Is a second Yorkie the best decision?
 

Hoping for some good advice today. I feel pretty confident about the pros, but what are the cons of getting a second puppy? I am afraid of being overly enthusiastic and not really looking at the downside of a second puppy (if there is one).
Krishna is 6 months old and four pounds. I've had him for two months now and he's a very easy little boy. Very smart, easy to train, easy to teach. And very low maintenance as fas as Yorkie personality goes. He is not the alpha type and is very happy to have me and my hubby in charge. This is hubby's very first pet (ever) and he is 50+ years old by the way. I have thought about getting him a playmate in a year or so, but an opportunity has come my way and I am trying to think clearly before I pounce on it.
My breeder let me know she has a 6 month old female available who will have a very complementary personality to Krishna and will let him be "man of the house". She will also top out at 4 pounds max so she will weigh less than he does even though she is longer than he is.
Krishna likes to be near me all the time, but not necessarily held constantly and I think he would like to play more. I like to take him everywhere with me and realize that this would be less possible should I get another. Hubby and I also intend to travel a bit more when he retires in a year or so.
So...what's your best advice? Does he need a sister/playmate? Is there anything else I need to consider? It's so hard to figure out what would be best for Krishna.
Thanks so much for your help with such a big decision!!
Cheers,
Julie

Getting a second Yorkie was the best decision I ever made! My little male, Tino loves having his companion/sister Diva Bunny! I just posted abt this yesterday on another thread. Its so much easier on my mind when I have to leave him at home knowing that they have each other!

Here is the link to the other thread about getting a second Yorkie... http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11753

I replied to the other thread. The downside? It is more expensive and I had to go from boarding Chloe to paying my sister in law to pet sit because Lacey is tiny and I could not imagine her boarding well at all. That's not really a downside, come to think of it, I'd rather have my sister in law here and she loves my dogs. So, I think the extra vet bills and food (minimal increase) is worth it for Chloe, my play all the time dog, to have a companion. They get along very well and I'm not so tired or guilt ridden.

I also replied to the other post...but I would say that there is NO downside, other than more cost...but the extra love that you get is so worth it...Magic was about 4 months when we got Sailor and they have now grown up together and LOVE each other to pieces, it has been so rewarding to have the love of not one but TWO yorkies!!! Just remember to make sure both feel special and loved...so you don't get jealousy issues....let us know what you decide.

Thanks for your responses. I have read the other threads I could find on the subject. I know for me the answer is easy, but as I mentioned Krishna is David's first pet (it took me 6 years to get him to say yes) and he is trusting me to give him the best answer on whether or not another Yorkie is good for Krishna.
The little girl is pee pad trained and Krishna is trained to go outside (seems he forgot how to use the pee pads as soon as he figured out he likes going outside). I wonder what kind of potty training issues I will have. And how hard is it to train two to walk on a leash? Will his bond with the new dog be stronger? He used to play with her when he was a baby, but didn't seem to remember her at all when we saw her last month (he wouldn't play with any of the breeder's dogs then, just went to sleep in his bag while I played with the other Yorkies). How do I figure out what is the best to do? I'm trying to feel it out in my heart, but I can find good reasons for going either way...

My girls are running to call you on their little pink Cell Phone and say GO FOR IT !!

...this picture is to show what I see everyday since getting a sister for Chanel - I was so worried about her because I'm her whole world ....she adjusted and now loves her sister - I can say we enhanced our life by getting Cheri and I love having 2 !!

Good luck in deciding - your little Krishna sounds like a dream - but it could be alot of fun for him with a buddy -

I've been wrestling with the same decision for some time now, and without wanting to throw a wet blanket on what seems like 100 percent encouragement for a two-Yorkie family, I have a couple questions: Is Krishna neutered? That could be a potential downside if he isn't. And #2, can you travel on a plane with two Yorkies? I don't know the answer and defer to everyone else. But it would break my heart to have to leave one or both behind just because of airline rules.

