Brand New Yorkie Mom -- Advice Needed :)

[smittojess]

Hello, I have been browsing the internet and other sources for information on yorkies for a few months now before I finally bought my Bentley. I am a 22 year old nursing student (working part time at a hospital) and my boyfriend lives with me working full time. We just got Bentley he is a few days shy of 12 weeks old - mainly because we are animal lovers but I have heard great things about yorkies -- not to mention he was SOO cute. Now that he's home were feeling a bit overwhelmed. Here are a few questions, any advice would be appreciated...We bought a crate after being advised that's the best place for him to learn to go potty, and to be alone. We are both on day shift at our jobs for the next few weeks so in the morning we feed him breakfast (Nutro dog food supposed to be good for him?) and take him outside immediately to go potty. we keep saying "go potty" and taking him to the same place.. most of the time this works. After that we put him in his cage and we both have been working day shift. We leave animal planet on and have plenty of toys in his crate and our neighbors say he doesn't bark during the day (apartment building). My boyfriend comes home during lunch to let him out, play, etc. Soon we will be working opposite shifts so he wont be home alone so much however should we leave water in his cage?? I have heard yes, then I have heard to put the divider in to make the cage small so he only has room to lie?? He has yet to poop in his cage I imagine he's peeing in there but it's extremely difficult to be sure considering he only pees a quarter size puddle at a time. Should we leave any breakfast he doesn't eat in the cage during the day or wait until lunchtime?? I am really scared about the hypoglycemia so I'm not sure what's best. Also we just have a water dish but should we invest in the water bottle to hang and the additive to make the water more nutritious? The evenings we take him out at least every hour usually every 30 minutes and he usually goes potty. Should we stick to the crate philosophy of if he doesn't go potty put him in the cage? Or is this too much time in the crate??? Is that truly the "Crate training" (He completely ignores the potty pads by the way we tried those so that's not going to work.) After the evening we feed him dinner and he usually eats most of it throughout the night. This is the next part I'm confused about.. at night when we go to bed we put him back in the crate (again should we make it smaller or let him have the whole 22 x 16 space) and put him in the living room in front of animal planet and he barks for 20 minutes then sleeps through the night. I was wondering if this again is cruel to leave him out in the living room or if we should put him by our bed?? The night we tried to put him by the bed in his crate he barked for over an hour before I moved him back into the living room. I'm nervous about him sleeping in bed because it's extremely high off the ground and don't want to roll over into yorkie poop.
I guess I am just wondering the best behavior to enforce at his age regarding potty training, and a schedule given our busy schedule. As I said in a few weeks I will be working at night so Bentley won't be alone all day. We love him very much already and he is a true joy I've just heard lots of things about potty training and ensuring the positive behavior when he is young.
thank you for any advice/help!!

[DvlshAngel985]

First of all, WELCOME TO YT and CONGRATS! on your new baby boy. So many questions, and all in one paragraph. All joking aside, first and foremost, remember he is young. He's still a baby and has much growing up and maturing to do. Don't set your expectations really high because he might not be there quite yet. That doesn't mean stop what you're doing because it sounds like you're on the right track.

For potty training, remember to be calm, don't punish him way after the fact because it won't mean anything to him, correct what you do see and be consistent with his potty schedule. It will be much better for him when you and your bf are working opposite schedules. When you say cage, I'm assuming you mean his crate. Many people crate train, many people potty train to piddle pads first. Work with what you can and fits better with you and your pup. If the crate is too much and you can't physically let him out every hour on the hour, you can try the ex-pen method with a pee pad for him to potty on. Also, remember that a pup should not be taken out for a walk or to play at a dog park until two weeks after their last puppy shot to ensure full immunity from any doggy illnesses.

As soon as you can, start obedience training. Again, if he gets it really quick, great! If he doesn't, it is still a bonding experience and it's never too early to start.

I'll go back and read your post when I can and see if I missed anything.

