Our Puppy MAX (do we need to give him away?) - YorkieTalk.com Forums

ZekeAbraham · 12-26-2012, 01:51 PM

Hello Everyone,

We got a new puppy (MAXIMUS) on Sunday, he’s so cute!
My wife and I have four daughters ages 12, 9, 6 & 6
We temporarily live in a 3rd floor apartment in Brooklyn for another year until our home is complete with renovations.

Unfortunately we were advised we may have to give him away.
The nice sales people at puppy city who saw me and my family with small children didn’t warn us that we’d be a danger to little Max by mishandling him etc. they should have directed us to a larger breed of dog.
I guess they were only focused on the $1500.00 sale.

Now post “spur of the moment purchase” all of the people we have spoken to are recommending we spare our kids the inevitable sorrow in the event of a catastrophe Max being stepped on or disease from puppy mill etc in a few years.

Max is a 2 month old Yorkshire terrier and we are told will only mature to 4-6 lbs.
We were told he will be much happier in a home where he’s not in danger of being stepped on or accidentally mishandled.

It really really pains us to imagine breaking this news to our kids but we may have no choice. (And to be honest my wife and I have already fallen in love with the little guy ourselves)

We are not really concerned about the money (though it was expensive)

I don't want him going back to the shop and into a worse life.
I'd like to find some comfort in knowing he's going to a happy life.

Can we give him a good life?

Are we getting the right advice?

MikaTallulah · 12-27-2012, 04:11 AM

It can be done but your younger kids MUST understand that the puppy is NOT a TOY! No carrying puppy for any of the kids can't have you 2 youngest upset is you tell your 12 year old it is okay and not them.

Pet stores don't care about the puppies they sell! They are just products to them- No different from kibble or toys they also sell!

There are many puppy mill pups that end up thankfully healthy. I would be surprised if he actually meet the standard for a yorkie in size. Most poorly bred dogs are bigger than standard.

Roxy my 3.5 pound yorkie and smallest is actually the best of my 3 yorkies with kids. She lives to fetch and play!

You need to do what is best for your family and the puppy. I would seek a yorkie rescue and not return to the store. A rescue will find the very best home for the puppy.

If you don't keep him- Please wait to get another puppy until you are at least back in you house! They are a 10-15 year easily commitment and should never be gotten on a whim! You need to research the breed before you make a purchase.

Sorry if I sound harsh but it is the truth.

gracielove · 12-27-2012, 05:18 AM

You need to decide how well behaved your children are and your ability to control the situation. A tiny puppy can be in danger around kids that are unattended and are known to run and jump and rough house a lot. Are you or your wife there to supervise at all times? Do you teach your children to be kind and gentle? That is something you need to consider and yes, it should have been thought about at time of purchase.

Pet store people will say anything to make a sale. They care noting about the outcome. Pet store puppies are from puppy mills although they will often deny it. Many of these puppies will have health issues as they grow older, many will not look exactly like a purebred dog would be expected to look. You need to decide and either re home the puppy or make a commitment to giving the puppy the most loving and safest home possible. If you don't feel you can do that then find a good quiet and kind person to give the puppy a fighting chance.

107barney · 12-27-2012, 05:36 AM

You bought the dog. I think you owe the dog a nice, safe and hopefully long life. Train your kids and the dog and you will have a nice family companion. Good luck.

KendraE · 12-27-2012, 05:49 AM

It definitely can be done! Suggestion... For now get a little bell from the cat section and put it on his harness. We keep a bell on our 2 1/2 pounder at all times so we can be alerted to where she is. Just explain to your children just how fragile your little guy is right now. Good luck to you!

Verbena · 12-27-2012, 05:53 AM

Get a ex pen if you keep him. It will help a lot making sure he isn't stepped on. When he is not being supervised by you and your wife I would put him in the pen. I would teach the children, when he is in the pen they are not to pick him up

Verbena · 12-27-2012, 05:56 AM

Hello and Welcome to YT. If you keep him I would recommend a few books. *"Yorkies For Dummies" is the first one I recommend. ."Yorkshire Terriers: A Smart Owners Guide" is the second book. These are excellent resource books .Another book "How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days" Is very helpful. They are not as easy to housebreak. Good luck. Also please stay on here and ask questions. There are a lot of friendly and knowledgable people here. Good luck

GeorgiesMomma · 12-27-2012, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 107barney

You bought the dog. I think you owe the dog a nice, safe and hopefully long life. Train your kids and the dog and you will have a nice family companion. Good luck.

