Should I get a puppy or an adult yorkie? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Kenzies Grandma · 09-20-2005, 03:09 PM

Hi, this is my first post so I hope I do this right. About a month ago I lost my little girl (a silky terrier X) to cancer, I had her for 12 1/2 yrs. so I'm really missing her. My husband is going to get me a yorkie and I've found 3 good breeders in my area with litters coming that would give me a puppy around the 1st of the year.

One of them just contacted me though and says she has a 3 yr. old female champion that had problems whelping (had a c-section) and so must be spayed. She is looking to place her in a good home. The price is about 1/2 the cost of a puppy. Do you all think I would be happy taking in a grown dog? Will it bond with me the way a puppy would? I've always had puppies before so I would appreciate any advice. I really want a dog that will be my best friend the way that Tori was.

vainchick5 · 09-20-2005, 03:14 PM

I think that it would be great to rescue the dog, but I don't know if the bonding would be the same as raising a puppy. I personally would get a puppy because you get to mold their behavior the way YOU want not the way someone else has wanted. Plus you set up their routine for them, you don't have to follow someone elses routine or have behavioral problems trying to change things. They are lower cost and most come potty trained, but I wouldn't want to miss out on all that stuff. I would rather pay more and be there for all the moments. JMO

SWEETPEA · 09-20-2005, 03:17 PM

i dont think theres a difference between you getting a puppy or an adult dog. my best friend got a dog that was three years old and that doggie is so attached to her. they love each other she takes her dog everywhere.and that dog really loves my best friend.

klogan · 09-20-2005, 03:18 PM

To me, it really depends how much time you have to train your little yorkie. You'll have to go through the potty training, teaching commands, manners, etc. As you know, this does require a lot of work.

If you were to get the 3 year old yorkie, you most likely will not have to worry about these things. Perhaps the one thing might be separation anxiety or upset to be in a new place after 3 years being with its current owner. Personally, I don't understand how someone could give a dog up that they have had for 3 years, but that is just my opinion. To be an optomist, at least you would be giving this 3 year old a great new home and you'll be able to spend many years with him/her!

Good luck. You'll make the right decision. Both are great choices!

Sugar's Mom · 09-20-2005, 03:19 PM

I believe that you can make any dog "yours". All you have to do is be the one that is "theirs". I got a mini-poo several years ago (she just turned 16) and dared my hubby to even touch her. He had always had dogs and they were specially for him and they would get so attached to him that they didn't want me at all. SOOOOOO, when I got my poodle, she was mine from day one. She is so attached to me that she grieves if i have to go out of town for a day or two and don't take her. She gets under my bed and won't come out to eat, potty or anything. I went to Florida a year ago in July for a week and my hubby called and said ,"if you don't come on home, Sugar is going to die". She was in such bad shape when I got home, I held her constantly. Now as far as the older dog, my son adopted a female jack russel from the shelter about six months ago. She was three years old and her owner had been an older gentleman that couldn't care for her anymore. She is totally my son's dog. She is so sweet and friendly to everyone but if he is around, she is in his lap. She sleeps with him every night. She has totally bonded with him. So whichever you choose will be alright i am sure. Sorry about your silky. I know my poodle can't live much longer at her age and i will grieve myself half to death when she goes. She is in good health altho she is deaf now from inoperable polyps in her ears. She is a lot slower now. We got a puppy (PUG) last year and it has breathed new life into my poodle. I am hoping my new yorkie will get along with them both.

Kenzies Grandma · 09-20-2005, 03:48 PM

Thanks for your comments. It's really hard to know what to do, I hate to miss out on the fun of puppyhood but at the same time it would be nice to be able to miss some of the training troubles. Another thing to think about is her name, I really had my heart set on having a little 'Gypsy' and I'm not sure it would work to change this little dog's name. I think I'm going to have to give this some serious thought.

chewysmom · 09-20-2005, 04:06 PM

Can you go visit the dog? You might find that it will be the love of your life or that it could be a total brat!!! 3 is still pretty young considering yorkies can live to be 18 years. With 3 year old, there is a little less of a guessing game, you will know if her ears are up, what her full-grown size is, if she is potty trained and if she listens to the basic commands she has hopefully been taught.

