another newbie!
 

Hi guys! My name is Raechel. I'm new here. Here's the scoop:

I am going to be bringing home a Yorkie tonight from the local Animal Rescue League. He's just a little guy - 5lbs. His name is Fonzie (like the Fonz. He likes to show off for the ladies lol) and he is about 4 years old. I have done a TON of research on the breed... mostly through sitting back and reading threads in this community! So a big thank you is already in store for you wonderful ladies! :thumbup:

I haven't had a dog for a while, and he will be my very first Yorkie. What should I be shopping for for him? so far i have these things:

:animal-pa A super fluffy bed
:animal-pa I'm going to try Royal Canin breed specific food to start. The poor little guy has been on a handful of different foods because he is in a shelter, and I can tell it's not doing his belly any good!
:animal-pa little stainless bowls
:animal-pa a wire brush
:animal-pa shampoo for sensitive skin
:animal-pa leash
:animal-pa harness
:animal-pa collar with a little bell (so my big footed husband doesn't step on him) and ID tags

He is microchipped already and perfectly housebroken. What am I missing? Is there any specific products you guys recommend? I'm sure I'll be picking up a bunch of other things as I go... What should I expect when I bring him home? How often do you take your babies to the groomer?

I'm sure I'll be bugging you guys more once he is home :p Thank you for any help and suggestions you have! I really appreciate it!

Hi Raechel! Welcome to Yorkie Talk. :) Congratulations on the new addition to your family. I love the name you have chosen.

You have a great list of essential supplies. Make sure the brush doesn't have balls on the end of the "bristles." A little mustache and leg comb is very handy too. I like to use conditioner after shampooing. It closes the cuticle on the hair shaft to give a smoother feel and appearance.

Depending on your home, you may need a baby gate or two. We use them to keep the boys from the doors because one of them will run outside when grandpa opens the door.

Enjoy and be sure to share pictures here!

I thought of a couple more things...

Keep your vet's phone number handy, and the number and directions to the nearest animal ER. A notebook or folder to keep all records.

Look over the lists of poisonous foods and plants. Check your home for potential dangers -- put electrical cords or anything dangerous out of reach.

I just wanted to say Congrats on your lil Angel and welcome to YT!:)

Welcome to YT Fonzie and Raechel!

Id suggest a baby gate or two also for areas you may not want him in, a crate (for when your away to keep him safe), Id add a a flea comb(havent had fleas but it works good to clean eyes, beard ect), a nyla bone, a few toys, maybe a blanket.. And LOTSA LOVE!! Congrats! Make sure to post pics!

Welcome I too am a newbie and just learning... but I will say that for the price you will pay for Royal Canin I myself would go for a higher quality brand that odds are will cost less.

Good morning you 2! :wavey: Hello and welcome from the UK :)

Sounds like you're pretty sorted! What I would add is some kind of carrier/transporter that's safe and secure for your car, for the journey home....yes, I speak from bitter experience...!!! :D

There's the possibility your little boy might be wriggly, or scared, or even car-sick, and it's very difficult to deal with all that while you're driving! Might be worth packing some towels/doggy wipes just in case.

I personally LOVE Royal Canin (it's the only kibble Harry will eat) but that is just my opinion - many disagree! You have to start somewhere though and it's often trial and error :)

We bath Harry once a week at home, and he goes to the groomers every 6-8 weeks. His first visit was just a kind of 'getting to know you' experience - but he loves it now (he's just 2).

Apart from that, congratulations on your new little Fonzie Boy - and look forward to getting to know you! :) Sally + Harry :aimeeyork x

Congrats! It is funny you named him Fonzi I have a Chachi we Named him after watching a happy days reunion show

welcome to yorkie talk.
congrats & bless you for giving a needy shelter/rescue dog a forever home..

Welcome and congratulations.

Having a dog first aid and emergency kit is always a good idea.

Some basics, extra harness, leash, hydrogen peroxide, nutrical, canned pumpkin, triple antibiotic ointment, picture or pet ID with microchip and vet information, a weeks worth of any meds, gauze, self adhesive bandages, kiss e cone collar, brushes, and portable food water bowls.
Pooh pick up bags, several packs.

I have a big bright orange rubbermaid tub and add and rotate items as needed, I have 3 dogs so maybe just a small duffle etc might work, I keep blankets in mine so its a waterproof container.

Labled dog emergency survival kit next to our family's.

Welcome to YT. Congrats. You have great recommendations of what to get. Just remember when changing his food mix the old with the new. Or you will get diarrhea. When I switch food I also add a little canned pumpkin to the food. It adds fiber and they love it. Good luck

I would like to add the two books I recommend to all my new parents..."Yorkies for Dummies" is a GREAT soft cover manual and it is a "must have" in your library for future references....also,"Yorkshire Terriers: A Smart Owners Guide"....this is a hard cover book that is also great...I recommend them in that order of preference if you can only get one....they will have lists of everything you need to have on hand, lists of poisonous plants, how to puppy proof your home, why you use harnesses rather than collars for walks, methods of potty training, etc! You are going to have a fun time! This is sooooo exciting, bringing home a new baby! Be sure you have selected your vet and take your baby to the vet within 36-48 hours of purchase.....that may be a stipulation in any contract you have. And know how to get to the closest emergency hospital for those week end, middle of the night, and Holiday disasters! Again, welcome!!! I too love his name!!!

welcome to YT

WELCOME! This is a great place - we have learned so much here.

I don't have much to add , maybe just a harness instead of a collar.
The first tense Time we had I learned that it is. Good idea to go ahead and put the Emergengy Clinic address in the GPS ahead of time because when you are upset or frantic it is too hard to drive, find the way and take care of your baby !

Congratulations and Welcome to Yorkie Talk! I can't wait to see pictures of the Fonz! I know you said that your little fellow is potty trained. But any dog can have accidents especially in a new environment. You might want to invest in a small bottle of an enzyme pet cleaner to have on hand just in case. I also agree with the suggestion of a crate or an ex-pen for the times when you need to be out or just can't watch him closely. These little guys/gals can sure get into things they shouldn't faster than you can blink an eye. My Roxie prefers to sleep in her crate, and it is a safe haven for her to go to when things get a little hectic around here...lol!