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03-26-2011, 08:44 AM | #1 |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 16
| A Little Overwhelmed I've had Dolce for exactly one week now, and she's 9 1/2 weeks old. I've been told that having a puppy is a lot like having a newborn, and I'm trying to be patient. She's absolutely precious and I already love her...but I'm struggling a bit with my decision to bring her into a "single parent home" with no other pups. I had to go back to work on Thursday and Friday (after taking several days off to help her get adjusted), and while she did great in her little playpen all day without me, the guilt was incredible. When she's old enough and has had all of her shots, I plan to take her to doggy daycare at least 2 days a week (for socialization, etc.), but there are still going to be days when I'm gone ALL day. She doesn't cry when I'm gone, and has never been crying when I come home after being gone, but she does cry if she's in her playpen and I'm home. Right now she's not potty trained and has used the bathroom pretty much all over my apartment, so when I can't keep an eye on her every second, I let her play in her pen. I guess what I'm wondering is if anyone has any experience with this. Will the crying stop once she's a little older and is used to being with me? Would she be happier in a home with other pups? (Please keep in mind that I have wanted a Yorkie for as long as I can remember, and this isn't a decision I entered into lightly. I was in touch with my breeder for 3 years and waited until the right time to make this committment. I've also been researching Yorkies for at least that long. I'm hoping a more experienced Yorkie owner can provide some feedback.) Thank you! |
Welcome Guest! | |
03-26-2011, 09:46 AM | #2 |
YT 1000 Club Member | SO, you took off several days to be with your new puppy.... I'd say that's a VERY lucky puppy ! It's hard to leave them alone, but, many people do, and the animals deal with it pretty well, after they are adjusted to your schedule. She wants to be with you when you're there, that's why she crys, and you can do that (leave her out of her pen) it's just getting used to "keeping an eye" on her, it's not that hard once you get used to it. Be sure you get some Naturalizing Spray for those potty "spots", where you can keep up with eliminating the possible areas, getting her to focus on one area for that. She just doesn't know now, but in time, will want to be clean and do it in the right place. It's nice that you want to Socialize her, a couple days at Day Care sure will help, but... that's up to you. Many do not do that (me for instance). I'm not all that concerned that either of mine is "socialized" like other dogs. I'm perfectly happy with them being a little "aloof" toward other people and other dogs as well. That doesn't mean that they are aggressively going to bite the Vet or Groomer, it just puts a little distance between people and animals we don't know, and our little ones. If other people don't like it....TOUGH ! It sounds like you're going to be a GREAT provider for your little pup, be patient... it's SO rewarding ! Have a good Day ! S.W.
__________________ Dogs know that you love them, weather you own them or not Mbrs of YT Teapot Club: SNEAKERS since Apr 2011, Ichabod SOON ! RIP my darling Becca. Last edited by SWHouston; 03-26-2011 at 09:49 AM. |
03-26-2011, 11:40 AM | #3 |
Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas
Posts: 21,173
| Welcome to YT. You're certainly correct that they are like having a new-born. In fact, having a yorkie is like having a baby in the house all of their lives. They never really grow up. The guilt will probably never leave you. I have always felt guilty, even while leaving mine for a a short time. It's part of having a yorkie in the family. I think it's wonderful that you plan to take her to Doggie Day Care when she's had all of her shots. The best thing you can do for her is to ensure she is well-socialized in all sorts of situations and all ages of people. A puppy that is well-socialized at an early age will be happier and well-adjusted. She cries when you are home and she is in her playpen, because she is separated from her pack. She has already bonded to you and considers you and her a pack. She just wants to be with you all of the time. That is a typical yorkie. A yorkie will follow you wherever you go in the house. It will be easier for you when she is fully housebroken and is allowed to have free roam of your apartment. It will probably take longer to get her housebroken since you work, so don't become frustrated and don't ever give up hope. Just be very diligent and very consistent in your training. When you are home, spend your time playing and training her. Give her your best and she'll give you her best. Don't think that you made a mistake getting her. You didn't. Things will work out. You'll be the best of friends forever! Whenever you have any problems, just ask someone on YT and you'll get plenty of opinions to help you find a solution. In the meantime, be sure to use only an enzymatic cleaner on those spots. This link will give you some very good information: Removing Pet Stains and Odors : The Humane Society of the United States
__________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel |
03-26-2011, 12:02 PM | #4 |
and Lucy too Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: ohio
Posts: 6,325
| Welcome to YT. Hang in there. It sounds like you have allot of great advise. And yes they are like having babies but it is just as rewarding. Good luck. |
03-26-2011, 12:06 PM | #5 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Burbs of DC
Posts: 2,198
| I see you're in Atlanta, so are we. I brung Troy home at 14 weeks and I had an ex pen with all his necessities in my daughter's room. He did well. But he often times acted like your little one when we were in another room. Your yorkie has bonded to you and eventually the whining will subside. I work full time and potty training took well over a year but we got the hang of it. Crate training is our friend. I would suggest you invest in a Bissell Spot Bot for those little accidents your baby leaves. I think you'll be fine even without the addition of a second pup.
