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Originally Posted by gracielove  Gemy is so right about the training necessary for your GSD or any big dog that would be around a small breed dog. There is something in particular about the Yorkie that tends to bring out the prey instincts of other dogs. I don't know if it is the fur or the way they move but larger dogs tend to think of the Yorkie as a toy to play with and I do not mean a delicate type of play.
My son has a wonderful Lab that is fine with Gracie when inside (and being watched closely) but outside he wants to play with her and he goes at her with his feet like he is trying to stomp her. Other dogs have been known to pick up a Yorkie and shake them to death. Even pet dogs that have been around the Yorkie for an extended period of time have ended up killing the poor dog in play. You must have absolute verbal control of your BF's larger dog. Yorkies are little dogs with big personalities but they do break easily.
I'm not saying big dogs can't live with small ones. There are plenty of people here who have Yorkies and larger dogs. Just don't take any chances. Bringing a small pup into the larger dogs domain can be tricky.
Gracie is quite popular with men. She has yet to meet a male person that does not go crazy over her. I am always amazed because I know that most men don't like the idea of small dogs, especially in the area where I live. Even when I have guys doing work around here they always make a fuss over her and she just loves it. Maybe it is the feisty temperament. I don't know. If you learn how to train your Yorkie right and you take the time to buy one from a good line of dogs that have a history of good temperaments your BF will probably have no issues with your Yorkie.
The Yorkie is very popular right now and there are a multitude of bad breeders out to make a buck. They are doing a lot of damage to the breed. Bad genes can cause a lot of heartbreak for a new owner both in the health and temperament areas. |
Great posting!
So I talked about training et al in my earlier post, that how-ever did not address your question on how to convince your BF to want a Yorkie.
I am of the belief it is best to get at the minimum acceptance of the BF before bringing into your lives another dog. My husband accepted Razzle into our lives, because at the root of it, he loves me, and also of course dogs. And now like others have said, he walks him, he carriers him to bed every night, he adores the scamp!. Even when as we recently just found out he has taken to peeing in Daddy;s dressing room office
He is very proud of RAzzle's accomplishments, and has no problem walking a dressed up dog.
A couple of ideas - start searching out videos of just how outrageous Yorkies can be, and the things they can do. Plenty of videos here, and of course on you tube.
Then show them to BF. Talk about why you want a Yorkie - talk from your heart.
Find out just exactly what his issues are. Think about them - and think about what You can Do to help alleviate his concerns.
Tell him what you hope to do with this Yorkie. Tell him how much you admire all the effort he put into to training his GSD, and that is what you want to do with your dog!
Share your need to bond with your own animal - for whatever are the reasons you have.
Speak to him about all the research you have done on Yorkies. Yes - housebreaking can be a pain, but that YOU commit to method A or B or C to keeping your Yorkie on track to become a great housedog and companion.
Now please do your research particularly into the health and temperament of Yorkies. Figure out how you will afford what can be very expensive health care costs, if God forbid your Yorkies comes down with a disease. Pet insurance is a good bet. There are threads on here about Pet Insurance, my advice is to get one that covers genetic defects, and to also have a kitty for pet care of at least $1500, and plan on adding to this every month some amt of $$ - even $25 a month over 10 years will add up to a lot of $$.
And because you want to train your Yorkie, add into the monthly amount some provision for training costs - including instruction, participation in events, toys and such things.
About the bladders - yes they are a lot smaller than big dogs, but my boy had no problem from 14wks onwards to sleep all night in his crate. I did in the mornings pick him up and bring him directly outside to avoid accidents in the house.
I do highly encourage owners to participate with their pets in some performance activity - it builds an incredible relationship with you and your dog.
This is such an exciting time for you, I wish you all the best with the BF, finding a good breeder, and hopefully bringing home a pup one day!