New Yorkie owner- dog hasn't made a peep

[LJG]

We inherited a yorkie yesterday. Owner killed in car accident. Was one of 4 yorkies. He is 5 years old, and has kennel cough, on antibiotics for it.

The dog was in shelter until we adopted it yesterday. THey held the dog for almost 3 weeks, until it could be legally released to us. So it developed kennel cough. They began treatment for it and we will take it to vet tomorrow.

The issue is, the dog hasn't whined, or yelped, or anything. Could it have its voice box clipped? Do people really do this?

He sleeps a ton, really mild mannered. Won't eat or drink much. Tells us when he has to go, and is very good. Loves to cuddle and isn't acting out at all, just really tired and not really eating or drinking. We know he's stressed out with all the changes, just want to make sure we are doing everything we can to make it easy.

[Yorkiemom1]

What a wonderful ending for this pup that has suffered a horrible incident in its life.....how attentive to his needs you are being....this is a wonderful, kind thing you are doing!

You are thinking correctly....this pup has suffered a traumatic event...he does not understand where his momma is, why she has left him, where she is and what he is supposed to be doing, for how long, until momma comes for him.

You already have a clue about his confusion, and you are helping him adjust slowly and patiently. Yorkies are very family oriented....this baby will eventually realize life is different for him and he will adjust to his new living arrangement well. I recommend a great book, "Yorkies for Dummies"...it is a great read and teaches you tons about the care and raising of a Yorkie, what motivates them and how you deal with issues as they may be presented.

Bless you for taking this poor lost baby into your hearts and home....his tragedy has a happy ending!

[Cherie6446]

I might add that if he was one of four he is missing his mates. He has been through a lot of trauma in a short time. You are doing a wonderful thing for this little guy. He'll come around when he feels secure.

[Wylie's Mom]

Bless your hart for taking this little one in !

His voice may still come to life...just give it some time...

[Harrysmum]

What a lovely person you are - congratulations on the new addition to your family

Was wondering if the fact that he's got kennel cough might be stopping him from barking...maybe it's all a bit sore, and he knows it - and is saving it all up for you when he's better...?!!!?

Good luck with your new little man Sally + Harry xx

[TiffanyandTeddy]

Adopting that little baby was such an amazing thing to do! I am sure within time he will spark right up and his voice will come to life.

[MarkFromSea]

Sorry for his loss. He's experiencing everything others have mentioned.

Think of activities to do that will help him adjust to his new home. I'm a heavy advocate for walking, taking my pups for about a 3 mile walk every other day. I recommend a harness instead of a collar. I use a retractable leash but there was some controversy surrounding those that I did not follow.

Simple walking gives good exercise and helps with bonding.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by MarkFromSea

Sorry for his loss. He's experiencing everything others have mentioned.

Think of activities to do that will help him adjust to his new home. I'm a heavy advocate for walking, taking my pups for about a 3 mile walk every other day. I recommend a harness instead of a collar. I use a retractable leash but there was some controversy surrounding those that I did not follow.

Simple walking gives good exercise and helps with bonding.

Might want to take it easy while recovering from the cough, and to avoid spreading it to other doggies.

Thank you for giving this fellow a loving home. I agree with everyone above that he is likely quiet because of the big changes in his life and after spending 3 weeks in the shelter.

Just give him lots of love and patience and he will come around.

We brought Teddy home from our breeder when he was 8 months old. He was so quiet and eager to please. Over time he started asserting himself and developed quite a voice.

[ladyjane]

Poor baby. Thank you for taking him in....in time, he will come around. He has been through so much.

I would provide him with a safe place all his own....a bed in a quiet spot...or even a crate with soft bedding where he can go off to be alone. As suggested, taking him out for walks and play time is good ... but I personally would not push that too much for right now. He really needs time to mourn...and to realize that his life, while different, is safe and loving. He also needs to recover from the kennel cough.

Even if he was debarked, he could still make noise. I am sure this is temporary...he will probably be yapping away within the next couple of weeks. I have had many pups come to my home and be so quiet and then end up the loudest of the bunch.

Welcome to YT! Looking forward to hearing more about your new baby!

[matese]

Welcome to YT and thank you for rescuing this little boy, I agree with all above members, he is confused, missing his mama and pack family. Time and lots of patience he will come around, I agree with ladyjane in giving him his own little safe haven where he can have some alone time. He heeds to bond with you, feel he is safe and secure in his new home with his new family. Lots of praise for good little deeds, he just needs time for his little self to come through. Please keep us posted on his new life with you.