[tjdmom]

Personally I think that at 12 weeks old, he is too young to be able to hold it when he has to go so putting him in a tiny crate where he has no other choice but to soil himself seems a bit cruel to me. Now when he's older, that's different but for right now, can't you just put him in an area where he can sleep,eat and have a potty pad? He will go on the pad because he'll have to go and he'll pick the farthest from his bed/eating area. You can then increase the size until you don't even have to to block him in a room and he will go to his pad and then you can faze that out until he's only going outside. That's what I do anyways and it seems to work but maybe others will join in. It sounds like you're a really good mommy and congrats on your baby!

[SarahK]

I don't have any answers (our puppy is a baby and still with the breeder) but you're asking many of the same questions I have. I'm eagerly awaiting more answers.

[smittojess]

Thank you! Sorrry I crammed it all in one post lol in case you can't tell I am a tad nervous about trying to do the best things I can for him. Tomorrow is his vet appointment so I'm hoping he gets a clean bill of health (I'm sure he wil) I do know he's up to date on shots but will be careful about other dogs for a few weeks. Were going to stick to the crate but any tips are appreciated! Thanks again

[BLADE]

When Kimbo was first learning not to potty in the crate, I kept 1 clean white towel in his crate and 3 clean towels (all the same color and type) close by. If I even saw a hint of a pee spot, I immediately changed out the towel. I would have to do this 3 or 4 times a day. I even dabbed his tee tee with a tissue so that he wouldn't get a drop of residule pee on the towel!! I wanted him to really get used to crating in a clean, fresh environment. At night, I washed the dirty ones that I wasn't using in hot water. We'd start all over in the morning. It took him about 3 weeks to get good at it. I also had to block off some of the crate area with his favorite toys. His crate is small, but he's so tiny that he still had some room to potty away from where he was laying. I'm off work for the summer so I had plenty of time to sit and watch him in his crate. When he would start to whimper and circle, I would take him out and set him on his potty pad. If he pottied, he got lots of praise and 1/3 of a Cheerio.

[maryeverett1]

First of all welcome to YT and congrats on bentley!! I just wanted to mention a few ideas that are not a small crate since he does have to spend so much time in there with you guys being gone a lot. The ex pens are awesome because it gates them off but gives them more room to move with an area that can have a pee pad, an area for food and water and an area for a bed and toys. It would be hard to do all of that in one spot and not get confused. If you don't want to get an x-pen go to a second hand Childrens store and buy an old pack n play which would give him more room as well. And if you don't want to spend the money on either of those what about leaving him in a small bathroom with the door closed during the day? In my opinion he needs to have a larger area to be in so he gets the hang of the potty thing especially since you aren't home to let him out every hour and he will eventually need to go in that tiny area! Then use his clean crate for him to sleep in at night! Just ideas but I always wanted my puppies to have a little bit of extra room and th pack n play worked fantastic for us and we even used it at night. My puppies would actually go stand next to the pack n play when they wanted time away and time to rest! If there is anything I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me! You have already gotten some great advice and I can only imagine you will continue to and then be able to make the best decision for bentley! He is lucky to have such loving and caring parents! :-)

[SophieKatesMom]

Training treats are wonderful!!! I used Cheerio's, whenever Sophie Kate did something good like "Go Potty" we had a small celebration and she got a Cheerio (no other time did I give her Cheerio's they had to be earned).

Sophie Kate is 2 years old and still goes in her crate most the time while we at work. I have a dogwalker who comes around Noon and if we are going to be home right after work Sophie Kate has limited roaming (downstairs) and a potty pad to use. I want to note the limited roaming just started a few weeks ago.

We started out with a small little crate and after a while when she would start holding "it" we expanded the size and added food (always had water for her). Now her crate is like her bedroom, it has a lambs wool pad, her blanket, food, water and one of her toys.

Yorkie Talk gave me some really good advice so always ask - there is so much experience on this forum and you will always get an answer.