ZekeAbraham · 12-27-2012, 06:50 AM

Thanks all!
We're going to give him a try. He's just to cute and we're in love.
Is it possible hell grow to 10 lbs?

What are the chances ? Percentage wise.
I couldn't even tell you how much he weighs now. But if I had to guess I'd say 1lb.

yakkwak · 12-27-2012, 07:15 AM

You have a beautiful family! My suggestions here - (hint- look at my handle name carefully): Explain clearly to the children what are your explectations in terms of behavior regarding the puppy. Make a simple chart listing these behaviors. List the expectations in the positive (ex: say please DO be careful when you walk near the puppy and ask before touching). Reward the children when they DO as you expext. Set up reward jars for the kiddos containing small tangible reinforcers that you can hand out when you "catch someone doing a super job of following the puppy rules". Giving out rewards in a variable rate as opposed to every time is much more powerful. Your home should be BUILT around positive reinforcers very strongly for the next 6-12 months, for both the kiddos and the fur-baby. One positive reinforcement is worth the impact of 20 punishment type responses. Think rewards!!! It CAN be done if you and spouse sit down, make a clear, concrete plan, and stick to it!!! Eventually, as the children's behaviors become consistent, you can reduce the frequency if the rewards. Reward yourselves as well for remaining consistent and rewarding everyone else!!! The rewards will be sooooo worth it. You can do this!!!!

Lovetodream88 · 12-27-2012, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZekeAbraham

Thanks all!
We're going to give him a try. He's just to cute and we're in love.
Is it possible hell grow to 10 lbs?

What are the chances ? Percentage wise.
I couldn't even tell you how much he weighs now. But if I had to guess I'd say 1lb.

Did your vet not tell you when you took him for his check up? When ever getting a dog it needs to go to the vet with in 24 to 48 hours to be checked out. I would start saving money now or get pet insurance because your pup did come from a puppy mill and at some point will more then likely have some issues. He also was taken away from his mom way to young, shouldn't be until 12 weeks or after so potty training, socialization, and biting may be a problem. Please in the future do not buy from a pet store it just keeps puppy mills in business and imagine what your pups parents are going through living in filth and not cared about.

yakkwak · 12-27-2012, 07:28 AM

P.S. Your older two children can model the desired behavior for the younger ones. Set these two up to be helpers by giving a more specfic role and provide rewards for their behavior. Also, they are old eough to explain the sad consequences of not following the rules. The younger ones will do so much better when the older ones are modeling the behavior and encouraging them. Your master teaching role just got stepped up a bit! I second the motion for ax xpen type of safe zone for the pup when visual supervision is out of the question.

Teresiana · 12-27-2012, 07:39 AM

Max is such a cutie! No wonder you fell in love

My opinion is, as long as you explain to your children the consequences of little Max getting stepped on or kicked, you should be able to make it work. I would set up an little area for him - like an expen, or a gated off room - that he can hang out in if your kid's friends come over.

I have a 9 year old son & I always have the "be careful and gentle with the puppies & don't all rush up at once and and squeeze them" conversation with his friends before they even walk in the door. I also keep the puppies gated with me in the kitchen if I feel like there is the potential of them getting hurt and/or over-excited.

Good luck!

sandy simpson · 12-27-2012, 07:47 AM

There is a very strong bond that kids form with a dog. Please do not break that bond by giving Max away. Teach the kids how to care for a dog, great lessons in responsibility. Do not leave that little dog without adult supervision. Put him in a fenced enclosure when you are not able to watch him closely with the children. You can certainly have Max and love that dog and the children will love him. I would never take a dog away from a child that has gotten used to him. They will always remember that. My friend has a Maltipoo named Max. She was going to get rid of him because they have a 2yr old. The 9 yr. old boy was so upset that she decided to keep him and just keep him away from the kids when she was not there to watch them. Really in life I love the saying, All you need is love and a dog. It is so true. Of course for me I need Jesus, love, and 2 Yorkies!

gracielove · 12-27-2012, 08:09 AM

There is just no way to tell what size your dog will be at maturity. They take puppy mill pups away at a very young age so they will appear to be small when they are in the cages. Of course they are small because they are so young but if they waited a few weeks when they get past the cute stage people might not buy them.

Many pet store pups do exceed the regulation size so it is possible that he could get to be a decent size but the kind of genetics you are dealing with are pretty much a shot in the dark. I hope things work out for both you and your dog.

