The First Few Nights - YorkieTalk.com Forums

WhitPack · 03-20-2011, 04:37 AM

Hello everyone! I'm new to this forum and I'm also a new Yorkie owner. Today begins day #3 that I've had Dolce. So far I love having her around, but it's been a big adjustment, too. She's only spent two nights with me, and although I know she's adjusting from being away from her mom and siblings, she has cried ALL night both nights. I am not using an actual crate, but I'm using a little pen...the same one the breeder uses with her Yorkies. It's big enough for her bed, puppy pads, and her food/water. Oh, and a few toys, of course. I have a teddy bear that plays heartbeat noises, and last night I tried leaving a radio on to see if that helps. I guess what I'm looking for are some tips/tricks from Yorkie owners on things that can help her not feel scared/lonely at night, especially during the first couple of weeks. I didn't get her out of her pen when she cried, so I'm trying to stay strong about that. She also cried yesterday when I put her in her pen so I could take a shower without having to worry about her.

Thanks in advance for any advice! Please keep in mind that not only is this my first Yorkie, it's my first puppy in general.

tahk · 03-23-2011, 04:41 AM

It seems like you are a good mommy already.

These little furbabies are like bringing home newborn babies from the hospital. I am a first time Furbaby mom too. My Coby turned one in January. I do remember the first couple of weeks being a little challenging. The key is CONSISTANTCY!! There are "bad" habits that my little one has now, that I feel are really fault. My husband tells me all the time that I created a MONSTER! (But, he's a sweet monster)

Even now, he still has some issues with being crated at night because when he became potty trained, I allowed him to roam free during the day. If you want them to enjoy the crate, keep them in there alot!! Even though it's hard, because you feel like you're being cruel, but he will learn to love it if it is a consistant thing from the beginning! Congratulations on your new baby---she's a doll

) It's amazing the joy they bring to our lives!

Rachael x · 03-23-2011, 05:02 AM

Welcome to YT.
I know the feeling! when I first brought Poppy home I had no idea how little sleep I would get, she cried in the night for a couple of weeks and I was walking round like a zombie. I even fell asleep at work once! LOL!
It does get better though and is worth it in the end. Your pup is crying because she isn't used to sleeping alone. Is the pen in your bedroom? You could try putting it near your bed and dangling an arm in through the night so she can smell you and knows she is not alone.
I also found Poppy slept a little better when she had a hot water bottle under he bedding.
Other then that there is not much else you can do, it is just something that comes along with having a puppy. It dosn't last forever so just try to sleep while she sleeps. Good luck!

SWHouston · 03-23-2011, 05:13 AM

Another thing one can do is...
Put an (worn/unwashed) article of your clothing in it's pen,
T_Shirt...whatever.

The scent "presence" may help.

Ringo1 · 03-23-2011, 06:27 AM

Awww. She is missing her littermates; brothers and sisters. They probably helped to keep her warm at night. I second the idea of an old t shirt of yours; a stuffed toy; warm water bottle (never tried that).

Also, is her pen in your room? It might help if she could see you at night.

If all else fails, she can always sleep with you!

lexi43 · 03-23-2011, 06:39 AM

Welcome to YT. If I had a dollar for everybody who has had this problem with new puppies I would be rich and I could take my babies to Hawaii and live the life. Anyway you are doing all the right things. Some dogs take to their crates and some don't get used to it very quickly. My little shih tzu Oliver was great he never gave us a problem. Zach our little Yorkie was not as good as Oliver he cried for a few weeks. We did everything possible to keep him happy. Now Zoe our little Shorkie she never got used to her pen and to this day cries her heart out everytime we put her in her pen. Now I'm sorry to say due to my room mate's soft heart all the animals sleep in bed with either her or me which ever room they wander into.

SWHouston · 03-23-2011, 09:06 AM

Ringo1,

"If all else fails, she can always sleep with you!"

SO true, who wouldn't welcome a nice wet kiss in the eye
at 2.30 AM !

WhitPack · 03-23-2011, 02:07 PM

Thanks everyone! I tried a soft kennel in my room last night, and she only cried in the beginning and then once at 3:00 when she needed to pee. Progress! I don't want to start the habit of letting her sleep in my bed...as cute as that would be. One of the main reasons is that my bed is really high, and she could literally hurt herself if she fell out. Glad to hear that I'm doing all the right things! I guess we both just need time.

yorkietalkjilly · 03-23-2011, 02:20 PM

Time and a boatload of patience on your part! Welcome to YT and I hope your baby is settling nicely in soon. They are such fun but a lot of work at first. Is this your first Yorkie?

WhitPack · 03-23-2011, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Time and a boatload of patience on your part! Welcome to YT and I hope your baby is settling nicely in soon. They are such fun but a lot of work at first. Is this your first Yorkie?

