A couple questions.

[maddieandcooper]

Hello!

Still getting ready for the new puppy. So far, I have some things:

* small crate (I think she'll only be able to use this as a puppy.)
* blanket
* puppy sensory toy
* Nylabone puppy bone pack (none are edible)
* food and bowls
* puppy shampoo
* Nutrical-type supplement (it's called Puppy-Vite)
* harness and leash
* seatbelt (for when she gets older)

Is a pen necessary? I have a crate that we've had for years. It's still in good shape. (My parents had Miniature Schnauzers, who have since passed away. One was 1 month shy of being 13 and the other was almost 14.)

Also, I plan on giving her the Puppy-Vite for a bit as she transitions to her new home. How long and how much is appropriate?

[maddieandcooper]

Oh, I also want to say we have plenty of washable pee pads. We also have 2 other dogs who are fully pee pad trained.

[Lovetodream88]

I would only give the supplement if she has hypoglycemic and always follow it up with food or her sugar could crash. I think a play pen is a good idea for when you can't watch her or when you go some where. It will give her a little more room and it really helps with potty training and keeping her safe from hazards. Make sure you have a carrier or something to keep her safe while your driving. I would also get sensitive baby wipes they can be used for everything. I would also get a collar with an id tag on it and only use the collar for the id tag because puppies are known to dart out the door. I would have lots of teething toys. Baby gates can be useful too. Don't forget a comb or brush.

[chestermama]

if you get a collar get a breakaway one for cats, that way it doesn't get hooked up on anything

[BabyGirl Rosie]

I would recommend an x-pen. Lily gets into everything. Puppies are just like kids, into everything and it goes straight in their mouth. Be sure to tie up electrical cords because they like to chew. Also, having a confined area can help with potty training. We have a crate as well but only use it at night.

I also learned with Lily to have toys that occupy the pup. I bought a Kong treat toy and she played with it for an hour. We are now looking at the interactive toys.

I did use the nutri cal on the trip home and then once a day for the first few days because she wasn't very interested in eating. I only gave a small amount and I put it with her food. It seemed to help to get her adjusted and interested in eating in her new home.

I also recommend a brush/comb as puppy hair tends to mat up. I will warn you, with Lily brushing hasn't been much fun lol.

Congrats on your new puppy. You will enjoy all the energy! I know we sure have enjoyed having Miss Lily in our home!

[LunarBerry]

I would recommend getting a chillable chew toy (doesn't have to be freezable, like water filled ones, just ones that are designed to be chilled). My girl likes to gnaw on it some and it's great for thus hot summer weather.
I find the playpen very useful as my girl's kennel. I crated her the first night I brought her home to keep close tabs on her and comfort her and she adjusted beautifully. We only bring her out when we are supervising her. She'll be able to roam on her own when she gets older but for now this is good to keep her and the other two dogs separate and safe.

[Wylie's Mom]

Recommendations:

- Use Nutrical before ride home. Then give in a.m. upon rising and before bed at night for the first week during transition. Just put a little pea size on your finger and let her lick it off. I think it's good to use it prophylactically the first 1-2 weeks. My breeder recommends it as well even though her pups have never been hypoglycemic.

- Get a stuffed dog animal that would be more like the size of her current Momma...I just think it's comforting for them to have a stuffed animal to cuddle up to. Maybe even bring it along when you pick her up and set it amongst the Momma and puppies so that it gets their smells on it.

- I prefer an xpen bc all 3 of my dogs absolutely HATED the crate and I don't believe in forcing animals into very small spaces if they hate it. I got the Iris pen from Walmart and it was just perfect! Purchase the IRIS 4 Panel Pet Pen at Walmart.com. Save money. Live better.

