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11-13-2008, 06:50 PM | #1 |
Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NJ
Posts: 393
| Homecoming! The first few days... Hello, Any suggestions how to make the most of the first few days after bringing home a 2-year old yorkie? There are so many books and websites to help choose the right dog, but not so many that tell what to do once doggy arrives home! Here's my gameplan - Would love to get your feedback on it. Day 1 1.5 hour car ride to London's new home. She will ride in a carrier in the car, with towels available in case she vomits or has potty accident. Offer her treats and talk soothingly to her during the ride. Some people say to cover the carrier with a dark cloth - others say the doggy will want to see her surroundings. Any suggestions for the car ride? As soon as we get home, show her the food and water bowls, and the pee pad which are all in the kitchen for the time being. Baby gates will be used to keep her in the kitchen until she's comfortable there. (Over next few days, move the gates so she can access more rooms gradually) Let her rest if she wants to after the car ride. We'll have the crate from the previous owner in the kitchen too. Offer to play in kitchen with her. If she does not want to play with me, offer her some toys to play by herself. If not in the room with her, I'll try to be in an adjacent room so she knows I am nearby. Sound okay? Bedtime - London will have the same crate from her previous owner. Should the crate stay in the kitchen for her to sleep? Or move the crate up to our carpeted bedroom? If there's gonna be a potty accident, I prefer it to be on teh tiled kitchen floor. But also there's that idea that dogs are social or pack animals, and need to sleep in same room as me. Thoughts? Day 2 Use feeding as bonding time, by hand-feeding. Offer to play and cuddle, but also give her plenty of alone time. If she's comfortable in kitchen now, open up an additional room for her to explore. Maybe go outside and walk around driveway. Day 3 (Monday) Hand-feed, play, cuddle, rest as needed. Open up additional room if ready. 9 am - Master trainer is coming over for a private consultation. Mid-day - maybe go for short walk around block. 4pm - Check-up at vet. Bring lots of treats. Apologies for the long post. I'm a newbie and a first time dog owner, just trying to do the right thing. YT has been a huge help already to learn about feeding, training, finding a vet, etc. London was raised in a breeder's home with much love, and is crate trained and sometimes uses pee pads too. She is a shy girl. Appreciate any suggestions so me and London get started on the right foot. |
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11-13-2008, 06:59 PM | #2 |
Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Upstate, NY
Posts: 2,015
| Sounds like you have done your homework! It is good to have a game plan, but some of it you will just have to go by your gut feelings. Having her sleep in her crate near your bed sounds like a good idea, so she doesn't feel abandoned in her new surroundings. Good luck with your new baby, and can't wait to see pics! Oh, and welcome to YT!
__________________ Piper Leo Baby Piccolo |
11-13-2008, 07:07 PM | #3 |
Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NJ
Posts: 393
| Oh geez, I feel pretty silly now...I just stumbled across the YT "Puppy Care Guide" which is a sticky. It's an excellent resource for bringing home an adult dog too. Nonetheless, great to hear from anyone who's willing to share their perspective. |
11-14-2008, 08:19 AM | #4 |
Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: TX
Posts: 3,358
| I've brought 2 adult Yorkies home in the past and it sounds like you have a good game plan. I just have a few things to suggest, and you may know these things, just want to mention them. No treats and don't sweet talk if she appears stressed or upset. That will only reinforce in her the feeling that there must be something to be worried about. Calm, firm, normal volume voice, just rambling on about anything will be better. I even sang to mine on the car ride home. Amazingly they still ended up loving me. Just sitting on the floor with her the first several days is good. This gives them easy access to you. The hand feeding is a good idea, but if she's too wary to eat from your hand, just sitting close by - perhaps eat a snack yourself - will help. I don't know what time you will be getting home that first day, but if there's time for her to settle in a little, taking her for a short walk will be good. At the very least a nice walk on the 2nd day will go far to bond ya'll. Even if she doesn't know how to walk on a leash yet. Just go outside together and let her walk around with you. Have treats with you so that if she does follow you can reward her immediately. I would have her sleep in your room at night. Just another bonding time that's beneficial. Oh, and one of the most important things a new owner should know...post lots and lots of pictures for us!!! By the way, love the name!!
__________________ If you think dogs can't count, put 3 biscuits in your pocket, then give him only 2. Gracie Ruth & Boo & Yogi & RIP Annie B. & Bonnie Lane |
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