Added a second Yorkie...may have made a big mistake

[violet voon]

Originally Posted by newyorki

He expressed surprise that Yorkies could be so aggressive. Really? From what I've been reading and hearing, it's not surprising at all. Our neighbor's Yorkie faced down a bear, they can be pretty fierce. I thought that was a known fact.

Vet also told me not to read the internet. Since my attention span is basically shot right now from this dog stuff, too late for that.

He also suggested that I loan Yorkie #1 to a friend for a few days and allow Yorkie #2 to just be here home . Regardless of anyone's opinion on this advice, I am not doing it, (although I'd be interested in hearing the opinions) I simply do not know anyone who would be willing to take on a puppy for a few days. Also, I thought that was odd advice.

I'm not surprised to see a vet who couldn't differentiate Shih Tzu and Pekingese Ask him to buy BOOKS from bookstore and read about Yorkshire Terriers before he/she said anything as he refused to read from the internet. I doubt if he never read online, LOL!

Anyway, just see how things go, a lot of YT members here gave you a lot of good ideas and encouragements
How's your furbabies today?

[joeyandtanksmom]

I have two unneutered males, and they're totally fine together! Joey is 18 months old, and Tank is 13 months old. We got Tank this past march, and since then, they've been great friends. Of course they have a scuffle here and there, but they always last only about 10 seconds, if that. I'm not really sure if either one is really the "alpha", cause they both have their moments where they will be more or less aggressive than the other. I would give your guys a bit of time to get used to each other, cause there might be some jealousy going on. It could also just be that your first little one isn't used to the other, and he's trying to establish that he's dominant over the new guy. Good luck!!!

[jnsasha]

Originally Posted by Ringo1

What about an x pen if the doorway is too wide for a baby gate? I remember seeing some extra wide gates but it's been a long time.

I use an x pen made out of wood and its adjustable. It fit right in the door way and solves two problems-- they can't get into my dining room and I put their potty pads in there and it keeps the mess down a bit (with three boys) lol.

[newyorki]

Originally Posted by violet voon

I'm not surprised to see a vet who couldn't differentiate Shih Tzu and Pekingese Ask him to buy BOOKS from bookstore and read about Yorkshire Terriers before he/she said anything as he refused to read from the internet. I doubt if he never read online, LOL!

Anyway, just see how things go, a lot of YT members here gave you a lot of good ideas and encouragements
How's your furbabies today?

Thanks for the support - not just you, everyone..I can only quote one post at a time.

I did a search on x pens..they are "x pen-sive" haha. It looks like x pen is a product catgeory not a brand name. I will see if Petco has anything like this. If I were more handy I'm sure there are dozens of solutions to the problem, I am just not handy with carpentry.

The pups get incrementally better. No miracles but if I'm not mistaken each day the in between periods without fighting seems to get a little longer.

yesterday when my kids came home they were able to distract them enough to play a game together. A few days ago nothing could distract from them beating each other down. I have been separating them as well and limiting their time together.

it's funny...like athletes on a track team they keep pushing each other to go further..both of them can now jump up onto a sofa. But only in pursuit of each other. Going after a toy, they miss.

They are so cute and each joyful in their own way. I really hope we can work this out. thanks again.

[llcornell]

Try Petedge.com for the xpen they have very inexpensive supplies I buy alot of my foster dog supplies with them. Also a dog trainer we work with says walking the dogs together several times a day helps them join as a pack. I cant really remember why its something about when they travel and walk together they start to bond and the forward movement makes their minds move past the issues they have. Ive tried it and it really does seem like it works.

[yorkie_mama22]

Originally Posted by newyorki

Thanks for the support - not just you, everyone..I can only quote one post at a time.

I did a search on x pens..they are "x pen-sive" haha. It looks like x pen is a product catgeory not a brand name. I will see if Petco has anything like this. If I were more handy I'm sure there are dozens of solutions to the problem, I am just not handy with carpentry.

The pups get incrementally better. No miracles but if I'm not mistaken each day the in between periods without fighting seems to get a little longer.

yesterday when my kids came home they were able to distract them enough to play a game together. A few days ago nothing could distract from them beating each other down. I have been separating them as well and limiting their time together.

it's funny...like athletes on a track team they keep pushing each other to go further..both of them can now jump up onto a sofa. But only in pursuit of each other. Going after a toy, they miss.

They are so cute and each joyful in their own way. I really hope we can work this out. thanks again.

I would even use an old baby play pen. When we had mini pot belly pig babies we kept them in a play pen in the living room.

[veggienut]

I have learned a lot here on this topic, but I only have one Yorkie. I have thought earlier in the year of getting another one. Mine got jealous when I did look at this puppy. Lately, I've been thinking of getting another Yorkie or another dog. This made me realize that one could have issues with another dog of any kind coming into the dog's home that has been there for quite awhile. Mine just needs so much attention, is the reason that I thought (and others too) he needed a playmate. He really doesn't play with other dogs when we are out walking in the neighborhood or park. He only sniffs them. Only one dog he mounts on the shoulders and head area, and he's never done that to any dog in the neighborhood before. I have learned that if I do decide to get another dog, it would possible be an experience to deal with.

