What now? People that own big dogs and Yorkies HELP! - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Felina · 03-24-2007, 09:09 PM

Does your husband not read the paper? Almost daily someone's pitbull is biting off half their face or killing small children ... and these are the family pets! I think you have enough reason to be terrified because I know I sure would be.

If my husband wanted a pit bull, he'd be getting one as a single guy end of story.

daisy mae06 · 03-24-2007, 09:25 PM

http://www.clickandtreat.com/webart104.htm

MyTrixie143 · 03-24-2007, 09:58 PM

I believe all dogs can get along just fine. If you get a pit bull you will have to take extra procautions but it could still work out. For one you would have to get a pit bull from a great reputable breeder where you know the dogs all have sweet temperments. Second you have to properly raise and train the pitbull puppy. You must teach it to have a soft mouth. This means that if the occasion shall arise as to where an accident happens and the dog reacts by biting, you know he won't do much damage as he was taught to have a soft mouth. You also need to teach them to be gentle around smaller dogs.
When we first got Daisy our border collie mix, she thought the small dogs were toys for her to play with. But we raised her up right and trained her and now she is the most gentle dog with them. She has even learned to look down where she steps so she doesn't accidently step on them. And she has learned to play gently with them although I am not sure they play so gently with her,lol. But we still never leave her alone with them, you just don't what could happen when you are not there. They should always be supervised.

So it can be done but it is going to be alot of hard work. I would only suggest doing it, if you have had several dogs in the past and know how to properly raise them and train them. Or I would get a personal trainer that could help you with the puppy. I definately wouldn't suggest it for inexperienced dog owners. You have to be extra cautious with any big dog and a small dog. Whether it be a pitbull or a lab or a great dane. Each has the potential to seriously hurt a yorkie very easily. It is the training that will make the difference.

Catrina · 03-24-2007, 10:02 PM

my animal behavior professor said that if a pitbull or other known "vicious" type dog, can be sweet.. and im sure if they are raised together as puppies.. it will be fine.. but i do see the worry that others see as well

Catrina · 03-24-2007, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felina

If my husband wanted a pit bull, he'd be getting one as a single guy end of story.

Christen10 · 03-24-2007, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilacss

Maybe you could talk your husband into getting a Border Collie.I had a wonderful female border collie years ago and she treated my little Yorkie just like her own baby.She was so gentle natured,very maternal and protective.If I was out working in the garden and happened to look over at them.My Yorkie would often
be perched on my border colllie's head like a little bird or else she would be wrapped between her front paws.They were so cute together.And the bonus
was I didn't have to worry about circling hawks mistaking her for a little meal.
Even when my Yorkie was very tiny my border collie was so incredibly gentle and careful.(My Border Colie was 40lbs)
I would be concerned about the weight of a the type of dog your husband wants.Yorkies have very tiny and fragile bones and some of the larger dogs
play quite rough.Good Luck!

Thanks for your advice but the main reason my husband is wanting a Pit Bull is because he knows I don't like them and he doesn't want me to get a Yorkie so he figured this was the way to take care of that.

Christen10 · 03-24-2007, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catrina

my animal behavior professor said that if a pitbull or other known "vicious" type dog, can be sweet.. and im sure if they are raised together as puppies.. it will be fine.. but i do see the worry that others see as well

In my opinion its not worth the risk. Not only to my Yorkie but to my child. Why even risk somthing that could kill your child or your baby dog? Its stupid!!! A Yorkie can put a tooth print in my child a Pit Bull can take off a limb or kill my child. I was raised if theres a pit bull outside get your ass in the house. So naturally I'm terrified of them. I'm terrified of snakes to and I told my husband he couldn't have a snake b/c I'm scared but reasoned with him. Said he could get a snake if I could get a Yorkie. Maybe he'll forget the whole pit thing b/c its not happening and he'll just get the snake. If not I guess I'll just not be getting a Yorkie.

Which would break my heart b/c that is my favorite dog and dream dog. I had one when I was 14. I couldn't wait to get out of school just to see her and love on her and I came home from school one day and my a**hole of a dad sold her and broke my heart. Now my a**hole of a husband is taking away my chance of getting a Yorkie. I'm so sad!!!

alisonJ · 03-25-2007, 03:45 AM

Didn't i see that your husband was going to be deployed in the military soon? Does he expect you to take care of a dog that you don't want??? That's not right.

