Two Better than One??? - Page 3 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

suz · 10-29-2005, 08:09 AM

I have 5 full time. But there are always exceptions. Like today for example, I have 10. My 5, 2 that I'm babysitting and 3 newborns (born last night). For me, it seems easier to teach them anything in groups. If I tell one of them to "sit", he/she does. Gets a "good boy/girl". I tell the others to sit, They look at the "good one" and do what ever he/she is doing. Then they get "good boys/girls". Like at dinnertime. It's "Everybody SIT". When they are all sitting, they get their dishes. They all eat together, so it's easier that way.

Potty training is much the same for me. I take them all out, or let them all out at the same time. One pee's in one spot, another one goes right behind, smells it, pees on top or next to it, next one does the same. Right down the line. Sometimes, one doesn't quite follow the rules and has to jump out of the way!

The most we've ever had at one time was 19!!! For the weekend! Boy, was that a challange! A lot of them were newbies, so the only problems were with mom's getting in each others way. But we made it through the weekend. I'd only do that in the summertime. Ain't NO WAY I'd ever have 19 of them in the rainy parts of the year!

Seriously, tho, 2 is much better than one. When you're not home, it gives them somebody to play with. Not that they won't get into trouble anyway, but at least they'll have somebody else to blame it on!!

crystalsmom · 10-29-2005, 09:06 AM

You know until I read this thread, I never thought this would be a good idea. Yes,
two pups but not at the same time. Well, after reading this, I just may rethink!!!
I can see the adjustment for them would surely be easier and alot of other things.

HIrwin · 10-29-2005, 04:20 PM

After losing our precious Winnie almost 3 years ago I was finally ready to tackle another Yorkie this past spring. I knew that I wanted 2 so they could keep each other company. The breeder I bought the first male from at age 3 months discouraged me from getting 2 at the same time saying that the new puppy needed time to bond with the family and not another puppy. I listened and now regret it in a way. We got the second male Yorkie in August, also age 3 months. At that time the first dog was completely housetrained. Now he sometimes shows signs of regression in that he might occasionally have an indoor accident . The new puppy, now over 5 months old, has not yet caught on to having his BMs outdoors. I take both of them out consistently on an every 1 1/2 -2 hour schedule. There is no rhyme or reason as to when the younger puppy needs to go potty. Sometimes it is shortly after a meal other times is can be hours. This is all leading to a real weariness since I have been doing this since early April and I am anxious to have this settled before the really cold weather sets in. Therefore, I really think that if I had to do it all over again I would get them both at the same time.

On the positive side, and most of it is positive, they get along beautifully and are the sweetest boys you could ask for.

Good luck in whatever you choose.

Yorkie24U · 10-29-2005, 04:39 PM

YEAH for TWO ! We have 2 little girls, 2 yrs apart with the same parents. The older one is always like a mother hen, angel type, while her sister is the devilish type. The potty training was easy, the little one just followed her big sister around. Now, little Lindsey will be 6 yrs old on Nov. 4th, and her sister, Lacey will be 8 yrs old on Dec 29th. They get along beautifully, so glad they love each other and get along great! They even eat from a twin bowl set and never had a fight in all those years. They even share the same bed ! I'd say it gives the new meaning to
"Double the pleasure, double the fun".........

YorkieShadow · 10-29-2005, 11:47 PM

I think 2 is better then 1 b/c when you leave they always have each other.

jenstals · 10-30-2005, 05:14 PM

After several delays Maya finally made it here today! We drove to Pennsylania this morning to pick her up and what a beautiful baby she is!!! Deb didn't know what to think at first, but after only a few hours, they are cuddled together and sleeping

I am sure that they will still have a few rough moments, but they already love each other

Do you think they know they are half sisters?

Yorkie24U · 10-30-2005, 05:25 PM

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL "MATCHED SET". I'm sure they will have many happy times together. Best to all of you and keep us posted on their progress. I think they already know they are half sisters , YES !!!

jenstals · 10-30-2005, 05:28 PM

I agree...I think they know that they share the same Daddy

Its funny, because there is a month between them (Deb is 4.5 months and Maya is 3 months) and their coloring is almost identical...but Deb's hair is very thin and and straight and Maya's is so thick and wavy

Maya is already using the wee wee pad

I am a proud momma tonight

Yorkie24U · 10-30-2005, 05:33 PM

IT DOESN"T GET ANY EASIER THAN THAT !!!

