Considering a new puppy, have concerns! Help - Page 3 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

road61 · 12-30-2007, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IWantAYorkiePup

Also what about a playpen, does anyone use those for their puppies?

I used playpen and it worked awesome... he slept thru the nite and picked up to going in litter pan with pee pads right away.. at nite i draped a blanket over it that helped alot... we have just transitioned him to kitchen gated off and after a few days he is doing great by going to pan on his own.. i would recomend porta crib play pen.. walmart for under 40 bucks

Good luck..

kwaymon · 12-30-2007, 10:57 PM

You can get an xpen for $50 at walmart.com. It's advertised for children, but works great for dogs. You can make it bigger with 6 panels or smaller with four panels. I would def. use an xpen. Like someone else on here said, even if you gate them off, they can get into stuff. I have had a dog before that chewed up the baseboards in my bathroom. With the xpen, you won't have to worry about that. Also, I would recomend pee pads with adhesive on the bottom, so the pup can't rip it up or pull it around his xpen. One final thing, I have heard other suggest going to Home Depot or somewhere like that and buying lenolium flooring to go under the xpen. You want to get it large enough to extend beyond the edges of the xpen a little. From what I understand you can buy this for pretty cheap. This way, you won't have to worry about puppy pee pee warping your hardwoods.

hha · 12-31-2007, 07:27 AM

The one my son bought for his puppy was $40 something with shipping and handling included..

pea496 · 12-31-2007, 07:50 AM

My husband works 40 hours/week and I work 30 hours (6 hours/day). When we go to work, we keep Conner in a wire pen (because he is an escape artist and can get out of anything without a top). It is large enough for his food and water, bed and toys. My sister comes over and plays with him and lets him out (she works second shift so I take her kids to dance classes). I did take time from work when we first got Conner, and I think that's when we really bonded.

When Conner was a puppy, we had him in a baby playpen with his pads, food and water and a small bed with a few toys. He never missed going on the pad. The only time he did was when we let him free in the house. Do not give too much freedom until the puppy is fully trained.

I take Conner for a walk every day, weather permitting and he gets a lot of exercise. My husband and I both devote our evenings and weekends to him. He goes almost everywhere we go. It certainly was a change for us!! We used to go out to dinner 3 times or more a week. Now we cook at home or sometimes get takeout!

It is definitely a challenge while working full time (vet appts, grooming, exercise time) but worth it. I find I get up an exra 45 minutes earlier in the morning to get ready for Conner's day and get myself ready for work so that when he wakes up I can play with him or take him for a walk before going to work.

Good luck to you.

bjh · 12-31-2007, 07:57 AM

It is good to know that you and your husband work shift work so the baby won't be alone too long. Just because you keep food out does not mean the puppy will not get hypoglycemia. When tiny puppies play hard or get stressed their blood sugar can drop really fast and then they don't think about eating and they can drop really fast. I order my exercise pens from Revival Animal Heath. They have a nice website with lots of good products at reasonable prices. Keep in mind that some Yorkies turn out to be jumpers. I sold a pup several years ago to a couple that kept their pup in a playpen and the pup climbed out and broke its leg. Another lady I know lost her 5 month old Yorkie when it jumped off the back of the couch, landed head first and died. These precious little babies can get into so much trouble. I tell everyone it is just like having a baby. We are all here to help. I wish you the best of luck.

yorkiegirl83 · 12-31-2007, 08:21 AM

I think it's fine to leave a puppy for the day if you've taken the time to pad train them and they get a lot of attention in the evenings and mornings.

What is the rest of your lifestyle like? Do you guys tend to go out after work, or be gone the entire weekend?

I think that if you work full time, you need to be able to dedicate a good portion of your off work hours to your yorkie.

Is there anyway either of you could come home on a lunch break to spend time w/the new puppy?