[yorkie-boxermom]

When my Yorkie was about that age, I put her in a larger cage that held her bed and then put a pee pad down in front of it. It worked out very well. I always left food and water with her because I did not want her to have a hypoglycemic attack. She eventually started shredding her pee pads so I got some baby lap pads to put in the crate and that worked well, also.
Good luck with your baby.

[angeleyes]

I like all your questions and YT is a great place to get them answered. When we brought Belle home at 12 weeks we had a small crate for her to sleep in and be in when we had to be gone for awhile. I keep her crate next to our bed and the first night she started barking and crying. I tapped on the crate door and told her no and in about 10 minutes she was sleeping. I also had a "corn pack" that I heated iin the microwave and put under her blankets. She would lay on that next to her cuddle bear. The heat reminded her of her mom. Then I remembered when we had our Min. Schnauzer I use to cover her crate at night. It not only kept the drafts out but for some reason it works like a bird. When you cover their crate they don't make any noise. Worked like magic and we still use it today as Belle is 19 months. When I would hear her fuss at night, I'd take her out and put her on her potty pad and she'd pee, then right back to bed. She was sleeping through the night in less than a month. (becareful though, they learn quickly how to use that to get your attention) I bought a tube of high sugar content gel at the pet store to keep on hand in case of hypoglaysemia (sp) in case she did not eat enough or played to much. I would feed Belle 3 or 4 times a day and when she was done or after 10 minutes I took the food up. Some foods turn bad if you leave it sit out. I have never left food or water in her crate at night. Give her a potty treat after she potties and that should keep her going until morning. One thing about the pack and plays, they are great for keeping the puppy up and safe but I would never leave Belle in it when we were not at home or at night. Most have mesh sides and they can chew or claw holes in there and get their head caught and strangle. I use ours when I am vacuuming or doing something I don't really need Belle's help with, although she's always eager! Be very careful about taking him out in the grass where other dogs have been. I never let Belle in any area where dogs peed. I lost one dog to parvo and it's horrible. Wait until he's had all his puppy shots and the vet okays the parvo. Also, just a tip I have always done and still do with Belle. When I take her to the vet, I take her blanket with an put it on the table before I sit her there. I know they wipe the vet tables off but we have no way of knowing what another dog was treated for. Guess I'm paranoid from working in the ER at the hospital. Hope you got most of your questions answered. If I can help with anything else let me know. I have all kinds of hints and home made toys I came up with for Belle. Good luck and welcome to YT and mommyhood.

[Matthias]

I only have minutes to reply, but here's a few pointers:

* Everything on the edge of counters, tables, etc, are now things that can be knocked off to the ground. You don't want that to happen when your baby is around. From now on NEVER put things on the edge, but away from the edge.(plates, knives, cans of soup, salt/pepper shakers, etc)

* Every so often, depending on your budget, take your baby to the vet for a regular check up. Blood tests are very revealing at times and can warn you of possible developing problems.

* Learn to always look before you take steps. Yorkies are so small and are always near under foot and they can be several feet away up to underneath you in moments, so pay close attention not to step on them.

* Yorkies are notorious for not chewing their food. They have a bad habit of swallowing their food chewing very little, so pay close attention that the food they are eating is small enough to go down their baby throats.

* When you hug your baby and are giving them some love, also say "I love you" at the same time. Then when you just say "I love you", they'll understand. (Kinda like your smart idea of saying "go potty" as they go potty. My baby boy can go "potty" on command)

* Always keep your eyes on your baby. I've watched my babies go potty thousands of times.(outside of course!) They can be in one spot, only to be somewhere out of sight within seconds.

* Yorkies have problems with tooth decay. Start them young on some cavity prevention program so their teeth remain healthy. A Yorkie with teeth problems then stresses it's system due to the constant fighting of infection. Doing so lengthens their life span.

* It's best to have harnesses instead of a neck leash for Yorkies. It will distribute the weight/pull of the leash to the chest instead of their throat.