Yep...first Yorkie and first puppy in general! I've wanted a Yorkie for three years and have done a lot of reading/studying up until the minute I got her. I can say, though, that I wasn't exactly as prepared as I thought I was! I'm nervous to leave her when I go back to work tomorrow. I imagine it's a lot like leaving a child for the first time!

mscat · 03-23-2011, 02:33 PM

I second the opinion of allowing her to stay in your room in her pen. The shirt, having your scent on it , will calm her down too. She is just like a little human baby right now, she needs lots of loving, and reassuarnce. I did not use a pen or crate when I first brought Suzi home. But, she stuck to me everywhere. She would cry at the bathroom door when I took a shower.. Even when my son being home , she would cry for me. I used potty pads at first to train her , and she did good, then started to potty outside after she had all of her vaccines.
If she could be near you at night, she could feel at least that she was not alone. Just keep it warm in your home or in the pen, and give her reassurance that you are there for her.
When I first brought home my shih tzu, I ended up sleeping on the couch for weeks, just so she could be near me. It worked, she never cried at night, thankfully.
Suzi my yorkie was also my first dog on my own too. This is the best place for support and questions that you may have. I was so happy to find YT in the first few days I had her.

AprilLove · 03-23-2011, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhitPack

Thanks everyone! I tried a soft kennel in my room last night, and she only cried in the beginning and then once at 3:00 when she needed to pee. Progress! I don't want to start the habit of letting her sleep in my bed...as cute as that would be. One of the main reasons is that my bed is really high, and she could literally hurt herself if she fell out. Glad to hear that I'm doing all the right things! I guess we both just need time.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Yorkies~ ♥

I didn't read all the responses, but if you put her in her soft crate up at the same level (not necessarily on), of your bed so she can see you, it will help tremendously.

Just imagine being put in a place you've never been before, with people you don't know, and away from anyone you did know

... that is how your little angel is feeling right now, it does take some time to adjust, some take longer, some not.
Enjoy your new baby, they grow up too fast! ♥

SWHouston · 03-23-2011, 06:38 PM

Speaking of how your scent effects them...

I have several "bunks" around the house (both floors)
And have small blankets and some towels sorta as bed spreads
which they lay on. Eventually these get a little yucky.
So, now and then I gather everything up and throw it in the
washer.

My guys will NOT let these "washed" items stay in their bunks
and will throw them out. I found out that I had to come in
contact with each (sit on one/wear one around my neck for a while)
just anything to get my scent on it, before they would let it stay.

And another thing, and I know this sounds yucky...
IF I have to make them eat something they don't like (a pill or something)
I have to "spit" on it, before they will swallow it on their own.

It's just so amazing how their sensory perception works.

03-20-2011, 04:37 AM	#1
WhitPack Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 16	The First Few Nights Hello everyone! I'm new to this forum and I'm also a new Yorkie owner. Today begins day #3 that I've had Dolce. So far I love having her around, but it's been a big adjustment, too. She's only spent two nights with me, and although I know she's adjusting from being away from her mom and siblings, she has cried ALL night both nights. I am not using an actual crate, but I'm using a little pen...the same one the breeder uses with her Yorkies. It's big enough for her bed, puppy pads, and her food/water. Oh, and a few toys, of course. I have a teddy bear that plays heartbeat noises, and last night I tried leaving a radio on to see if that helps. I guess what I'm looking for are some tips/tricks from Yorkie owners on things that can help her not feel scared/lonely at night, especially during the first couple of weeks. I didn't get her out of her pen when she cried, so I'm trying to stay strong about that. She also cried yesterday when I put her in her pen so I could take a shower without having to worry about her. Thanks in advance for any advice! Please keep in mind that not only is this my first Yorkie, it's my first puppy in general.

03-23-2011, 04:41 AM	#2
tahk Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: SC Posts: 44	wELCOME It seems like you are a good mommy already. These little furbabies are like bringing home newborn babies from the hospital. I am a first time Furbaby mom too. My Coby turned one in January. I do remember the first couple of weeks being a little challenging. The key is CONSISTANTCY!! There are "bad" habits that my little one has now, that I feel are really fault. My husband tells me all the time that I created a MONSTER! (But, he's a sweet monster) Even now, he still has some issues with being crated at night because when he became potty trained, I allowed him to roam free during the day. If you want them to enjoy the crate, keep them in there alot!! Even though it's hard, because you feel like you're being cruel, but he will learn to love it if it is a consistant thing from the beginning! Congratulations on your new baby---she's a doll) It's amazing the joy they bring to our lives! Last edited by tahk; 03-23-2011 at 04:42 AM.

03-23-2011, 05:13 AM	#4
SWHouston YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Houston, Tx. U.S.A. Posts: 1,537 Blog Entries: 1	Another thing one can do is... Put an (worn/unwashed) article of your clothing in it's pen, T_Shirt...whatever. The scent "presence" may help. __________________ Dogs know that you love them, weather you own them or not Mbrs of YT Teapot Club: SNEAKERS since Apr 2011, Ichabod SOON ! RIP my darling Becca.