Don't get me wrong. We're going to get a second Yorkie as well. I just wanted to raise the potential downsides for you.

By the way, nice use of "complementary" in your initial note. A true grammarian, I see.

:) well we just got our newest about 3days ago and I would say I had my worries about it having 2 yorkies and then a total of 3dogs and 2 cats. now I dont know what I would have done if I hadnt gotten our little Koda he fits in like he has always been here. He is great a little less hyper than my Princess but they are great friends already it took a few hours to get use to each other but now they are in love and always playing. I would say its great cause if you are busy or have to go somewheres you wont worry cause you know that they have each other to play with and keep each other company. I say Go For It.. :aimeeyork this was taken the night we got him so wednesday night and they did just fine..

OMG I love the picture! Those are two darling girls!

LOL! I guess I can't hide the fact that I was an English major in college :p And yes, I am one of those "correct grammar, please," people. I can't help myself. :)

Your comments are great. I'm actually looking for the wet blanket info. My hubby is very supportive, but he likes the pen and paper proof. I will be doing an "additional costs for a second Yorkie" list as well as the pros and cons list. He will feel better just knowing I've though it through, but he just won't consent to a second until he know what he's in for.

Krishna was neutered last Wednesday and the little girl would be spayed shortly after she settles in so there should be no issues there.

As far as plane travel goes I think there is generally a 1 pet per passenger, 2 pets per plane rule. I believe I would have to have to separate carriers and my hubby to take both furbabies with me. Of course, I am rather reluctant to subject my babies to a plane ride unless we were going on an extended journey. Road trips have become much more appealing to me lately.

I've just tried my first attempt at adding pictures. If it works, the first picture is of Krishna, the second picture is of Kita (yes, I've picked her name already).

He is very cute. We got Griffin when Bentley was 6 months old and it was the best thing we did. We love having two and wouldn't have it any other way. Here are the only cons I can think of: It's harder to walk two dogs (especially when they want to go in different directions - it takes more training and patience); It's harder to carry them into stores with you (although louisdog makes a dual carrier that I love and they both fit in it); It's harder to monitor how much food they eat and make sure one doesn't eat too much while the other does not have enough; You also have to make sure they both get the attention from mommy that they desire; It also does cost more (but you can decide how many t-shirts, bags, treats, etc. you want to buy - I tend to go overboard and need two of everything :) )
Aside from those items, having two is wonderful and has greatly helped their separation anxiety. They are also great playmates. We use to run around the house to play with Bentley in order to wear him out. Now he and Griffin play chase and wrestle multipe times a day. It's great fun! Good luck with your decision. And don't worry, as much as they will love each other, they will always love you the most and know that you are their mommy :)

By the way, I've heard that some airlines will let you take two dogs in one carrier and only pay as one dog if they are the same breed and both small. I believe Brittie123 has done this. You would have to call the airlines and ask them as some only let you do it if the dogs are both under 6 months (Northwest) while others will let you do it at any age (United). Those are the only 2 I have called.

She is beautiful - so is your Krishna! We got our Kodah when she was ten weeks old & added Stormy to our family five weeks later. Potty training was no different with two than one - I just scooped them both up & took them out. One usually follows the other. I have been really surprised how easy it has been to potty train them. I think consistency & the fact that I am home all day made it much easier. I love having two - they are always checking on each other & when one gets a toy, it never fails that the other one wants it :rolleyes: - just like kids!! Kodah is a great little sleeper - Stormy has been more of a light sleeper but getting better. (But she never bothered Kodah & they sleep in a playpen together beside our bed) Stormy is also more of a morning dog - bouncy & more playful in the morning. Kodah doesn't come alive until around ten or eleven! The reason we decided to get two was because we had a yorkie for 15 1/2 years & I ALWAYS felt so guilty leaving her at home by herself. Now when we do leave, I am much less anxious about being gone. IMO the pros GREATLY outweigh the cons - & HOW can you resist that gorgeous little face!!! ;)

Julie- HELLOOOOO???? After seeing that pic of Kita, my mind would already be made up! Who could say no to those beautiful brown eyes????