BarbaraM · 12-31-2007, 08:26 AM

I would wait. Pet ownership is a huge commitment. Do you like being able to just get up and go after work maybe a quick stop with friends, meet for dinner, go to the show or go shopping while the puppy would be left for longer periods? Weekends? Vacations? Yes, they are cute. But they are a living being. I'm sorry but it's just not fair. They can't tell you if they are lonely. Afraid. Hungry. Tired of the cage. Ya know? They might look adorable on all the stars' arms right now, but you have to consider what type of life that new baby is going to have. For you are making the decision for him/her. They need other companions and while sleeping all day long and when you want them to, where does exercise and play fit in? Don't get upset, but it just seems a little selfish. Sorry. That's what I would tell my daughter and her husband right now. They barely have time for themselves, let alone a dependent.

IWantAYorkiePup · 12-31-2007, 09:37 AM

To answer the last few questions, no we don't go out after work, we both work stressfull jobs and after work the only thing we want to do is come home and relax! He would have been out of pen the entire night after we got home from work.

But we have decided not to get the puppy. Some of the comments have made me feel like I'm a mean person for even considering bringing a puppy into our home. He would have been spoiled rotton. Thanks for all of the advice and tips in helping us come to our decision. I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Thanks again!

Ashley V · 12-31-2007, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IWantAYorkiePup

To answer the last few questions, no we don't go out after work, we both work stressfull jobs and after work the only thing we want to do is come home and relax! He would have been out of pen the entire night after we got home from work.

But we have decided not to get the puppy. Some of the comments have made me feel like I'm a mean person for even considering bringing a puppy into our home. He would have been spoiled rotton. Thanks for all of the advice and tips in helping us come to our decision. I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Thanks again!

Don't think you are a mean person for considering it! It is possible to work full time and have a puppy. It's hard work, yes, but so worth it!

BarbaraM · 12-31-2007, 10:37 AM

You're not mean. In fact you both have shown alot of compassion and understanding with your decision. It's difficult, but when the time is right you will know it. They cry, vomit, chew, need constant attention - as do young children. It is a big commitment that some people just don't get. But I can tell you do. You do understand.

Remember you are making the decision that will impact another's life, so you have to consider all the angles. Not just if it's right for you, but if its right for him. I applaud you, for many would say screw it let's get the dog and seven months later they're dropping it off at the humane society or giving it to a neighbor. Not saying you would, just saying no one stops to think what it does to the pet.

Sometimes they are bought solely on impulse and emotion. You two have shown great consideration. You will make great parents to your fur babies. happy new year to you too.

yorkiegirl83 · 12-31-2007, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IWantAYorkiePup

To answer the last few questions, no we don't go out after work, we both work stressfull jobs and after work the only thing we want to do is come home and relax! He would have been out of pen the entire night after we got home from work.

But we have decided not to get the puppy. Some of the comments have made me feel like I'm a mean person for even considering bringing a puppy into our home. He would have been spoiled rotton. Thanks for all of the advice and tips in helping us come to our decision. I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Thanks again!

I don't think you're a mean person at all for considering getting a puppy! Many people work full time jobs and have a perfectly happy little puppy

Just the fact that you are doing all your research beforehand shows how good of an owner you will be

I think as long as you're home in the evenings and not gone all weekend, it's totally fine. The puppy can get a walk in before work in the morning, and one after work and then it will have cuddle time with you guys at night

heatdance · 12-31-2007, 12:24 PM

Hi, I have a new yorkie baby as of 2 days ago and I had and have all the same questions you have. I work part-time but my days at work are long and my husband works very long hours. My Yorkie is 15 weeks and we got her over her holiday so she has had a week transition before me going back to work next monday (I'm a teacher). I have a play yard that is coming in the mail and my puppy was luckily already used to a crate when I got her. I will have a pet sitter that I used for my hamster

come after 4 hours to let her out I think. This is a woman I trust. I've also seen reputable doggie daycare that looks affordable and is fun for socializing. If I worked 5 days I think I might consider this for myself possibly. What I've learned so far is that these yorkies are highly social so they will be looking for alot of play when you get home which can get a bit overwhelming. It sounds like you have gotten alot of great advice, I'm loving coming here myself. Folks should definitely be able to work and have dogs, it's just being able to meet the very high needs in the beginning. Just like kids, they are all different and will let you know what's working and what's not. Good luck and have fun!!

