Caution: when adding a second puppy - YorkieTalk.com Forums

MI Yorkielover · 08-21-2009, 05:31 AM

I'm sorry to say that our adoption of a second yorkie has not worked out well. We had Sophie since she was 8 weeks old. She is a loving, little doll. She' smart, was pretty easy to train and we had no serious issues. When Sophie was 8 months old, six weeks ago, we adopted 7 month old Hazel from the same breeder. We thought it would be wonderful to give a good loving home to a second yorkie and fun for Sophie, too. Unfortunately we have had nothing but issues ranging from constant barking, inability negotiating stairs, big potty training problems and now aggression toward Sophie. We have been working very hard on Hazel's issues but when it comes down to her aggression toward Sophie the situation leaves us no alternative but to return her to the breeder who, thankfully, said she would take her back. Hazel is larger and outweighs Sophie. She won't let Sophie play with their toys or even sit up on the couch without snapping, biting and growling at her and Sophie starts to cry. It breaks my heart and something needed to be done now. We can't risk anything serious happening to Sophie who just wants to play and who was a little angel about sharing her toys and home. Hazel is a cutie and by herself is a loving little dog but not with another dog. She is too competitive and being treated equally isn't enough for her. I believe she will do better as an "only child" in a good home. We love Hazel, became very attached and feel just terrible about it and have thought long and hard to come to this difficult decision. I know there are many on this forum who have had different experiences and think "the more the merrier" but for us this particular combination hasn't worked out. It's also been very expensive. I don't know if this has happened to anyone else here on YT but my advice is to arrange a trial period for everyones sake before finalizing an adoption of a second yorkie and avoid the guilt and frustration I'm feeling now. Thanks for listening

!

ARCHIE · 08-21-2009, 05:42 AM

I feel so bad for you. What a position to be in. I'm sorry things aren't
working out. Some dog's just like being an only child I guess.
I'll be honest and say this is my biggest fear too. I am so afraid of
bringing another into our happy home life and it not working and
upsetting the apple cart. I have no idea how I could ever give a pup
back! I know how hard this must be for you.
The percentage of bringing a new pup into the home and it working
is high I'm sure but there is always an exception. With Hazel being
only 7mos old that stinks it won't work out for you. Yorkies have so
many different personalities. Sounds like your first girl is calm and
submissive (what I want) and Hazel is an Alpha.
Sorry it didn't work out but at least you tried and her breeder will
take her back. That alone should make you feel just alittle bit better.

MI Yorkielover · 08-21-2009, 05:59 AM

Thank you Archie. I appreciate your words. It has been a painful, heartwrenching situation but we do look forward to restoring the calm in our household again. I read so many positive posts here on adding a second yorkie before we did it so I thought I should offer up some food for thought and a different perspective for those who are considering adding another little pup. It's a serious decision and one should consider all the angles.

ARCHIE · 08-21-2009, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MI Yorkielover

Thank you Archie. I appreciate your words. It has been a painful, heartwrenching situation but we do look forward to restoring the calm in our household again. I read so many positive posts here on adding a second yorkie before we did it so I thought I should offer up some food for thought and a different perspective for those who are considering adding another little pup. It's a serious decision and one should consider all the angles.

I totally agree with you.
My neighbor has a mother and two daughter's. Buddy and these girls
love each other to death. I keep praying he will offer to sell me one

Good luck to you,

Patti · 08-21-2009, 06:20 AM

I am sorry it didn't work out. I have brought in several new puppies/adult and it worked out really well from day one. I think if it hadn't I would be so upset and try and restore the balance for my existing baby and do like you are. Just know the breeder will find her a home where she maybe the only one and she will be happier too.

MI Yorkielover · 08-21-2009, 07:01 AM

Thanks Patti-I'm holding on to that thought

cheryl19 · 08-21-2009, 07:08 AM

She may do better with a male then with a female. You tried and that is all you can do. I'm sure she will find the perfect home and be happier, as will you. I'm sorry it didn't work out but sometimes things have a reason for being the way it is.

