Looking to get a Yorkie and looking for some advice!

[jenn1381]

Hi all,
I am 2 weeks away from graduating from college, and my grad gift to myself is going to be a puppy. I've only ever had one dog, he was a mutt, mostly cocker spaniel, poodle, and terrier - while he was a great dog and I loved him dearly (and still miss him dearly!) he was not trained properly as I was too young to have much of a say in his training. He was protective, hyper, yappy, and not good around new people (thought everyone was there just to see him and wouldn't stop barking) and didn't like other dogs much.

I've always loved Yorkies so I think that's the breed I am going to get, but during my research I have come across some questions and concerns about the breed, and was hoping to get some input from some Yorkie owners.

My biggest concern is potty training. I have read they are difficult to train, mostly because they cannot control their bodily functions until they are around 3-4 months old. I plan to crate train to a point, but I'm not sure how comfortable I am having my puppy in a crate for more than a few hours a day. I expect some accidents, I know that is normal for a new puppy, but I'd like to know how some of you got your Yorkies fully trained and how hard it was? Are males easier than females, or vice versa? I haven't decided if I want a male or female, I will probably not make that decision and let the dog choose me, so to speak. Is one sex typically calmer than the other, or is that just up to the dog?

Also, how much can I expect to pay to get the dog fixed? I know it needs to be done at around 5 months, and being a college graduate has definitely left me in some debt, so that is something I need to think about before actually getting the puppy. I want to make sure I am in a position to give it everything it needs, no matter how badly I want to have the puppy, right now!

Also, what kinds of questions should I ask the breeder? I haven't started calling them yet as I am still researching, and I also need a few months to save for the initial buying cost (Yorkie's definitely aren't cheap!)

Any information and/or personal experiences anyone has would be greatly appreciated!

[TeresaM]

Hi! Welcome!

I think you'll be very happy with your decision to get a Yorkie. The love, affection and companionship they give is unequal...in my humble opinion.

Congrats on your impending freedom from school and journey into 'the real world' Do you have a job yet? Will you be moving to a new location? I would wait until I was settled into wherever you will be moving to after graduation. One less move for the Yorkie to have to deal with.

As cute and adorable as puppies are...perhaps look into a slightly older dog would fit your situation better right now. There is a great board here, Yorkies For Sale or Wanted & Yorkie Rescues & New Homes Needed. Trust me when I say that they will bond as good as any puppy. We got both Annie and Boo when they were 5 yrs old and both of them are stuck to us tighter then either of the 2 puppies we have now. Just a thought...something else to look into.

Instead of a crate, I like the exercise pens. They can conform to any shape or area. It allows more room for the dog while still keeping them safely confined. Yogi does great in his. One area has his wee-wee pad, food, water and pillow in another and some room for him to walk around and play with his toys. Price is similar but I feel there's more versatility with the pens over the crates.

Medical expenses will vary greatly depending on were you live. Call around to some of the vet offices - even drop in for a visit - and get their standard price quotes. I think I paid around $300 for Gracies spay. There's also shots and worming to consider. Again, with many mature dogs much of this expense was incurred by the original owner, so that's another plus.

There are several good breeders on this site. You can also research breeders via the AKC. You should get a lot of good advise here on what to ask and what to watch out for. Perhaps post in the Breeder board too, they should be able to give you a lot of good info.

Congrats again, and please post pictures after you've found your new best friend!!!

[Jessbell]

First of all WELCOME to the site! It's so wonderful to have you here with us and I hope you like it here as much as we all do! I expect you will!

Secondly, congratulations on your iminent graduation! That is FANTASTIC news! You should be proud of yourself, ewll done you!

Now, about that puppy! Yorkies are a great breed if you're looking for individuality, loyalty and a loving companion. Good choice girl!
It is true (in my experience) that Toy dogs take longer to housetrain, my Chi girl was 10 months before I felt completely safe with her, and my Yorkie is only 5 months so I cant tell you yet about her, only that at 5 months we're still a few months off yet I think. Crate training is an excellent idea and really works, you'd be wise to invest in one. I put my Yorkie pup in hers at night at about 10pm and she holds it until 7am. Dogs very raerly deficate in their own personal space so it's a good tool.

I have only ever had bitches so I'm afraid I cnt help with your question on gender, sorry! But loads on here will I'm sure!

Feeling you have no money is not, if I'm completely honest with you, the ideal situation in which to go into having a new dog. Dogs cost a lot, especially puppies, what with all the vaccinations, so you'll need a bit of capital behind you. If you're not intending to breed then getting your pup spayed/neautered is the best idea. If you have a bitch and do that before her first season you'll elliminate any chance of Mammory cancer, but more often than not Toy breeds dont come into season by 6 months of age like larger breeds so you could probably afford to wait a few more months while you save your pennies. My advice would be to get insurance for your new puppy, although I believe I am actually in a mionority on that one on this forum, it is invaluable! It doesn't cover spayinig/neutering, but most other things and if you have an accident and your pet has to have surgery you dont want to be put in a place where you have to decide whether or not to go ahead with that surgery.

Questions to ask the breeder:

1) How long have you been breeding? A good answer is longer than "this is my first ever litter" althogh that doesn't neccessarily mean they're not a good breeder, just be aware it's not ideal.