Please let usknow what you decide and good luck.

crystalsmom · 09-20-2005, 04:41 PM

My first yorkie was 2 yrs old when I got her and the love of my life and will never
forget that little angel. I got my "Crystal" eight years ago at 3 yrs of age and she
is a champion. Show breeders can not keep their Ch. females as long as their Ch.
males since they usually have 3 or 4 litters and then they let some lucky person
have them for the rest of their life. Crystal was at home with me the minute
we left the breeders house and she was a dream to train. No problems at all.
I looked for over a year for both yorkies and I guess you would say I am alittle
more fussy than most but it has paid off for me. Like someone else said it could
have a temperament that you couldn't live with so it's best to make sure you
visit the breeder so you can see both puppy and 3 yr old. I know
it's a hard decision. I love the puppy stages too but most genetic disease
shows it's ugly head by 2 yrs of age so you miss out on that worry which I
greatly considered. Do make sure this 3 yr old has a bill of health from their
vet as well as pups. I do think housebreaking might be harder with the
older one if she wasn't kept in very clean conditions but Crystal came in and used
the pp pad i had down and that was it. Good Luck with whatever you decide. Now I've probably mixed you up more than ever??

ldenise · 09-20-2005, 05:04 PM

We got Buckeye when he was 2 yrs old and he bonded with me immidately. we are stuck like glue. they said he was potty trained (but wasn't). I worked with him and with patience he soon became trained. he is spoiled but the love of my life. Ahia was a puppy when we got her and at first I thought it was too much for me. I am in my mid 50's and lost some pep somewhere along the way. she was a handful. somehow we made it past the puppy stage without either of us getting hurt.
go for a visit, like has been suggested, and maybe even ask the lady to keep her over night. see how it goes one on one.

yorkieusa · 09-20-2005, 06:07 PM

If someone made me an offer like that, I'd find it very difficult to turn it down!

You must consider what is most important to you as well as the amount of time you have to train a puppy. It's much more difficult to train a puppy if you work, for instance, even though it can be done.

lily's mom · 09-20-2005, 06:15 PM

First I have to say I am very sorry that you lost your baby to cancer. I know how very tough that is. And welcome to Yorkie Talk, so glad you are here. I think several people have already said how tough it is to train Yorkies. If I had it to do over again, I would get an older dog that need a good loving home. I would never ever give Lily up and wouldn't take a million $ for her but boy is she hard to potty train.
Good luck with your decision! Maybe you should get both! (JK)

yorkieangel · 09-20-2005, 06:18 PM

I think it for me i would want a pup, but only because i have children and puppy's seem to do better with adjusting to children. My mother got a 2 year old rescue and had it for 21 more years and it bonded with her just wonderfully and just passed last Christmas.

My Cowboy was 6 months old when we got him but did well with the kids, but 6 months is really still a puppy

whispersmom2 · 09-20-2005, 06:59 PM

Over the many years I have had a bezillion dogs. I have bought and placed some teenagers, some adults, and some puppies...The adjustment period might be more intense at one age or another..but that is the same with anything you take on.. Older dogs who have to be re-homed can come with a load of baggage but..well, so do I!
I have been contacted to help re-home a nice little 4 year old male from my area. No shipping...I am waiting for pics and more info..He needs a forever home where he can be loved and have attention that he has to be missiing.

Now, he might be a problem. I just bought a gorgeous little tiny female as a band-aid for the hole in my heart from Jesse. She has issues already..So, get the one that speaks to your soul and heart and go from there. There will be a lot of all breeds rescued from the Katrina mess..

Francie · 09-20-2005, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenzies Grandma

Hi, this is my first post so I hope I do this right. About a month ago I lost my little girl (a silky terrier X) to cancer, I had her for 12 1/2 yrs. so I'm really missing her. My husband is going to get me a yorkie and I've found 3 good breeders in my area with litters coming that would give me a puppy around the 1st of the year.

One of them just contacted me though and says she has a 3 yr. old female champion that had problems whelping (had a c-section) and so must be spayed. She is looking to place her in a good home. The price is about 1/2 the cost of a puppy. Do you all think I would be happy taking in a grown dog? Will it bond with me the way a puppy would? I've always had puppies before so I would appreciate any advice. I really want a dog that will be my best friend the way that Tori was.

I say double the love....take both!

Francie

FirstYorkie · 09-21-2005, 05:06 AM

I think there are 2 questions you need to ask. The first is of yourself. How much time and energy do you have to devote to training a pupp?. They are alot of hard work especially if you want to socialize them properly. If you willing to expend the effort, the rewards are boundless with a puppy.

The question that I would ask about the adult dog is about its training. You want a dog who has been well-socialized to people and other dogs outside the home. From what I'm reading on other boards, it would also be optimal if the adult dog has LAO learned a few basic commands. The reasoning behind this is that the dog has "learned how to learn" and will, therefore, be easier for you to train.

Just my .02 cents worth...

