near future that he could not predict right now. Is this likely?
Thanks again,
Bon and Cocoa

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Cocoabeaner

Thanks so much for your responses. As far as the training part, I feel somewhat confident that I could handle that. Even though this is my first dog, I have taken puppy kindergarten and dog obedience with awesome trainers, I watch "Its Me or the Dog", I have now read tons of good books on dogs, and I think I just make a good pack leader (smile).

However, the part about Yorkies starting to have health problems after 7 years does scare me and I will ask my vet. Am I understanding right that even if my vet tells me she has great teeth and is in great health, than she could still have serious medical problems in the near future that he could not predict right now. Is this likely?
Thanks again,
Bon and Cocoa

Well anything's possible, but if the vet says she's in great health now and her teeth have been well cared for, it would make me think that the future was good. Puppies can also have expensive medical conditions that don't show up until after the first year, and you should always keep this in mind. Glad you have the necessary education to be a good trainer, and pack leader, I think you may be just what this dog needs. Best of luck with your decision.

[Smarty Bones]

I agree with the above. It sounds like you both have the pup's best interest right now, but i just wanted to share my concerns about the future: how you and your current pup take it if she decides she wanted her yorkie back when the twins are older. Around age 5-6 they go to school and a lot of kids have pets -- it would be a hard situation, since you are friends.

[BarbieDoll0x]

I think the fact that the dog snaps at her when she gives attention to her children isn't that good. I mean, Since you already have a dog, you wouldn't want her to snap at you or the other dog since your giving one attention and not the other. But In my opinion, I think you should take the offer of having her on and off for a month just to see. It won't hurt, and if it doesn't work out, you didn't agree to anything. Good Luck with whatever you decide.

[PANAMA69]

Humm still will be more expensive to have two, but look like the poor guy need a loving home who has more time for him, but if you are up to the chalange go for it