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06-14-2009, 03:41 AM | #1 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Orange County, California
Posts: 55
| Is a Yorkie right for me? I'm a college student right now and will be moving in to a 510 square feet dorm in mid-September, which I will be living in for about 2 years. The dorm will be a single (all to myself). I've been in a single for the past 2 years but get a little lonely sometimes, so I figured having a dog can keep me company and I can take good care of it and give it complete attention. I've been reading about Yorkies for the past two weeks and think it's the perfect breed for my situation, since the place I'm staying at only allows very small dogs and cats. Note that I have never owned a dog before (though both my parents grew up with them). I have salt water fish which I started to keep last summer. People on some fish forum I went to hated that I was being "arrogant" in jumping into their field so quickly (a week after reading all about how to take care of fish and stuff), yet not a single fish has died and I consistently (almost obsessively) take care of them and their enviorment. I would do the same thing with any dog I got, despite the fact that I am inexperienced with owning one. Questions (in no particular order)... 1. I know Yorkies can be yelpy, but are their barks loud enough for people walking by - outside of your apartment - to hear them? It's hard to tell from the videos on YouTube how loud they are. 2. Would the dog get stressed if it was consistantly living in two different places? On the weekends I always go home to my family, so the dog would be home for about 2.5 days each week and at my dorm the other 4.5. 3. How much do Yorkie puppies typically cost? I feel so uncomfortable looking for one to buy because the prices range anywhere from free, to $200, to $2000. 4. Does anyone know a good place to buy a Yorkie in SoCal, specifically within Orange County? 5. Will the Yorkie get stressed if I have odd hours at times? Sometimes I'm awake at 7 in the morning and go to bed at 1, other times not until 12 PM and staying up until 3 or 4 AM. It varies widly depending on the quarter at school. I would still be at my dorm for hours and hours each day though, so the amount of time isn't an issue, it's the time of the time. 6. Is this the basics of what you do with a Yorkie or any dog for that matter?: feed them, give them water, give them baths, brush and cut their hair, brush their teeth, wipe their eyes, give them shots and take them to the vet 1-2 times a year, pick up their poo until they are potty trained, walk them, play with them, buy them toys. (Yes I know silly to ask, but like I said I've never owned a dog before.) 7. I'm going to Japan in July and won't be back until August 1. Will the month of August and half of September be enough time to train the Yorkie at my home and then take it to my dorm where it can be happy and obedient? 8. What's the youngest I can get a Yorkie? 8 weeks? 9. Frankly I think Yorkies with long coats are ugly (and girlie), lol. Is it normal to have them with short hair? Thank you in advance for your answers! If you think a Yorkie isn't for me, could you suggest another breed? Last edited by WaterPKMNMaster; 06-14-2009 at 03:46 AM. |
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06-14-2009, 05:12 AM | #2 | |
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06-14-2009, 05:45 AM | #3 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Orange County, California
Posts: 55
| Haha, I actually hate cats with a passion. No one shoot me! XD A lot of work and a lot of care is no problem. Same with patience. And I have researched the breed for the most part, just have had some lingering questions most of which you helped to answer. I guess I knew a good pup would cost $1000+, but wanted to make sure. I'm sure getting an expensive one would equal usually a healthy one, whereas a cheaper unhealthy one would lead to a shorter life and probably more in medical bills than just starting off with the best. Right? |
06-14-2009, 05:53 AM | #4 |
YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: rolla missouri
Posts: 259
| thats alot of questions lol but i know my fur babies dont bark that much at all little marley only barks a little at night to get on my bed.were will the puppy go when you go to japan? |
06-14-2009, 05:55 AM | #5 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Orange County, California
Posts: 55
| I'm not planning on buying one until August when I get back. I wouldn't buy it now and then leave it alone for a month. XD I'm going to use June and July to learn more about them and August and September to train one if I get it. |
06-14-2009, 06:08 AM | #6 |
YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL, USA
Posts: 253