Rocco1 · 12-31-2007, 12:37 PM

I am fairly new to YT and a new Yorkie owner. My husband and I both work full time and can't leave to come home either. I tried the crate thing which is what we used with our other house dog (dachshund) and it worked great. However, my little Yorkie flipped out when he was put in there so we started gating the kitchen off and leaving a pee pad down right in front of the back door which is the door we use when we take him out to potty and he eventually learned to handle things when we were away at work.

Good luck and please post pics when you do get your baby.

12-31-2007, 07:50 AM	#34
pea496 Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,511	My husband works 40 hours/week and I work 30 hours (6 hours/day). When we go to work, we keep Conner in a wire pen (because he is an escape artist and can get out of anything without a top). It is large enough for his food and water, bed and toys. My sister comes over and plays with him and lets him out (she works second shift so I take her kids to dance classes). I did take time from work when we first got Conner, and I think that's when we really bonded. When Conner was a puppy, we had him in a baby playpen with his pads, food and water and a small bed with a few toys. He never missed going on the pad. The only time he did was when we let him free in the house. Do not give too much freedom until the puppy is fully trained. I take Conner for a walk every day, weather permitting and he gets a lot of exercise. My husband and I both devote our evenings and weekends to him. He goes almost everywhere we go. It certainly was a change for us!! We used to go out to dinner 3 times or more a week. Now we cook at home or sometimes get takeout! It is definitely a challenge while working full time (vet appts, grooming, exercise time) but worth it. I find I get up an exra 45 minutes earlier in the morning to get ready for Conner's day and get myself ready for work so that when he wakes up I can play with him or take him for a walk before going to work. Good luck to you. __________________ Conner - my best buddy

12-31-2007, 08:26 AM	#37
BarbaraM Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: chicagoland Posts: 209	Maybe just think a little longer Please. I would wait. Pet ownership is a huge commitment. Do you like being able to just get up and go after work maybe a quick stop with friends, meet for dinner, go to the show or go shopping while the puppy would be left for longer periods? Weekends? Vacations? Yes, they are cute. But they are a living being. I'm sorry but it's just not fair. They can't tell you if they are lonely. Afraid. Hungry. Tired of the cage. Ya know? They might look adorable on all the stars' arms right now, but you have to consider what type of life that new baby is going to have. For you are making the decision for him/her. They need other companions and while sleeping all day long and when you want them to, where does exercise and play fit in? Don't get upset, but it just seems a little selfish. Sorry. That's what I would tell my daughter and her husband right now. They barely have time for themselves, let alone a dependent. __________________ TeddE SammE Gisele Member of Little Gentlemen's Club

12-31-2007, 10:37 AM	#40
BarbaraM Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: chicagoland Posts: 209	No one said it's easy. You're not mean. In fact you both have shown alot of compassion and understanding with your decision. It's difficult, but when the time is right you will know it. They cry, vomit, chew, need constant attention - as do young children. It is a big commitment that some people just don't get. But I can tell you do. You do understand. Remember you are making the decision that will impact another's life, so you have to consider all the angles. Not just if it's right for you, but if its right for him. I applaud you, for many would say screw it let's get the dog and seven months later they're dropping it off at the humane society or giving it to a neighbor. Not saying you would, just saying no one stops to think what it does to the pet. Sometimes they are bought solely on impulse and emotion. You two have shown great consideration. You will make great parents to your fur babies. happy new year to you too. __________________ TeddE SammE Gisele Member of Little Gentlemen's Club

