Advice and linkage please?

[TeddyGrahams]

Hi!

So I tried to do a search and it kept telling me "no data" so, im not sure how to search correctly. Either way my question is a bit circumstantial so i'd like some personalized advice, if possible, as well as maybe some links in case I missed it.

My issue is that I have purchased a yorkie pup (4 months old) and im also 4 months pregnant. My friends that have children told me that it should be fine considering I have experience with training dogs, and I am fortunate to not have to work so i'm home to take care of my new dog as well as prepare him for the arrival of baby. There are CGC classes nearby that I can take the new dog to and bond with him as well as get him a good foundation in obedience. I have 5 good months to really get this dog acclimated to my life. However, my sisters (who dont have kids) told me I should not bring the new dog home until after the baby arrives. To me it doesn't make sense and it would be very unfair to the dog if I didn't do a slow introduction and just brought him into a home with a new baby. My husband is willing to help with the training and everything so as yorkie owners what would be your opinion on the matter? Should I just go ahead with my plan? The puppy is due to come home in two weeks, he is getting his last round of shots with the breeder and groomed. I realize its going to be hard work but im more than prepared to handle the challenge. I just value every opinion and the negative ones are making me nervous.

Also, while I have done a ton of lurking on this site and have been feeding my brain with yorkie facts. I am a little apprehensive as its said that yorkies hate children. Would it make a difference if the dog is still in an impressionable state when he is introduced to the baby? They would in a sense be around each other with my supervision on a constant basis. My mom will be visiting for the first month and my husband will be taking time off of work so the puppy will /never/ be put on the back burner. I just don't know if it would make a difference since the puppy will be exposed to the baby. I realize accidents may happen but does anyone else have experience with this and could shed some light?

[TeddyGrahams]

maybe im not doing this search right, it seems like such a broad topic

[DvlshAngel985]

I think you're in a pickle! I also have no kids, and I think having a new pup and a new baby at the same time is a bit overwhelming. I had a hard enough time with just a new dog. (not a puppy) To be honest, he's special and needed special attention. But now that he's settled in nicely,(he's been here 2 years and he's 3 years old) and I know what his triggers are, I might be able to balance both him and a new addition. (either skin or fur)

If you have to add a pup to your life now, I'd do it before the baby comes. That way you can bond and get to know him/her. He/she will learn the rules of the house and the transition to baby may go smoother. My honest advice would be to wait a few years. The new baby is on it's way, and you can't return a baby! Potty training a pup, sleepless nights with the baby, you're going to be spread pretty thin.

[impish]

Let me share a little bit of what happened to a friend. She was single and had a yorkie who was a fairly needy - constant attention, (not as laid back as the yorkie I used to have so first it will depend upon the dog, and its temperment). She got married, two cats moved into the house (his). Her dog didn't adjust well to not having all of the attention anymore. They had a baby. The dog REALLY did not adjust. Barked all the time, started marking. They hired a trainer to come in. The trainer felt that her yorkie, was anxious and trying to lead the pack - between the baby crying, the new activity in the house, the cats. The trainer advised her to keep the dog on leash close to them and assure the dog they were in control. The changes in her life were overwhelming with a newborn and she ended up giving her yorkie to a good friend. Yorkie is now happy as a clam, no. 1 in his new household and she still gets to visit. I know it was a difficult decision for her as she's not the type of person who takes pet ownership lightly.

So... my comments are - it might be easier to have a puppy AFTER the baby once you get a routine going and have adjusted to the new baby. The first couple of months, you don't get much sleep, and while not impossible, it could be a factor for a newer dog.

And now for the flip side. If you are very diligent about training, you have a dog with a mellow temperment that is not anxious, you might be just fine. Yorkies are super sweet with children in my experierience. My friend's yorkie was sweet to the baby, just barked and marked nonstop.

My yorkie Max, loved babies and children.

This probably hasn't helped much, but more info to consider. Congratulations on becoming a mother and a fur baby mother too - whenever you decide to do it!

[KazzyK810]

Originally Posted by TeddyGrahams

Also, while I have done a ton of lurking on this site and have been feeding my brain with yorkie facts. I am a little apprehensive as its said that yorkies hate children. Would it make a difference if the dog is still in an impressionable state when he is introduced to the baby? They would in a sense be around each other with my supervision on a constant basis. My mom will be visiting for the first month and my husband will be taking time off of work so the puppy will /never/ be put on the back burner. I just don't know if it would make a difference since the puppy will be exposed to the baby. I realize accidents may happen but does anyone else have experience with this and could shed some light?