| I think it's great that you're asking questions first before getting your new baby. My biggest concern for you would be the noise level and your dorm neighbors. My Sophie isn't a big barker (I've heard some yorkies will bark when bored just to hear themselves bark), but Sophie's bark is very high pitched and it seems to carry. As far as the training, you can work on using puppy pads as well. Do you know if your dorm room will be carpeted? Dog urine once it gets into carpet it hard to get the smell out to the point that the dog can no longer smell it. If the dog can smell it, they tend to keep going back. Make sure you invest in a pet urine remover spray to help you clean up those carpet accidents. Good luck!! |
06-14-2009, 06:15 AM | #7 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Orange County, California
Posts: 55
| Yeah, the loud barking seems to be my only concern right now. I am actually only going to have people above me, not to my sides, so they would only be able to hear it. When I signed the lease the other day the manager said dogs aren't allowed, but he said unofficially they are as long as they don't cause any trouble like constant barking. I guess it depends on the dog then. The dorm room WILL be carpeted, but I have a Ph.D in cleaning as does the rest of my family. We have all kinds of supplies and clean everything like crazy. That's why I like this type of dog - virtually no shedding! I'm sure poo and pee won't be too much of a problem. I'm sure a lot of consistent positive reinforcement will eventually get the dog to go in the right place. I don't mind cleaning it up as long as it eventually learns where to go. |
06-14-2009, 06:20 AM | #8 |
Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland
Posts: 17,814
| I'm a college student as well, and my dog is my best pal! I kid you not. It's awesome having such a great companion. He's not your typical Yorkie, weighing in at 14lbs, but I love every ounce of him. I take him as many places as he can go with me, he's seriously a great companion. I took such pride in training him and it's been an absolute blast. My first real dog, besides all the family dogs. I never knew I'd be chatting on a YT forum, constantly researching the best dog foods out there, etc. Now, I don't live alone, I'm still living at home, but whatever my future may hold... is definitely involving Jackson. I hope to move out next year and he will of course be with me! I also highly dislike cats lol, so while dogs are a lot more work, I also think they're ALOT more fun! I really enjoy taking Jackson to the local parks, dog parks, my cousins little league ball games, car rides just so he can sniff around outside, going to friends/familys house with their dogs, he really leads a better life than I do! LOL ... but anyways, here's your questions 1. I know Yorkies can be yelpy, but are their barks loud enough for people walking by - outside of your apartment - to hear them? It's hard to tell from the videos on YouTube how loud they are. YES! They have a very loud, high-piercered bark. However, if you train them right from the get-go, that will help greatly! I let Jackson know from the beginning I didn't want barking. He never barked until he was around my dad's barkaholic of a dog but I can still control him even when she's going nuts, which is nice. I used the "Coins in a can" trick where you fill up a can with pennies and shake it everytime he barked and say "Quiet!" Orr you could use a squirt bottle and squirt them w/ the same effect. 2. Would the dog get stressed if it was consistantly living in two different places? On the weekends I always go home to my family, so the dog would be home for about 2.5 days each week and at my dorm the other 4.5. I do it with Jackson! During most of the week, I live with my mom & stepfather and then usually from Friday-Monday, I go to my "other" house at my dad's which is about 45 minutes away which a pool, a fenced in yard, a hot tub and two other dogs which is nice. Jackson LOVES it - and looks at it as his vacation home! LOL. Now, in the beginning, as a young pup.... he did not like the car. But I had him crated. Then I just bought a strap that hooks on to his harness and buckles into the belt, and he LOVES car rides! The whole time, he's got his head in the air smelling everything. And my dad, his girlfriend and my brother (and their dogs) LOVE to see Jackson. 3. How much do Yorkie puppies typically cost? I feel so uncomfortable looking for one to buy because the prices range anywhere from free, to $200, to $2000. I know I got Jackson for $550, which is considered pretty cheap, but I wouldn't call her a reputable breeder. I saw her ad online and her dogs got together and wa-la - pups! Jackson is also not your "standard" Yorkie as he is 14lbs so I guess I "Got" what I paid for me. But personally, I really love him the way he is and always wanted a bigger Yorkie. 4. Does anyone know a good place to buy a Yorkie in SoCal, specifically within Orange County? Can't help ya there! 