Fran42478 · 03-25-2007, 03:51 AM

Everyone has their own opinions on pitbulls...We have one in our family was was raised with my beloved Sammi and they ADORED each other...Storm would let Sammi do WHATEVER she pleased...Never once was I worried about him hurting her...I wouldnt leave them unattended due to SIZE but never did I think twice that he would harm her by biting her...

Alot of the pitbull drama is stirred up by the media...Fatal attacks since 1975 have been attributed to over 30 different dog breeds yet all the media can talk about are Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, or Akitas. Size alone is not an accurate indicator of which dogs are capable of killing and which dogs are not. In October of 2000, a baby was killed by the families Pomeranian dog in California. The average weight of a Pomeranian being only 4 pounds, and in February of 2002, a Jack Russell Terrier mauled a 6 week old baby in Tennessee...I will always stand behind this breed and that is MY CHOICE just as everyone has a choice to accept them or not

If you do not feel safe around one then dont get one...Its just not right to slam the breed because of what you read and/or see...Because remember ANY dog is capable of killing...

Hugs to you all (and here are some pics of Sammi and Storm)

BTW - Storm lives in my moms house, my mom has a 6 year old malt and they get along awesome too...When I bring my 2 there Storm is great as well, but I know he misses his partner in crime Sammi

SBeckett668 · 03-25-2007, 04:09 AM

I'm no expert on the subject but here goes...gonna be long so apologies up front:

1) I was concerned about the size difference between my Cairn terrier (14lbs) and my new Yorkie pup (then under 2 lbs). My Cairn was ready to tear apart any dog that set foot near him (in true terrier fashion) - what would he do to this tiny puppy?

2) I would not own a pit bull. Simply because dogs that rise over my knee caps while standing scare the crap out of me - always have. BUT - "Daddy" on Cesar Milan is by far the most gentle dog I've ever seen. Doesn't convince me I need one - just proves they aren't all bad - they just need a strong pack leader.

3) My husband would have preferred a larger dog - German Shepard was his choice.

Here's what happened when I decided "all be dam*ed" and got the dog I wanted anyway:

Brought home this little tiny girl who just shook like a tiny earthquake in my arms. Braxton immediately tried to lunge up for his "tasty treat" that Mama just brought home. I pulled her away (still in my arms at this point) and said in a very firm voice with the meanest face I could muster: "NO BRAXTON! NO!" Then put them both on leashes and set them down in the living room together. You'll never believe what happened next: She ran him off. Literally - growled - snarled her itsy bitsy little teeth - ran after him and nipped him wherever she could. He wouldn't go near her! Funniest thing I ever saw.

Now - that being said - we have to watch them all the time. Braxton is very gentle with her. Even caught him playing "tug-o-war" with a toy the other day...just holding gently so she could do her thing. Again - cute cute cute. But I don't trust them alone together yet. Always within ear shot of what they are doing.

As for men and "not liking small dogs". There's a thread on here some where with a bunch of burly men LOVING our Yorkies. My husband fell head over heals inside of an hour. My Dad melted at first sight and was ready to get one of his own.

Just my experiences - sorry so long.

Good luck on your search and if your husband is being deployed - I wish him God Speed and many thanks for defending our rights in this country.

FlDebra · 03-25-2007, 04:15 AM

Sounds like your husband is just being a PITA because he does not want you to get a yorkie. Has he ever been around one before? My husband was not for getting a yorkie at all, "little yapper dogs that they are" -- lol! Guess who is enthralled with them now. Guess who just bought a huge chaise recliner so there would be plenty of room for him and the pups? "My" yorkies seem to spend an awful lot of their time curled up with him. They win over the most macho of them all!

As to the pit bull idea -- I think the fact that he knew it would be a "threat" to bring it up answers the question. I think they should all be neutered and an end be put to this menace that man created. They are like loaded guns. The ones that kill were always "the most gentle dogs" until the day they attacked. Maybe any dog can kill but approx. ONE THIRD of all human deaths attributed to dog bites are from PIT BULLS. Rottweilers and Presa Canarios add to them to include 65% of the canine homicides. Read this page: http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/stat...stlikelytobite

Emmsmom · 03-25-2007, 05:00 AM

I will sound like a hypocrite here but.. I would not get a Pit period!

I have a German Shepherd and he is a huge baby with us and Diesel. He is still on the fence about Keira tho. She is really hyper and so when he sees her coming he runs and hides.

When it comes to Pits tho I have my concerns. I know a lot depends on their breeding and I have come across several very friendly Pits. I also have one that has been coming in my yard that will growl as I chase it out.