__________________ Owned by Troy(RIP) & Emma |
03-26-2011, 12:30 PM | #6 |
♥YORKIERESCUE.com♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Menifee, CA
Posts: 8,708
| One of the problems I see right off is that your lil' one was taken too soon from her litter mates and mother. Reputable Breeders will know why it's important for their litters to not be going to their new families until the age of at least 12 weeks old. Unfortunately, your Breeder did not follow this practice and now you are to assume the role of mother & litter mates. It will be a a lot of hard work still to come but, if you can give the time and attention that your new pup requires you will get through this. You are not alone, I was in your shoes when I purchased my first Yorkie way too young. It took a lot of commitment and devoting myself to Bella. For at least the first three months, my life revolved around her 24/7. Potty training was accomplished but as many will attest, there will always be oopsies from time to time and sometimes daily. It can be as simple as a missed squat and only getting within an inch of the pee-pad. I think the best advise I received was to keep Bella's world small. So, when I could not be with her, I would use an infant travel playpen. I sectioned one half for her bed and toys and the other side for her pee-pad. It helped her concentrate on where it was without having to search through an entire house for the pee-pad. I used a child gate to cordon off one room at a time. If I went into a room, a pee-pad came with us and the gate went up. While I was working away from home at the time, fortunate for me & Bella I worked only 2 minutes from home. So, I had to come home twice a day to check on her. My lunch hour now became divided. I was always coming & going in the beginning. Meals were scheduled which was paramount to be able to time her poops. After meals, I would take her outside and voile' most of the time, I could time it just right. Other times...nature didn't follow my program and I would find a tootsie roll...sometimes on the pee-pad and other times not. What I am trying to say is, get set for a long haul and whatever you do...do not double your trouble right now by assuming your pup might need a playmate. All you will accomplish is to double the frustration you are going through right now. Patience and being consistent is key and oh yeh, putting your life on hold for the next couple months.
__________________ Jo Ann Abby, Bella , Phoebe & Violette.... Last edited by miabellaamoure; 03-26-2011 at 12:34 PM. |
03-26-2011, 12:55 PM | #7 | |
Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Posts: 12,693
| Quote:
Good luck OP! You have a bit of a hill to climb, but if you two work together, I'm sure things will turn out for the best. It sounds like you've already set up a good foundation for training. Hang in there.
__________________ Littlest JakJak We miss you Kaji | |
03-27-2011, 03:27 AM | #8 |
♥ Love My Tibbe! ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: D/FW, Texas
Posts: 22,140
| Welcome to YT and I am so glad to you have the Yorkie you have wanted so long. All of the advice above is excellent. Just hang in there as you go through this time that is so stressful sometimes despite all the fun. Set up your schedule and follow it and your baby will begin to look forward and anticipate each playtime, meal, pooptime, snuggle time and nap time. And hang in here as you will learn quickly here much of what you will need to know as your baby grows.
__________________ Jeanie and Tibbe One must do the best one can. You may get some marks for a very imperfect answer: you will certainly get none for leaving the question alone. C. S. Lewis |
03-27-2011, 11:19 AM | #9 |
♥YORKIERESCUE.com♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Menifee, CA
Posts: 8,708
| Just checking for an update on how things are going today with Dolce? Hope good!
__________________ Jo Ann Abby, Bella , Phoebe & Violette.... |
03-27-2011, 12:51 PM | #10 |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 16
| Thanks everyone for the great advice and for the support! Dolce and I are doing fine. |
03-27-2011, 12:53 PM | #11 |
♥YORKIERESCUE.com♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Menifee, CA
Posts: 8,708
| I'm glad to hear that!
__________________ Jo Ann Abby, Bella , Phoebe & Violette.... |
03-27-2011, 01:06 PM | #12 |
YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hanford, CA
Posts: 4,895
| When I first brought Suzi home she was just going on 9 weeks, I did not know the 12 week rule. I was lucky enough though, that i was able to stay at home with her all the time. i used pee pads for the places she would got potty, she would alway use the same spot, so I used several pee pads for training in our apartment. It worked. i bet it is really hard to leave your new baby whie working. I think an ex pen is a really safe place for her while away. It is safe too. As far as the crying she just wants to be with you when you are at home. So maybe try pee pads for her? Then she could be out of her pen when your home? And puppy proofing is especially important , esp. when they go through the teething stage. Your doing all the right things for her, she is just a little young right now. Try giving her lots of attention and reasurance when you are home. Maybe leave the tv on or radio , and a shirt with your scent on it. This may calm her down. Congradulations on your new baby. They really are like human babies when so young. Eventually she will stop the crying, she just wants to be with you all the time.
__________________ "No matter how little money & how few possessions, you own, having a dog makes you rich." |
03-28-2011, 07:33 AM | #13 |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 16
| Did anyone else have these severe feelings of anxiety after bringing a puppy home? Dolce is the sweetest pup in the world, and my feelings have nothing to do with her, really...more with myself. It's very hard raising a pup as a single, working woman, and I'm only a week and a half in. There are lots of factors that are playing into my anxiety. As I mentioned, I'm gone 10+ hours a day 3-4 days a week, and if I've learned anything on this forum it's that Yorkies need/crave a lot of attention. Is it fair for her to sit in her pen so much, especially without another friend to play with? I play with her when I get home, but living in an apartment is also another factor because she doesn't have a backyard to run around in when I'm doing something else. Thus the crying when she's away from me. Am I being too hard on myself or is it possible that a Yorkie isn't the right breed for me after all? |
03-28-2011, 04:31 PM | #14 | |
Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Posts: 12,693
| Quote:
One thing you can do for your little one is buy one of those plush doggies with a heat pad and a heartbeat. It might soothe the separation to her previous pack and the loneliness of you being gone all day.
__________________ Littlest JakJak We miss you Kaji | |
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