First time pet owner with a 6 yr old kid-Yorkie a good choice?

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

It really is not true that any dog is "hypoallergenic". While a lot of people with allergies tend to do better with some dogs I would be very careful.
I know a lot of people will disagree with me and while there are all sorts of articles claiming some dogs are hypoallergenic, I can tell you I have seen many people surrender dogs because they or their children were allergic to them.

How Buying ‘Teacup’ and ‘Hypoallergenic’ Dogs Contributes to Puppy Mills | One Green Planet


Pet allergy: Are there hypoallergenic dog breeds? - Mayo Clinic

I 100% agree. Also it needs to be kept in mind that if allergies or breathing issues with things outside, dogs will get it on them and bring it inside and it will stay on their hair and paws and so on. Some one with breathing issues and allergies should hang out with the dog they are looking at before getting them.

[JadeD]

I hope you find the perfect dog for your family.

The fact that you and your wife are willing to take on the responsibility is a plus.

I took in a 9 year Yorkie (he is now 11 1/2) and he is wonderful! he still plays and follows me around and is a great companion. If you say the word "treat" he will come running, literally running. I also have a 2 1/2 year old Yorkie mix who is excellent, my trick dog even as I have taught him many tricks and he is a show dog for me who gets to go many places and show off his tricks. I am getting a 6 year old rescue tomorrow (Parti Yorkie) who has seizures and is on medication. I already have the vet lined up for her and I am just to call them Monday and set up her first appointment.

As far as a Yorkie and your child, I think as long as you teach your child how to handle a dog it will be okay.

She should not chase the dog, unless they learn a game together that involves that. My 11 1/2 year old will chase me and then I will run off and hide and he will come find me and then I can chase him and then I run off and hid and he has done this since I brought him home, it is a game we learned together.

She should not carry the dog around, unless they form a bond that allows that after several months and the dog actually enjoys it. I can carry my 2 1/2 year old all over the house (I am an adult of course). She needs to be responsible and not drop the dog of course.

She should not bother the dog while it is eating. A lot of bites happen because a child is pestering the dog while it is eating and it gets snappy. Watch and make sure the dog doesn't growl while it is eating if you pet it. All of mine are trained by myself to not growl when they eat and I can pet mine, but I do this so that if someone else gets near them I won't worry about them biting them. I work with my dogs.

If you get a dog and it sounds like you have enough money to care for a dog then I would highly suggest you contact your local petsmart and sign up for obedience classes immediately (some offer a discount for a rescue dog) and go to the classes as a family. A trained dog is one of the best things you can spend your money on. I have been to several levels of training classes so I can usually teach the basic obedience to my dogs myself from years of owning dogs. I also do trick training with any of mine that can learn tricks.

Approach the new dog as the "family" dog and not your daughters dog. It can love all of you. It will have a favorite, and as most said, the one who feeds and walks it usually. I am that favorite at my house because I do the most with the dogs.

Good luck and I hope you find what you are looking for.

Oh, one more thing. As people said they are not necessarily good for everyone's allergies but my husband and son have Asthma and are not bothered by my Yorkies at all. Two of them currently sleep in our bed at night (soon to be a 3rd when she arrives).

You can private message me if you have any questions or anything.

[ramaka]

Thanks JadeD for your time and the detailed reply. Went to the shelter again last week and wanted to check out a year old Yorkie, but was late since he got adopted 5 mins before I went in. The wait and search continues.

[canana]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

It really is not true that any dog is "hypoallergenic". While a lot of people with allergies tend to do better with some dogs I would be very careful.
I know a lot of people will disagree with me and while there are all sorts of articles claiming some dogs are hypoallergenic, I can tell you I have seen many people surrender dogs because they or their children were allergic to them.

How Buying ‘Teacup’ and ‘Hypoallergenic’ Dogs Contributes to Puppy Mills | One Green Planet


Pet allergy: Are there hypoallergenic dog breeds? - Mayo Clinic

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

I 100% agree. Also it needs to be kept in mind that if allergies or breathing issues with things outside, dogs will get it on them and bring it inside and it will stay on their hair and paws and so on. Some one with breathing issues and allergies should hang out with the dog they are looking at before getting them.