* Yorkies are fearless and will often go right up to a big dog... even if the other dog weighs a 100lbs. Would you want your baby walking up to a pitbull or some other dog that has a potentially dangerous disposition? Yorkies mixing with bigger dogs is a gamble people take quite often. Beware of the dangerous possibilities.

* Yorkies are like a sponge. You flood them with love and they soak it all in, yet when you love and squeeze them, the love comes back. You can never love a Yorkie too much. They deserve all the love the universe has to offer them.

* Yorkies are worthy of Prayer, not only under stressful situations, but in your daily Prayers. Don't forget to include them as well.

* Pay as much attention to your baby as you can. A Yorkie full of love haven been given much attention ends up having a great life. It makes their life more abundant and they seem to be more joyful, full of life and happier in the process of living.

May God Bless Bentley on having a long wonderful satisfying life!

Matthias

[maryeverett1]

Serioiusly one of the best, most helpful and beautiful things I have ever seen written on YT- well done and thank you!

Originally Posted by Matthias

I only have minutes to reply, but here's a few pointers:

* Everything on the edge of counters, tables, etc, are now things that can be knocked off to the ground. You don't want that to happen when your baby is around. From now on NEVER put things on the edge, but away from the edge.(plates, knives, cans of soup, salt/pepper shakers, etc)

* Every so often, depending on your budget, take your baby to the vet for a regular check up. Blood tests are very revealing at times and can warn you of possible developing problems.

* Learn to always look before you take steps. Yorkies are so small and are always near under foot and they can be several feet away up to underneath you in moments, so pay close attention not to step on them.

* Yorkies are notorious for not chewing their food. They have a bad habit of swallowing their food chewing very little, so pay close attention that the food they are eating is small enough to go down their baby throats.

* When you hug your baby and are giving them some love, also say "I love you" at the same time. Then when you just say "I love you", they'll understand. (Kinda like your smart idea of saying "go potty" as they go potty. My baby boy can go "potty" on command)

* Always keep your eyes on your baby. I've watched my babies go potty thousands of times.(outside of course!) They can be in one spot, only to be somewhere out of sight within seconds.

* Yorkies have problems with tooth decay. Start them young on some cavity prevention program so their teeth remain healthy. A Yorkie with teeth problems then stresses it's system due to the constant fighting of infection. Doing so lengthens their life span.

* It's best to have harnesses instead of a neck leash for Yorkies. It will distribute the weight/pull of the leash to the chest instead of their throat.

* Yorkies are fearless and will often go right up to a big dog... even if the other dog weighs a 100lbs. Would you want your baby walking up to a pitbull or some other dog that has a potentially dangerous disposition? Yorkies mixing with bigger dogs is a gamble people take quite often. Beware of the dangerous possibilities.

* Yorkies are like a sponge. You flood them with love and they soak it all in, yet when you love and squeeze them, the love comes back. You can never love a Yorkie too much. They deserve all the love the universe has to offer them.

* Yorkies are worthy of Prayer, not only under stressful situations, but in your daily Prayers. Don't forget to include them as well.

* Pay as much attention to your baby as you can. A Yorkie full of love haven been given much attention ends up having a great life. It makes their life more abundant and they seem to be more joyful, full of life and happier in the process of living.

May God Bless Bentley on having a long wonderful satisfying life!

Matthias

[DamSweet]

Originally Posted by Matthias

I only have minutes to reply, but here's a few pointers:

* Everything on the edge of counters, tables, etc, are now things that can be knocked off to the ground. You don't want that to happen when your baby is around. From now on NEVER put things on the edge, but away from the edge.(plates, knives, cans of soup, salt/pepper shakers, etc)

* Every so often, depending on your budget, take your baby to the vet for a regular check up. Blood tests are very revealing at times and can warn you of possible developing problems.

* Learn to always look before you take steps. Yorkies are so small and are always near under foot and they can be several feet away up to underneath you in moments, so pay close attention not to step on them.

