How Much Responsibility? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

misilmisil · 03-13-2007, 04:49 AM

Morning Everybody,

I am about to have a nervous breakdown and I need all your great advise and suggestions. I have been dying to have a Yorkie ever since I was very little and now on April 4th I arranged to pick up my first Yorkie. Sounds cool right?

Everybody around me is trying to talk me out of getting my baby and making me so nervous by telling me that it is too much responsibility, too consuming, too much work, too much this and that.

Could you please give me your honest opinion if a 25 year old full time working female can handle a Yorkie? What would be the pros and cons? How much time and how much money would a Yorkie consume? For how long could they stay on their own? Would it be too hard to train? Would it be too needy?

I will need to make up my mind soon and inform my breeder but I really need to talk to people who understands me. People around me just dont get it!

Please help me out before I lose it!

amyd · 03-13-2007, 04:58 AM

Don't you love when everyone else thinks they know what is best for you???

Sounds like you really want a yorkie, and as long as you know that there is a lot of work that goes into dealing with a puppy, you should be fine. With that being said, is there any way that you can take off for a week or two when you bring your baby home? That first little bit away from mama is hard on them and it would be good for you two to spend some time together and the puppy to get the hang of how things are going to work at it's new home. Best of luck to you!!!

chachi · 03-13-2007, 05:09 AM

I think you will do fine with a puppy. The pros are you have a sweet cuddly puppy to greet you when you come home every day. The cons are it is harder to potty train them when you work. It is not impossible though and there are alot of people on here that work and have puppies. The costs are the highest the 1st year. You have puppy shots. Mine ran a little over 200 with a puppy package. Then you have spay or neutering. That ran me 110. You have flea meds and heartworm. Mine is $30 for flea meds for a 4 month supply and $13 for heartworm for a 6 month supply. I buy mine online to save money. After the 1st year you have annual visits and shots and wellness bloodwork sometimes. That runs me $200 a year. And you also have flea and heartworm preventatives. Its really not too bad with one dog. Good luck you wont regret getting a yorkie

DianeW · 03-13-2007, 05:11 AM

Hello

I Do Understand That Maybe It Is Not What You Wanted To Hear, But They Are Probably Just Trying To Ensure You Realise The Responsibility Involved.

Yes - It Is A Big Responsibility Haveing A New Puppy. And When They Are Little They Need You A Lot More Than An Older Dog Would.

Yes - They Are Needy, And You Will Need You To Spend Time On Potty Training And Socialising Etc. I Dont Think They Should Be Left For Long Periods Especially When Babies - Can You Get Back Home Between Working?

Only You Can Decide For Yourself, But At Least If You Know All The Facts You Can Make A More Informed Decision.

Good Luck With Whatever You Decide - You Will Get Help And Advice Here If Needed.

Annuta · 03-13-2007, 05:12 AM

Like Amyd said, I think it's a good idea to take some time off work when you bring your puppy home. If you can't, then picking him up on Friday is a better idea than the middle of the week, if you get the standard Sat/Sun off. It would help you tremendously if you are there with him for at least the first few days.

As far as your other questions, I think only you can answer them. If you feel that you are ready, don't let others talk you out of it. Puppies do require a lot of time and attention, but you are not the only one who will raise one while working full time. Heck, if the "rule" was that you can't have one while working, then most of us would never own a dog.

Yorkies-Mom · 03-13-2007, 05:17 AM

i think you can handle it - as long as you know what you are getting into!!

i just got romeo last week and can not imagine not having him now but it is alot of work - but i enjoy him so much!! he is a bundle of energy and always moving and that is very important for you to know. it takes alot of work and if you don't have the time to devote to it - which they seem to be saying you don't - then it may not be wise to get him just because you want one. only you know for sure though!

good luck with your new puppy!

misilmisil · 03-13-2007, 05:18 AM

thanks you guys! I am well aware of the responsibility but it is just hard when people keep discouraging you...i have a live in bf and he does not want to be a part of this and he keeps giving me reality checks, which does not help at all...he thinks I will be too tied down to do anything ever again...ever since i made my decision, i have never had the encouragement from people i love, rather they have been bashing my decision all the way...very frustrating...

chachi · 03-13-2007, 05:26 AM

I think your boyfriend will be more encouraging after you get the puppy. My Husband wasnt really crazy about getting dogs either and it tookme two years to talk him into letting us get one. But he grew on him quick and then it was him that sugggested we get a second one. Then one month later we got Jewels. They are both his babies as much as they are mine. I am sure it will work out for you. Good luck

yorkiegirl83 · 03-13-2007, 05:28 AM

I think it's a lot of work and you have to be willing to rearrange your schedule. You can't go out as much because you need to spend lots of quality time with the puppy especially since you work full time

Do you have someone that can let the puppy out to potty or spend time w/it during the day?

