New to YorkieTalk
 

Hello everyone! I'm excited to say that I recently pulled the trigger on a Yorkshire terrier (or why would i be here right?). Of course like every new parent I have a few questions. I did all the research in the world in order to find the perfect breeder and puppy. My breeder only has two dams and one sire, having only two to three litters a year. She is also a pet behaviorist and trainer for anything toy breed. The only thing that bothers me is that she is suggesting to give me the puppy when he is seven weeks old (he's four weeks now) reassuring me that it is the best time to leave the mom because it is the time they bond with whomever they are with. Is this really okay or should I tell her I would rather wait until he is a little older?

I am also in a bit of a Parvo scare right now and think that the more I read and research, the more I'm scaring myself but here's my situation. I have a dog now, he's a five year old sheltie mix. I don't believe I ever gave him vaccinations when he was a puppy (I know I'm an idiot, but I was fifteen at the time and my parents didn't seem to find it important..."I had dogs in Vietnam and never had shots or vet care and they turned out fine"...sure). Now I'm scared that he is just a nest of bacteria and viruses that can hurt my new puppy. What should I do? Get him vaccinated now? Does that even help? Hope to get some answers and be certain I'm going to have more questions ^.^ Thank you.

It's hard to argue with a pet behaviorist and trainer -- especially one specializing in toy breeds -- but I've heard that 7 weeks is too young. My breeder (not a trainer) preferred 12 weeks. She said Yorkies tend to need more time with Mom and siblings to build their self-confidence. I got my pup at 11 weeks, and I could not ask for a better, more confident personality.

But I don't know if you'll get a consensus. Others I respect have suggested 8 weeks. Hopefully, others will weigh in here.

As for your other dog, yes, I'd get him immunized for distemper/parvo.

Good luck. The pup sure is cute.

I would definitely get your older dog vaccinated now, also getting him checked out now, before you bring a new one into the mix would be wise. I would not let my puppies go until 11 weeks.

Welcome to YT and congratulations on your new love affair!!
We got Sophie at almost 9 weeks and she has been happy and very healthy although I know some prefer to wait longer. Sophie was very well socialized when we got her but can't speak for all at that age. I would definitely have your sheltie vet checked and immunized before bringing a new little one into your home. Always better safe than sorry:).

Thanks for the reply and so early in the mourning! I'm definitely going to get a vet check on my sheltie and give him at least Parvo/Distemper...I became an overnight germaphobe because a new puppy, go figures.

Just as I thought, seven weeks might be too young...hmmm...I'm going to have to talk to the breeder and see what my options are but I was excited about getting my puppy sooner than later. Oh then what are your thoughts about getting the puppy after his second set of shots so that leaves nothing to chance...when do you give the puppies the second shot? Eight, nine weeks old?

I know it's exciting and hard to wait but waiting until the second set of shots might be a good idea. I would also recommend moving all your furniture to make sure there are no hidden items (like dropped pills and such) that your puppy could discover in places you can't see. Also, be sure to puppy proof your home against electrical cords or anything your pup might want to chew that could harm it. Having nutrical on hand is also good idea in case it experiences a sugar level drop since yorkies are prone to hypoglycemia. :animal-pa

BTW...your puppy is adorable:D And your vet will tell you after your first visit just what your yorkie's shot schedule is.

Welcome to YT! Yes, 7 weeks is WAY too young to place a pup. Placing them before they are 8 weeks old is even illegal in many states, so what does that tell you? Reputable breeders do not place them until they are around 12 weeks old. If the breeder you are talking to is willing to place one that young, then I would seriously question her ethics as a breeder. Credintials don't guarantee that the breeder is doing what's right by the dogs--but they sure do sound nice for marketing purposes. :rolleyes:

Your pup is going to bond with you, even if you wait until he's is a bit older to bring him home. With extremely young pups, low blood sugar is always a big risk. Also, during this age, the pup learns crucial social skills from the mom and littermates. Many people that bring them home too young find that they have issues with biting and more difficulty getting them potty trained--among other issues.

Welcome to YT! Best place in the world to get advice, info, etc. about your baby!

I agree with advice given, 7 weeks is too young!
We brought Wrigley home at 12 1/2 weeks!

Unfortunately, anyone can call themselves a pet behaviorist, or a "breeder" for that matter. She may know a lot about training, but she doesn't understand specific breed's need. Most dogs are ready to leave their moms at that age, but important socialization takes place between mom's and puppies, including inhibition of the biting reflex. I would not buy from a breeder who didn't understand this, she has not read up on the specific needs of a yorkie, and this means she may have not up on health problems of the yorkie and not done any of the required testing of the breeding pair. This Maltese site explains more about why small breeds need to stay with mama longer. Maybe you can even teach her something. Why do Maltese puppies need to be 12 weeks old before going to a new home??

Taken from the YTCA website:

If you are seeking a family pet a reputable Yorkshire Terrier Breeder will not release a puppy to a new home before it is twelve (12) weeks old. This ensures the puppy is old enough to have had some of its shots, has been checked by a veterinarian, and a health certificate issued. The puppy’s ears should be erect, and you can generally tell what size the puppy will be at maturity when it is twelve weeks old by doubling the weight. Although not a definite rule it is generally thought that if a twelve week old Yorkie puppy is three pounds it will likely be six pounds at maturity. Also, by twelve weeks the puppy should be outgoing and well socialized so it will easily accept the transition of leaving its mother and siblings.
http://www.ytca.org/faq.html#D