[gemy]

You are wise beyond your years. We here will help you in any and every way we can. But first, I want to say something, and you need to really hear this.

The situation that is being created is beyond your control, and will be as a young person living in their parent's home. There is a "limit" to what you can do, as you well know. So just do your best, and I'm sure you will; afterall you are here, and not your Dad or your Mom. This is your parent's decision, and not yours. Please don't assume any responsibility for their decisions.

I truly am at a loss to understand how and "why" your parents, seem to feel it is your's and only your responsiblity to walk and care for the dogs; given they are the ones' adding to the pack.

Excercise needs. I know that it would be convenient for you to walk your two dogs together; how-ever puppies for obvious reasons have less stamina than any adult dog. So if I may suggest, a short walk with your puppy alone, say a brisk 10-15 minute walk. And if you can, at the end of the day; have at least a mini play session with the pup. Walk your other dog separately for now.

In time as your pup matures; let me remember I have very large dogs, and I think my Yorkie was ~ 9mths old, and we hiked with our pack for about 4 hrs, including a lunch stop and some swimming mid hike. Razzle did very well, and even though I was prepared to carry him on the journey back he did not need a carry. Now understand that we walked with him daily, and did gradually build up his time.

In time you will be able to walk the two together; but in this too I caution you. They will be a pack. And the larger dog, and especially considering the breed that it is; will defend his pack mate! And that can leave you in a regrettable situation. As an example let me share with you a recent and true story. Magic our BRT male stands 30" at the withers and weighs a whole lot. We were on vacation with a friend of ours. We had together 7 dogs, walking along a quiet country road. 2 Yorkies were off lead, Magic was off lead, and four Yorkies including my own were on lead. Out of no-where crashing through the bush comes a Rottie mix; hackles raised and going for the 2 Yorkies off lead that were ahead of the pack. I'm sure that Rottie mix never saw Magic. Magic ran something like three steps forward and roared, he knew this was no "mock" attack. By this time I had scooped up my Yorkie, as he was aggressively barking too, my trainer had called her two Yorkies back to her, so they were safe from the Rottie! In a frozen moment of time, there was the Rottie sideways to Magic, so surprised and frozen; and Magic obeying my STOP command..... What would happen next? In that 2-3 seconds of time; I realized I could not help Magic, if the Rottie attacked or came forward aggressively; for I had Razzle in my arms. In that brief moment of time; I foresaw so many unpleasant things. Magic hurt, the Rottie dead. Either one or both was so unacceptable to me. Magic is a guard breed, just like your pitbull. So please be very carefull when walking. The country environment and holiday spirit swayed me into thinking we were in a safe area. I know better than to walk these two together, and I never do this in the city I live in.

Now in terms of pitbulls. Obviously I don't know your particular dog, but often times pitbulls do have a rather large prey drive; and quite simply put Yorkies are viewed as prey. Again another true story; my female BRT who died this year had a HUGE prey drive; as opposed to my male who doesn;t. She was never allowed out alone in our backyard with Razzle. It took 2 or more years before I was comfy allowing our Yorkie and our female to be free in the house together.

Now understand this; you CANNOT control totally the environment your Yorkie puppy will be in. You will be away at school, and adults being adults will do what they will. All you can do is your best.

I do hope I was clear around the exercise question you asked; and didn't overwhelm you with more information then you were ready to hear.