Lucia · 08-21-2009, 07:26 AM

Sorry to hear that things didn't work out for you

....it can't have been an easy decision to have to give Hazel back when you had become so attached. I admire you for putting the needs of both Sophie and Hazel first xxx xxx

jacquelinebabco · 08-21-2009, 07:42 AM

I recently added a new pup to my gang and thank goodness it has worked out for me. I worried how they would accept a new pup and wondered just what I would do if it didn't work out. I think you made the right decision for all. Thankfully I did not have to make that same decision. This definitley should be a consideration when adding a new fur baby to the already established home.

MI Yorkielover · 08-21-2009, 07:44 AM

Thanks everyone. I've been feeling sooooo guilty about Hazel but have to protect little Sophie and restore order. It helped to write about it and your understanding REALLY helps!

chachi · 08-21-2009, 07:48 AM

Im sorry its not working out for you. I think its a risk whenever you add a new dog that they may not get along. I have read of others on here that have aggression problems with their multiple yorkies and I always feel so bad for them yet Im relieved Im not in the same predictament with my two. I do think it is more common for you to have problems if they are the same sex and especially if they are unspayed. I got my 2 as pups together so they grew up together and thankfully I havent had any problems with them not getting along

Amazing Yorkies · 08-21-2009, 07:59 AM

I'm sorry it didn't work out for you and how hard it must be to let Hazel go back. But don't give up on a second baby. Sometimes a male works out better with a female, and also a younger one. I think the age of Hazel made her want to be alpha, and want you all to herself. A younger puppy usually just fits in better with an existing dog. Usually it is the existing Yorkie that doesn't allow someone invading their territory. It takes 2-3 weeks for things to settle down. With Sophie welcoming a new comer so easily, I wouldn't give up on adding another. I'm really sorry you have to return Hazel, it can be heart wrenching.

lovespandp · 08-21-2009, 08:10 AM

I am sorry that it didn't work out for you! It has happen to me as well. I know that it hurts, it hurts bad. But what helped me is knowing that "pigpen" ( dog I gave away) is in a wonderful home and with a wonderful family that loves him, and he is the only fur-butt that they have so he gets all the love and attention. Then I think of Peanut being in a happier enviroment, not stressing on "pigpen" and being the only baby in the house.

I know yorkies love to be with other yorkies..Tons of yt's have 2 or more yorkies and it works great for them, but with some I think they only like to be number one. It's hard to find that special 2nd yorkie in a family that already has one yorkie that likes to be the only member...So my advice to you is that you know Hazel will find a great home, you don't have to worry about that. I guess be thankful you found out early that it wasn't going to work out.

babibluuu · 08-21-2009, 08:37 AM

I'm sorry that it didn't work out. We have a 4 month old male and have thought about getting another to keep him company, but it scares us thinking that it might not work out. I agree, maybe letting your puppy mingle with the possibley new addition to see how the react with each other, I know that that's probably not always going to be easy to do, but whoever owns the puppy hopefully will let you see if they bond. Good luck maybe Sophie will find a another new brother or sister that works.

MI Yorkielover · 08-21-2009, 08:38 AM

Sophie is one month older than Hazel and they are both spayed. Hazel is larger and heavier than Sophie though so I worry. I was hoping Hazel would learn from Sophie's good behavior but that was not to be. Perhaps if I had purchased Hazel at the same time I got Sophie things would have worked out better. Or if, as suggested, I had gotten a younger male but it was Hazel's sweet photo I fell for. I'll never know what might of been. Thanks again everyone. You all have made me feel a little better about the whole thing.