I don't know where you get that idea. Only a poorly socialized dog would hate children. Any yorkie I've had personally, or that has been in my extended family (my Nan raised yorkies for over 30 years and literally EVERY family member had at least one) has liked children. I know there are some on here that don't feel that yorkies and young children are a good mix...I don't agree with them. I got my first yorkie as an adult when my kids were 3 & 5 yrs old.

That being said, I don't know if this is your first child or not. If it is and it was me in that situation, with hindsight being what it is, I would wait and get a puppy after the baby. There is just so much going on with a new baby and you have so much less time for anything else than you think you will and you are so much more tired than you can imagine. I want that first year or two to be all about my baby. If this is your 2nd or 3rd child, you know what to expect, so you'd know better than anyone what you're capable of.

Best of luck with whatever you choose for you and your family.

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by KazzyK810

I don't know where you get that idea. Only a poorly socialized dog would hate children. Any yorkie I've had personally, or that has been in my extended family (my Nan raised yorkies for over 30 years and literally EVERY family member had at least one) has liked children. I know there are some on here that don't feel that yorkies and young children are a good mix...I don't agree with them. I got my first yorkie as an adult when my kids were 3 & 5 yrs old.

That being said, I don't know if this is your first child or not. If it is and it was me in that situation, with hindsight being what it is, I would wait and get a puppy after the baby. There is just so much going on with a new baby and you have so much less time for anything else than you think you will and you are so much more tired than you can imagine. I want that first year or two to be all about my baby. If this is your 2nd or 3rd child, you know what to expect, so you'd know better than anyone what you're capable of.

Best of luck with whatever you choose for you and your family.

I think mine was tormented by children. So it's not that he hates them because "yorkies hate children" but because he has nothing but bad memories. He's very apprehensive with them around and will act scared if he hears them outside our kitchen window. I do think a word of caution should be given for those with young children and tiny yorkies. That's why I think member Britster's Jackson has done so well growing up with Brit's younger sister. He's at least twice my yorkie's size and much much sturdier.

[TeddyGrahams]

Thanks yall! I already told the breeder that I would really like to get him just need some time to really think it over hence why he wont come home for another two weeks) and my husband has a name picked out and such. When we met the dog and it's parents they were very lax and not nippy. I have only had one yorkie prior to this who passed away recently. My dog was my life and my routine as my husband works during the day so these past few months have been a time to reflect but I feel ready for a new dog. I also do feel I am capable of handling it and getting it ready for a baby.

My previous dog didn't have experience with children so I think the really big thing that worries me is a dog and a new baby, but thats why we found a dog with a good personality and his parents were really super nice. Thanks for the feedback I will take it all into consideration. I think aside from my sisters saying not to, the general consensus was to get the dog acclimated before babies arrival hence why we chose an older pup.

I've read a few stories online about people who couldn't get their yorkies accustomed to new babies because the dog was jealous, so I think that was my big worry.

[TeddyGrahams]

@ dvlish, yea we made sure not to get one of the smaller yorkies specifically because they are very delicate and fragile

[chachi]

I wish you luck! I dont know how people have time for a pup when they have a new baby. I know I didnt. Babies take up just about all of your time and energy

[Lovetodream88]

I have never had a baby but I do know its hard work. I also know a new puppy is hard work too. They have to be watched very closely for the first year at least because they get into everything and put everything in there mouth also can cost a lot of money to get all the shots, getting fixed and everything the puppy is going to need. I know I would not have had time for a baby during Callie's first year I did not get much sleep the first few months.

[margaritaville]

We are empty nesters and Bubba and Sissy are now our babies. Our grand kids are teenagers so there are no children in the family. Both of mine love kids as when the weather is nice I walk them 2-3-4 miles at the park and they meet lots of little kids along the walk who stop and play/pet them. So when they see kids they get excited, sometimes to the point that they scare the kids. I think if you get him/her? familiar with kids there wont be a problem. Also, I can't remember who but it has been suggested on here, that after the baby is born to have a blanket with the baby's scent on it brought home before the baby comes home so the the dog can get use to the scent. Good luck with both your new babies.