Going from one to two... advice?
 

Hi guys! I've been spending hours and hours reading through posts here on YT lately, because I am thinking we are going to expand our family by adopting in another yorkie! I have Violet who is 2 yrs., and really just feel that she could use a companion. I considered looking at other breeds that would perhaps be easier to train, but ended up being unable to really think seriously about that -- because I truly love the yorkie breed so much... I can't quite imagine any other for us!

That said, I am really nervous! I tend to be a perfectionist, and want to do everything *just* right! We don't have a puppy yet, but are going to meet a litter this Saturday. It's funny, it wasn't that long ago that Violet was a pup - and oh how quickly I forget!! That said, I have a couple of questions:

:aimeeyork 1.) What should I expect to be my biggest challenges in going from 1 to 2? (I know the double cost - vet care, pup pads, etc..but what else?)

:aimeeyork 2.) Can anyone recommend good reading for how to best introduce and incorporate a new one into our family? (links to threads here, or other things?)

:aimeeyork 3.) What do you feel are the greatest advantages of having two vs. one?

THANK YOU all so much in advance!
Cheryl

i am sure you are going to get lots of good pointers so i will just mention a few :)

1.) What should I expect to be my biggest challenges in going from 1 to 2? (I know the double cost - vet care, pup pads, etc..but what else?)

my biggest challenge was i noticed that when i brought in a younger puppy, my older ones regressed a bit on their potty training and have more accidents. also i would not expect them to be best friends right away. it might take a week, two weeks, one month, etc but do not give up! violet should come around eventually ;)

2.) Can anyone recommend good reading for how to best introduce and incorporate a new one into our family? (links to threads here, or other things?)

i am not sure how to answer on this one because my new additions have pretty much hit the floor running, playing, having a grand old time, etc. and my older kids are the sweetest furbabies ever and are always excited to meet another brother or sister

3.) What do you feel are the greatest advantages of having two vs. one?

IMO, they entertain one another and you get more chances for "you" time ;) and they just seem so much happier having siblings and that counts for a lot with me!

everyone has their own opinions on this, but I think you should get a boy. It would most likely make the transition better and they are more likely to get along. That being said I know there are lots of people on here with two female dogs. I just find it easier to have one of each sex.

1) The challenges

regression in potty training. Also, very evident that he is an alpha male. No arguments between them, just marking and making sure the new little one knew the ropes . . . his house rules:rolleyes:

2) Incorporation

not sure on reading or links, I just let Bogie sniff around his new environment without Woody, then let them check eachother out. Within 5 min, they were chasing eachother and playing. As much as we love our new furbabies, don't forget to give your older one a little extra attention so they know they are still important.:D

3) Advantages

Playmate!!!:animal36 It makes me happy having them with a playmate. We had a Retreiver when we got Woody, they loved eachother. When Mika passed away, Woody got depressed. :( So I started my search and found Bogie. Woody immediately perked up!!:D The other up side is with someone to play with, they get additional exercise just running around playing.

I recently went from 1 to 2, while Samson is only 9 months old I forgot how much time puppies take. It did take a while to bond with Harley for a number of reasons but I can say now 4 weeks later that I am really glad I have them and Harley, while still a big stinker, has become a big part of our family. It did take a while for Samson to accept Harley and I really had to give that some time and Samson his space when he needed it (and still does sometimes). it is double the work but double the love back and double the fun.