Should I get a yorkie?

[ava86]

For the past 2 years I have been wanting a yorkie. I am a college student and I live by myself and I am sometimes away from home for several hours a day. My longest day in the fall semester is from about 8:00 to 2:00 and I don't work. My grandparents don't think I should get a yorkie because they feel it won't be fair for the yorkie to be left alone. I really want one but would it be fair for the yorkie and would it be very difficult to train it since I won't be home all the time? Today I was at the mall and a lady who worked there said that yorkies are very difficult to train and I am wanting to know of other peoples training experiences. Thank you so much for any input.

[SnowWa]

You will probably hear some success stories - but as a rule, Yorkies are hard to train (most little dogs are.) And -- not being home constantly (at least for the first few months you have your pup) - makes it double hard.

There are possible other problems that may not happen, but you should be aware of them. A lot of little Yorkies are real barkers - especially when they are left alone. And --if you live in an apartment situation - this can be a real problem.

If you can put up with potty training issues and are in a situation where "barking" won't be a real problem - Yorkies are wonderful little pets.

And, if you read a hundred posts here on YorkieTalk, you'll find that Yorkies (like a lot of other breeds) can be as different as night or day.

My little pup has been hard to train. He is "perfect" - if I take him out every couple hours. When I can do this, he never pees in the house. But, if I don't --- he doesn't seem to care where he pees. So - I am the one that ended up being "potty trained" --not him.

My pup has never been much of a barker. He is a real sweet, very submissive, and laid back little guy. But, for sure, a lot of people have little Yorkies that are "hell on wheels."

And - little teething little Yorkie pups can also cause a lot of damage. They chew furniture, eat dry wall, and can even shred a carpet. Be ready for these problems also - if you are living where you may be assessed for any damage.

I can't think of any other small little breed that might not cause you the same problems. And, with this in mind, I think that a little Yorkie is a pet that you would love to have. They certainly are adorable.

Also - you have to realize that here on Yorkie Talk -- a lot of us are extremely prejudice about Yorkies and many of us think that they are the "only dog in the world to own."

I, personally, love all breeds and have loved every other dog I have ever had as much as I love Murphy, my little Yorkie. I also have a Bichon. He is the cutest, sweetest thing ever, and I love him just as much as I do my Yorkie. They generally don't bark as much, but they are also hard to potty train.

I will really get yelled at for this -- but if I were a young person going to school, (and living in an apartment-type situation) -- I would think that a cat might be the perfect pet --- at least, until you are more settled and in a better situation to own a little dog. Cats can live 100% of the time inside and are sooooooo easy to train (with a litter box). And - the ones I have had have been absolute wonderful, affectionate little pets and a lot of company as well.

Again, as far as potty training really goes - cruise around this site and you will see that it is one of the most common problems most of us are have. Check out the "training" part of the forum. You'll find out quickly that it can be a real and ongoing problem.

I do want to mention that I work - four days a week and am gone about 6 hours each day. And, this, in itself, has never been a problem with my little Yorkie. I keep him confined in the kitchen/laundry room area (with a gate), and he has never known anything different ---so it seems to be okay with him.....no problems ever! Remember - dogs sleep about 14 hours a day --especially house dogs.

Good luck! Carol Jean

[yougetthesmiles]

Welcome to YT hun! I'm glad you found us, this is a wonderful place with lots of great information and a wonderful YT family!

My question to you is, why do you want a Yorkie?
Yorkies are very easy to love and fall in love with, they are so cute that when you see one your heart just melts! If I were you I would buy a book on Yorkies, I have "Yorkshire Terriers for Dummies" it's full of great info for someone who has never owned a Yorkie.

My little girl is not a barker (thank goodness lol) but she still is not fully potty trained, and right now I'm not working, so I am home with her.
You say you don't work, so how are you going to afford shots, spaying, or any vet visit that may accure? Then you have food, treats, toys, crate, grooming products, etc...
Yorkies have a long coat that requires to be brushed daily or you will wind up with a matted coat and a un-happy dog.

Just really put a lot of thought into it, I know how you feel about wanting one, I was in your shoes and I was determined to do what ever it takes to get my 1st baby. But do your research first.

[MyTrixie143]

Hello and welcome to YT!!!

How many hours a day will you be gone each day of the week?? If you are gone more hours than you are home, then I don't think it would be fair to get a yorkie. There are alot of working people here at YT and they dedicate their time home to their yorkies. Yorkies do require special training and can be harder to train then alot of breeds. Are you prepared to do the training and stick with it?? If you get a laid back one, or one who is calmer I don't think you will have a problem with barking.