I'm so glad I saw this thread! I started the other thread about getting another Yorkie, and it's nice to see the posts here, as well.

I called about a Yorkie today, and the owner refused to let me see the mother. She said "I can't show her to you. She bites." So I let her know that wouldn't be acceptable and that I would look elsewhere. I know the right Yorkie is out there somewhere :)

I do believe the pros will outweigh the cons. I tend to be a little anal about things, and stress myself out at times when I shouldn't do so. I'm preparing myself for that too.

Best of luck in your decision!

Potty training was easier, Lacey just started going outside with Chloe and started responding to the same commands. I have not traveled by plane with either of them so I'm not sure about that. I'd call the airlines.

There are some downsides, but the positives outway the negatives.

More expensive for sure (between vets, food, etc, plus I found that I spoiled Baxter even more now that we have Chloe). I don't have ALL of the vet bills at once for 2 dogs because one is older.

With mine, Baxter is 1 1/2 (almost 2) and Chloe is 4 months, so it can get a little hairy at times. Sometimes Baxter wants to just relax and Chloe is go-go-go because she is puppy. She's always picking on Baxter.

Other than that, there are only positives.

Okay, Okay, I'm convinced. :D She is hard not to fall in love with, isn't she? I will go work on my list and set to work on my husband this morning. I will let you know how it goes. Wish me luck!
Cheers,
Julie

Good Luck and keep us posted!!!!

I'm making phone calls today as well, searching the our new family member.

Wish us luck :)

She is beautiful!!!! !! :thumbup:

I had Gwen who is a little petite lady. That just loves to cuddle and give kisses. Skippy on the other hand is spastic. If he ever stood still for more than 30 seconds I would think he was sick. I love everything about the two of them and wouldn't have it any other way.

I have actually traveled with 2 dogs on an airline and once in the same carrier. I fostered a little chihuahua when memphis was a pup. The airline let me take them both in the same carrier. Charged me for one only.

Well I guess I have good news and bad news and good news.
Good news - Hubby said yes and is convinced Krishna needs a playmate.
Bad news - Just as I sat down to email the breeder a YES I received an email from her. We were too slow in claiming Kita and someone else got her.
Good news - there are four more girls right now (eleven weeks old) and hopefully the right playmate for Krishna is in the group. I have to wait it out now while the breeder determines if any of the girls are good enough to show. If any of the girls need a pet home I am so on it this time. Let's hope there is one in there for me so that I don't have to wait for the next litter! Oh, and thanks to everyone for all the helpful advice.
Julie

Only 2? LOL. I got 2 to start out at 10 weeks old and Ive been dreaming of having even one more. A second yorkie certainly isnt much of a cost increase at all- rather I have found it cost effective on food and such as I am able to use all of a jar of baby food when I feed 2 rather than just 1 and then have to disgard it. And, they eat so little anyways. The only thing is a couple hundred more in vet bills every so often- no problem. Also, a benefit I have found is that I can always have someone to kiss- once Frederick gets sick of it, I pick up Hugh and lay some on him!
lol

For me it was the best thing . Actually , I have Jade ( 1 year 1/2 ) and Choulita ( 2 years old ) . I often think why I didn't decide to have 2 before .
Having two is great . Ok , for some peoples it means bigger expense but this is very small compared to the amount of love we receive from them . :thumbup: I love my two little princesses .

One con I have heard is that the first COULD become jealous of the 2nd and never adjust to that. If we decide to get a 2nd dog we are going to adopt it from a shelter. Most shelters, if not all, will allow you to take the dog home to see if it "fits" in. If not, you could return it with no questions asked. I would rather try that method to not only save another dog's life, but to also make sure it is the best decision for our family. All dogs are different and bringing another dog home COULD possible change the personality.l

i say go for it!