help with inlaws - YorkieTalk.com Forums

hle_625 · 11-10-2005, 01:38 PM

I recently got Chloe in Oct. and everyone in my family has fell in love with her. My inlaws make sure to stop by every few days to visit with their grandpuppy. Well they have recently decided that they want to get a little yorkie too. The problem is that they have 2 big labs that are inside dogs and they work nights so they are not home very much they get home at 2 am and they go to bed around 3 30 or 4 and then they dont wake up till about noon and they leave at 2 in the afternoon. So my concern is that this puppy will be left alone with these big dogs all the time or it will be confined in a small area for 12 hours everyday. I want to tell them that these yorkies have to have alot of attention and care and they have to be watched very carefully but I dont want them to think that I dont want them to have one, and I dont want to sound rude.
For example last sunday me and my husband went to their house to watch a football game and I left Chloe at home bc of the big dogs. Well we were there for 3 hours and they wanted to know if we wanted to stay for dinner, my husband said no because we have to get home to check on Chloe, and they said man you guys act like she is a little baby that you are leaving home by its self or something it is a dog!! I was just floored thinking to myself this is not a DOG this is my BABY! So does everyone understand what I am getting at its not that I dont think that they should get a yorkie bc believe me another one in the family would be great. But they just dont have time for a small dog like a yorkie when they aren't home very much at all.
Any suggestions would be appreciated I just need to know how to convince them that maybe a yorkie is not a good choice for the lifestyle that they live.

Itspuppyluv · 11-10-2005, 02:00 PM

You could gather a bunch of information about them - the standard, information about common diseases, stuff like that and include articles about how much attention/care they need and give it to them. Would that be too subtle? It could also open the door to a discussion about the good and bad of owning a yorkie.

dianne · 11-10-2005, 02:06 PM

I think you are wonderful for caring so much and you are very right to be so concerned.The hours they work I dont feel are appropiate for a yorkie they do need lots of attention and leaving them with big dogs not supervised is plain stupid.(just my opinion).

SoCalyorkiLvr · 11-10-2005, 02:37 PM

I work at home so I am with mine all the time but there are alot of yorkie owners who work. I agree that a little yorkie should not be left unsupervised with bigger dogs but I have a standard poodle and he does very well with my yorkies when I am there to supervise.

My inlaws have two labs as does my brother in law and my sister in law and my other sister in law has a rhodesian ridgeback, another big dog. We are all "dog people" and they bring their dogs to my house and I take mine to their nouse. The dogs all get along well.

Now, granted, I am protective and supervise carefully the interactions but yorkies can do fine with big dogs when you are there and there is no rough play.

I have my big dogs ( I have a westie too) gated in the family room when I cannot suprvise and the yorkies have the kitchen area or my bedroom.

I think situations can be managed and the yorkie I am sure will love the "company" of the big dogs even if the are separated by an xpen or a gate.

Your inlaws sound like caring and loving dog people and I bet when they get their yorkie they would be just as protective of her as you are of yours.

My advice would be to help them and advise them rather than trying to talk them out of it. That way yours will have a built in playmate at family parties!!!

hle_625 · 11-10-2005, 02:42 PM

I know that some big dogs do well around big dogs but... these dogs are a different story. I took Chloe over there one day and that will be the last time that I do that they would not stop barking the whole time and they would show their teeth and growl at her she was scared to death so the big dogs went in the garage while we were there. But who knows they could warm up to a little puppy but someone would need to be there to supervise them for a couple of weeks or so before they just leave her there by herself with them. I would be so upset if they decided to get one and then just let her run freely with the big dogs knowing how they reacted to my baby.

rnnw62 · 11-10-2005, 02:54 PM

I understand your concern but my family consists of 2 Labs that
are about 100 pounds each, A Dachshund about 12 pounds and
then little Teddy. I have absolutely no problem with my big dogs
in regard to my little dogs. I was very careful in the beginning
but the Labs I own are so gentle with the little guy that it is
them I feel sorry for at times when he is very playful. All of my
dogs are indoor family members and compliment one another very
well. I am a stay at home Mom so the time issue is something
I can't really comment on...