03-23-2011, 06:27 AM	#5
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	Awww. She is missing her littermates; brothers and sisters. They probably helped to keep her warm at night. I second the idea of an old t shirt of yours; a stuffed toy; warm water bottle (never tried that). Also, is her pen in your room? It might help if she could see you at night. If all else fails, she can always sleep with you! __________________ Mommy to Lucy, Ringo, and Matthew

03-23-2011, 09:06 AM	#7
SWHouston YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Houston, Tx. U.S.A. Posts: 1,537 Blog Entries: 1	Ringo1, "If all else fails, she can always sleep with you!" SO true, who wouldn't welcome a nice wet kiss in the eye at 2.30 AM ! __________________ Dogs know that you love them, weather you own them or not Mbrs of YT Teapot Club: SNEAKERS since Apr 2011, Ichabod SOON ! RIP my darling Becca.

03-23-2011, 05:02 AM	#3
Rachael x Poppy's Mamma ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: England Posts: 3,751 Blog Entries: 3	Welcome to YT. I know the feeling! when I first brought Poppy home I had no idea how little sleep I would get, she cried in the night for a couple of weeks and I was walking round like a zombie. I even fell asleep at work once! LOL! It does get better though and is worth it in the end. Your pup is crying because she isn't used to sleeping alone. Is the pen in your bedroom? You could try putting it near your bed and dangling an arm in through the night so she can smell you and knows she is not alone. I also found Poppy slept a little better when she had a hot water bottle under he bedding. Other then that there is not much else you can do, it is just something that comes along with having a puppy. It dosn't last forever so just try to sleep while she sleeps. Good luck! __________________ Rachael & Poppy

03-23-2011, 06:39 AM	#6
lexi43 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Deer Park New York Posts: 1,586	Welcome to YT. If I had a dollar for everybody who has had this problem with new puppies I would be rich and I could take my babies to Hawaii and live the life. Anyway you are doing all the right things. Some dogs take to their crates and some don't get used to it very quickly. My little shih tzu Oliver was great he never gave us a problem. Zach our little Yorkie was not as good as Oliver he cried for a few weeks. We did everything possible to keep him happy. Now Zoe our little Shorkie she never got used to her pen and to this day cries her heart out everytime we put her in her pen. Now I'm sorry to say due to my room mate's soft heart all the animals sleep in bed with either her or me which ever room they wander into.

03-23-2011, 02:07 PM	#8
WhitPack Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 16	Thanks everyone! I tried a soft kennel in my room last night, and she only cried in the beginning and then once at 3:00 when she needed to pee. Progress! I don't want to start the habit of letting her sleep in my bed...as cute as that would be. One of the main reasons is that my bed is really high, and she could literally hurt herself if she fell out. Glad to hear that I'm doing all the right things! I guess we both just need time.

03-23-2011, 02:20 PM	#9
yorkietalkjilly ♥ Love My Tibbe! ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: D/FW, Texas Posts: 22,140	Time and a boatload of patience on your part! Welcome to YT and I hope your baby is settling nicely in soon. They are such fun but a lot of work at first. Is this your first Yorkie? __________________ Jeanie and Tibbe One must do the best one can. You may get some marks for a very imperfect answer: you will certainly get none for leaving the question alone. C. S. Lewis

03-23-2011, 02:33 PM	#11
mscat YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hanford, CA Posts: 4,895	I second the opinion of allowing her to stay in your room in her pen. The shirt, having your scent on it , will calm her down too. She is just like a little human baby right now, she needs lots of loving, and reassuarnce. I did not use a pen or crate when I first brought Suzi home. But, she stuck to me everywhere. She would cry at the bathroom door when I took a shower.. Even when my son being home , she would cry for me. I used potty pads at first to train her , and she did good, then started to potty outside after she had all of her vaccines. If she could be near you at night, she could feel at least that she was not alone. Just keep it warm in your home or in the pen, and give her reassurance that you are there for her. When I first brought home my shih tzu, I ended up sleeping on the couch for weeks, just so she could be near me. It worked, she never cried at night, thankfully. Suzi my yorkie was also my first dog on my own too. This is the best place for support and questions that you may have. I was so happy to find YT in the first few days I had her. __________________ "No matter how little money & how few possessions, you own, having a dog makes you rich."

03-23-2011, 06:38 PM	#13
SWHouston YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Houston, Tx. U.S.A. Posts: 1,537 Blog Entries: 1	Speaking of how your scent effects them... I have several "bunks" around the house (both floors) And have small blankets and some towels sorta as bed spreads which they lay on. Eventually these get a little yucky. So, now and then I gather everything up and throw it in the washer. My guys will NOT let these "washed" items stay in their bunks and will throw them out. I found out that I had to come in contact with each (sit on one/wear one around my neck for a while) just anything to get my scent on it, before they would let it stay. And another thing, and I know this sounds yucky... IF I have to make them eat something they don't like (a pill or something) I have to "spit" on it, before they will swallow it on their own. It's just so amazing how their sensory perception works. __________________ Dogs know that you love them, weather you own them or not Mbrs of YT Teapot Club: SNEAKERS since Apr 2011, Ichabod SOON ! RIP my darling Becca.