2) How many dogs do you have? People with lots of dogs often cant give them the attention and love they need so they might be in poor condition. Equally, people who breed lots of different brees of dogs generally have lower standards and could well be puppy farms.

3)Do you worm your pups from 2 weeks of age? Puppies need to be wormed from very young and a breeder who does not do this is negligent.

4) Do you vaccinate your pups before they leave you? Very good breeders will vaccinate before they go just incase the pups have an sort of negative reaction to the vaccine.

5) Why do you breed? If it is not obvious (such as showing), I would suggest you ask as if they are breeding for money (this will probably be obvious too) then run away as fast as you can!

6) Can I view the parents, any siblings/relatives of the pup in question? If you cant view at least the Mother I would advise you walk away. Without meeting her at least you'll have no idea at all what your pup will grow up to be like.

7) How old will the pups be when they leave? In absolutely no circumstance ashold pups leave until they are 8 weeks old, but the older they leave the more adjusted and stable they will be.

When meeting a breeder and their dogs just be sensible, have your witts about you and go with your heart. You'll know if it's right or not.

Good luck, and please, please let us know how you get on!

Jess

[jenn1381]

Thanks for your reply Teresa.

I don't have a job in my field yet, but I am working. I kept a job throughout school. I'm actually a little older than "normal" graduates - I spent most of my 20's looking after my grandmother, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's... turned out not to be Alzheimer's at all, it was instead cancer, which had massively spread by the time it was caught. We lost her 10 days after diagnosis. Once we lost her, I decided to remain living at home with my parents so I could go to school.

I plan on living in the house I am in now for at least a few more years, so the dog wouldn't have to move and get used to a new place anytime soon. As much as I love the idea of rescuing an older puppy, I am not sure my heart can handle any more loss.. my first dog, Freeway, died when he was only 10, even though he was a small breed (he weighed 16 pounds) and it completely broke me apart. I know it would anyways, whether it's 3 years from now or 30, but I have a hard time allowing myself to make the committment knowing that the life span with me would be shorter. I suppose it is something I will need to think about more.

I love the idea of an exercise pen! I absolutely think that is the way I will go. Feels a little more humane, even though I know my brothers dogs absolutely love their crates and often will go in there on their own. I still hate the idea of it.

Before I adopt the dog, I will call my vet and see what their rates are for spaying or neutering. We didn't get our first dog neutured here as we lived somewhere else at the time, but I remember that they were quite expensive just for routine checks - but you could tell that they loved the animals they worked with so it seemed worth it.

Definitely a lot to think about. I'm having a hard time waiting, it's all I can think about, but I know it's not fair to bring a puppy home right this second until I am sure I can handle the costs.

Thanks again for your input.. I will most definitely post pics when I do find the right fur-baby. Hopefully within a couple months I'll have it all worked out. Fingers crossed!

[TeresaM]

Another thing with the ex-pens, if you feel the puppy will benefit from a "safe, cage like feel" you can get a small box and set it up in the pen. Oh and they make the most adorable little tents now. I've seen some lovely ones online and in the cat sections of pet stores.

Good luck on your search, looking can be half the fun.

[jenn1381]

Hi Jessbell, thanks for your great input as well.. seems you were writing while I was, lol.

Wow, 10 months to housetrain is a little scary! Our first dog took to training right away, we only had issues with him when we moved as he felt the need to mark the house and claim it. We got him at 4 weeks as well as his mom sadly passed away, so I'm surprised he took as well as he did to housetraining... I guess I will have to think about that and decide if I can handle 10 or so months of frustration.

Yeah, the money situation worrys me a bit. I don't have to start paying back my student loans until June though, so as long as i got the puppy fixed by then and up to date on its shots I think I'd be ok. I just don't want to rush into it thinking that I'd be ok and then find out that I'm not, as it will be the puppy that suffers and I won't let that happen. It's been nearly 4 years since we had to put Freeway down and I truly miss having a furball in the house. They bring so much joy that the costs are worth it!

Is insurance expensive? When our dog was 9 he was diagnosed with a tumor, and we opted to do the surgery. It cost us nearly $2000! Then 6 months later we found out the tumor had spread before we got to it, and this one was unoperable. We then spent close to another $600 to keep him alive for 3 months, even though he was only given one month to live. He was suffering, so I had him put down (hardest thing EVER) and that incured even more of a cost... so I definitely am thinking insurance might not be a bad idea if it's not insanely expensive.

Those are some great questions for breeders, thank you! I will print them out and make sure I ask them when I get to that point. I want to make sure I am not supporting those who really shouldn't be breeding in the first place.

[Rachael1983]

Greetings All,

I'm in a somewhat of a similiar situation as the Original Poster. My daughter and I recently lost our beloved cocker spaniels to a traffic accident while we were on one of our daily walks. Although we love the cocker spaniel breed, in looking to add a new family member a yorkie or toy dog would be most ideal.

I do know however that we'd prefer an older dog, a retiring show/breeding dog, a potential rescue or an older pup who was kept for show but didn't fit the standard. That's the route we like to go.

We live in Georgia and my daughter is 6 years old. I know a bit young and some express concerns that children her age aren't good with yorkies, but she's being raised to respect the small animals. She does amazing with dogs of all sizes.

I've contacted a few breeders in hopes that my family would be a match for one of their Yorkies.

I'm looking forward to being on this Yorkie board if I eventually bring one home to share lots of love. Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.