At this point in time you would have to get an adult yorkie rather than a puppy because a puppy requires more time and care and can get hypoglocemia very easy at that age and if you are not home and they have one of these spells they could very well die.

Also, if you don't have a job how are you going to take care of the yorkie's needs such as grooming,vet costs, preventatives,food,toys,etc.

I don't know your situation, so I can't tell you whether or not to get a yorkie. Only you know your situation and what is best, so take a few minutes to evaluate your schedule and time and all the other things that were mentioned, and THEN decide whether getting a yorkie would work out for you. I can tell you though, that yorkies are a joy to have and bring alot of love and laughter to our lives. Good luck with your decision!!!

[artie merlino]

I suggest you pick another Breed, only b/c Yorkie's can be very difficult in many ways. They are very high maintenance in every way, as far as Training, personality, disposition etc. As cute and lovable, sweet, affectionate, loyal. They can be a Nightmare if you don't stay on them constantly. My female Abigail is almost 2 yrs. old and still has "Accidents" in the house, regardless of the circumstances. I have 2 a male and a female and they are as different as night & day! Not to mention the Vet. bill, you could get one with perfect health or you could get one that has you at the Vet. @ least once a month for any reason? Unless you have alot of time and energy to figure them out?
I'm not trying to discourage you b/c I think they are the best Breed I ever had, I have been a "Dog Person" all of my 43 yr. old life, either you are or you aren't meaning some people just like Yorkie's b/c of all the Media attention.
I can't tell you how many times I've been @ the Mall and all the teenage girls flock & scream "Oh I want one"! Not to mention they are expensive, I hear hard luck stories all the time how they can't pay that much, but you get what you pay for? It's alot to think about, but unfortunately not everyone can handle all the responsibilities and if more people did their research based on facts not that adorable licking machine w/a cute bow in his hair? An hour later he will be in the backyard rolling on his back in cat pee? I'm sure you'll throw caution to the wind and get one anyway they are very tempting, Good Luck!

[makemepretty]

Honestly, college students don't have enough time for a pet. My sister is almost done with Pharmacy school and it's been H*LL on her pets with her so busy. She even had to find a new home for one of them. A puppy needs someone who can train it and spend time with it. You also have to focus on homework, papers, tests when you are home.

I say, wait till after you graduate and maybe buy yourself one for graduation. Your focus should be on school right now. If you get a puppy, it would be hard not to focus on the puppy(no matter what kind it is).

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by ava86

For the past 2 years I have been wanting a yorkie. I am a college student and I live by myself and I am sometimes away from home for several hours a day. My longest day in the fall semester is from about 8:00 to 2:00 and I don't work. My grandparents don't think I should get a yorkie because they feel it won't be fair for the yorkie to be left alone. I really want one but would it be fair for the yorkie and would it be very difficult to train it since I won't be home all the time? Today I was at the mall and a lady who worked there said that yorkies are very difficult to train and I am wanting to know of other peoples training experiences. Thank you so much for any input.

Some questions:

Are you certain you will always live where you are allowed to have a pet?

What will be your hours after the fall semester? The semester after that?

Many do leave their yorkies alone, but I personally don't think it's fair to them. That is one reason so many people have problems potty training. They are people dogs and require lots of attention and training. They are like a baby that never grows up.

How can you consider owning a yorkie when you don't have income to support one? What if there was an accident or illness that would cost one, two, three thousand dollars? Are you prepared to pay for its proper care or would you, too, surrender it to a rescue organization because you couldn't afford the proper care that it deserves? How do you plan to pay for the costly heartworm preventative and flea and tick preventative monthly basis or its food and treats and in your case piddle pads?

Can you promise to dedicate your life to a yorkie for at least the next 15 years and do you not feel it deserves a nice fenced-in yard to play in without the restraint of a leash at all times?

Can you promise to give up your time to give it the proper exercise? Many people will tell you that a small yorkie does not require much exercise, but in my experience, that is one reason many people have problems with their yorkies. They ARE terriers and need to be exercised more than just running around an apartment. They love the great outdoors.

Just a few thoughts. I agree with your grandparents.

[Katys mom]

Great Post!

Originally Posted by SnowWa

You will probably hear some success stories - but as a rule, Yorkies are hard to train (most little dogs are.) And -- not being home constantly (at least for the first few months you have your pup) - makes it double hard.

There are possible other problems that may not happen, but you should be aware of them. A lot of little Yorkies are real barkers - especially when they are left alone. And --if you live in an apartment situation - this can be a real problem.

If you can put up with potty training issues and are in a situation where "barking" won't be a real problem - Yorkies are wonderful little pets.