Itspuppyluv · 11-10-2005, 02:58 PM

What concerns me is how little time they are going to be spending with the dog. They only have a few hours to spare and that's if they spend every minute with it. The big dogs sound like a danger and aren't really good company if they have to always be seperated. People are going to do what they want so I wish you luck in trying to convince them.

SoCalyorkiLvr · 11-10-2005, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hle_625

I know that some big dogs do well around big dogs but... these dogs are a different story. I took Chloe over there one day and that will be the last time that I do that they would not stop barking the whole time and they would show their teeth and growl at her she was scared to death so the big dogs went in the garage while we were there. But who knows they could warm up to a little puppy but someone would need to be there to supervise them for a couple of weeks or so before they just leave her there by herself with them. I would be so upset if they decided to get one and then just let her run freely with the big dogs knowing how they reacted to my baby.

I would hope they wouldn't do that either. Obviously they need to get the baby when they can take a vacation from work and spend at least a full week or two getting the new puppy acclimated especailly if it is less than 16 weeks old when they bring it home. IMO yorkie puppies need 24/7 care until 16 weeks.

I would recommend this to anyone who works and is planning on getting a puppy. What would be even better is if one took two weeks and then the other took two weeks and that would give the puppy one full month of adjustment with someone home all the time.

I think the labs need some socialization it sounds like or to introduce the puppy on neutral gorund rather than in their territory, their house, like you did by mistake with your baby. I have heard that it is best to go to a park or somewhere like that or even to take the other dogs to the breeder's house to meet their new addition at least once before they bring it home.

Some yorkie breeders won't sell to people with big dogs. I had one say no to me but after she met my poodle and saw how gentle and even protective he was, she changed her mind. I think it wold defintiely be important to make sure the big dogs are well trained and that the humans are the "alphas and in control because then the big dogs will know that they need to protect the new "baby" and not hurt it.

If the humans have not established dominance and control of the pack then there could definitely be trouble.

Just curious abut their work hours and what they do for a living?

HisNameIsHarley · 11-10-2005, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hle_625

I know that some big dogs do well around big dogs but... these dogs are a different story. I took Chloe over there one day and that will be the last time that I do that they would not stop barking the whole time and they would show their teeth and growl at her she was scared to death so the big dogs went in the garage while we were there. But who knows they could warm up to a little puppy but someone would need to be there to supervise them for a couple of weeks or so before they just leave her there by herself with them. I would be so upset if they decided to get one and then just let her run freely with the big dogs knowing how they reacted to my baby.

Oh my! Your poor baby was probably scared to death! I don't blame you at all for worrying about your in laws considering to get a yorkie. Maybe the labs only dislike your baby (I don't know why!) but if they feel threatened by all little dogs then I would be seriously worried. I would just try and give them every bit of information possible about yorkies. About possible health issues, how fragile they are, how much time and patience it takes to potty train them, how much attention they need every day etc. Maybe then they'll rethink their idea about getting one. I know just how darn cute they are but they're not for every house hold. Some big dogs are careful and patient with these little guys, (thank God mine are

) but some others are rowdy or down right don't like them bc they're so small. The rowdy behavior can be changed usually through dedicated training and I bet even aggressive behavior can too (Harley and I are working on that right now!) but they should atleast be totally aware of what they really are getting into. I had a girl tell me the other day in drawing class that she wants one so she can carry her around in her purse. We talked for about 10 min about the breed and every bit of responsibility that comes with owning one of these little gifts from God and she said, "Wow, they really are like having a little baby aren't they? I have a big mutt and he's so easy to take care of. I never thought that they would be so much work." I don't want to discourage people from getting yorkies bc they're such a joy but I also don't want a pup bought and brought into a family where they can't be safe or taken care of properly. I hope your in laws come to a good decision.

toninm · 11-10-2005, 03:09 PM

well, I leave Dollar wihile I am at work for 9 hours...and he is fine. All they have to do is seperate them.

hle_625 · 11-10-2005, 03:09 PM

When I got Chloe I did not take a vacation but I work for my mom in a small family owned business so I am able to take her to work with me everyday and when I do leave her home (very rarely) she stays in my bedroom for a couple of hours. These yorkies are so little and require so much attention and I dont think they understand that bc they cant understand why I dont leave her home all day while I am at work. They are really good with her when they are at my house but I just dont think that their life style works for a small breed dog.

