[boopster]

Thank you for this thread! I would like to add a welcome to new members and new puppy owners. You are going to find that people here are very generous about sharing their knowledge and experience. As a relatively new ( I've had my 5.5 month old for 2. 5 months) Yorkie owner, I have gotten wonderful support here. Be aware that people here feel passionate about the health and well-being about these little dogs and this passion can sometimes come across very strongly.

I know that once or twice I have felt that I was being " shouted" at in a conversation. After taking a breath, I realized that the " shouter" was taking the time to give me info that was very important. So please, don't take offense - listen!

That said, I want to do my own shouting :

1). Take the new pup to the vet for a wellness check within 48 hours

2). Do not leave a new puppy alone for hours at a time. They have most likely never been alone before and can't handle it. Plus they need to be watched for signs of hypoglycemia

3). Don't let lots of different people handle the puppy until it's had a chance to get used to the new home. And don't let anyone who doesn't understand how fragile they are handle the puppy without supervision.

4). Puppies are eating, peeing, and pooping machines. Don't give your puppy the run of the house and expect it to have good manners. Would you leave a human infant without a diaper in the middle of your white carpet?

5) any signs that the puppy isn't feeling good, call your vet or the emergency pet clinic. If the pup won't eat or drink, seems lethargic, or has any unusual behavior, things can go south with these little ones so fast, waiting to seek help could lead to tragedy.

6). Put a breakaway collar with a bell (never to be used with a leash) on the pup right away so you know where it is at all times. And have everyone in the house learn the "Yorkie Shuffle.". If you slide your feet instead of lifting them, you have less chance of stepping on your pup. Because you will find that it loves to be underfoot most of the time.

Hope I haven't scared anyone... But these little ones need lots of attention and love. The good news is that you will get back far more love than you give. There's nothing like curling up in your chair with a sleeping puppy in your arms.