Should we get second yorkie?
 

Our sweet yorkie is almost two. We are thinking of getting another yorkie as a playmate for him, but have several questions. He was neutered before we got him and doesn't realize he's a male...doesn't lift his leg. He is very good with our grandchildren, but demands a lot attention when they are here.

If we get another yorkie, should we go with another male or a female? Will there be problems if we get a young puppy?

We don't want to do something that will make Rascal unhappy or jealous. Advice?

I think personality and temperment (sp?) of the new puppy is more important than gender.

I vote YES :D (I want another one so bad so I can live vicariously thru you! hehe)

I have two females. I got Mikki when Rosie was three years old. Trust me, Rosie was queen of the house. She has adjusted just fine. I love watching them play together. So I say yes to two!! :thumbup:

I have been having the same dilemma. My yorkie is just under 5 months. I have been toying with the idea of getting another. I was thinking that he would adjust easier if we got another one while he is younger. Like you, I am worried about Barney being jealous. He already barks and growls when my 15 year old pomchi comes near me. I received a lot of great advice from people at this site, but I still can't make a decision.

I got Brody when he was 14 months old. He attached very quickly and became mommy's baby. He was very willing to play with my older son's Dachsi mix, but 'captured' mommy's lap every time Lady wanted to sit in Nana's lap...which she LOVES to do! After puppy sitting for a friend's Shih Tzu, Brody was so very sad and forlorn, having had a playmate and companion with him daily for almost 2 weeks, that I went looking for a friend for him. Three months after bringing Brody home, we took Brody to meet (golden) Mia, the two hit it off and she came home to live with us. Both Brody and Mia were 17 months old when we got Mia...they are 6 days apart in age. Both were 3 in March. They get along great...love each other soooo much. Brody got up twice today just to walk over and kiss Mia. Brody doesn't lift a leg to pee, either, but Mia lifts her right leg just a little bitty bit when she pees. :D

I think a lot has to do with the pups themselves, and how you handle it.

I say the more the merrier as long as financially you can afford vet bills, grooming, and proper care of another dog:)

Yes, this is VERY important! :thumbup::thumbup:

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Max has an "only child" personality and yet he enjoys his younger brother. We had some jealousy issues, but they weren't overwhelming and didn't last long. Let the dogs work things out between themselves while reassuring Rascal that he isn't being replaced.

I think they can be happy either way, but mine (two now) certainly have more fun when together. They can get mad at each other, and jealous. But overall I think they enjoy each other and on occasion have great chase games. Mine are also 2 years apart. Don't wait much longer if you do decide to get another, because the bigger the age difference the less energy the older one will have, while the puppy will be wanting to play all the time.

Your comment about your Yorkie Boy not wanting to lift his leg when he pees is a joke, right? Just because he does not want to spray his scent as high as can be, does not mean that he thinks he's a female. My current male J Gatsby also has little interest in lifting his leg, but that is likely due to his luxating patella. He usually just stretches out, which is not at all like our female pees. I think if they are fixed, sex should not matter that much, but most say to get one male and one female if you have two.

Well how does he do around other dogs?

Two years apart is a very good span and the newbe being a puppy is good also. I think that getting a Female Yorkie is much better from my experience. There's just something about that combination that we humans just can match when it comes to companionship that they experience with each other.

Besides the financial commitment, making sure that your resident knows that you're not replacing him in your heart is extremely important, and some Dogs are very sensitive to this. Here are some things that you can do, which will show your support toward, and better maintain the resident's seniority.

The resident should be encountered first when...
Greeting when you come home,
Be given treats and fed first,
Allowed a "nearer" lounge to you than the newbe,
Abbreviate any "lap time" with the newbe, and then only after the resident.

Don't worry about the newbe feeling slighted with the preferential treatment toward the resident. It is normal and accepted that a new animal in any Pack takes his place at the bottom of the Pecking Order.

This introductory treatment should be maintained for at least a month or more, or until it's obvious that the resident knows his place with you is secure. Many people have trouble doing this, but it is better for the mental health of both animals.

I say Yes, there's always room for more :)
Your male will be jealous for a couple of weeks, but after the settle in phase, will be attached to each other.
Be sure to introduce in a neutral area and not in your home.
I found that 2 males can fight, and 2 females can fight. But find my males always give into a female. However, being neutered early, you may not have that problem.
Adults usually growl down a puppy and usually takes longer to get used to a younger one. Puppies seem to chew at chin hair and get in their face, so they don't like puppies so much. But it will work when they adult finally teaches the puppy to give him his space.
Good luck!

I think every household should have at least two dogs. They enjoy each others company and reminds them they are dogs not humans. I currently have four. Two, 12 year old large dogs, and two pups (8 months & 10 weeks). They all love their siblings. It also makes it easier on them when I can't take them with me, less separation anxiety.