Yes, the media loves to blow things way out of proportion but the recent attacks have really happened. Everyone will have a different opinion on this subject that's for sure. I just don't like Pits and to be honest just don't trust the breed. Even Cesar Millan has a Pit that has growled at him before. I think my biggest concern would be your son. Above all else I would protect him FIRST. If this is something that your husband really wants be sure and search around for a good breeder. One that breeds for a good temperament. Good Luck I hope it all works out.

mstplumeria · 03-25-2007, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Punkin/Piper

I have a mastiff (100lbs) and two yorkies 6lbs and 4lbs. They all get along fine its all in the way the big dog is brought up he has a lot of respect for them. somtimes in play time he can get going too fast but you just have to watch the interactions. We have established "a pack" and they love each other we do everthing together hikes, vacations...it will be okay

We also have a Mastiff (140-150lbs) and she is awesome with our small dogs. She is very gentle. She was raised with our two toy poodles, so she knows how to act around them.

I am not a big fan of Pit Bulls, (I was attacked by one when I was a kid, and a neighbor had to pry the dog off of me) but I don't think it is fair to lump the entire breed under "vicious". But-It sounds like your Hubby doesn't want you to get a dog-and that is why he said he wants a Pit.

BLowry · 03-25-2007, 05:29 AM

First I want to say I am VERY impressed how this thread has not become combative. This is one of those topics that usually gets out of control.

IMO..I would NEVER own a pit..I know everyone says it's in the way they are bred and handled however, this breed has been bred for fighting and it just seems to be in their blood..I love ALL animals but, this breed just terrifies me.People who own pits will always tell you how sweet they are and wouldn't hurt a fly...I just don't trust them. My Mom was telling me, just last week, that a "sweet pit that just loved everybody" latched onto a small girls arm and they couldn't get the dog to release his jaws...they called the police...the police just about emptied a can of mace into the dogs face and it STILL wouldn't let go of her arm...The cop ended up shooting the pit. Now, this little girl is scared for life! Not only physically but mentally as well! I really feel bad for this breed because of what man has done to it and it is unfortunate but, I would never trust one. I know that all dogs can bite but, believe me! If I was going to get bit by a dog I'd rather it be a 5 lb yorkie than a 90 pit!
Sounds like your husband isn't very concerned about his child if he would get a dog like that.

natalienicole · 03-25-2007, 06:05 AM

That would take a lot of you watching them all the time. I had a pitbull, lab, someother hunting dog mix dog here for a while with my anna but he was smaller still and we had to keep him in a kennel when we were not watching him he chewed on stuff alot and was real hyper. pitbulls are known to chew on things. I dont necisarily think they are mean dogs and I have a 2 year old and he was great with her. I think they can be trained that way but being a puppy he needed to be watched cuz even stepping on anna accidently could be hurtful to her. So i ended up carrying her arround most of the time when he was in side and not in his kennel for the night.

03-24-2007, 09:09 PM	#16
Felina Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 328	Does your husband not read the paper? Almost daily someone's pitbull is biting off half their face or killing small children ... and these are the family pets! I think you have enough reason to be terrified because I know I sure would be. If my husband wanted a pit bull, he'd be getting one as a single guy end of story. __________________ Toby, Shelby Rose, Kasey & Oliver's Mom

03-24-2007, 09:25 PM	#17
daisy mae06 Kodi & Pixie 2 Donating Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: NEBRASKA Posts: 14,766	good reading http://www.clickandtreat.com/webart104.htm __________________ OK Yorkie Rescue - http://okyorkierescue.org LorisCritterSitter.com

03-24-2007, 09:58 PM	#18
MyTrixie143 Mom to 6 Beautiful Furkids Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,409	I believe all dogs can get along just fine. If you get a pit bull you will have to take extra procautions but it could still work out. For one you would have to get a pit bull from a great reputable breeder where you know the dogs all have sweet temperments. Second you have to properly raise and train the pitbull puppy. You must teach it to have a soft mouth. This means that if the occasion shall arise as to where an accident happens and the dog reacts by biting, you know he won't do much damage as he was taught to have a soft mouth. You also need to teach them to be gentle around smaller dogs. When we first got Daisy our border collie mix, she thought the small dogs were toys for her to play with. But we raised her up right and trained her and now she is the most gentle dog with them. She has even learned to look down where she steps so she doesn't accidently step on them. And she has learned to play gently with them although I am not sure they play so gently with her,lol. But we still never leave her alone with them, you just don't what could happen when you are not there. They should always be supervised. So it can be done but it is going to be alot of hard work. I would only suggest doing it, if you have had several dogs in the past and know how to properly raise them and train them. Or I would get a personal trainer that could help you with the puppy. I definately wouldn't suggest it for inexperienced dog owners. You have to be extra cautious with any big dog and a small dog. Whether it be a pitbull or a lab or a great dane. Each has the potential to seriously hurt a yorkie very easily. It is the training that will make the difference. __________________ A dog is a furry person! http://www.dogster.com/?300866 Tracey and the gang DestinyHarmonyScamperGracieLillieKiwi Hershey Peppi