12-31-2007, 12:24 PM	#42
heatdance Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: mass Posts: 20	good luck Hi, I have a new yorkie baby as of 2 days ago and I had and have all the same questions you have. I work part-time but my days at work are long and my husband works very long hours. My Yorkie is 15 weeks and we got her over her holiday so she has had a week transition before me going back to work next monday (I'm a teacher). I have a play yard that is coming in the mail and my puppy was luckily already used to a crate when I got her. I will have a pet sitter that I used for my hamster come after 4 hours to let her out I think. This is a woman I trust. I've also seen reputable doggie daycare that looks affordable and is fun for socializing. If I worked 5 days I think I might consider this for myself possibly. What I've learned so far is that these yorkies are highly social so they will be looking for alot of play when you get home which can get a bit overwhelming. It sounds like you have gotten alot of great advice, I'm loving coming here myself. Folks should definitely be able to work and have dogs, it's just being able to meet the very high needs in the beginning. Just like kids, they are all different and will let you know what's working and what's not. Good luck and have fun!!

12-31-2007, 12:37 PM	#43
Rocco1 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Texarkana, TX Posts: 239	Welcome I am fairly new to YT and a new Yorkie owner. My husband and I both work full time and can't leave to come home either. I tried the crate thing which is what we used with our other house dog (dachshund) and it worked great. However, my little Yorkie flipped out when he was put in there so we started gating the kitchen off and leaving a pee pad down right in front of the back door which is the door we use when we take him out to potty and he eventually learned to handle things when we were away at work. Good luck and please post pics when you do get your baby.

12-30-2007, 10:57 PM	#32
kwaymon YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: USA Posts: 699	You can get an xpen for $50 at walmart.com. It's advertised for children, but works great for dogs. You can make it bigger with 6 panels or smaller with four panels. I would def. use an xpen. Like someone else on here said, even if you gate them off, they can get into stuff. I have had a dog before that chewed up the baseboards in my bathroom. With the xpen, you won't have to worry about that. Also, I would recomend pee pads with adhesive on the bottom, so the pup can't rip it up or pull it around his xpen. One final thing, I have heard other suggest going to Home Depot or somewhere like that and buying lenolium flooring to go under the xpen. You want to get it large enough to extend beyond the edges of the xpen a little. From what I understand you can buy this for pretty cheap. This way, you won't have to worry about puppy pee pee warping your hardwoods.

12-31-2007, 07:27 AM	#33
hha No Longer a Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Seneca, SC Posts: 2,837	The one my son bought for his puppy was $40 something with shipping and handling included..

12-31-2007, 07:57 AM	#35
bjh Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 7,959	It is good to know that you and your husband work shift work so the baby won't be alone too long. Just because you keep food out does not mean the puppy will not get hypoglycemia. When tiny puppies play hard or get stressed their blood sugar can drop really fast and then they don't think about eating and they can drop really fast. I order my exercise pens from Revival Animal Heath. They have a nice website with lots of good products at reasonable prices. Keep in mind that some Yorkies turn out to be jumpers. I sold a pup several years ago to a couple that kept their pup in a playpen and the pup climbed out and broke its leg. Another lady I know lost her 5 month old Yorkie when it jumped off the back of the couch, landed head first and died. These precious little babies can get into so much trouble. I tell everyone it is just like having a baby. We are all here to help. I wish you the best of luck.

12-31-2007, 08:21 AM	#36
yorkiegirl83 Love My Furbabies! Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: somewhere Posts: 4,427	I think it's fine to leave a puppy for the day if you've taken the time to pad train them and they get a lot of attention in the evenings and mornings. What is the rest of your lifestyle like? Do you guys tend to go out after work, or be gone the entire weekend? I think that if you work full time, you need to be able to dedicate a good portion of your off work hours to your yorkie. Is there anyway either of you could come home on a lunch break to spend time w/the new puppy?

12-31-2007, 09:37 AM	#38
IWantAYorkiePup Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 12	To answer the last few questions, no we don't go out after work, we both work stressfull jobs and after work the only thing we want to do is come home and relax! He would have been out of pen the entire night after we got home from work. But we have decided not to get the puppy. Some of the comments have made me feel like I'm a mean person for even considering bringing a puppy into our home. He would have been spoiled rotton. Thanks for all of the advice and tips in helping us come to our decision. I wish you all a Happy New Year. Thanks again!