08-21-2009, 05:31 AM	#1
MI Yorkielover Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan USA Posts: 3,317	Caution: when adding a second puppy I'm sorry to say that our adoption of a second yorkie has not worked out well. We had Sophie since she was 8 weeks old. She is a loving, little doll. She' smart, was pretty easy to train and we had no serious issues. When Sophie was 8 months old, six weeks ago, we adopted 7 month old Hazel from the same breeder. We thought it would be wonderful to give a good loving home to a second yorkie and fun for Sophie, too. Unfortunately we have had nothing but issues ranging from constant barking, inability negotiating stairs, big potty training problems and now aggression toward Sophie. We have been working very hard on Hazel's issues but when it comes down to her aggression toward Sophie the situation leaves us no alternative but to return her to the breeder who, thankfully, said she would take her back. Hazel is larger and outweighs Sophie. She won't let Sophie play with their toys or even sit up on the couch without snapping, biting and growling at her and Sophie starts to cry. It breaks my heart and something needed to be done now. We can't risk anything serious happening to Sophie who just wants to play and who was a little angel about sharing her toys and home. Hazel is a cutie and by herself is a loving little dog but not with another dog. She is too competitive and being treated equally isn't enough for her. I believe she will do better as an "only child" in a good home. We love Hazel, became very attached and feel just terrible about it and have thought long and hard to come to this difficult decision. I know there are many on this forum who have had different experiences and think "the more the merrier" but for us this particular combination hasn't worked out. It's also been very expensive. I don't know if this has happened to anyone else here on YT but my advice is to arrange a trial period for everyones sake before finalizing an adoption of a second yorkie and avoid the guilt and frustration I'm feeling now. Thanks for listening!

08-21-2009, 06:20 AM	#5
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	I am sorry it didn't work out. I have brought in several new puppies/adult and it worked out really well from day one. I think if it hadn't I would be so upset and try and restore the balance for my existing baby and do like you are. Just know the breeder will find her a home where she maybe the only one and she will be happier too. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

08-21-2009, 07:08 AM	#7
cheryl19 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NY USA Posts: 1,749	She may do better with a male then with a female. You tried and that is all you can do. I'm sure she will find the perfect home and be happier, as will you. I'm sorry it didn't work out but sometimes things have a reason for being the way it is. __________________ Ivy, Max, Reggie & Cheryl

08-21-2009, 07:26 AM	#8
Lucia Twinkle & Wicket's Mum Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kent, England Posts: 2,197	Sorry to hear that things didn't work out for you....it can't have been an easy decision to have to give Hazel back when you had become so attached. I admire you for putting the needs of both Sophie and Hazel first xxx xxx __________________ Love from Claire (Me!) mummy to skindaughters Mia and Lucia, furdaughter Twinkleand fursons Wicket and Ozzy 'Treat stressful situations like a dog; pee on them then walk away.'

08-21-2009, 07:48 AM	#11
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	Im sorry its not working out for you. I think its a risk whenever you add a new dog that they may not get along. I have read of others on here that have aggression problems with their multiple yorkies and I always feel so bad for them yet Im relieved Im not in the same predictament with my two. I do think it is more common for you to have problems if they are the same sex and especially if they are unspayed. I got my 2 as pups together so they grew up together and thankfully I havent had any problems with them not getting along __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

08-21-2009, 05:42 AM	#2
ARCHIE No Longer A Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NEW YORK Posts: 16,218	I feel so bad for you. What a position to be in. I'm sorry things aren't working out. Some dog's just like being an only child I guess. I'll be honest and say this is my biggest fear too. I am so afraid of bringing another into our happy home life and it not working and upsetting the apple cart. I have no idea how I could ever give a pup back! I know how hard this must be for you. The percentage of bringing a new pup into the home and it working is high I'm sure but there is always an exception. With Hazel being only 7mos old that stinks it won't work out for you. Yorkies have so many different personalities. Sounds like your first girl is calm and submissive (what I want) and Hazel is an Alpha. Sorry it didn't work out but at least you tried and her breeder will take her back. That alone should make you feel just alittle bit better.