And dont get me wrong I think that leaving your dog at home for 8 hours is fine but they are gone for 12 hours then they go to sleep and when they wake up they only have 2 hours to get back to work So about 2-3 hours a day is all the time that this yorkie would have them around

SoCalyorkiLvr · 11-10-2005, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hle_625

And dont get me wrong I think that leaving your dog at home for 8 hours is fine but they are gone for 12 hours then they go to sleep and when they wake up they only have 2 hours to get back to work So about 2-3 hours a day is all the time that this yorkie would have them around

What do they do for a living?

mustangbee · 11-10-2005, 05:02 PM

Everyone wants a Yorkie! Why, because they are so cute!!!
I would print out all the needs of the breed.
We have Princess, but we have a big dog too.
I don't have any problem leaving Mandy for a few hours.
But Princess, NO WAY, if I go she goes. I even take her to Vons
if my husband isn't home. Mandy & Princess are best friends,
Princess has no idea Mandy out weighs her by 100 pds. If your in-laws
can give all the time and attention to a Yorkie, I'd say great, because
big and small do get along. As long as they are treated like family. But if they are going to be gone a lot, I would print out the needs of Small furbabies, so they can see, it's not just having a cute baby. You know, I'm a Grandma

but I heard Grandmas are the one's who get to spoil and then return. Being new at this, I'm not sure. But you might want to work the Grandma theme with them.
Good Luck!!!!

YorkieShadow · 11-10-2005, 05:54 PM

It doesnt sound like they have much time to care for a Yorkie. and I would be afraid of leaving a tiny Yorkie with two big Labs.

Marie · 11-10-2005, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YorkieShadow

It doesnt sound like they have much time to care for a Yorkie. and I would be afraid of leaving a tiny Yorkie with two big Labs.

I agreed. They might be good with dogs, but I dont think they have the time to care for a yorkie. Get your in-laws a lot on info on yorkies like how to care for them and their needs and Hopefully they will see that at this time is not the best time to get a yorkie. Good luck.

11-10-2005, 01:38 PM	#1
hle_625 Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 4,637	help with inlaws I recently got Chloe in Oct. and everyone in my family has fell in love with her. My inlaws make sure to stop by every few days to visit with their grandpuppy. Well they have recently decided that they want to get a little yorkie too. The problem is that they have 2 big labs that are inside dogs and they work nights so they are not home very much they get home at 2 am and they go to bed around 3 30 or 4 and then they dont wake up till about noon and they leave at 2 in the afternoon. So my concern is that this puppy will be left alone with these big dogs all the time or it will be confined in a small area for 12 hours everyday. I want to tell them that these yorkies have to have alot of attention and care and they have to be watched very carefully but I dont want them to think that I dont want them to have one, and I dont want to sound rude. For example last sunday me and my husband went to their house to watch a football game and I left Chloe at home bc of the big dogs. Well we were there for 3 hours and they wanted to know if we wanted to stay for dinner, my husband said no because we have to get home to check on Chloe, and they said man you guys act like she is a little baby that you are leaving home by its self or something it is a dog!! I was just floored thinking to myself this is not a DOG this is my BABY! So does everyone understand what I am getting at its not that I dont think that they should get a yorkie bc believe me another one in the family would be great. But they just dont have time for a small dog like a yorkie when they aren't home very much at all. Any suggestions would be appreciated I just need to know how to convince them that maybe a yorkie is not a good choice for the lifestyle that they live.

11-10-2005, 02:00 PM	#2
Itspuppyluv Gus Is The Fuss Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 2,277	You could gather a bunch of information about them - the standard, information about common diseases, stuff like that and include articles about how much attention/care they need and give it to them. Would that be too subtle? It could also open the door to a discussion about the good and bad of owning a yorkie. __________________ Erin & Gus Gus You lost me at stay! "He is a good heart and a kind soul, and an angel on four feet." MW

11-10-2005, 02:06 PM	#3
dianne YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,002	I think you are wonderful for caring so much and you are very right to be so concerned.The hours they work I dont feel are appropiate for a yorkie they do need lots of attention and leaving them with big dogs not supervised is plain stupid.(just my opinion). __________________ Dianne & Prudence

