Completely overwhelmed...

[LauraB]

I bought a puppy about 2.5 weeks ago. He is a sweetie - really good so far. But I am overwhlmed with all the negative info I have been seeing about this breed. I worry if he will ever be housebroken, worry that he will be a snappy dog, worried that I did the wrong thing and just wasted a ton of money (I paid $1800 for him). I fear that I cant handle it and wonder if I should find him a proper home now before we all get too attached. I just dont know what the heck to do. Like I said, it seems like he has a great personality so far - but how do I know it will stay with him? He is only 12 weeks old. Oh - and here is a pic of my Harley. Hes so sweet and tiny! I have been lurking here for weeks since I got him. I figure you would all have some insight on what I should do!

[rbelland]

Welcome to Yorkie Talk, Harley is adorable!!!!!!!! Puppies are always a handfull and with proper training and being consistant Harley should do just fine. You have come to the right place for advice and help for you and Harley. I would give him a chance, and be very consistant with house training. I am sure others will come along and give you some great advice too!!! Dont give up, he is a cutie!!!

[greyacresmom]

People are going to ask for advice when things are going wrong. Can you imagine if we all posted when everything went right?

Be consistent in your training. If he is food motivated be sure to carry "cookies" (treats) for when he does the right thing. (potty/poopie outside)

Have toys at hand all the time when he chews the wrong thing just take away gently and give the proper toy.

Max was a great pup. He learned to go outside within 6 weeks. I really think it was less but that is a good estimate.

All dog breeds have their own health problems. Large boned dogs are going to be more apt to have ostio. The mid size heavy dogs and the hip problems. The littles people were "pumping" out so fast that they were not as careful as maybe they should have been.

Relax...be strong..enjoy the love laughter and tears from your new addition.

[RemydeHaviland]

Originally Posted by greyacresmom

People are going to ask for advice when things are going wrong

Agree completely.

Remy will be a year next month. He was actually extremely easy to potty train. He goes outside and has a pad in my condo as a backup (which is the only place in the house he can lift his leg... we have no marking problems) Very few accidents at this point. Be very consistent, get him on a schedule and it will help. At first he was going outside every hour, now he can last up to 6 during the day and easily overnight. He has a very easy going demeanor and just wants to please. And he has won over all of my "big dog" friends who never thought the would like a "little dog" Would not trade him for anything

[Lesley Carol]

Bear in mind that the reason you see so much negative stuff is because this is where we all come to ask Q's. If you look at other breed-specific boards, you'll see the same thing.

My Lucy is just over 1 year old, was reasonably easy to house train, went to puppy classes and learned all the standard commands by 5 months, and has continued to learn ever since. She's really sociable and loveable, great with people and dogs alike and loves to play. We've had the odd concern during the year (runny poo once, and the natural concern about spaying), but she's been a joy - I don't know what I'd do without her now.

All in all, the negatives are vastly outnumbered by the positives with this feisty, adorable breed. Even my husband (who was not keen at first) started calling her his 'little wart' - because she grew on him! He's now as smitten as I am.

[TOY]

Laura,

I can only answer for myself and my husband but I will tell you that we have never bought anything nor done anything that has brought us as much joy and laughter as our Yorkie puppy.

We are retired and definitely set in our ways. We never had children nor ever had an inside dog. (As children we grew up on farms and had outside dogs.) We had our routines down pat and didn't even realize how stale and stagnant our lives had become.

Taffy has turned our lives upside down and inside out. She has a personality all her own and at times it varies from inquisitive toddler-like to rebellious teenager-like. However, the one constant is her lovable and irresistable personality. Even when she's shredded a paper napkin into microscopic pieces for the umpteenth time, she's still adorable.

To the outsiders looking in it only appears that we got a dog...a pet.

However, in spite of the scientific classification of species, we know we've added a family member. Through her antics and her unconditional love, Taffy has eased the aches and pains of aging and has truly given us a new lease on life.

She's brought springtime back into the autumn of our lives and infused our house with energy, excitement, and enthusiasm for living. She's only six months old and we've only had her for three months but imagining life without her is totally incomprehensible.

[cheryl19]

Welcome to YT All you need to do is ask questions all kinds of people to help. Your little guy is beautiful if you don't want him I'd take him in a heartbeat.
Take a deep breath everything will be fine.

[TeresaM]

Hi! Welcome!! You've gotten some good advice here, we love these little ones so much that every little sneeze brings us running to ask for advice and get support. But relax, enjoy your baby...they don't stay babies for very long. Do the work now with manners and getting him exposed to all experiences and you'll have the most wonderful companion you could ever imagine. They pick up on your stress signals, so relax, be calm and confident and Harley will be that way too.