Good luck! You can do it just as long as you know how much work goes into it

Oscar's Mummy · 03-13-2007, 05:29 AM

I am 26, live on my own with TWO yorkies and work full time. I have to disagree with taking a couple weeks off of work to adjust the new puppy to your place - while it's nice to spend that time with them and get them adjusted and start TRAINING - it will only make it more difficult for your puppy when you do go back to work. Your puppy will have gotten used to you being around all day with her and then suddenly you're gone all day. Not a good idea. When I brought Oscar home for the first time, I made sure to get him on a weekend so I could spend a couple days with him getting used to his new surroundings, pee pads, etc. I brought Ruthie home just a few months later and I am so glad that I did - she and Oscar are great company for each other during the day while I'm out.

LOTS of people have dogs and work full time - how else do you afford to care for them? Some people use their lunch time to go home and spend some time with the dog, take it out etc. There are doggy daycares - if you're concerned about the puppy being home alone all day, you could try a daycare - even if it's just a couple days a week - this is also good for socializing the dog. I think it is important for people that do work full time to understand that after work is DOG TIME. You can't go to work all day, then go out after work for the night and expect to have a happy dog. My two seemed to have worked out a schedule around me - they sleep during the day while I'm at work and when I get home, they're ready to PLAY! And we do!

You just have to ask yourself how well you HONESTLY think a dog will fit into your lifestyle - not just meaning the fact that you work. What about your social life? Having a dog can put restrictions on how 'flexible' you are for making plans, traveling, etc. Do you have time for a dog? Walks? Have you thought about how you will train it? Potty training? Pee pads?

As far as the cost - it really depends on the health of your dog. In that respect, it's kindof just the 'luck of the draw'. We all purchase our puppies thinking/hoping that they will be healthy all their lives, but sadly that just isn't always the case. I've been VERY lucky with my two - only major vet costs have been their spay/neuter surgeries (the cost of which can vary from one vet to another). Standard vet visits are generally inexpensive - you'll probably find that you visit the vet more in the first few months of having your puppy (getting it up to date on shots, ect.) but after that, if the dog is healthy, all that is required are yearly boosters. I opted for pet insurance, but putting away a little money every month for 'emergencies' is a good idea too. Just being on this site and doing searches for problems has saved me lots of money in vet bills!

If you have the means (money & time) and still want to bring your puppy home despite all the negative feedback you're getting from friends/family - then go for it. If you have any doubts whatsoever - then maybe you should hold off for a bit and see if you still want a yorkie as badly in a year or so.

The bottom line is - a yorkie is a HUGE commitment - are you prepared for a potentially 15 year commitment, if not longer?

Good luck in whatever you decide!

SANDYSAND · 03-13-2007, 05:36 AM

Responsibilities of puppy dog owners: Remember that you are getting a puppy to share your life next to him. So these things are very important to look into in order to not go through irreversible things later on. Puppies that have not had any interaction with their mothers adopt an overly jealous conduct with people, are shy, and are not easy to train. When getting a puppy, you are not only gaining a new friend but you are also gaining new obligations as well. These obligations include legal, health, and training. You must make sure to preserve the health of your puppy by always keeping on top of the de-worming schedules and vaccinations. This is not only to ensure your puppy stays healthy, but it is also important for the health of your family, as well as for anyone that comes into contact with the puppy. Another and very important obligation you now have is to provide your new puppy a stable home, where he is not lacking anything and where he is comfortable and has his own private space, protected from the cold, or heat. You need lots of time and toys (specially if he's going to be alone for a long time) Once you leave for work a trick that I learned was to leave a piece of clothing of mines with my puppy, That ensures them that you are there for them and they smell you at all times, Potty training is not so simple but you need the time to do it, Never hit the puppy or scream at him when an accident takes place, A good way to keep him away from marked spots it's to place a piece of aluminum foil (that drives them away)

...Hope this was helpful and best of luck!!! They are adorable but just like a baby they need lots of tender love and care

yorkieusa · 03-13-2007, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by misilmisil

Morning Everybody,

I am about to have a nervous breakdown and I need all your great advise and suggestions. I have been dying to have a Yorkie ever since I was very little and now on April 4th I arranged to pick up my first Yorkie. Sounds cool right?

Everybody around me is trying to talk me out of getting my baby and making me so nervous by telling me that it is too much responsibility, too consuming, too much work, too much this and that.