And, if you read a hundred posts here on YorkieTalk, you'll find that Yorkies (like a lot of other breeds) can be as different as night or day.

My little pup has been hard to train. He is "perfect" - if I take him out every couple hours. When I can do this, he never pees in the house. But, if I don't --- he doesn't seem to care where he pees. So - I am the one that ended up being "potty trained" --not him.

My pup has never been much of a barker. He is a real sweet, very submissive, and laid back little guy. But, for sure, a lot of people have little Yorkies that are "hell on wheels."

And - little teething little Yorkie pups can also cause a lot of damage. They chew furniture, eat dry wall, and can even shred a carpet. Be ready for these problems also - if you are living where you may be assessed for any damage.

I can't think of any other small little breed that might not cause you the same problems. And, with this in mind, I think that a little Yorkie is a pet that you would love to have. They certainly are adorable.

Also - you have to realize that here on Yorkie Talk -- a lot of us are extremely prejudice about Yorkies and many of us think that they are the "only dog in the world to own."

I, personally, love all breeds and have loved every other dog I have ever had as much as I love Murphy, my little Yorkie. I also have a Bichon. He is the cutest, sweetest thing ever, and I love him just as much as I do my Yorkie. They generally don't bark as much, but they are also hard to potty train.

I will really get yelled at for this -- but if I were a young person going to school, (and living in an apartment-type situation) -- I would think that a cat might be the perfect pet --- at least, until you are more settled and in a better situation to own a little dog. Cats can live 100% of the time inside and are sooooooo easy to train (with a litter box). And - the ones I have had have been absolute wonderful, affectionate little pets and a lot of company as well.

Again, as far as potty training really goes - cruise around this site and you will see that it is one of the most common problems most of us are have. Check out the "training" part of the forum. You'll find out quickly that it can be a real and ongoing problem.

I do want to mention that I work - four days a week and am gone about 6 hours each day. And, this, in itself, has never been a problem with my little Yorkie. I keep him confined in the kitchen/laundry room area (with a gate), and he has never known anything different ---so it seems to be okay with him.....no problems ever! Remember - dogs sleep about 14 hours a day --especially house dogs.

Good luck! Carol Jean

[Laur]

I would first make sure that you have the necessary funds for a Yorkie. Vet visits can be costly and you never know when you buy a Yorkie, if they will encounter any health problems along the way...it's just a risk you take when you buy any puppy. I got pet insurance for Diamond from the beginning because this way, if she goes to the vet for routine care or what have you, there is a good chance I will get reimbursed. I pay about $30/month for this.

Secondly, if you really want one I would recommend reading up on Yorkies and maybe buying some books. I knew absolutely nothing about them until I bought two books and they taught me A LOT as well as this forum. Everyone on here is very helpful and knowledgeable and they go out of their way to help you.

Thirdly, you should think about your schedule and how much time you will be home with the puppy. Would you be able to pay for someone to come in and let your baby out to go potty and to eat/play?

I can understand where you are coming from. I live on my own and I work full time. I am gone everyday (monday-friday) from 8 or 9am until 6pm or around then. In the mornings, Diamond is confined to the kitchen and I put a baby gate up. After lunch time, she goes in her crate until I come home. The petsitter comes at lunch time and feeds her/plays with her/takes her out, etc.

I can tell you it has been very frustrating training Diamond but I love that girl to death. On the weekends, I try to spend the majority of my time with her since I work during the week. They do catch on with the potty training, the important thing is that you need to have patience. Do not let them out of your site when they are puppies, watch their EVERY move, and if you cannot watch them when you are home, confine them to a room or their crate.

I say the SAME thing to Diamond when she has to go out and when she does go potty OUTSIDE, I praise her like crazy. Yeah, I probably look like a fool but who cares.

I am not married and I am not engaged...I am still young or at least I like to think so I am 26. My schedule is very hectic sometimes but I always think of Diamond FIRST. My parents also help me out A LOT. I have never boarded Diamond and I don't think I ever will, just a personal preference.

I know what you are going through because I was in the same position back in March. I was DYING to have a puppy and everyone was discouraging me. Just think about this and what I said in the beginning.

