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Originally Posted by Aliya  Hello,
I love this site, and wanted to post to say hello and thank you for this great resource. I have had my 9-wk-old Dora for one week now - she is also my first dog ever! I am reading through the tons of information on this site, but it'll probably take me some time, since I've never been on a forum before. I have some questions, but please feel free not to answer them if there is a glaringly obvious answer already posted somewhere. Thank you!
1) Dora came to us crate-trained, and has slept through the night (a full 8 hours) from the moment we got her. I actually think she could go for longer, since she doesn't pee immediately when I take her out in the early AM... however I don't want to push my luck. What does this mean? Judging by other posts, this isn't normal! I'm counting my blessings, but want to make sure there's nothing wrong. She does pee normally outside throughout the day, and also at least twice a day on my carpet...
2) Dora was relatively irritable and sort of restless today - not as cuddly and up-close as she usually is. Granted, I was irritable too. Is she picking up on that? Or is it because she went to the vet today? Or, is it because she's sleepy? I've been wondering if I keep her awake more than I should. Should I try to make sure we have some time apart - e.g. crate her regularly even when I'm in the house? We hang out a LOT together (i'm at home full time).
3) My biggest worry right now is her temperament. I want her to be a sweet, confident, and obedient dog - like I said, she was NOT obedient today, and overall has a majorly hard time learning not to bite fingers, toes, wrists, arms, and jeans! What is the BEST way to make her safe and happy? |
She is only 9 weeks old, so she isn't going to be potty-trained for some time. If she isn't going immediately when you take her out, I think it simply means there are other things of more interest to her than pottying. Terrier instinct, plus she will learn that if she potties immediately that you will make her go back in. No fun. Are you allowing her to run around the house, when not in the crate? She is much too young to have full-run of the house. She will most certainly potty on the floors if that is the case. An x-pen would be nice to keep her in, when you can't watch her. You will need to take her out very often, because she has a very small bladder. You could put a shower curtain under the x-pen and add some water and toys along with her bed and a piddle pad. That way, if you aren't able to watch her, she would be safe. Be sure she can't get to any electric cords or anything dangerous for puppies. They will chew on anything and everything. You will find that out when she gets a bit older and starts teething. Chewing and biting are normal puppy behaviors. You will have to teach her bite inhibition, since it won't be taught by her own mom. Someone above discussed that. Provide her with safe toys that she can chew on as well.
Did she get shots at the vet today? Be sure, when the time comes, to not get the rabies shot at the same time as the other shots. Many vets will give them all together, but they are too much for small puppies. Wait about two weeks later to get the rabies shot after the other shots are given. She is very young to be away from her mom and will require lots of rest and sleep. Many people allow them to play until they drop and this is not good for them. That kind of stress makes them more likely to suffer from hypoglycemia. This is a huge danger for some small yorkies. Do keep nutrical or Karo syrup handy in case she should suffer an episode. It can make the difference in life and death.
Yorkies are terriers, therefore, are stubborn and independent little dogs with a curious nature. To have a well-behaved yorkie, your little one will require good training and lots of socialization at a young age. They do require lots of exercise as well.