09-20-2005, 03:09 PM	#1
Kenzies Grandma YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: AB, Canada Posts: 387	Should I get a puppy or an adult yorkie? Hi, this is my first post so I hope I do this right. About a month ago I lost my little girl (a silky terrier X) to cancer, I had her for 12 1/2 yrs. so I'm really missing her. My husband is going to get me a yorkie and I've found 3 good breeders in my area with litters coming that would give me a puppy around the 1st of the year. One of them just contacted me though and says she has a 3 yr. old female champion that had problems whelping (had a c-section) and so must be spayed. She is looking to place her in a good home. The price is about 1/2 the cost of a puppy. Do you all think I would be happy taking in a grown dog? Will it bond with me the way a puppy would? I've always had puppies before so I would appreciate any advice. I really want a dog that will be my best friend the way that Tori was.

09-20-2005, 03:14 PM	#2
vainchick5 YT 6000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,588	I think that it would be great to rescue the dog, but I don't know if the bonding would be the same as raising a puppy. I personally would get a puppy because you get to mold their behavior the way YOU want not the way someone else has wanted. Plus you set up their routine for them, you don't have to follow someone elses routine or have behavioral problems trying to change things. They are lower cost and most come potty trained, but I wouldn't want to miss out on all that stuff. I would rather pay more and be there for all the moments. JMO __________________ Mommy to Coco and Rocco

09-20-2005, 03:17 PM	#3
SWEETPEA My Little Princess Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SUNNY,FLORIDA Posts: 2,764	i dont think theres a difference between you getting a puppy or an adult dog. my best friend got a dog that was three years old and that doggie is so attached to her. they love each other she takes her dog everywhere.and that dog really loves my best friend. __________________ RACHEL & MISTY

09-20-2005, 03:18 PM	#4
klogan YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 661	To me, it really depends how much time you have to train your little yorkie. You'll have to go through the potty training, teaching commands, manners, etc. As you know, this does require a lot of work. If you were to get the 3 year old yorkie, you most likely will not have to worry about these things. Perhaps the one thing might be separation anxiety or upset to be in a new place after 3 years being with its current owner. Personally, I don't understand how someone could give a dog up that they have had for 3 years, but that is just my opinion. To be an optomist, at least you would be giving this 3 year old a great new home and you'll be able to spend many years with him/her! Good luck. You'll make the right decision. Both are great choices! __________________ Kimberly & Stomper

09-20-2005, 03:19 PM	#5
Sugar's Mom BANNED! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 9,248	Should i get a puppy I believe that you can make any dog "yours". All you have to do is be the one that is "theirs". I got a mini-poo several years ago (she just turned 16) and dared my hubby to even touch her. He had always had dogs and they were specially for him and they would get so attached to him that they didn't want me at all. SOOOOOO, when I got my poodle, she was mine from day one. She is so attached to me that she grieves if i have to go out of town for a day or two and don't take her. She gets under my bed and won't come out to eat, potty or anything. I went to Florida a year ago in July for a week and my hubby called and said ,"if you don't come on home, Sugar is going to die". She was in such bad shape when I got home, I held her constantly. Now as far as the older dog, my son adopted a female jack russel from the shelter about six months ago. She was three years old and her owner had been an older gentleman that couldn't care for her anymore. She is totally my son's dog. She is so sweet and friendly to everyone but if he is around, she is in his lap. She sleeps with him every night. She has totally bonded with him. So whichever you choose will be alright i am sure. Sorry about your silky. I know my poodle can't live much longer at her age and i will grieve myself half to death when she goes. She is in good health altho she is deaf now from inoperable polyps in her ears. She is a lot slower now. We got a puppy (PUG) last year and it has breathed new life into my poodle. I am hoping my new yorkie will get along with them both.

09-20-2005, 03:48 PM	#6
Kenzies Grandma YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: AB, Canada Posts: 387	Thanks for your comments. It's really hard to know what to do, I hate to miss out on the fun of puppyhood but at the same time it would be nice to be able to miss some of the training troubles. Another thing to think about is her name, I really had my heart set on having a little 'Gypsy' and I'm not sure it would work to change this little dog's name. I think I'm going to have to give this some serious thought.

09-20-2005, 04:06 PM	#7
chewysmom My Precious Pup Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New York City Posts: 2,092	Can you go visit the dog? You might find that it will be the love of your life or that it could be a total brat!!! 3 is still pretty young considering yorkies can live to be 18 years. With 3 year old, there is a little less of a guessing game, you will know if her ears are up, what her full-grown size is, if she is potty trained and if she listens to the basic commands she has hopefully been taught. Please let usknow what you decide and good luck.

