Added a second Yorkie...may have made a big mistake - YorkieTalk.com Forums

newyorki · 12-01-2009, 09:48 AM

HI, I am a new pet owner, I adopted a Yorkie from a rescue about a month ago. He is now 5m. Neutered.

He has been so easy to take care of. I could not believe how joyful and fun it was to have him around, and super easy compared to having kids (which is usually the comparison I hear).

I read a little on the internet, and talked to the shelter, and like an idiot I decided to adopt his little shelter-mate, a neutered 6m male Yorkiepoo mix. I thought they would enjoy each others' company.

It has been about 24 hours , and basically all they do is fight. not fun fights, either, they look serious and they growl at each other. I've done some more extensive research, and now it seems , all I find are online articles that say having 2 dogs is the worst idea ever, tougher than quantum physics, you're deluded if you think it can be done without damaging the dog-owner bond....worst of all I fear they might be right.

The volunteers at the shelter felt the two dogs would be OK together since the original one was an "Alpha" and the second one is submissive in nature.

I thought, "I have raised two boys with life threatening health problems, our family has plenty of love to give, how hard can it be?"

But the sites I've been reading, imply that there is basically no hope of ever having happy dogs, I've doomed them both to a life of misery and misplaced aggression.

I see a few owners here with cute avatars including two Yorkies. Comments?

Also, about the fighting. My internet research conflicts. Some writers say to let them work it out themselves, others say I should step in as the "pack leader" and not tolerate the fighting.

Vet visit tomorrow. Thanks so much for reading and any comments.

chachi · 12-01-2009, 09:54 AM

I have 2 and they never fight but they are male and female. I think more often you run into problems with two of the same sex where both are dominant. I would give it a little more time. You need to step in if you hear any yelps

pheonix · 12-01-2009, 09:55 AM

Wow we have a male and a female and they got along great from the word "go". There was a bit of snapping from the female initially but we didnt tolerate that. She still does it occasionally but not very often. They mostly play and cuddle. Where one is the other is not far away. They are great company for each othe!

We had heard 2 females might be an issue but....

anyway good luck.

LilMissy · 12-01-2009, 09:58 AM

I've always owned 2 female dogs without problem. I do think that you have to step up as "pack leader" and stop them from fighting. It's best to do this before their quarrels even escalate to the fight stage.

mypreciouspups · 12-01-2009, 10:00 AM

Well I have 6, all yorkies.. and I tell you of course they will get into scaps over something in food or a chewy.. but for the most part they all get along well.. but it does take time sometimes for some to adjust..will watch for an update...hope it becomes better..

cliffick · 12-01-2009, 10:00 AM

You are going to be fine. You did a WONDERFUL THING HERE. JUST RELAX! Keep reading others' posts and threads. Many people have 2 or MORE! It is going to be a little harder at first. Wasn't it harder when you had your second child? I'm sure initially you will have more challenges, but it will pay off in the long run and they will become friends! (You may even be a little jealous of their relationship-LOL)
Have faith! Keep working!

Yorkiekids · 12-01-2009, 10:01 AM

You'll find a lot of people on here with more then one dog. Can you take them outside in your yard on leashes where they will be on neutral territory. Don't walk them side by side but maybe find a way to tie them loosely close enough together where they can't get at each other, but can do the sniff thingy, or I have sliding doors with a fenced yard, so I'll put one outside, and one inside so they can look at each other, but not hurt each other. I think what might have happened is that the first one you had decided he was Alpha as he was the first one there. It will just take some time, and patience. Best wishes. If you have questions you can surely pm me.

Buster Bailey · 12-01-2009, 10:06 AM

I have two yorkies & they are littermates. They are male & female, get along great & love each other - although they do have spats from time to time, but nothing severe. When we first got them we were very concerned about them fighting, but most of it was just play & establishing dominance right away. Fast forward almost a year later, and they still play like crazy but they really are just playing. From everything I've read & what my vet said to watch for is if one yelps or stops to get a drink of water & the other one doesn't back off, you should step in. I have heard that 2 dogs of the same gender in a household just doesn't work sometimes. I know of someone who had a female shihtzu & added a female yorkie & they had to get rid of the yorkie since the two constantly fought & they feared one of them would actually kill the other. If it's very severe, sometimes you have to think what's best for the animal & find one of them a good home. I know that it will be difficult. Best of luck to you & your new pups!

newyorki · 12-01-2009, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cliffick

You are going to be fine. You did a WONDERFUL THING HERE. JUST RELAX! Keep reading others' posts and threads. Many people have 2 or MORE! It is going to be a little harder at first. Wasn't it harder when you had your second child? I'm sure initially you will have more challenges, but it will pay off in the long run and they will become friends! (You may even be a little jealous of their relationship-LOL)
Have faith! Keep working!

Thanks to you and all who read and replied so quickly. Sometimes I feel like the internet can be interpreted so many ways. When I "wanted" to see it was OK to have two, I found links that made it seem OK. And now that there are territory problems, I keep seeing links about that, and I feel ignorant for having missed them or thought my care could supercede their instincts.