Could you please give me your honest opinion if a 25 year old full time working female can handle a Yorkie? What would be the pros and cons? How much time and how much money would a Yorkie consume? For how long could they stay on their own? Would it be too hard to train? Would it be too needy?

I will need to make up my mind soon and inform my breeder but I really need to talk to people who understands me. People around me just dont get it!

Please help me out before I lose it!

Only you can decide if you can handle it. No one else can decide for you if you will be responsible and willing to spend the time that they deserve.

Are you willing to spend approximately 15 years loving and caring for a yorkie? Or will the newness wear off after a year or two? It depends on the amount of social and night life that you have outside of work. No puppy deserves to be left alone all day and then at night, too.

It takes longer for people who work to housebreak a yorkie. If you rent, then you also must consider whether or not pets are allowed in your building and the urine damage or chewing damage that is possible to carpeting, woodwork, and built-ins. Yorkies left alone sometimes experience separation anxiety and can make quite a noise barking. These are serious considerations and as I said only you can decide if you are willing to make some serious changes in your life to housetrain, socialize, and spend time caring for a yorkie. Good luck.

Kimbers Mommy · 03-13-2007, 06:24 AM

I work 12-15 hour days and I have time for my baby... with help of course - I'm lucky that if my mom/sister aren't home I can take her to work with me!

I would train her indoors so that if you can't make it home she isn't upset and spoiling where she knows she shouldn't.

You're going to love her so much that you WILL make time, people don't understand.

Good luck! Be sure to post photos!

JESSY_RN2B · 03-13-2007, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by misilmisil

thanks you guys! I am well aware of the responsibility but it is just hard when people keep discouraging you...i have a live in bf and he does not want to be a part of this and he keeps giving me reality checks, which does not help at all...he thinks I will be too tied down to do anything ever again...ever since i made my decision, i have never had the encouragement from people i love, rather they have been bashing my decision all the way...very frustrating...

I am going to offer my sincere opinion and advice with all the respect you deserve........but at the same time being brutally honest

Yes, it's very hard when people discourage you.......but are they going to feed it? help with the vet bills? raise it?........probably not. My opinion is that you should do what you want given you know what you are getting into. Puppies need socialization which equals time. The rest you know.

It is possible to work full-time and raise the puppy you have always wanted. Please don't give up on your dream. About your boyfriend, I bet he will love it once it's home......my furkids have brought us lots of joy. He might give you the silent treatment for a few days.........but I am sure he will get over it Men are weird at times, they are jealous and find anything a potential threat. He probably thinks you aren't going to spend enough time with him because of the puppy? Of course, he will not admit to it

Seems like you are having second thoughts about this? If you are unsure of what to do........maybe wait a little longer until you are 100% determined and not concerned about what others have to say

Bottom line, IF this is your dream and you think it's the right time of your life to get the puppy........do it! You need to learn to get passed what others have to say. If they aren't going to raise it...........then they need to keep their advice/opinions/discouraging thoughts to themselves

At the end of the day, what do you gain in being all sad and depressed because other's have been saying things? (nothing). We could give you advice til we are blue in the face, but ultimately you need to ask yourself questions and make the best decision. If you care about others, then maybe it is not the best time right now to bring this puppy into your home and environment. Do the best for the puppy and yourself.

Good luck!
Jess

misilmisil · 03-13-2007, 09:11 AM

Jess,

Thank you for being so insightful and nice! I feel much better now! Believe me! I will get my boy and thats the bottom line...I am going to give all my time to my baby (of course out side of work) and try to work something out with my company so that I can work from home once a week or so!

You guys are the best!

Love,

Isil

03-13-2007, 04:49 AM	#1
misilmisil Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Rockville, MD Posts: 132	How Much Responsibility? Morning Everybody, I am about to have a nervous breakdown and I need all your great advise and suggestions. I have been dying to have a Yorkie ever since I was very little and now on April 4th I arranged to pick up my first Yorkie. Sounds cool right? Everybody around me is trying to talk me out of getting my baby and making me so nervous by telling me that it is too much responsibility, too consuming, too much work, too much this and that. Could you please give me your honest opinion if a 25 year old full time working female can handle a Yorkie? What would be the pros and cons? How much time and how much money would a Yorkie consume? For how long could they stay on their own? Would it be too hard to train? Would it be too needy? I will need to make up my mind soon and inform my breeder but I really need to talk to people who understands me. People around me just dont get it! Please help me out before I lose it!