Just wanted to comment as someone who LOVES dogs but is allergic to dogs. I have had a Maltese (considered hypoallergenic) in the past and knew from experience that I would still have allergy symptoms even with a hypoallergenic breed.

When I got my first Yorkie, I had the expectations of the runny nose and itchy eyes again because I had been without a dog for three years after my Maltese passed away. Low and behold, my allergies were pretty bad. I had to take antihistamines for several weeks before my body adjusted to having a dog at home again.

I've since adjusted and the allergy symptoms have calmed down. But I have to be careful and not let them lick my hands and say touch my face or rub my eyes. I also have to keep them relatively clean. They aren't allowed on my bed or in my bedroom. But we cuddle on the couch.

So...don't be alarmed if your wife may seem to be allergic to your newly adopted hypoallergenic dog at first. For me, I would keep my dogs regardless of taking antihistamines for life, purely because of my love of dogs.

Oh and another thing you may need to be patient with in an adult dog is re-potty training him/her. Even if the foster home says the dog is potty trained, in any new environment, they'll need to be re-potty trained.

Good luck with your search! I'm excited for you to find your new dog!

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by canana

Just wanted to comment as someone who LOVES dogs but is allergic to dogs. I have had a Maltese (considered hypoallergenic) in the past and knew from experience that I would still have allergy symptoms even with a hypoallergenic breed.

When I got my first Yorkie, I had the expectations of the runny nose and itchy eyes again because I had been without a dog for three years after my Maltese passed away. Low and behold, my allergies were pretty bad. I had to take antihistamines for several weeks before my body adjusted to having a dog at home again.

I've since adjusted and the allergy symptoms have calmed down. But I have to be careful and not let them lick my hands and say touch my face or rub my eyes. I also have to keep them relatively clean. They aren't allowed on my bed or in my bedroom. But we cuddle on the couch.

So...don't be alarmed if your wife may seem to be allergic to your newly adopted hypoallergenic dog at first. For me, I would keep my dogs regardless of taking antihistamines for life, purely because of my love of dogs.

Oh and another thing you may need to be patient with in an adult dog is re-potty training him/her. Even if the foster home says the dog is potty trained, in any new environment, they'll need to be re-potty trained.

Good luck with your search! I'm excited for you to find your new dog!

Have you thought about going to an allergist and getting allergy shots to boost your immune system and make it not reactive to the things you are allergic too? I'm doing them and it has helped a lot with my other allergies. My biggest issue is the stuff from outside that the dogs bring in.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by canana

Just wanted to comment as someone who LOVES dogs but is allergic to dogs. I have had a Maltese (considered hypoallergenic) in the past and knew from experience that I would still have allergy symptoms even with a hypoallergenic breed.

When I got my first Yorkie, I had the expectations of the runny nose and itchy eyes again because I had been without a dog for three years after my Maltese passed away. Low and behold, my allergies were pretty bad. I had to take antihistamines for several weeks before my body adjusted to having a dog at home again.

I've since adjusted and the allergy symptoms have calmed down. But I have to be careful and not let them lick my hands and say touch my face or rub my eyes. I also have to keep them relatively clean. They aren't allowed on my bed or in my bedroom. But we cuddle on the couch.

So...don't be alarmed if your wife may seem to be allergic to your newly adopted hypoallergenic dog at first. For me, I would keep my dogs regardless of taking antihistamines for life, purely because of my love of dogs.

Oh and another thing you may need to be patient with in an adult dog is re-potty training him/her. Even if the foster home says the dog is potty trained, in any new environment, they'll need to be re-potty trained.

Good luck with your search! I'm excited for you to find your new dog!

Oh, that everyone would be as committed as you are.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by JadeD

I hope you find the perfect dog for your family.

The fact that you and your wife are willing to take on the responsibility is a plus.

I took in a 9 year Yorkie (he is now 11 1/2) and he is wonderful! he still plays and follows me around and is a great companion. If you say the word "treat" he will come running, literally running. I also have a 2 1/2 year old Yorkie mix who is excellent, my trick dog even as I have taught him many tricks and he is a show dog for me who gets to go many places and show off his tricks. I am getting a 6 year old rescue tomorrow (Parti Yorkie) who has seizures and is on medication. I already have the vet lined up for her and I am just to call them Monday and set up her first appointment.