Yes, I was thinking as a human mom when adding the second dog. More love, more joy, a little chaos, it's all good. I had some other reasons as well but I won't bore with them. With my kids, of course there was payoff after initial rivalry. What I've been reading it that thinking as a human is counterintuitive to dog psych, though.

Thanks..will report again after the vet visit and talking to the shelter as well. For now I am separating them.

AngieC · 12-01-2009, 10:24 AM

I have 2 male dogs... Naturally they are not the same breed, my eldest is a Shih-Tzu and my baby is a yorkie, they get along great, Sure we have our moments when Rocky (shih-tzu) wants to play and Nicky (Yorkie) doesn't and vise versa... But like a few here have said, You do need to step in and be the pack leader. I have found that when my boys get to rought or one is annoying the other to much I step in and tell the other to go lay down and they listen. Just give it some time, I think they will become pals soon!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by newyorki

HI, I am a new pet owner, I adopted a Yorkie from a rescue about a month ago. He is now 5m. Neutered.

He has been so easy to take care of. I could not believe how joyful and fun it was to have him around, and super easy compared to having kids (which is usually the comparison I hear).

I read a little on the internet, and talked to the shelter, and like an idiot I decided to adopt his little shelter-mate, a neutered 6m male Yorkiepoo mix. I thought they would enjoy each others' company.

It has been about 24 hours , and basically all they do is fight. not fun fights, either, they look serious and they growl at each other. I've done some more extensive research, and now it seems , all I find are online articles that say having 2 dogs is the worst idea ever, tougher than quantum physics, you're deluded if you think it can be done without damaging the dog-owner bond....worst of all I fear they might be right.

The volunteers at the shelter felt the two dogs would be OK together since the original one was an "Alpha" and the second one is submissive in nature.

I thought, "I have raised two boys with life threatening health problems, our family has plenty of love to give, how hard can it be?"

But the sites I've been reading, imply that there is basically no hope of ever having happy dogs, I've doomed them both to a life of misery and misplaced aggression.

I see a few owners here with cute avatars including two Yorkies. Comments?

Also, about the fighting. My internet research conflicts. Some writers say to let them work it out themselves, others say I should step in as the "pack leader" and not tolerate the fighting.

Vet visit tomorrow. Thanks so much for reading and any comments.

Patti · 12-01-2009, 12:08 PM

I have 3 females, had 4 until my pom passed recently and they have their little scraps but snuggle up together all the time. Hang in there and give it a little time to see if they work it out.

jackson25 · 12-01-2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patti

I have 3 females, had 4 until my pom passed recently and they have their little scraps but snuggle up together all the time. Hang in there and give it a little time to see if they work it out.

I agree with Patti, I have 6 yorkies and with just a little time yours will be the best of friends!

PrincessDiana · 12-01-2009, 12:43 PM

I haven't read all the other replies so forgive me if I'm repeating some advice but this is really more common than you think. Franklin and Maggie absolutely HATED each other the first time they met. They fought so often that we had to keep them separated for two weeks. The only time they had together was a couple of minutes a day supervised. They eventually grew to love each other. You just have to give it a lot of time, patience, and training. Let me know if you have any questions.

citygirl · 12-01-2009, 12:44 PM

We added two into the mix and everything turned out fine, there was growling at first but now they are best buddies. I think everything will be fine.

JeanieK · 12-01-2009, 12:54 PM

Are you sure they are not playing. Play at that age can get pretty rough. And loud.

Is one yelping and trying to get away? Are they drawing blood? Can you easily separate them? will they stay separated? Can they be distracted?

Is this all the time or just occasionally?

I think they are too young to be fighting, and as long As they are not hurting each other they will probably work it out.

12-01-2009, 09:48 AM	#1
newyorki Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: ny Posts: 58	Added a second Yorkie...may have made a big mistake HI, I am a new pet owner, I adopted a Yorkie from a rescue about a month ago. He is now 5m. Neutered. He has been so easy to take care of. I could not believe how joyful and fun it was to have him around, and super easy compared to having kids (which is usually the comparison I hear). I read a little on the internet, and talked to the shelter, and like an idiot I decided to adopt his little shelter-mate, a neutered 6m male Yorkiepoo mix. I thought they would enjoy each others' company. It has been about 24 hours , and basically all they do is fight. not fun fights, either, they look serious and they growl at each other. I've done some more extensive research, and now it seems , all I find are online articles that say having 2 dogs is the worst idea ever, tougher than quantum physics, you're deluded if you think it can be done without damaging the dog-owner bond....worst of all I fear they might be right. The volunteers at the shelter felt the two dogs would be OK together since the original one was an "Alpha" and the second one is submissive in nature. I thought, "I have raised two boys with life threatening health problems, our family has plenty of love to give, how hard can it be?" But the sites I've been reading, imply that there is basically no hope of ever having happy dogs, I've doomed them both to a life of misery and misplaced aggression. I see a few owners here with cute avatars including two Yorkies. Comments? Also, about the fighting. My internet research conflicts. Some writers say to let them work it out themselves, others say I should step in as the "pack leader" and not tolerate the fighting. Vet visit tomorrow. Thanks so much for reading and any comments.