* Yorkies are notorious for not chewing their food. They have a bad habit of swallowing their food chewing very little, so pay close attention that the food they are eating is small enough to go down their baby throats.

* When you hug your baby and are giving them some love, also say "I love you" at the same time. Then when you just say "I love you", they'll understand. (Kinda like your smart idea of saying "go potty" as they go potty. My baby boy can go "potty" on command)

* Always keep your eyes on your baby. I've watched my babies go potty thousands of times.(outside of course!) They can be in one spot, only to be somewhere out of sight within seconds.

* Yorkies have problems with tooth decay. Start them young on some cavity prevention program so their teeth remain healthy. A Yorkie with teeth problems then stresses it's system due to the constant fighting of infection. Doing so lengthens their life span.

* It's best to have harnesses instead of a neck leash for Yorkies. It will distribute the weight/pull of the leash to the chest instead of their throat.

* Yorkies are fearless and will often go right up to a big dog... even if the other dog weighs a 100lbs. Would you want your baby walking up to a pitbull or some other dog that has a potentially dangerous disposition? Yorkies mixing with bigger dogs is a gamble people take quite often. Beware of the dangerous possibilities.

* Yorkies are like a sponge. You flood them with love and they soak it all in, yet when you love and squeeze them, the love comes back. You can never love a Yorkie too much. They deserve all the love the universe has to offer them.

* Yorkies are worthy of Prayer, not only under stressful situations, but in your daily Prayers. Don't forget to include them as well.

* Pay as much attention to your baby as you can. A Yorkie full of love haven been given much attention ends up having a great life. It makes their life more abundant and they seem to be more joyful, full of life and happier in the process of living.

May God Bless Bentley on having a long wonderful satisfying life!

Matthias

Really - that was amazing! Should automatically be sent to every new member - even those who are not new parents can use reminders. Very nice!

[buena]

congrats on the puppy! I am a new owner too, and we already had a broken leg. He jumped off the couch! So, BE CAREFUL, no furniture, they really think they can do itall.

I was feeding Nutro, but he didnt LOVe it so i switch to Holistic Select, and he loves it and honestly i think he looks healthier. Could just be me. oh he is 11 weeks.

we block out puppy into the kitchen and one entrance has a baby gate and the other has his crate and a box to keep him in. he has 1 wee wee pad there (in the kitchen, ) and food and water at ALL times. his bed is his crate. so, he can go in and out to his food, water and pad. he has been going to the pad everytime. this am after i saw him pee, he got to be free and explore and i watched him go from one room back to the kitchen to poop on his pad!

dogs ALWAYS need water.

these puppies are so tiny and i believe should ALWAYS have food.

i wouldnt give up on the pads if thats something u want....just bring him to it, say pee pee. try different ones. we use arm and hammer.
(i trained a pitbull/husky puppy to pee on the wee wee pad at night when he was in our kitchen) we fostered him as a puppy and he has since left, but it was incredible. He wouldnt poop in it though/lol

good luck, its fun. how big is he? 2.5 weeks ago Seeker was 1.6 pounds,....i wonder what he is now!

oh yeh im Melissa 27 mom to 2 skin kids and 1 furry one.and here

[yorkie-boxermom]

I would be afraid not to leave food in with my yorkie baby. My first Yorkie, had a hypoglemic attack because one night I forgot to put her food back in her crate. When I got up the next morning, I opened her crate and thought it was unusual she did not come out. I coaxed her and she wobbled out and fell on the floor. Thankfully I knew what was happening. I left food with her at all times after that and had no further problems. I now have my second yorkie baby ( 12 wks old) I have kept food with her the entire time and not hypoglycemic reactions. I will keep food with mine until she is atleast 6 months old.

Before I had yorkies, I did not leave food or water in my dogs crate at night and advised others not to either. Everything I have read says not to do it. I don't think they took in consideration that these little ones need to eat about every 3 hrs.