As far as a Yorkie and your child, I think as long as you teach your child how to handle a dog it will be okay.

She should not chase the dog, unless they learn a game together that involves that. My 11 1/2 year old will chase me and then I will run off and hide and he will come find me and then I can chase him and then I run off and hid and he has done this since I brought him home, it is a game we learned together.

She should not carry the dog around, unless they form a bond that allows that after several months and the dog actually enjoys it. I can carry my 2 1/2 year old all over the house (I am an adult of course). She needs to be responsible and not drop the dog of course.

She should not bother the dog while it is eating. A lot of bites happen because a child is pestering the dog while it is eating and it gets snappy. Watch and make sure the dog doesn't growl while it is eating if you pet it. All of mine are trained by myself to not growl when they eat and I can pet mine, but I do this so that if someone else gets near them I won't worry about them biting them. I work with my dogs.

If you get a dog and it sounds like you have enough money to care for a dog then I would highly suggest you contact your local petsmart and sign up for obedience classes immediately (some offer a discount for a rescue dog) and go to the classes as a family. A trained dog is one of the best things you can spend your money on. I have been to several levels of training classes so I can usually teach the basic obedience to my dogs myself from years of owning dogs. I also do trick training with any of mine that can learn tricks.

Approach the new dog as the "family" dog and not your daughters dog. It can love all of you. It will have a favorite, and as most said, the one who feeds and walks it usually. I am that favorite at my house because I do the most with the dogs.

Good luck and I hope you find what you are looking for.

Oh, one more thing. As people said they are not necessarily good for everyone's allergies but my husband and son have Asthma and are not bothered by my Yorkies at all. Two of them currently sleep in our bed at night (soon to be a 3rd when she arrives).

You can private message me if you have any questions or anything.

Very detailed and thoughtful post.

[FlyingNimbus]

I am just going to be rather blunt and to the point about it.

In my personal opinion-- I feel like small dogs and young children do not tend to mix. A young child is far too young to know how to handle a dog and what not to do. Young children can rough house-- and a dog that small with a rather fragile constitution/build would easily get injured by the small human....

No matter how well you think a child is with animals-- there's always a possibility. So it's really up to you, but do consider if you do end up getting a small physically brittle dog with a small child is something to be extremely careful.

You should never leave the two together until the child is old enough to know better. I would be more comfortable leaving a responsible, calm, teen with a small dog...

If again you do opt for a small dog, try to go for one is on the larger side. I.e. I would advise a 5-6 pound dog with a really young child. If you could find one that's more around 12pounds or so you might be better off.

I think I recall someone even mentioning that the smaller dog(the "runts") that were about 4pounds falling off a couch and it getting hurt. Think this was a few months back.



As for what to be alert of when picking a dog... I would say a skittish dog that hides in the corner, one that bears their teeth often(sign of defense), one that is object possesive(i.e. if you get near its toys, or dishes and it growls or acts differently), etc.

[chestermama]

chester is good with kids he was around them when he was a puppy and he is about 10 lbs IM always there to observe to make sure the kids are good with dogs

[JennaPenny]

Hi, Welcome to yt!!

All of the ladies (and gents) here have been super helpful, but I'd like to give my point of view as a mother of a daughter with ADHD, and the problems this has caused. I brought my little gal home at 15 weeks, and it's been a challenge. Her tummy issues would pale in comparison to what we've had to do because of thoughtless behavior on my daughter's end. Although she isn't six even emotionally, she does things that a six year old can do. I will answer this in your last question.




Every website that talks about breed temperament and characteristics says Yorkies are not good for houses with children. Should that sway us away from adopting a Yokie? Absolutely not. My little lady LOVES "yina" and will actively seek her out after greeting both of us (hubby and myself) in the morning. She is currently huffing away because she can't get into daughter's room.

2.) Kiddo and wifey will be away for a month on vacation starting July 2nd, would it be OK (for the dog and kiddo) to go ahead with the adoption? I will be with him since I work from home. Would the 1 month break away from kiddo make the yorkie forget her and the dog's kid friendliness behavior? Sorry if this ? sounds silly, but being first time pet owners, we are new to all these. I won't lie and say it won't be an adjustment, and it might cause the yorkie to bond closer to you,but this can be fixed by actively having your (hopefully) new family member spend a lot of time with each lady of the house.

