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Originally Posted by avborges Brandi and Hercules,
This is my first puppy and I must confess that I have zero experience, but I'm working hard to learn everything I can to make Nina a happy puppy.
Nina and I arrived today from Brazil. She hasn't had the chance to be properly trained. Whenever she goes outside, she shivers a lot. This afternoon she made little progress when she walked on the snow outside my office (yes, we haven't been home yet!!). I feel that her urine is too concentrated because she doesn't want to drink enough water. Also, I tought she would be starving because she had been fasting for her flight, but she wasn't. I don't want to overreact, but I would like to learn the signs that indicate that my puppy my be sad or stressed out. But I understand that she had a lot in the last 3 days. How long do you think she will take to adapt? |
Ok, here are my suggestions based on my experience. I'm also a fairly new yorkie owner, my guy is almost 5 months and I've had him about 2 1/2 months.
I crate train Hercules. In my opinion, if you are not going to be able to spend practically 24-7 with your puppy, then this is the way to go. The crate is not cruel or mean. Instead it becomes a place that your puppy can feel comfortable in. It's their den. Put a blanket or towel in there, and maybe even an old t-shirt of yours, since it has your scent. Put some toys in there too. Things that your baby likes. I put Hercules in the crate while I am at work and at night. I probably keep him in there longer than he should be during the day, but he's been doing really well. I never scold him for accidents. If he has an accident I just simply clean it up. Instead, when he goes to the bathroom where he's supposed to, I praise him a lot! That way he associates going to the bathroom outside with praises. Sometimes I give him a treat too.
It will be hard at first, and it still is with me, but patience and determination will pay off. The best thing is that when you take her out of the crate, take her immediately to where she's supposed to go to the bathroom (like outside or to the pee pad). When she goes praise, praise, praise! Also take her to the place she's supposed to eliminate after she naps.
Another good thing to do is keep the area she's allowed to be in small. Don't let her roam the entire house. Instead, section off a particular area for her, or get one of those play pen things. We section off the living room with Hercules and it has worked well.
When you are at home and can't watch her carefully, she should also be in the crate. It will become a safe place for her.
As for food, I use Eukanuba puppy for small breeds. I feed Hercules two times a day, 1/4 cup each time. So that's about 1/2 cup total. And he does get treats sometimes. He loves the Pup Peroni, I break it up into smaller pieces, and of course greenies.
Once you develop a routine and create some stability, I'm sure she will feel safe and more secure. Just give it some time.
Hope this helps some.
Brandi & Hercules