12-26-2012, 01:51 PM	#1
ZekeAbraham YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Brooklyn, NY USA Posts: 5	Our Puppy MAX (do we need to give him away?) Hello Everyone, We got a new puppy (MAXIMUS) on Sunday, he’s so cute! My wife and I have four daughters ages 12, 9, 6 & 6 We temporarily live in a 3rd floor apartment in Brooklyn for another year until our home is complete with renovations. Unfortunately we were advised we may have to give him away. The nice sales people at puppy city who saw me and my family with small children didn’t warn us that we’d be a danger to little Max by mishandling him etc. they should have directed us to a larger breed of dog. I guess they were only focused on the $1500.00 sale. Now post “spur of the moment purchase” all of the people we have spoken to are recommending we spare our kids the inevitable sorrow in the event of a catastrophe Max being stepped on or disease from puppy mill etc in a few years. Max is a 2 month old Yorkshire terrier and we are told will only mature to 4-6 lbs. We were told he will be much happier in a home where he’s not in danger of being stepped on or accidentally mishandled. It really really pains us to imagine breaking this news to our kids but we may have no choice. (And to be honest my wife and I have already fallen in love with the little guy ourselves) We are not really concerned about the money (though it was expensive) I don't want him going back to the shop and into a worse life. I'd like to find some comfort in knowing he's going to a happy life. Can we give him a good life? Are we getting the right advice?

12-27-2012, 04:11 AM	#2
MikaTallulah YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 1,812	It can be done but your younger kids MUST understand that the puppy is NOT a TOY! No carrying puppy for any of the kids can't have you 2 youngest upset is you tell your 12 year old it is okay and not them. Pet stores don't care about the puppies they sell! They are just products to them- No different from kibble or toys they also sell! There are many puppy mill pups that end up thankfully healthy. I would be surprised if he actually meet the standard for a yorkie in size. Most poorly bred dogs are bigger than standard. Roxy my 3.5 pound yorkie and smallest is actually the best of my 3 yorkies with kids. She lives to fetch and play! You need to do what is best for your family and the puppy. I would seek a yorkie rescue and not return to the store. A rescue will find the very best home for the puppy. If you don't keep him- Please wait to get another puppy until you are at least back in you house! They are a 10-15 year easily commitment and should never be gotten on a whim! You need to research the breed before you make a purchase. Sorry if I sound harsh but it is the truth. __________________ Beware of Nestle Purina Cozy (4/06), Roxy & Zoey (2/08), Lucy (4/09); Buddy 4/09- Rescued 12/11); Mika ('98) & Tallulah ('00) RIP Harley 4/2009; Lucky 11/2010; Zoey 4/2012

12-27-2012, 05:36 AM	#4
107barney T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 9,816	You bought the dog. I think you owe the dog a nice, safe and hopefully long life. Train your kids and the dog and you will have a nice family companion. Good luck. __________________ T. Bumpkins & Co. Washable Doggie Pee Pads (Save 10% Enter YTSAVE10 at checkout) Cathy, Teddy, Winston and Baby Clyde...RIP angels Barney and Daisy

12-27-2012, 05:49 AM	#5
KendraE Hook Em! Bevo & Mack Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 3,752	It definitely can be done! Suggestion... For now get a little bell from the cat section and put it on his harness. We keep a bell on our 2 1/2 pounder at all times so we can be alerted to where she is. Just explain to your children just how fragile your little guy is right now. Good luck to you! __________________ Kendra Bevo and Mack & grandpups Bryleigh and Jaxon

12-27-2012, 05:53 AM	#6
Verbena Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: with my flying monkeys Posts: 15,620 Blog Entries: 7	Get a ex pen if you keep him. It will help a lot making sure he isn't stepped on. When he is not being supervised by you and your wife I would put him in the pen. I would teach the children, when he is in the pen they are not to pick him up __________________ Teri . . . Galen Jameson Frazier Seraphina Luna Rosencrantz, Saber Tooth Tiger, Pussy Willow Pandora Guildenstern

12-27-2012, 05:18 AM	#3
gracielove YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY Posts: 6,582	You need to decide how well behaved your children are and your ability to control the situation. A tiny puppy can be in danger around kids that are unattended and are known to run and jump and rough house a lot. Are you or your wife there to supervise at all times? Do you teach your children to be kind and gentle? That is something you need to consider and yes, it should have been thought about at time of purchase. Pet store people will say anything to make a sale. They care noting about the outcome. Pet store puppies are from puppy mills although they will often deny it. Many of these puppies will have health issues as they grow older, many will not look exactly like a purebred dog would be expected to look. You need to decide and either re home the puppy or make a commitment to giving the puppy the most loving and safest home possible. If you don't feel you can do that then find a good quiet and kind person to give the puppy a fighting chance.