3.) Again being first time pet owners, what should we expect and behavior that would raise red flags when we see and interact with him on Tuesday? Growling, snarling, or biting. When he comes home, pay close attention to him " correcting" your daughter, and nip it in the bud FAST.

4.) What red flags to look for during his interaction with kiddo? What are the things my kiddo should NOT DO during the interaction as well? the red flags I answered in your 3rd question. Now on to the reason why I've posted. ALWAYS be aware of where your yorkie is. They absolutely adore snuggling. There have been incidents that I've seen on some boards I've lurk (Q&A types) where a child has been making the bed and the dog flies, breaking it's leg or worse. You can sit, on or step on yorkie at any point. Always be aware of where he is. This is very important.
Never, EVER, EVER let your daughter eat anything that is poisonous to your little guy without supervision, until you are certain he is trained to listen to "Drop it!!" particularly Chocolate (the darker the deadlier)Grapes/raisins and anything with Xylitol. a half of a teaspoon of anything with liquid Xylitol can make them go into liver failure. There are so many things we have at home with that in it, it would blow your mind. Poison control told me to be aware of the rule of three. The first three ingredients listed, the stronger the additive is. Be aware that I know you aren't getting a puppy, but any dog not trained will go after things on the ground. Again, until you are sure he knows the drop command, be careful with anything tiny on the ground. My gal ate a pencil once, and a strip of body wax another time. One time mouthed on a med that was left on the ground, even though it should have tasted hideous. She was fine, but that 100 dollar vet bill was a blow for something, again, that could have been avoided. Each time this was from my daughter simply not thinking. I know this is long, but these things in particular would have REALLY helped me in the beginning.

[JennaPenny]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

and again, some of them don't like being smothered.

Yeaaaahhhh, I forgot to mention this. This is a problem, and a big part of the reason why I say pay attention to any "correcting" you see. My gal loves my daughter. I've mentioned this. Daughter will love on her, especially on her special pillow in my little loft, or in my arms. She'll "smother" her, by backing her into a corner. In my arms the reaction is now instantaneous. On my pillow she's quite angry at being bothered to Mommy/Chewie time as it is, but coming at her and backing her into a wall is a problem. She'll now bite her for it, and I know I should put a stop to it, but daughter was warned time and time and time again. This was the correcting that I was talking about. Chewie tried warning her by growling so many times that I honestly can't count any more. Chewie is small, and skittish, so it makes sense she'd take exception to feeling like she was trapped. This is a BIG issue, and has caused problems. So, Yes, Ladyjane as usual brought up a fantastic point. I'd hate to have you at the point where you'd have to wrap your hands around your daughter's hands just to stop him from biting her when you pass him to her. This all stems from her quote about smothering.

[JennaPenny]

Originally Posted by ramaka

Hi:
Yes, we realize it is on our shoulders to take care of the dog completely and we are OK with it and have the finances. Quick ?, most of the replies here seems to stress on puppies...Is a 6 year old Yorkie considered a puppy still?

Oh, heh, please get pet insurance.

[JennaPenny]

Originally Posted by ramaka

Quick update, we saw the dog and he turned out to be 9 years old and a bit overly laid back for our needs. So the search continues .
Thank you,
Avi.

I didn't see this!!!! okay, well, if you get a yorkie in the future, please keep this in mind!!! Good luck with your search!!!!

[Micah my love]

Originally Posted by chestermama

chester is good with kids he was around them when he was a puppy and he is about 10 lbs IM always there to observe to make sure the kids are good with dogs

Yes you are a good mom. being a dog lover & owner all of my life my children were raised up with them and they all are good dog owners now lol i call theirs my grandpups

[ramaka]

Hi All:
Thanks for everyone's reply. I will be fostering this 5 year old Terrier mix till my family comes back from vacation, see how he does with them and go for adoption if all goes well. The rescue said he was awesome with kids during their kids summer camp, house and crate trained and no resource guarding. Hoping for the best. I will be picking him up this Saturday. To my novice eyes, he looks more like a Chihuahua...What do you think and any pointers for the first few days I get him home?
https://ibb.co/dSwFRa
https://ibb.co/nA0Wzv
https://ibb.co/gJE26a