08-21-2009, 05:59 AM	#3
MI Yorkielover Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan USA Posts: 3,317	Thank you Archie. I appreciate your words. It has been a painful, heartwrenching situation but we do look forward to restoring the calm in our household again. I read so many positive posts here on adding a second yorkie before we did it so I thought I should offer up some food for thought and a different perspective for those who are considering adding another little pup. It's a serious decision and one should consider all the angles.

08-21-2009, 07:01 AM	#6
MI Yorkielover Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan USA Posts: 3,317	Thanks Patti-I'm holding on to that thought

08-21-2009, 07:42 AM	#9
jacquelinebabco Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: hannacroix,ny Posts: 1,363	I recently added a new pup to my gang and thank goodness it has worked out for me. I worried how they would accept a new pup and wondered just what I would do if it didn't work out. I think you made the right decision for all. Thankfully I did not have to make that same decision. This definitley should be a consideration when adding a new fur baby to the already established home.

08-21-2009, 07:44 AM	#10
MI Yorkielover Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan USA Posts: 3,317	Thanks everyone. I've been feeling sooooo guilty about Hazel but have to protect little Sophie and restore order. It helped to write about it and your understanding REALLY helps!

08-21-2009, 07:59 AM	#12
Amazing Yorkies YT Featured Breeder Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,552	I'm sorry it didn't work out for you and how hard it must be to let Hazel go back. But don't give up on a second baby. Sometimes a male works out better with a female, and also a younger one. I think the age of Hazel made her want to be alpha, and want you all to herself. A younger puppy usually just fits in better with an existing dog. Usually it is the existing Yorkie that doesn't allow someone invading their territory. It takes 2-3 weeks for things to settle down. With Sophie welcoming a new comer so easily, I wouldn't give up on adding another. I'm really sorry you have to return Hazel, it can be heart wrenching. __________________ Deb Sillers 816-261-8734 Cell ~ www.Amazingyorkies.com ~

08-21-2009, 08:10 AM	#13
lovespandp ♥Momma's Bambino♥ Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ca Posts: 10,026	I am sorry that it didn't work out for you! It has happen to me as well. I know that it hurts, it hurts bad. But what helped me is knowing that "pigpen" ( dog I gave away) is in a wonderful home and with a wonderful family that loves him, and he is the only fur-butt that they have so he gets all the love and attention. Then I think of Peanut being in a happier enviroment, not stressing on "pigpen" and being the only baby in the house. I know yorkies love to be with other yorkies..Tons of yt's have 2 or more yorkies and it works great for them, but with some I think they only like to be number one. It's hard to find that special 2nd yorkie in a family that already has one yorkie that likes to be the only member...So my advice to you is that you know Hazel will find a great home, you don't have to worry about that. I guess be thankful you found out early that it wasn't going to work out. __________________ "People with nothing to hide don't usually feel the need to say so."

08-21-2009, 08:37 AM	#14
babibluuu Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cropseyville Posts: 45	I'm sorry that it didn't work out. We have a 4 month old male and have thought about getting another to keep him company, but it scares us thinking that it might not work out. I agree, maybe letting your puppy mingle with the possibley new addition to see how the react with each other, I know that that's probably not always going to be easy to do, but whoever owns the puppy hopefully will let you see if they bond. Good luck maybe Sophie will find a another new brother or sister that works.

08-21-2009, 08:38 AM	#15
MI Yorkielover Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan USA Posts: 3,317	Sophie is one month older than Hazel and they are both spayed. Hazel is larger and heavier than Sophie though so I worry. I was hoping Hazel would learn from Sophie's good behavior but that was not to be. Perhaps if I had purchased Hazel at the same time I got Sophie things would have worked out better. Or if, as suggested, I had gotten a younger male but it was Hazel's sweet photo I fell for. I'll never know what might of been. Thanks again everyone. You all have made me feel a little better about the whole thing.