12-27-2012, 05:56 AM	#7
Verbena Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: with my flying monkeys Posts: 15,620 Blog Entries: 7	Hello and Welcome to YT. If you keep him I would recommend a few books. "Yorkies For Dummies" is the first one I recommend. ."Yorkshire Terriers: A Smart Owners Guide" is the second book. These are excellent resource books .Another book "How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days" Is very helpful. They are not as easy to housebreak. Good luck. Also please stay on here and ask questions. There are a lot of friendly and knowledgable people here. Good luck __________________ Teri . . .* Galen Jameson Frazier Seraphina Luna Rosencrantz, Saber Tooth Tiger, Pussy Willow Pandora Guildenstern Last edited by Verbena; 12-27-2012 at 05:58 AM.

12-27-2012, 06:50 AM	#9
ZekeAbraham YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Brooklyn, NY USA Posts: 5	Thanks all! We're going to give him a try. He's just to cute and we're in love. Is it possible hell grow to 10 lbs? What are the chances ? Percentage wise. I couldn't even tell you how much he weighs now. But if I had to guess I'd say 1lb.

12-27-2012, 07:15 AM	#10
yakkwak YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Dallas Posts: 319	You have a beautiful family! My suggestions here - (hint- look at my handle name carefully): Explain clearly to the children what are your explectations in terms of behavior regarding the puppy. Make a simple chart listing these behaviors. List the expectations in the positive (ex: say please DO be careful when you walk near the puppy and ask before touching). Reward the children when they DO as you expext. Set up reward jars for the kiddos containing small tangible reinforcers that you can hand out when you "catch someone doing a super job of following the puppy rules". Giving out rewards in a variable rate as opposed to every time is much more powerful. Your home should be BUILT around positive reinforcers very strongly for the next 6-12 months, for both the kiddos and the fur-baby. One positive reinforcement is worth the impact of 20 punishment type responses. Think rewards!!! It CAN be done if you and spouse sit down, make a clear, concrete plan, and stick to it!!! Eventually, as the children's behaviors become consistent, you can reduce the frequency if the rewards. Reward yourselves as well for remaining consistent and rewarding everyone else!!! The rewards will be sooooo worth it. You can do this!!!!

12-27-2012, 07:28 AM	#12
yakkwak YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Dallas Posts: 319	P.S. Your older two children can model the desired behavior for the younger ones. Set these two up to be helpers by giving a more specfic role and provide rewards for their behavior. Also, they are old eough to explain the sad consequences of not following the rules. The younger ones will do so much better when the older ones are modeling the behavior and encouraging them. Your master teaching role just got stepped up a bit! I second the motion for ax xpen type of safe zone for the pup when visual supervision is out of the question.

12-27-2012, 07:39 AM	#13
Teresiana Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 2,194	Max is such a cutie! No wonder you fell in love My opinion is, as long as you explain to your children the consequences of little Max getting stepped on or kicked, you should be able to make it work. I would set up an little area for him - like an expen, or a gated off room - that he can hang out in if your kid's friends come over. I have a 9 year old son & I always have the "be careful and gentle with the puppies & don't all rush up at once and and squeeze them" conversation with his friends before they even walk in the door. I also keep the puppies gated with me in the kitchen if I feel like there is the potential of them getting hurt and/or over-excited. Good luck! __________________ Teresa, Yoshi, Momo & Prima

12-27-2012, 07:47 AM	#14
sandy simpson YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: santee, california Posts: 2,123 Blog Entries: 1	There is a very strong bond that kids form with a dog. Please do not break that bond by giving Max away. Teach the kids how to care for a dog, great lessons in responsibility. Do not leave that little dog without adult supervision. Put him in a fenced enclosure when you are not able to watch him closely with the children. You can certainly have Max and love that dog and the children will love him. I would never take a dog away from a child that has gotten used to him. They will always remember that. My friend has a Maltipoo named Max. She was going to get rid of him because they have a 2yr old. The 9 yr. old boy was so upset that she decided to keep him and just keep him away from the kids when she was not there to watch them. Really in life I love the saying, All you need is love and a dog. It is so true. Of course for me I need Jesus, love, and 2 Yorkies!

12-27-2012, 08:09 AM	#15
gracielove YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY Posts: 6,582	There is just no way to tell what size your dog will be at maturity. They take puppy mill pups away at a very young age so they will appear to be small when they are in the cages. Of course they are small because they are so young but if they waited a few weeks when they get past the cute stage people might not buy them. Many pet store pups do exceed the regulation size so it is possible that he could get to be a decent size but the kind of genetics you are dealing with are pretty much a shot in the dark. I hope things work out for both you and your dog.