5. Will the Yorkie get stressed if I have odd hours at times? Sometimes I'm awake at 7 in the morning and go to bed at 1, other times not until 12 PM and staying up until 3 or 4 AM. It varies widly depending on the quarter at school. I would still be at my dorm for hours and hours each day though, so the amount of time isn't an issue, it's the time of the time. Hm, well in the beginning that may not work. Schedule is KEY espeically when it comes to potty training. Before Jackson, I was one of those college kids who didn't go to bed until 2am (not partying, I was usually just online or watching TV) and not up til 10am or so. When I got a puppy, all that changed. For the first few weeks, I was waking up 2x in the middle of the night with him to let him outside and up every morning by 7am. I was so worn out, I was passing out by 9pm at night. Trust me, it's gotten better! The first few months are tough though. But now Jackson is 8 months old and he pretty much follows whatever schedule I do. Sometimes, like last night, I didn't go to bed until 1am so neither did he. I always let him outside right before bed tho, so that he will sleep later w/ me. So this morning he slept until 9:30 with me. I might add when Jackson was waking up in the middle of the night, he was in a crate... the moment I let him sleep in my bed, he was sleeping thru the night. Make sure your dog is potty trained before doing that tho. 6. Is this the basics of what you do with a Yorkie or any dog for that matter?: feed them, give them water, give them baths, brush and cut their hair, brush their teeth, wipe their eyes, give them shots and take them to the vet 1-2 times a year, pick up their poo until they are potty trained, walk them, play with them, buy them toys. (Yes I know silly to ask, but like I said I've never owned a dog before.) Yeah, basically. They are NOT cheap, for sure. Each of Jackson's vet appt's were all over $100 for the first few times. The vets usually charge a "New client" fee, at my vet was $45, then the shots, then the "Check-up." The first year is definitely THE most expensive because you have to buy everything! Plus, hopefully you get him neutered, and that can get pricey. I found a nice clinic around my house to do that surgery and it was only $65! Great deal. Yorkies are known to have teeth problems too, and a lot of times get double rows of teeth where their baby teeth come in at the same time as adult and a lot of times they need pulled. 7. I'm going to Japan in July and won't be back until August 1. Will the month of August and half of September be enough time to train the Yorkie at my home and then take it to my dorm where it can be happy and obedient? Where is the dog going to stay when you're gone? 8. What's the youngest I can get a Yorkie? 8 weeks? It should be 12 weeks, definitely, especially if they are small. 8 weeks is too young. I did get Jackson at 9 weeks but he was bigger. 9. Frankly I think Yorkies with long coats are ugly (and girlie), lol. Is it normal to have them with short hair? I personally don't like the long coats either and most the Yorkies on this board have short hair! Check out my album, you can see Jackson, even tho he needs a haircut again. Click on my profile and then View Albums.
__________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier |
06-14-2009, 06:21 AM | #9 |
Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Havre de Grace, MD
Posts: 1,536
| Yorkies are escape artists. Will you be the only one with access to your room? Otherwise, someone may open the door, & not realize that your Yorkie slipped out.
__________________ Niko (3 yrs) Gus (5 yrs) Squirt (17 yrs - RIP) |
06-14-2009, 06:26 AM | #10 |
BANNED FOR TAKING MONEY AND NOT SHIPPING PRODUCTS SOLD!!! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 1,827
| 1. I know Yorkies can be yelpy, but are their barks loud enough for people walking by - outside of your apartment - to hear them? It's hard to tell from the videos on YouTube how loud they are. Well, personally, Maddy barks rarely. She barks when she plays and when someone is at the door. 2. Would the dog get stressed if it was consistently living in two different places? On the weekends I always go home to my family, so the dog would be home for about 2.5 days each week and at my dorm the other 4.5 This could vary. I think if you start this young the pup will get used to it quickly! 