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Safety issues for tiny dogs I am going to be getting a yorkie puppy soon. Most of our dogs in the past have been larger (mastiff/labs/setters) so I am wondering what do I need to do to keep a tiny puppy safe? |
Hmm... well, little dogs can escape easier it seems. Jackson, who is pretty sturdy at 15lbs, has found his way out of little gaps in fences, etc, that I never thought he'd get out of. So you've gotta be more cautious with fences, gates, and forms of containment. They can be considered prey for big birds like hawks, etc, and you also gotta watch out for coyotes, foxes, etc. Depending on HOW small, they can be pretty fragile, and bones can break easier than a bigger dog. So watch out for jumping/off couches, etc. Although Jackson is a huge jumper and has yet to cause any problems but it's definitely something to look out for. I'm sure others will chime in. :) But welcome to YT and the world of Yorkies! |
Welcome to YT! :wavey: Congrats on your new yorkie baby! I recommend getting either an expen or a puppy playpen to keep your little one in when he/she can't be watched closely. Also, do not allow your baby to jump on or off furniture...steps are highly recommended. The best advice I can give is to keep a very good eye on your little one. Good luck!:thumbup: |
Stairs for sure will be a problem so gate off the stairs when they are really small and young. Learn the Yorkie shuffle. Why? cause they are mostly under your feet lol.... When you start moving, shuffle your feet don't pick them up, until you are sure the little tyke is not underfoot. Watch closing doors! make sure pup is not in doorway Use harness not collar for walking on the leash Know the signs of hypoglycemia I'll leave it to others to post more. Welcome and best of luck with your new pup |
Hold tight Be very, very carefully when holding them. They are extremely wiggly and can get dropped very easily. I don't know how to describe it but get a grip that sort of gets a front leg involved. If you have any kids make them sit on the floor when they hold them. Can't stress that too much. |
Put all electrical cords out of reach. Cover electrical outlets with baby safety plugs. Some Yorkies are like toddlers and will open cabinets. Put all toxic houseplants out of reach and make sure leaves or flower petals cannot fall to the floor. Look around your home at everything within the pup's reach. Books and magazines are potential chew toys. :p Razors in the bath are dangerous. |
Recliners: They love to go underneath. They can get caught and smashed. We've shoved a regular size pillow underneath. When my babies were younger, I also put pillows behind/beside my couch and loveseat also. Both are recliners also, but it stopped them from going back there to potty. |
Here are two sites that are filled with information about safety and all sorts of information to help you raise a healthy yorkie puppy: Yorkshire Terriers - Yorkie Puppies - Breeder Information - Training - San Diego Alex's Yorkie Care Frequently Asked Questions Bluebelle was explaining that a yorkie should be carried with a forefinger and your thumb wrapped around the front leg. Many yorkies have died from jumping out of people's arms. |
Dinky will find ANYTHING on the ground and try to eat it. We are very tidy, clean, no kids at home anymore, and somehow he finds something. Also, they cannot be outside unattended. Hawks, foxes, big dogs, cats. Also, harness not collar. |
[QUOTE=gemy;3393907]Stairs for sure will be a problem so gate off the stairs when they are really small and young. Learn the Yorkie shuffle. Why? cause they are mostly under your feet lol.... When you start moving, shuffle your feet don't pick them up, until you are sure the little tyke is not underfoot. I love it---Yorkie shuffle:p |
These are excellent advice. I would like to add that if you decide to carry your Yorkie in a carrier ALWAYS attach the inner leash to their harness, unless the carrier is closed up and there is no way for the Yorkie to get out. There were a few instances where I had the carrier top opened, and my yorkie Tatiana leaped out unexpectedly (someone bumped me from behind, and startled her, and she jumped out of the carrier. Another time, she sniffed the roasted chicken on the counter, and took a flying leap out my front-pack carrier at the chicken.) Thank goodness for each instance, I attached the inner leash on her harness, so she dangled safely outside of the carrier, above the ground. If she hit the ground, I think Tatiana would have been hurt. |
I have a bell on my little one. If he's not sitting next to me, I hear *jingle jingle jingle* which I find kinda cute. But I know if the jingling stops for a minute, someone is doing something naughty. He can't understand sometimes how he always gets caught. |
Hello!! You got some great advice. Xpen or Pack N Play is a great idea, you wouldnt believe what these little guys are capable of getting into when you do not have your eyes on them! Harness for walking, and a collar for the name tag, etc. ( I keep a collar on Pnit all day even when I am not home, I take it off at night only) I have heard many stories of Pets getting out and not having a id tag on. Puppy Proof your house, these little guys are vaccums! Lots of little things are choking hazards. Even when giving treats small bites are always best! Watch where you step, they are always under your feet. Don't leave them on the couch or bed alone.. Watch out for animals that would love to make your little guy a snack,Never leave him outside alone, These little guys are prey to most birds! Trust me a hawk almost got my Pnut last summer!! And he wasnt alone..Very Scary! That's all I can think of right now, but you have some really good pointers and you are in the best place to get all the advice you need!! Congrats on getting a baby soon! He or she will be a blessing! |
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Very good point! |
If you take medications open them over the sink so theres no chance of them falling on the floor and being quickly eaten by your dog |
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