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

[3FurryFaces]

Originally Posted by newyorki

Does anyone have any idea for bordering a wide kitchen opening? Our apartment has an open layout. This inability to border the kitchen was a porblem when my kids were toddlers as well. We never solved the problem but they grew out of the need.

On the one side, it is a standard doorway, I can use a baby gate.

On the other side, it is open and about 9 feet wide. I still remember going thru all the baby catalogs trying to find an appropriate gate for this..no go. Of course Yorkies are much smaller than babies, so I'd only need about 14" of height. Anyone have an idea? I agree that bordering them might help.

thanks

You might want to check out a small xpen called Sea Breeze, it is shorter in height and they can put whatever width you need. Various Configurations

I use one to block off my stairs. I live in a split level (lots of stairs) so I have 2 xpens to block them. As for your original question/problem. About 16 months ago, I added a 3 month old yorkie to my household that had a 12yr old min schnauzer and a 13 yr old Bichon. The yorkie pup was very aggressive to the bichon. I kept separated unless I was able to supervise. Held both and gave affection first to the Bichon in front of the york. Gradually added time together supervised. It was weeks until I left them alone for short periods. I crated or expenned one within the other dogs area for some controlled time together as well. They all sleep together in the same dog bed now. It was gradual... fast forward to today, I have another yorkie puppy 4 months old and am dog sitting a 14 month old male yorkie... they are going through the same juggle for power, but less intense. Separate them if it gets so aggressive that one is hurt or crying and the other will not back off. Mine play, but sometimes they dont realize their sharp little teeth and I will hear a yelp. But, the other dog usually literally backs away if he/she hurts the other. If that is not happening you must intervene and separate. Keep us posted and good luck.

[newyorki]

Originally Posted by 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.

This proved to be SO true.

Thanks so much for all of the excellent advice. I have not had much time to post, but I did run out and get an X pen the same day it was suggested. I did not have time to shop around, i just went to the only nearby place, Petco, and paid $89.99..the next day i got a $20 coupon in my inbox, grr!!

We are using it, but surprisingly, things have gotten a lot better around here. FOR SURE keeping them busy and taking them on walks together has helped. I have not had to separate them when I am here, for at least a week. I do separate them when I am gone. Not only from each other but from any household hazards as well. So i put one in our "good" bathroom, and the other goes in the X pen, each gets a couple of items from the laundry pile.

I cannot say with certainty that they are "enjoying" each other but they are definitely acting civilized, and they often park next to each other for a nap.

Thanks again for the encouragement.

[llcornell]

Im so glad to hear they are doing better with each other

[spiritwings1202]

I have 2 female dogs and they get along fine.
I think it just takes time and they will determine between the two of them which one has the dominance.
When my daughter came to live with me for a year and a half she had a 2 year old yorkie and my Daisy was 4. They did not get along they fought and it was stressful. We didn't let them fight, I would step in.
I started walking them together and playing with both of them at the same time and eventually things got better. One day they were fighting and I let them at it and they worked it out. Just as long as it isn't real bad you will know if it is time to step in.
Now Daisy and Gidget are best friends in fact when they see eachother they are so excited. So it can work, just give it time and treat them both the same. ~good luck ~Joyce