Ours have the same parents but 2 yrs apart and they are like 2 peas in a pod! All of your tomorrows are going to be a lot easier, and they will be so happy to have each other.

Mya's_Mom · 10-30-2005, 05:42 PM

It really depends on your lifestyle. I have had 5, I have had one.
I think Mya will be our last because we want to travel more.
We take Mya everywhere. Our older dog only goes with us to the cottage and cries all the way up there (1hour drive)

He does not like a lot of change being 14 years old and so I don't think he would like being in a strange hotel room. I find taking Mya out manageable for me. Being stuck at home all the time before and being ill having 5 dogs before helped me. I had to get up, I had to take care of them and they were so much fun to watch playing together.
I watched them heal from bad experiences and at the same time I healed. I don't how Mya will feel being an only dog, time will tell.

jenstals · 10-30-2005, 05:45 PM

Maya was originally supposed to be here about two weeks ago. There were several delays and she didnt come til today. In the last two weeks, Deb has finally turned a corner with her pad training. She is doing great, and I think Maya is going to learn from her. The extra two weeks with Deb may have been a huge help!!! At least that is what I am hoping!!

jenstals · 10-30-2005, 05:46 PM

How old is your Mya? I bet she will be lonely when she is the only dog...but once she realizes that she gets all of your attention, she will be fine! I don't think I could handle 5...you are brave! But then again, I have 3 kids too...and I am a single mom!!!

Lisa · 11-01-2005, 02:07 PM

I would not advise having two at the same age. We have Chico and my parents have his brother Ziggy from the same litter. Even although we don't have 2 Yorkies ourselves we take turns at dogs sitting when my parents are away and vice versa. When the Yorkies are together they are trouble. They are so playful and they love to see each other and are very funny and we love to have them but they are also so troublesome it would be near impossible on a full time basis.
They carry-on all the time and fight, bark, get into trouble and mischief all the time. If they go for a walk they get so excited they bark constantly and nothing deters them (believe me we have tried it all - clickers, collars with citronella, shakey cans etc.) They also loose all notion of toilet training and do their business all over the house. What is perhaps most difficult is that you never feel you have enough time for both of them as when one wants to sit on your knee the other also wants too. This often results in snarling and a wee nip here and there. If you talk/play with one they other will push in a inevitably one is left out a bit. Also they tend to bond with each other and ignore us, including not listening to commands.
Having 2 Yorkies is great fun but I think it would be much better to wait till one has reached adulthood before getting another. This way you should get all the fun of 2 without so much trouble. Incedently both Chico and Ziggy are very well behaved, fully toilet trained and never any trouble when they are on their own!!

NewYorkieMa&Pa · 11-01-2005, 07:06 PM

I am really enjoying all the stories. There are concerns for anyone to be aware of when having mutliple little ones...double the trouble and double the fun as one posted!!!

Basically...you take your chances as you can never be sure of what will happen with two or more fur babes! lol

susansmom · 11-01-2005, 08:02 PM

I agree with Lisa 100%! Mom and I each have a Yorkie -- they're sisters from the same litter. At 6 mos old they are mostly pottie trained, loving and sweet, aware and mostly respectful of house rules, eager to please and devoted to their respective mammas. But together they have eyes ONLY for each other, forget everything they've ever learned, and are deaf to all voices. Maybe if they were together 24/7 it would be better, but getting them together a few times a week they are double trouble. They play so hard they are limp with exhaustion when we get them apart. Together they play til they drop, rest briefly and are at it again. They're adorable and we laugh constantly at them when they're together -- and we need to laugh because of my mom's illness -- but I don't think they would be as good pets as they are not living separately. Actually, I think we have it best of both worlds. We get to see them play and romp and they have the joy of knowing one another very, very well. But we also have them as "only" dogs who turn to us for love and companionship most of the time.

