1. I am sure the breeder will tell me what I need to know but just in case, what should I ask? What should I be bringing home? Will she tell me what kind of food I should be feeding her and how often? Dry food or wet?
The things you will need when you bring her home are pee pads, food,food and water dishes, a bed, Nutrical,a crate or an xpen, tooth brush and tooth paste, brush.some toys and chewies and a baby blanket is nice. Ideally you want to feedwhat the breeder has been feeding and gradually switch over to any new foods. If you cant do that just pick out a good quality food. Do a search on here there have been alot of posts about food
1. What happens when I bring her home? I am planning on working from home the first week so I can spend lots of time getting her adjusted and comfortable and try to get on a routine but I am so confused. Do I confine her to a small area of the house? Baby gates? Crate? Yes you want to confine with a baby gate, crate, xpen or playpen
2. Potty training: I am worried about using a pee pad in the beginning b/c I don't want to use them forever...should I start by just taking her out every hour? Or should I start with a combo....then as she understands the pee pad move it outside until she gets it? Will that confuse her?If you dont want her to use peepads forever than start outt by outside training. take her out every 1/2 to 45 minutes
3. Vet: I am planning on taking her within two days of getting her but what should I be asking? I have heard mixed reviews about what shots small yorkies should be receiving? Should I just trust that the vet knows? How often will I be visiting the vet in the first year?Ask if the vet has experience with small breeds. Ask about the vaccinaton schedule.. you might ask when you can spay and also microchip. I cant remember exactly but i think my dogs went to the vet 5 or 6 times the first year
4. Sleeping: As much as I will want Lola to sleep with me...I think sleeping in her own bed will work better. Do I start this right away? Do I need a bed that has a door so she doesn't roam around? Do they roam around at night? How often should I be taking her out throughout the night? Will she pee in her bed?
You dont want her to sleep in your bed untill she is potty trained. Yes you need to confineher
5. If I need to leave, is it okay to leave her for a couple hours? Is that too long in the beginning? I am worried if I bring her everywhere then she will get used to it and then when it's very hot and I cannot leave her in the car, she will have separation anxiety if I have to leave her at home? At what age is it okay to leave for a couple hours? Should I crate her? Or are baby gates better? I have heard people leave them in the bathroom but I think I would worry?
Yes that is fine
6. When can she start going for walks? How soon for a collar, leash?
This is another question you should ask your vet. Mine said after the 3rd set of shots. You want to use a harness not a collar yorkies have delicate tracheas
7. What about grooming....should I start brushing her from day one? How about baths? At what age do they go to the groomer?Brush from day one and give the first bath about a week after you get her
As you can tell...I have turned into one of those new moms who worry about everything. I am hoping that once I have her, it will come natural but I think in order to sleep well at night until I had to post this and hopefully get some advice. I would so appreciate any you could give me...even if it is a CALM DOWN . Again, sorry for such a lengthy post but can tell from just browsing the site that everyone on here loves yorkies and is a treasure trove of knowledge! You wil do fine just enjoy her |