- Have treats available for when she has her good potties (ie, outdoors or on the pads)

- Put together your permanent doggie ER Kit...where you have things like Benadryl (and you know the dosage), anti diarrheals, empty syringe (for forcing water if ever needed), pill cutter, canned pumpkin in your pantry, Benebac (from Petco or Petsmart or online), etc etc. Here is a thread w/ more info on a kit: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/eme...g-dosages.html

- Also may want to pick up some enzyme solution/spray for getting rid of pee accidents

[BabyGirl Rosie]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Recommendations:

- Use Nutrical before ride home. Then give in a.m. upon rising and before bed at night for the first week during transition. Just put a little pea size on your finger and let her lick it off. I think it's good to use it prophylactically the first 1-2 weeks. My breeder recommends it as well even though her pups have never been hypoglycemic.

- Get a stuffed dog animal that would be more like the size of her current Momma...I just think it's comforting for them to have a stuffed animal to cuddle up to. Maybe even bring it along when you pick her up and set it amongst the Momma and puppies so that it gets their smells on it.

- I prefer an xpen bc all 3 of my dogs absolutely HATED the crate and I don't believe in forcing animals into very small spaces if they hate it. I got the Iris pen from Walmart and it was just perfect! Purchase the IRIS 4 Panel Pet Pen at Walmart.com. Save money. Live better.

- Have treats available for when she has her good potties (ie, outdoors or on the pads)

- Put together your permanent doggie ER Kit...where you have things like Benadryl (and you know the dosage), anti diarrheals, empty syringe (for forcing water if ever needed), pill cutter, canned pumpkin in your pantry, Benebac (from Petco or Petsmart or online), etc etc. Here is a thread w/ more info on a kit: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/eme...g-dosages.html

- Also may want to pick up some enzyme solution/spray for getting rid of pee accidents

I forgot about the stuffed animal! My breeder gave me one that had the mommas scent on it. Lily never cried her first night with us. She still sleeps with it and I think it really really helped.

[maddieandcooper]

Thank you all sososo much for all of the advice!

I actually have a puppy play pen (not an x-pen, it's a canvas and mesh) I bought previously for our Maddie that I'm going to use for the time being and then I will upgrade to the x-pen. She never used it. Too spoiled.

Now my main concern is this... Am I doing the right thing? I keep reading of horror stories and health problems regarding Yorkies. I knew that this was a problem. I've just never had a Yorkie. (I mentioned before we had 2 Miniature Schnauzers, and we currently have 2 small mixed breed dogs - a Yorkie/Shih-tzu and a Bichon/Poodle)... Both weigh 14lbs and so far, no major problems with them. One's 2 the other is 4.

[maddieandcooper]

Ah, dang it. I had a reply and it didn't post. Ha!

Anyway, thank you all so much for the suggestions! I think I have everything now.

However, I'm getting worried. Am I doing the right thing by getting a Yorkie? I have wanted one for a long time. Years. We've had 2 Mini Schnauzers, and currently we have 2 mixed breed dogs. (One is a Shih-tzu/Yorkie and one is a Bichon/Poodle.) They both weigh 14lbs. So far, no major problems with them. One's 2 and the other is 4.

[Verbena]

Here is my puppy list of things to get. Also an ex pen is wonderful. If keeps them safe. Galen was so little and when I was doing things and couldn't watch him I would put him in the expen. Puppies get into all kinds of trouble and eat everything.


Puppy food - whatever puppy is eating now

Tube of Nutra Cal

Blankets

Potty pads

Potty pad holder

Iris 4 sided expen with 2 extra sides

Toys

Identification tags

Nature’s Miracle

Treats- Cheerios work well

Small bowls

Harness

Leash

Puppy shampoo

Conditioner

Espree Pet Facial Cleanser - plum

Baby wipes

Nail clippers

Kwik Stop Styptic Powder

Curved scissors

Brush - Li'l Pals Slicker Purple and Green Brush for Kittens, Extra Small - slicker brush that I find it to work awesome... just make sure you get one without any ball on the ends of the pins so it doesn't snag the long hair.

Comb - Groomaster Finishing Dog Comb - this is a great eye comb, I have it and use it to get eye boogies out and even to use around their butt when they get some dry puppy stuck!

Books

"Yorkies For Dummies"
"Yorkshire Terriers: A Smart Owners Guide"
"How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days"