10-29-2005, 09:06 AM	#32
crystalsmom Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 7,946	You know until I read this thread, I never thought this would be a good idea. Yes, two pups but not at the same time. Well, after reading this, I just may rethink!!! I can see the adjustment for them would surely be easier and alot of other things. __________________

10-29-2005, 04:20 PM	#33
HIrwin Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 61	2 Yorkies better than one After losing our precious Winnie almost 3 years ago I was finally ready to tackle another Yorkie this past spring. I knew that I wanted 2 so they could keep each other company. The breeder I bought the first male from at age 3 months discouraged me from getting 2 at the same time saying that the new puppy needed time to bond with the family and not another puppy. I listened and now regret it in a way. We got the second male Yorkie in August, also age 3 months. At that time the first dog was completely housetrained. Now he sometimes shows signs of regression in that he might occasionally have an indoor accident . The new puppy, now over 5 months old, has not yet caught on to having his BMs outdoors. I take both of them out consistently on an every 1 1/2 -2 hour schedule. There is no rhyme or reason as to when the younger puppy needs to go potty. Sometimes it is shortly after a meal other times is can be hours. This is all leading to a real weariness since I have been doing this since early April and I am anxious to have this settled before the really cold weather sets in. Therefore, I really think that if I had to do it all over again I would get them both at the same time. On the positive side, and most of it is positive, they get along beautifully and are the sweetest boys you could ask for. Good luck in whatever you choose.

10-30-2005, 05:28 PM	#38
jenstals YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 397	I agree...I think they know that they share the same Daddy Its funny, because there is a month between them (Deb is 4.5 months and Maya is 3 months) and their coloring is almost identical...but Deb's hair is very thin and and straight and Maya's is so thick and wavy Maya is already using the wee wee pad I am a proud momma tonight __________________ Jen Deb and Maya

10-30-2005, 05:42 PM	#40
Mya's_Mom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Brampton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 689	It really depends on your lifestyle. I have had 5, I have had one. I think Mya will be our last because we want to travel more. We take Mya everywhere. Our older dog only goes with us to the cottage and cries all the way up there (1hour drive) He does not like a lot of change being 14 years old and so I don't think he would like being in a strange hotel room. I find taking Mya out manageable for me. Being stuck at home all the time before and being ill having 5 dogs before helped me. I had to get up, I had to take care of them and they were so much fun to watch playing together. I watched them heal from bad experiences and at the same time I healed. I don't how Mya will feel being an only dog, time will tell. __________________ Regards,Cyn Driving the grammatically correct insane, one posting at a time

10-30-2005, 05:45 PM	#41
jenstals YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 397	Timing is everything Maya was originally supposed to be here about two weeks ago. There were several delays and she didnt come til today. In the last two weeks, Deb has finally turned a corner with her pad training. She is doing great, and I think Maya is going to learn from her. The extra two weeks with Deb may have been a huge help!!! At least that is what I am hoping!! __________________ Jen Deb and Maya

10-29-2005, 08:09 AM	#31
suz Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 741	I have 5 full time. But there are always exceptions. Like today for example, I have 10. My 5, 2 that I'm babysitting and 3 newborns (born last night). For me, it seems easier to teach them anything in groups. If I tell one of them to "sit", he/she does. Gets a "good boy/girl". I tell the others to sit, They look at the "good one" and do what ever he/she is doing. Then they get "good boys/girls". Like at dinnertime. It's "Everybody SIT". When they are all sitting, they get their dishes. They all eat together, so it's easier that way. Potty training is much the same for me. I take them all out, or let them all out at the same time. One pee's in one spot, another one goes right behind, smells it, pees on top or next to it, next one does the same. Right down the line. Sometimes, one doesn't quite follow the rules and has to jump out of the way! The most we've ever had at one time was 19!!! For the weekend! Boy, was that a challange! A lot of them were newbies, so the only problems were with mom's getting in each others way. But we made it through the weekend. I'd only do that in the summertime. Ain't NO WAY I'd ever have 19 of them in the rainy parts of the year! Seriously, tho, 2 is much better than one. When you're not home, it gives them somebody to play with. Not that they won't get into trouble anyway, but at least they'll have somebody else to blame it on!!