09-20-2005, 04:41 PM	#8
crystalsmom Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 7,946	My first yorkie was 2 yrs old when I got her and the love of my life and will never forget that little angel. I got my "Crystal" eight years ago at 3 yrs of age and she is a champion. Show breeders can not keep their Ch. females as long as their Ch. males since they usually have 3 or 4 litters and then they let some lucky person have them for the rest of their life. Crystal was at home with me the minute we left the breeders house and she was a dream to train. No problems at all. I looked for over a year for both yorkies and I guess you would say I am alittle more fussy than most but it has paid off for me. Like someone else said it could have a temperament that you couldn't live with so it's best to make sure you visit the breeder so you can see both puppy and 3 yr old. I know it's a hard decision. I love the puppy stages too but most genetic disease shows it's ugly head by 2 yrs of age so you miss out on that worry which I greatly considered. Do make sure this 3 yr old has a bill of health from their vet as well as pups. I do think housebreaking might be harder with the older one if she wasn't kept in very clean conditions but Crystal came in and used the pp pad i had down and that was it. Good Luck with whatever you decide. Now I've probably mixed you up more than ever?? __________________

09-20-2005, 05:04 PM	#9
ldenise YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Rancho Viejo, Tx Posts: 2,698	We got Buckeye when he was 2 yrs old and he bonded with me immidately. we are stuck like glue. they said he was potty trained (but wasn't). I worked with him and with patience he soon became trained. he is spoiled but the love of my life. Ahia was a puppy when we got her and at first I thought it was too much for me. I am in my mid 50's and lost some pep somewhere along the way. she was a handful. somehow we made it past the puppy stage without either of us getting hurt. go for a visit, like has been suggested, and maybe even ask the lady to keep her over night. see how it goes one on one. __________________ Buckeye, Ahia, Tressie, Archie & LDenise Dogs are really people with short legs in fur coats

09-20-2005, 06:07 PM	#10
yorkieusa Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 21,173	If someone made me an offer like that, I'd find it very difficult to turn it down! You must consider what is most important to you as well as the amount of time you have to train a puppy. It's much more difficult to train a puppy if you work, for instance, even though it can be done. __________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel

09-20-2005, 06:15 PM	#11
lily's mom Lily Loves Maximus Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 2,633	First I have to say I am very sorry that you lost your baby to cancer. I know how very tough that is. And welcome to Yorkie Talk, so glad you are here. I think several people have already said how tough it is to train Yorkies. If I had it to do over again, I would get an older dog that need a good loving home. I would never ever give Lily up and wouldn't take a million $ for her but boy is she hard to potty train. Good luck with your decision! Maybe you should get both! (JK) __________________ Lily and Dawn

09-20-2005, 06:18 PM	#12
yorkieangel Rescue Angel Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: md Posts: 1,530	I think it for me i would want a pup, but only because i have children and puppy's seem to do better with adjusting to children. My mother got a 2 year old rescue and had it for 21 more years and it bonded with her just wonderfully and just passed last Christmas. My Cowboy was 6 months old when we got him but did well with the kids, but 6 months is really still a puppy __________________ Yorkieangel

09-20-2005, 06:59 PM	#13
whispersmom2 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MD Posts: 2,985	Over the many years I have had a bezillion dogs. I have bought and placed some teenagers, some adults, and some puppies...The adjustment period might be more intense at one age or another..but that is the same with anything you take on.. Older dogs who have to be re-homed can come with a load of baggage but..well, so do I! I have been contacted to help re-home a nice little 4 year old male from my area. No shipping...I am waiting for pics and more info..He needs a forever home where he can be loved and have attention that he has to be missiing. Now, he might be a problem. I just bought a gorgeous little tiny female as a band-aid for the hole in my heart from Jesse. She has issues already..So, get the one that speaks to your soul and heart and go from there. There will be a lot of all breeds rescued from the Katrina mess..

09-21-2005, 05:06 AM	#15
FirstYorkie YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: American in London Posts: 1,739	I think there are 2 questions you need to ask. The first is of yourself. How much time and energy do you have to devote to training a pupp?. They are alot of hard work especially if you want to socialize them properly. If you willing to expend the effort, the rewards are boundless with a puppy. The question that I would ask about the adult dog is about its training. You want a dog who has been well-socialized to people and other dogs outside the home. From what I'm reading on other boards, it would also be optimal if the adult dog has LAO learned a few basic commands. The reasoning behind this is that the dog has "learned how to learn" and will, therefore, be easier for you to train. Just my .02 cents worth...