12-01-2009, 09:54 AM	#2
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	I have 2 and they never fight but they are male and female. I think more often you run into problems with two of the same sex where both are dominant. I would give it a little more time. You need to step in if you hear any yelps __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

12-01-2009, 09:58 AM	#4
LilMissy Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 3,421	I've always owned 2 female dogs without problem. I do think that you have to step up as "pack leader" and stop them from fighting. It's best to do this before their quarrels even escalate to the fight stage. __________________ Shaunna with Missy (my princess) & Dora (my tomboy)

12-01-2009, 10:00 AM	#6
cliffick Donating YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 369	Calm down count to 10.... You are going to be fine. You did a WONDERFUL THING HERE. JUST RELAX! Keep reading others' posts and threads. Many people have 2 or MORE! It is going to be a little harder at first. Wasn't it harder when you had your second child? I'm sure initially you will have more challenges, but it will pay off in the long run and they will become friends! (You may even be a little jealous of their relationship-LOL) Have faith! Keep working!

12-01-2009, 10:01 AM	#7
Yorkiekids Piper & Sebastian Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: florida Posts: 14,495	You'll find a lot of people on here with more then one dog. Can you take them outside in your yard on leashes where they will be on neutral territory. Don't walk them side by side but maybe find a way to tie them loosely close enough together where they can't get at each other, but can do the sniff thingy, or I have sliding doors with a fenced yard, so I'll put one outside, and one inside so they can look at each other, but not hurt each other. I think what might have happened is that the first one you had decided he was Alpha as he was the first one there. It will just take some time, and patience. Best wishes. If you have questions you can surely pm me. __________________ Susan, Piper ,Harley & Suiki

12-01-2009, 09:55 AM	#3
pheonix Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New Liskeard, ON, Canada Posts: 74	Wow we have a male and a female and they got along great from the word "go". There was a bit of snapping from the female initially but we didnt tolerate that. She still does it occasionally but not very often. They mostly play and cuddle. Where one is the other is not far away. They are great company for each othe! We had heard 2 females might be an issue but.... anyway good luck.

12-01-2009, 10:00 AM	#5
mypreciouspups Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida/Canada Posts: 5,514	Well I have 6, all yorkies.. and I tell you of course they will get into scaps over something in food or a chewy.. but for the most part they all get along well.. but it does take time sometimes for some to adjust..will watch for an update...hope it becomes better..

12-01-2009, 10:06 AM	#8
Buster Bailey Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Southwest MN Posts: 188	I have two yorkies & they are littermates. They are male & female, get along great & love each other - although they do have spats from time to time, but nothing severe. When we first got them we were very concerned about them fighting, but most of it was just play & establishing dominance right away. Fast forward almost a year later, and they still play like crazy but they really are just playing. From everything I've read & what my vet said to watch for is if one yelps or stops to get a drink of water & the other one doesn't back off, you should step in. I have heard that 2 dogs of the same gender in a household just doesn't work sometimes. I know of someone who had a female shihtzu & added a female yorkie & they had to get rid of the yorkie since the two constantly fought & they feared one of them would actually kill the other. If it's very severe, sometimes you have to think what's best for the animal & find one of them a good home. I know that it will be difficult. Best of luck to you & your new pups! __________________ Buster & Bailey's Mom

12-01-2009, 12:08 PM	#11
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	I have 3 females, had 4 until my pom passed recently and they have their little scraps but snuggle up together all the time. Hang in there and give it a little time to see if they work it out. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

12-01-2009, 12:43 PM	#13
PrincessDiana I ♥ Franklin & Maggie Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,068	I haven't read all the other replies so forgive me if I'm repeating some advice but this is really more common than you think. Franklin and Maggie absolutely HATED each other the first time they met. They fought so often that we had to keep them separated for two weeks. The only time they had together was a couple of minutes a day supervised. They eventually grew to love each other. You just have to give it a lot of time, patience, and training. Let me know if you have any questions. __________________ Diana , Mommy to Franklin, Maggie, Oliver, and Millie - RIP Piper

12-01-2009, 12:44 PM	#14
citygirl YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: north syracuse ny usa Posts: 1,483	We added two into the mix and everything turned out fine, there was growling at first but now they are best buddies. I think everything will be fine. __________________ Nancy Mom to Sam & Lola

12-01-2009, 12:54 PM	#15
JeanieK Donating YT 12K Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Council Bluffs Iowa Posts: 12,552	Are you sure they are not playing. Play at that age can get pretty rough. And loud. Is one yelping and trying to get away? Are they drawing blood? Can you easily separate them? will they stay separated? Can they be distracted? Is this all the time or just occasionally? I think they are too young to be fighting, and as long As they are not hurting each other they will probably work it out.