11-10-2005, 02:37 PM	#4
SoCalyorkiLvr BANNED! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 8,246	I work at home so I am with mine all the time but there are alot of yorkie owners who work. I agree that a little yorkie should not be left unsupervised with bigger dogs but I have a standard poodle and he does very well with my yorkies when I am there to supervise. My inlaws have two labs as does my brother in law and my sister in law and my other sister in law has a rhodesian ridgeback, another big dog. We are all "dog people" and they bring their dogs to my house and I take mine to their nouse. The dogs all get along well. Now, granted, I am protective and supervise carefully the interactions but yorkies can do fine with big dogs when you are there and there is no rough play. I have my big dogs ( I have a westie too) gated in the family room when I cannot suprvise and the yorkies have the kitchen area or my bedroom. I think situations can be managed and the yorkie I am sure will love the "company" of the big dogs even if the are separated by an xpen or a gate. Your inlaws sound like caring and loving dog people and I bet when they get their yorkie they would be just as protective of her as you are of yours. My advice would be to help them and advise them rather than trying to talk them out of it. That way yours will have a built in playmate at family parties!!! Last edited by SoCalyorkiLvr; 11-10-2005 at 02:40 PM.

11-10-2005, 02:54 PM	#6
rnnw62 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Gilbert, Arizona Posts: 1,610	I understand your concern but my family consists of 2 Labs that are about 100 pounds each, A Dachshund about 12 pounds and then little Teddy. I have absolutely no problem with my big dogs in regard to my little dogs. I was very careful in the beginning but the Labs I own are so gentle with the little guy that it is them I feel sorry for at times when he is very playful. All of my dogs are indoor family members and compliment one another very well. I am a stay at home Mom so the time issue is something I can't really comment on... __________________ Shelly, Teddy, Toby,Hanne & Indigo

11-10-2005, 02:42 PM	#5
hle_625 Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 4,637	I know that some big dogs do well around big dogs but... these dogs are a different story. I took Chloe over there one day and that will be the last time that I do that they would not stop barking the whole time and they would show their teeth and growl at her she was scared to death so the big dogs went in the garage while we were there. But who knows they could warm up to a little puppy but someone would need to be there to supervise them for a couple of weeks or so before they just leave her there by herself with them. I would be so upset if they decided to get one and then just let her run freely with the big dogs knowing how they reacted to my baby.

11-10-2005, 02:58 PM	#7
Itspuppyluv Gus Is The Fuss Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 2,277	What concerns me is how little time they are going to be spending with the dog. They only have a few hours to spare and that's if they spend every minute with it. The big dogs sound like a danger and aren't really good company if they have to always be seperated. People are going to do what they want so I wish you luck in trying to convince them. __________________ Erin & Gus Gus You lost me at stay! "He is a good heart and a kind soul, and an angel on four feet." MW

11-10-2005, 03:09 PM	#10
toninm My Yorkie is my life Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 1,187	well, I leave Dollar wihile I am at work for 9 hours...and he is fine. All they have to do is seperate them. __________________ Toni & Dollar http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?i=212581

11-10-2005, 05:02 PM	#13
mustangbee Donating YT 9000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: North Carolina :) Posts: 10,616	Everyone wants a Yorkie! Why, because they are so cute!!! I would print out all the needs of the breed. We have Princess, but we have a big dog too. I don't have any problem leaving Mandy for a few hours. But Princess, NO WAY, if I go she goes. I even take her to Vons if my husband isn't home. Mandy & Princess are best friends, Princess has no idea Mandy out weighs her by 100 pds. If your in-laws can give all the time and attention to a Yorkie, I'd say great, because big and small do get along. As long as they are treated like family. But if they are going to be gone a lot, I would print out the needs of Small furbabies, so they can see, it's not just having a cute baby. You know, I'm a Grandma but I heard Grandmas are the one's who get to spoil and then return. Being new at this, I'm not sure. But you might want to work the Grandma theme with them. Good Luck!!!! __________________ Friends are God's way of apologizing for our relatives. "Love & Support Our YT Members" Gina & Princess Member of the SSLS

11-10-2005, 05:54 PM	#14
YorkieShadow BANNED! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: USA Posts: 9,999	It doesnt sound like they have much time to care for a Yorkie. and I would be afraid of leaving a tiny Yorkie with two big Labs.