10-29-2005, 04:39 PM	#34
Yorkie24U YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA Posts: 659	YEAH for TWO ! We have 2 little girls, 2 yrs apart with the same parents. The older one is always like a mother hen, angel type, while her sister is the devilish type. The potty training was easy, the little one just followed her big sister around. Now, little Lindsey will be 6 yrs old on Nov. 4th, and her sister, Lacey will be 8 yrs old on Dec 29th. They get along beautifully, so glad they love each other and get along great! They even eat from a twin bowl set and never had a fight in all those years. They even share the same bed ! I'd say it gives the new meaning to "Double the pleasure, double the fun".........

10-29-2005, 11:47 PM	#35
YorkieShadow BANNED! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: USA Posts: 9,999	I think 2 is better then 1 b/c when you leave they always have each other.

10-30-2005, 05:25 PM	#37
Yorkie24U YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA Posts: 659	WHAT A BEAUTIFUL "MATCHED SET". I'm sure they will have many happy times together. Best to all of you and keep us posted on their progress. I think they already know they are half sisters , YES !!!

10-30-2005, 05:33 PM	#39
Yorkie24U YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA Posts: 659	IT DOESN"T GET ANY EASIER THAN THAT !!! Ours have the same parents but 2 yrs apart and they are like 2 peas in a pod! All of your tomorrows are going to be a lot easier, and they will be so happy to have each other.

10-30-2005, 05:46 PM	#42
jenstals YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 397	How old is your Mya? I bet she will be lonely when she is the only dog...but once she realizes that she gets all of your attention, she will be fine! I don't think I could handle 5...you are brave! But then again, I have 3 kids too...and I am a single mom!!! __________________ Jen Deb and Maya

11-01-2005, 02:07 PM	#43
Lisa YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Scotland Posts: 6	Never have 2 at the same age!! I would not advise having two at the same age. We have Chico and my parents have his brother Ziggy from the same litter. Even although we don't have 2 Yorkies ourselves we take turns at dogs sitting when my parents are away and vice versa. When the Yorkies are together they are trouble. They are so playful and they love to see each other and are very funny and we love to have them but they are also so troublesome it would be near impossible on a full time basis. They carry-on all the time and fight, bark, get into trouble and mischief all the time. If they go for a walk they get so excited they bark constantly and nothing deters them (believe me we have tried it all - clickers, collars with citronella, shakey cans etc.) They also loose all notion of toilet training and do their business all over the house. What is perhaps most difficult is that you never feel you have enough time for both of them as when one wants to sit on your knee the other also wants too. This often results in snarling and a wee nip here and there. If you talk/play with one they other will push in a inevitably one is left out a bit. Also they tend to bond with each other and ignore us, including not listening to commands. Having 2 Yorkies is great fun but I think it would be much better to wait till one has reached adulthood before getting another. This way you should get all the fun of 2 without so much trouble. Incedently both Chico and Ziggy are very well behaved, fully toilet trained and never any trouble when they are on their own!!

11-01-2005, 07:06 PM	#44
NewYorkieMa&Pa Donating YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 682	Good and worse case scenarios... I am really enjoying all the stories. There are concerns for anyone to be aware of when having mutliple little ones...double the trouble and double the fun as one posted!!! Basically...you take your chances as you can never be sure of what will happen with two or more fur babes! lol __________________ Life is like a box of Godiva chocolates, it won't last forever... so savor every moment!

11-01-2005, 08:02 PM	#45
susansmom YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Harrison, AR Posts: 347	I agree with Lisa 100%! Mom and I each have a Yorkie -- they're sisters from the same litter. At 6 mos old they are mostly pottie trained, loving and sweet, aware and mostly respectful of house rules, eager to please and devoted to their respective mammas. But together they have eyes ONLY for each other, forget everything they've ever learned, and are deaf to all voices. Maybe if they were together 24/7 it would be better, but getting them together a few times a week they are double trouble. They play so hard they are limp with exhaustion when we get them apart. Together they play til they drop, rest briefly and are at it again. They're adorable and we laugh constantly at them when they're together -- and we need to laugh because of my mom's illness -- but I don't think they would be as good pets as they are not living separately. Actually, I think we have it best of both worlds. We get to see them play and romp and they have the joy of knowing one another very, very well. But we also have them as "only" dogs who turn to us for love and companionship most of the time.