03-13-2007, 04:58 AM	#2
amyd YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 299	Don't you love when everyone else thinks they know what is best for you??? Sounds like you really want a yorkie, and as long as you know that there is a lot of work that goes into dealing with a puppy, you should be fine. With that being said, is there any way that you can take off for a week or two when you bring your baby home? That first little bit away from mama is hard on them and it would be good for you two to spend some time together and the puppy to get the hang of how things are going to work at it's new home. Best of luck to you!!! __________________ Amy Lou - Lily & Elvis too Lily's page: http://www.dogster.com/?411879 Elvis' page: http://www.dogster.com/?411982

03-13-2007, 05:09 AM	#3
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	I think you will do fine with a puppy. The pros are you have a sweet cuddly puppy to greet you when you come home every day. The cons are it is harder to potty train them when you work. It is not impossible though and there are alot of people on here that work and have puppies. The costs are the highest the 1st year. You have puppy shots. Mine ran a little over 200 with a puppy package. Then you have spay or neutering. That ran me 110. You have flea meds and heartworm. Mine is $30 for flea meds for a 4 month supply and $13 for heartworm for a 6 month supply. I buy mine online to save money. After the 1st year you have annual visits and shots and wellness bloodwork sometimes. That runs me $200 a year. And you also have flea and heartworm preventatives. Its really not too bad with one dog. Good luck you wont regret getting a yorkie __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

03-13-2007, 05:11 AM	#4
DianeW YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cheshire, England. Posts: 489	Hello I Do Understand That Maybe It Is Not What You Wanted To Hear, But They Are Probably Just Trying To Ensure You Realise The Responsibility Involved. Yes - It Is A Big Responsibility Haveing A New Puppy. And When They Are Little They Need You A Lot More Than An Older Dog Would. Yes - They Are Needy, And You Will Need You To Spend Time On Potty Training And Socialising Etc. I Dont Think They Should Be Left For Long Periods Especially When Babies - Can You Get Back Home Between Working? Only You Can Decide For Yourself, But At Least If You Know All The Facts You Can Make A More Informed Decision. Good Luck With Whatever You Decide - You Will Get Help And Advice Here If Needed. __________________ Take Care - Diane and little Harvey MEMBER OF THE SPOILED ROTTEN CLUB AND PETITE PUPS UNITED

03-13-2007, 05:26 AM	#8
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	I think your boyfriend will be more encouraging after you get the puppy. My Husband wasnt really crazy about getting dogs either and it tookme two years to talk him into letting us get one. But he grew on him quick and then it was him that sugggested we get a second one. Then one month later we got Jewels. They are both his babies as much as they are mine. I am sure it will work out for you. Good luck __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

03-13-2007, 05:12 AM	#5
Annuta Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 57	Like Amyd said, I think it's a good idea to take some time off work when you bring your puppy home. If you can't, then picking him up on Friday is a better idea than the middle of the week, if you get the standard Sat/Sun off. It would help you tremendously if you are there with him for at least the first few days. As far as your other questions, I think only you can answer them. If you feel that you are ready, don't let others talk you out of it. Puppies do require a lot of time and attention, but you are not the only one who will raise one while working full time. Heck, if the "rule" was that you can't have one while working, then most of us would never own a dog.

03-13-2007, 05:17 AM	#6
Yorkies-Mom YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 481	i think you can handle it - as long as you know what you are getting into!! i just got romeo last week and can not imagine not having him now but it is alot of work - but i enjoy him so much!! he is a bundle of energy and always moving and that is very important for you to know. it takes alot of work and if you don't have the time to devote to it - which they seem to be saying you don't - then it may not be wise to get him just because you want one. only you know for sure though! good luck with your new puppy!

03-13-2007, 05:18 AM	#7
misilmisil Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Rockville, MD Posts: 132	thanks you guys! I am well aware of the responsibility but it is just hard when people keep discouraging you...i have a live in bf and he does not want to be a part of this and he keeps giving me reality checks, which does not help at all...he thinks I will be too tied down to do anything ever again...ever since i made my decision, i have never had the encouragement from people i love, rather they have been bashing my decision all the way...very frustrating...

03-13-2007, 05:28 AM	#9
yorkiegirl83 Love My Furbabies! Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: somewhere Posts: 4,427	I think it's a lot of work and you have to be willing to rearrange your schedule. You can't go out as much because you need to spend lots of quality time with the puppy especially since you work full time Do you have someone that can let the puppy out to potty or spend time w/it during the day? Good luck! You can do it just as long as you know how much work goes into it