I am sure you know this but Yorkies are not just a cute accessory...they are a FULL TIME job and you just need to have the patience and love/devotion for them. I treat Diamond as one of my family members and I spoil her because she deserves to be spoiled, she loves me unconditionally

[ava86]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I can assure you that I will definitely have enough money to support a yorkie. My mom will help me out with that. I am also going to be staying in the same apartment that allows pets until I graduate in 2008. I do not view yorkies as a cute assessory. The reason I started to want a yorkie is because I had a friend with one and that yorkie was a great pet and very lovable so that made me want a yorkie. I have a boyfriend who will be able to take the yorkie out for me whenever I am gone. This semester the longest I will be away from home is about 6 hours one day a week and I don't see any other semesters being too different from that. I will definitely take everyone's opinions into consideration. Although I really want a yorkie, if I can't give it the life it deserves then I definitely will not get one until I can do that. I am only writing this to give everyone a better understanding of my situation. Right now I'm almost convinced not to get one but I just had to write this because I still want that little bit of hope that I can give a yorkie a good life. Thanks.

[Rae Rae]

Originally Posted by ava86

Thank you everyone for your replies. I can assure you that I will definitely have enough money to support a yorkie. My mom will help me out with that. I am also going to be staying in the same apartment that allows pets until I graduate in 2008. I do not view yorkies as a cute assessory. The reason I started to want a yorkie is because I had a friend with one and that yorkie was a great pet and very lovable so that made me want a yorkie. I have a boyfriend who will be able to take the yorkie out for me whenever I am gone. This semester the longest I will be away from home is about 6 hours one day a week and I don't see any other semesters being too different from that. I will definitely take everyone's opinions into consideration. Although I really want a yorkie, if I can't give it the life it deserves then I definitely will not get one until I can do that. I am only writing this to give everyone a better understanding of my situation. Right now I'm almost convinced not to get one but I just had to write this because I still want that little bit of hope that I can give a yorkie a good life. Thanks.

I think you can still get one, I don't see why not. It seems you thought a lot through, about who will watch it when your gone, and expenses. As long as you have the time, devotion, patience and love then I say get one! Have you had any other dogs before?

[ava86]

My parents got a mini schnauzer when I was 10 months old and now they have a mini pinscher. So basically I have always had a dog.

[Rae Rae]

Originally Posted by ava86

My parents got a mini schnauzer when I was 10 months old and now they have a mini pinscher. So basically I have always had a dog.

Then you should now how it is to have a dog around, and the attention and care that they need. It's not completely new to you, so you shouldnt have that many surprises, lol. Only you know if your going to be able to make the sacrafices and take the time out to attend to this pup. If you believe you can, then go for it.

I've also always had dogs my whole life, sometimes 2 at a time. I've always had larger dogs though. So far the only difference I have noticed w/ my yorkie compared to the larger dogs is that certain things can harm him that won't harm a bigger dog. This weekend I took my yorkie to the vet for wheezing and snorting, and my mom rolled her eyes at me like "you actaully took him to the vet for that?" She didn't know that his trachea can collapse as a result of this. This is something that doesnt really happen w/ bigger breeds, but once I told her then she understood. But just like any other breed, all breeds are different.

Oh and you have to watch wear you step because their soo small, lol. Good luck!!!

[Joe]

Everyone had really good advice for you. And as they said every Yorkie is different. My Scarlet was very easy to train, guess I was lucky however she IS a barker She thinks can round up the Deer and Raccoons just like the big dogs. lol

I have many dogs all my life, Scarlet has 3 big sisters and a brother ( All Min Pens) but let me tell you she runs the house.

I have never had a dog bring so much joy and laugher and touch my heart so as Scarlet has. When I bought her my husband wasn't thrilled about bringing another dog into the house but he is so crazy about her that he has changed his daily schedule just to spend more time with her. It's the finniest thing I've ever seen.

I would like to offer my tip on housebreaking.
I bought a large older baby play pen, put her bed, food and water, toys and doggy pad in the play pen. That is where she stayed while we were away at work. When we were home everything was removed from the play pen except the doggie pad. She was placed in the play pen after every nap and feeding. Once she had complete, (she always yelled at me to let me know she was done) lol I would let her out with everyone else. It didn't take her long to understand what the pads were for.
Doggy pads were placed around the house also. Next thing I know she was house broke, took merely weeks.
She very seldom has an accident, and when she does my husband say "Oh someone must have scared her" lol.


Good luck with you decision

[peanut]

My daughter is in college also and lives by herself, she has been raised with every kind of animal around..but she was wanting a yorkie also after I got Lexie, she sounds alot like you, very responsible, but I let her keep Peanut over the weekend not to long ago...She has changed her mind, she now wants to wait, till she has more time to care for one, she didn't realize how much is involved in everyday care...She works, goes to college fulltime and what little time is left over for socializing...No one here is telling you, that you don't deserve or cant take care of it, but there is alot of time you have to spend, & I know Joy said she is glad she found out before she got one....