[Ringo1]

Originally Posted by veggienut

I have learned a lot here on this topic, but I only have one Yorkie. I have thought earlier in the year of getting another one. Mine got jealous when I did look at this puppy. Lately, I've been thinking of getting another Yorkie or another dog. This made me realize that one could have issues with another dog of any kind coming into the dog's home that has been there for quite awhile. Mine just needs so much attention, is the reason that I thought (and others too) he needed a playmate. He really doesn't play with other dogs when we are out walking in the neighborhood or park. He only sniffs them. Only one dog he mounts on the shoulders and head area, and he's never done that to any dog in the neighborhood before. I have learned that if I do decide to get another dog, it would possible be an experience to deal with.

My Westie was the same way; not friendly with other dogs - other than 1 or 2 that he knew really well. I knew that I wasn't just going to be able to bring home a puppy, put her on the floor, and hope for the best. You are one step ahead if you know that already. That's why we began sooo slowly - with first only yard time together; then only one room - where there were no bones, toys, or food bowls lying around . . . and lots of walking together.

IF it's something you really want - you can probably make it work.

Because my Westie isn't that 'happy go lucky' with other dogs - my breeder immediately suggested an opposite sex dog. I believe this worked out better for us - I could definitely see Ringo fighting with another male.

It's been a hard 6 weeks - but they do get along. Because of their size difference - I don't leave them alone unsupervised. Hoping one day I can. Ringo gets so exited when they start playing hard . . that I'm afraid he will accidently hurt her.

Anyway, blah bah - you are smart; you know your dog, and you most likely will be able to add an opposite sex dog IF you are so inclined.

[red98vett]

Wow. I'm no expert but my oldest Chanel was very jealous when we got Cheri - (2 females) but there was never any vicious fighting. There were a few takedowns over a toy but that's about it.

When people advised you to lavish attention on the oldest I totally agree -

What I did to help with the jealousy issue was hold them both on either side of me every day with lots of kissing and more attention to Chanel the oldest. They're best friends now but it took a good 2 months for her to accept the new puppy.

They kiss and ALL the time - the picture I attached was when they finally became buddies....so don't give up - unless the fighting is so bad and you don't see it stopping then you will have to make a decision

[Gingergirlsmom]

I'm also no expert, but have had at least two dogs at a time for the past 23 years. However, my current twosome is the first time I had two who were pretty close in age. Ginger was two years old when we brought home one year old Bernie. At first, I couldn't believe my luck. I posted video after video of the two of them rolling around in joyful play. It was heaven.

Of course, when Bernie came home, we worked hard to reinforce to Ginger that she is top dog with us. (she got the first goodie, the first feeding, the first step out the door, etc). It wasn't until much later, that the two of them started to do battle....and it was vicious. Both dh and I had blood drawn pulling them apart on more than one occasion. The battles all seemed to be over a particular "territory"...me.

I posted for help, talked to the vet, etc. After listening to a lot of differing advice, here is what finally worked for us. The next time there was a "battle" dh and I remained calm and silent. He picked up Bernie, carried him to the kitchen, put up a gate and ignored him. I picked up Ginger, carried her upstairs, closed her in a room and ignored her. We left them where they were and completely ignored them for 10 minutes. When we left them out we continued to ignore them for an additional ten minutes. We had to do this twice and the battles stopped. After that, for several months they hung out together, followed each other, etc., but the joyful play had disappeared. I began to accept that this part of their relationship was over. Then, a few months ago, I was getting ready for work and felt a soft little bump on my feet...it was my twosome, rolling around on the floor having a happy little wrestling match just like before. Since then, it's been back to normal. Last night they wrestled and played through an entire 1 hour episode of Monk. (I know this because we kept having to pause it to laugh at them)...

Every situation is different and it may take some time to figure out what works. Hang in there...and when things begin to work, you'll recieve your rewards.

[Tootsie Anne]

Originally Posted by Ringo1

What about an x pen if the doorway is too wide for a baby gate? I remember seeing some extra wide gates but it's been a long time.

We have an open floor plan and we use our x pen-it works great!!!

[Tootsie Anne]

We also just added a second female yorkie. We started working longer hours and thought she could use some company during the day...At first Tootsie was a little snippy with her and we second guessed our decision but it's been about 3 weeks and for the most part they get along great...they even share the baby bed-it's soooo cute!!!

There are still times when Tootsie gets a little rough with Molly, like dragging her by her collar~ugh!!! But, all in all they are best of buds!!!

[Jennxling]

What is the age difference between the female and male? I just added a female and my male yorkie who is one month older and a pounds more seems to attack her, but then I don't know if they are playing. There's no growling...she likes to cuddle next to him but he walks away...

[Bitsy's Mom]

I am learning so much from this thread. Looking for #3 with an alpha Maltese already at home. We are doing research to try to bring the right one home.

[Ringo1]

Originally Posted by Jennxling

What is the age difference between the female and male? I just added a female and my male yorkie who is one month older and a pounds more seems to attack her, but then I don't know if they are playing. There's no growling...she likes to cuddle next to him but he walks away...

My Westie is 3 and my yorkie is just 4 months. They don't exactly 'cuddle' either. Mostly they play. She would like to cuddle w/him but he likes to lay up on a stool looking out his big window and she can't get up there. Which is just fine with him!