03-13-2007, 05:29 AM	#10
Oscar's Mummy Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2006 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,275	I am 26, live on my own with TWO yorkies and work full time. I have to disagree with taking a couple weeks off of work to adjust the new puppy to your place - while it's nice to spend that time with them and get them adjusted and start TRAINING - it will only make it more difficult for your puppy when you do go back to work. Your puppy will have gotten used to you being around all day with her and then suddenly you're gone all day. Not a good idea. When I brought Oscar home for the first time, I made sure to get him on a weekend so I could spend a couple days with him getting used to his new surroundings, pee pads, etc. I brought Ruthie home just a few months later and I am so glad that I did - she and Oscar are great company for each other during the day while I'm out. LOTS of people have dogs and work full time - how else do you afford to care for them? Some people use their lunch time to go home and spend some time with the dog, take it out etc. There are doggy daycares - if you're concerned about the puppy being home alone all day, you could try a daycare - even if it's just a couple days a week - this is also good for socializing the dog. I think it is important for people that do work full time to understand that after work is DOG TIME. You can't go to work all day, then go out after work for the night and expect to have a happy dog. My two seemed to have worked out a schedule around me - they sleep during the day while I'm at work and when I get home, they're ready to PLAY! And we do! You just have to ask yourself how well you HONESTLY think a dog will fit into your lifestyle - not just meaning the fact that you work. What about your social life? Having a dog can put restrictions on how 'flexible' you are for making plans, traveling, etc. Do you have time for a dog? Walks? Have you thought about how you will train it? Potty training? Pee pads? As far as the cost - it really depends on the health of your dog. In that respect, it's kindof just the 'luck of the draw'. We all purchase our puppies thinking/hoping that they will be healthy all their lives, but sadly that just isn't always the case. I've been VERY lucky with my two - only major vet costs have been their spay/neuter surgeries (the cost of which can vary from one vet to another). Standard vet visits are generally inexpensive - you'll probably find that you visit the vet more in the first few months of having your puppy (getting it up to date on shots, ect.) but after that, if the dog is healthy, all that is required are yearly boosters. I opted for pet insurance, but putting away a little money every month for 'emergencies' is a good idea too. Just being on this site and doing searches for problems has saved me lots of money in vet bills! If you have the means (money & time) and still want to bring your puppy home despite all the negative feedback you're getting from friends/family - then go for it. If you have any doubts whatsoever - then maybe you should hold off for a bit and see if you still want a yorkie as badly in a year or so. The bottom line is - a yorkie is a HUGE commitment - are you prepared for a potentially 15 year commitment, if not longer? Good luck in whatever you decide! __________________ Janice, Oscar and Baby Ruth "The more people I meet, the more I love my dog."

03-13-2007, 05:36 AM	#11
SANDYSAND Mommy Loves Koda & Kacy! Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Home of the NY Yankees Posts: 6,500	New Puppy....Anything it's possible with Lots of Love Responsibilities of puppy dog owners: Remember that you are getting a puppy to share your life next to him. So these things are very important to look into in order to not go through irreversible things later on. Puppies that have not had any interaction with their mothers adopt an overly jealous conduct with people, are shy, and are not easy to train. When getting a puppy, you are not only gaining a new friend but you are also gaining new obligations as well. These obligations include legal, health, and training. You must make sure to preserve the health of your puppy by always keeping on top of the de-worming schedules and vaccinations. This is not only to ensure your puppy stays healthy, but it is also important for the health of your family, as well as for anyone that comes into contact with the puppy. Another and very important obligation you now have is to provide your new puppy a stable home, where he is not lacking anything and where he is comfortable and has his own private space, protected from the cold, or heat. You need lots of time and toys (specially if he's going to be alone for a long time) Once you leave for work a trick that I learned was to leave a piece of clothing of mines with my puppy, That ensures them that you are there for them and they smell you at all times, Potty training is not so simple but you need the time to do it, Never hit the puppy or scream at him when an accident takes place, A good way to keep him away from marked spots it's to place a piece of aluminum foil (that drives them away) ...Hope this was helpful and best of luck!!! They are adorable but just like a baby they need lots of tender love and care

03-13-2007, 06:24 AM	#13
Kimbers Mommy Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Thunder Bay, ON, Canada Posts: 138	I work 12-15 hour days and I have time for my baby... with help of course - I'm lucky that if my mom/sister aren't home I can take her to work with me! I would train her indoors so that if you can't make it home she isn't upset and spoiling where she knows she shouldn't. You're going to love her so much that you WILL make time, people don't understand. Good luck! Be sure to post photos! __________________ I love YT! http://www.dogster.com/?434043 http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...7&id=510863516

03-13-2007, 09:11 AM	#15
misilmisil Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Rockville, MD Posts: 132	Jess, Thank you for being so insightful and nice! I feel much better now! Believe me! I will get my boy and thats the bottom line...I am going to give all my time to my baby (of course out side of work) and try to work something out with my company so that I can work from home once a week or so! You guys are the best! Love, Isil