Oh, and keep posting pictures, he's adorable!!

[MyBohoBaby]

WELCOME!! AND.... Hang in there

I am in the same boat with you, but we have TWO!!! ACK... yes double the trouble. I actually was JUST about to post a "HELP!" thread cause I have one that goes out like a CHAMP! Shes great... doesnt wine and holds her pee and poop til we are outside. THE OTHER??? OMG... WILL NOT go outside... she holds it til shes BACK inside... and then poops in her crate. She WINES LIKE A BABY! All night and in the morning. They are a piece of work!

BUT like everyone said... it takes time. They WILL go outside if you keep up with it. There will be accidents... but also the best joys. Just get past the puppy stage and it will be great.

AND THEY ARENT snappers... Yorkies are the best breed and the MOST affectionate. Its like a real baby in ways...

SO STICK WITH IT! They are much joys

[keylargolady100]

Originally Posted by greyacresmom

People are going to ask for advice when things are going wrong. Can you imagine if we all posted when everything went right?

Be consistent in your training. If he is food motivated be sure to carry "cookies" (treats) for when he does the right thing. (potty/poopie outside)

Have toys at hand all the time when he chews the wrong thing just take away gently and give the proper toy.

Max was a great pup. He learned to go outside within 6 weeks. I really think it was less but that is a good estimate.

All dog breeds have their own health problems. Large boned dogs are going to be more apt to have ostio. The mid size heavy dogs and the hip problems. The littles people were "pumping" out so fast that they were not as careful as maybe they should have been.

Relax...be strong..enjoy the love laughter and tears from your new addition.

I totally agree. You may need some bitter apple just incase he chews on furniture, (Baxter did) but stopped after afew tastes of that stuff. Just love him and you will be rewarded 1000% If I knew how sweet these guys are I would have gotten one years ago.

[Micah my love]

You are so blessed to have a sweet yorkie baby, he will get better soon and before you know it you will be looking for # 2 yorkies are very addictive. good luck on your potty training

[MissSophie]

Welcome to Yorkietalk! Stop worrying and enjoy. He is beautiful. Just love him and give him lots of attention. Yes, mine took some time to potty train, but she is 8 y/o now and can hold it for several hours. She can snap, but we know her and know what situations to NOT put her in. However, I don't believe that every Yorkie is a snapper. We take our baby everywhere, and she is the PERFECT pet. My husband and I are completely in love and can't imagine life without her.

[Symph2001]

My mother was adament that she didn't want a dog. No No No more dogs!! Amelia has paid for herself 100 fold in the last year.

I moved back in with my parents a number of years ago to help because they have health issues. My father is in begining stage of Alzheimer's and my mother suffers from a number of different ailments. I truly believe that Amelia has added time onto their lives because they now take her for walks and get down in the floor to play with her. My fathers mind is much sharper from where it was even 6 months ago. My mother has a great deal more energy and neither are as depressed as they were before she came.

I think that each breed of dog is different. Each dog is like a child. They have their own peronalities and quirks. They have things 'associated' with the breed but aren't controlled by that.

Someone on here said that it is impossible NOT to smile when you see a Yorkie. And after watching people when Amelia comes in the room I totally believe that. She had some problems with the whole potty training thing in the begining because she doesn't care to pee in the snow but we've worked through all that.

We wouldn't take anything for Amelia at this point and mom has gone from NO DOG to picking out another that we will be picking up in September.

[jeanm1963]

I remember feeling just like you, I had just been through and aweful ordeal myself and the fear of loosing Laci horrified me... I was so afraid of every little thing I read... mostly early death... liver shunt , hypoglicemic attack... but then I just started to think, its no different from a real baby.. things happen and you just need to be aware!!
Laci has brought more joy to my life then you can imagine... she is the best companion in the world...
You will have so much joy from your little puppy..
Housetraining just takes time and alot of patience... Laci learned to go outside fairly quickly but she still does have accidents.. its not really a big deal..
A few kisses later and I forget all about the little pee pee stain..
Enjoy your new puppy, think about the positive stuff and he will bring you many years of Joy

[jmdt]

Welcome and Congratultions on your sweet boy. He's adorable. I completely agree with the other posters. I have 3 and can't get enough of them. They bring such joy and happiness to us. There will be health issues with any living thing, even human children. Don't be afraid we are here if you have any questions. He is a doll. Love him and he will be your best buddy for years. You won't regret it I promise.