3. How much do Yorkie puppies typically cost? I feel so uncomfortable looking for one to buy because the prices range anywhere from free, to $200, to $2000. When I have seen ads for $200 yorkies, they are scams. You can get a pup for a more reasonable price, but you are looking at 800-1000 for a healthy pup, esp. in Cali. 4. Does anyone know a good place to buy a Yorkie in SoCal, specifically within Orange County? Sorry, no. 5. Will the Yorkie get stressed if I have odd hours at times? Sometimes I'm awake at 7 in the morning and go to bed at 1, other times not until 12 PM and staying up until 3 or 4 AM. It varies widly depending on the quarter at school. I would still be at my dorm for hours and hours each day though, so the amount of time isn't an issue, it's the time of the time. Dogs usually adjust to your schedule. This should be ok. 6. Is this the basics of what you do with a Yorkie or any dog for that matter?: feed them, give them water, give them baths, brush and cut their hair, brush their teeth, wipe their eyes, give them shots and take them to the vet 1-2 times a year, pick up their poo until they are potty trained, walk them, play with them, buy them toys. (Yes I know silly to ask, but like I said I've never owned a dog before.) Please feed a high quality food. (Innova, Royal Canin, Wellness, etc.) You can find many reviews in the health/diet section of this forum. Of course, lots of love and play time is important too. 7. I'm going to Japan in July and won't be back until August 1. Will the month of August and half of September be enough time to train the Yorkie at my home and then take it to my dorm where it can be happy and obedient? This depends on the dog. Yorkies are sometimes tough to train and they can be stubborn! 8. What's the youngest I can get a Yorkie? 8 weeks? I think 12 weeks is the youngest. 9. Frankly I think Yorkies with long coats are ugly (and girlie), lol. Is it normal to have them with short hair? Many yorkie owners keep their dogs in puppy cuts. There are many variations to the puppy cut, and by looking around this site, I am sure you will find at least one you like. And after you see some of the yorkies in their full coats, you will learn to appreciate the beauty of it. I hope this helps!! |
06-14-2009, 06:28 AM | #11 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Orange County, California
Posts: 55
| @ Brister: Haha, everyone seems to be confused about my schedule with this dog. I'm going to Japan in July, coming back August 1st, plan on buying it in early August, then will train it at home up until mid-September when I go back to my dorm and school. Thank you so much for your advice too! It really helped! @ Bildio: The dog literally cannot escape. The front door, even this year when I was in a single apartment, was always shut except when I or my friends were coming in or out. The door literally only opens when someone is entering or exiting. Besides, if I do get a Yorkie, it will love me so much it won't ever want to leave me. @ sarah: I bet I'm more stubborn than any puppy! It's no match for me! Thank you all for your advice! Keep it coming!! If anyone lives in SoCal and knows where I can plan on buying one tell me too! Last edited by WaterPKMNMaster; 06-14-2009 at 06:29 AM. |
06-14-2009, 06:32 AM | #12 | |
Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Havre de Grace, MD
Posts: 1,536
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__________________ Niko (3 yrs) Gus (5 yrs) Squirt (17 yrs - RIP) | |
06-14-2009, 06:34 AM | #13 | |
BANNED FOR TAKING MONEY AND NOT SHIPPING PRODUCTS SOLD!!! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 1,827
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06-14-2009, 06:35 AM | #14 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Orange County, California
Posts: 55
| @buildio: Well, I won't be stupid and let that happen. The doors are the kind you have to fight to open anyway. They slam shut before you're even out, which is how I have stubbed my toe before. @sarah: I don't knowwww. I'm the kind of person who never quits at anything. If something is broken I'll be trying to fix it all day. I think I am minor OCD. Oh, and what are some ways I need to doggy proof things? I know there should be no wires on the floor or small objects but what else? Last edited by WaterPKMNMaster; 06-14-2009 at 06:36 AM. |
06-14-2009, 06:37 AM | #15 | |
Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland
Posts: 17,814
| Quote:
And sure the dog could escape but if you train him early on not to, he shouldn't. I don't really have an issue with Jackson SHOOTING out the door or anything. And if he does follow me outside or something, he usually doesn't go far and all you have to say is "Want a treat?" and he comes running back. Just be sure to train your dog to sit and stay and come, those are the most important. Then you can add all the fun lil tricks! Jackson's so smart and learned fairly quickly so I taught him myself how to sit, stay, down, come, shake, high-five, roll over, bang bang (play dead) and to dance lol Also, don't forget.. you're buying a puppy FOR LIFE. This pup could live another 13-20 years. Make sure you know that in 10 years, you may be having kids, getting married, etc... make sure you're going to be OK with that. They are definitely a big responsibility. I hate seeing dogs re-homed because the family is having a baby or getting married. That's so unfair to the dog.
__________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier | |
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