03-25-2007, 03:45 AM	#23
alisonJ YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 1,840	Didn't i see that your husband was going to be deployed in the military soon? Does he expect you to take care of a dog that you don't want??? That's not right. __________________ Alison--Edith Jones's mother www.edithjonesproject.com

03-25-2007, 03:51 AM	#24
Fran42478 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Staten Island, NY Posts: 1,731	Everyone has their own opinions on pitbulls...We have one in our family was was raised with my beloved Sammi and they ADORED each other...Storm would let Sammi do WHATEVER she pleased...Never once was I worried about him hurting her...I wouldnt leave them unattended due to SIZE but never did I think twice that he would harm her by biting her... Alot of the pitbull drama is stirred up by the media...Fatal attacks since 1975 have been attributed to over 30 different dog breeds yet all the media can talk about are Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, or Akitas. Size alone is not an accurate indicator of which dogs are capable of killing and which dogs are not. In October of 2000, a baby was killed by the families Pomeranian dog in California. The average weight of a Pomeranian being only 4 pounds, and in February of 2002, a Jack Russell Terrier mauled a 6 week old baby in Tennessee...I will always stand behind this breed and that is MY CHOICE just as everyone has a choice to accept them or not If you do not feel safe around one then dont get one...Its just not right to slam the breed because of what you read and/or see...Because remember ANY dog is capable of killing... Hugs to you all (and here are some pics of Sammi and Storm) BTW - Storm lives in my moms house, my mom has a 6 year old malt and they get along awesome too...When I bring my 2 there Storm is great as well, but I know he misses his partner in crime Sammi Attached Thumbnails __________________ Fran, Sophia Rose and Jake We Miss You Always Sammi 11/29/03 - 8/20/06

03-24-2007, 10:02 PM	#19
Catrina I love my lil wolf! ;) Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Washington Posts: 2,434	my animal behavior professor said that if a pitbull or other known "vicious" type dog, can be sweet.. and im sure if they are raised together as puppies.. it will be fine.. but i do see the worry that others see as well

03-25-2007, 04:09 AM	#25
SBeckett668 YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 376	I'm no expert on the subject but here goes...gonna be long so apologies up front: 1) I was concerned about the size difference between my Cairn terrier (14lbs) and my new Yorkie pup (then under 2 lbs). My Cairn was ready to tear apart any dog that set foot near him (in true terrier fashion) - what would he do to this tiny puppy? 2) I would not own a pit bull. Simply because dogs that rise over my knee caps while standing scare the crap out of me - always have. BUT - "Daddy" on Cesar Milan is by far the most gentle dog I've ever seen. Doesn't convince me I need one - just proves they aren't all bad - they just need a strong pack leader. 3) My husband would have preferred a larger dog - German Shepard was his choice. Here's what happened when I decided "all be dam*ed" and got the dog I wanted anyway: Brought home this little tiny girl who just shook like a tiny earthquake in my arms. Braxton immediately tried to lunge up for his "tasty treat" that Mama just brought home. I pulled her away (still in my arms at this point) and said in a very firm voice with the meanest face I could muster: "NO BRAXTON! NO!" Then put them both on leashes and set them down in the living room together. You'll never believe what happened next: She ran him off. Literally - growled - snarled her itsy bitsy little teeth - ran after him and nipped him wherever she could. He wouldn't go near her! Funniest thing I ever saw. Now - that being said - we have to watch them all the time. Braxton is very gentle with her. Even caught him playing "tug-o-war" with a toy the other day...just holding gently so she could do her thing. Again - cute cute cute. But I don't trust them alone together yet. Always within ear shot of what they are doing. As for men and "not liking small dogs". There's a thread on here some where with a bunch of burly men LOVING our Yorkies. My husband fell head over heals inside of an hour. My Dad melted at first sight and was ready to get one of his own. Just my experiences - sorry so long. Good luck on your search and if your husband is being deployed - I wish him God Speed and many thanks for defending our rights in this country. __________________ Stef, Braxton and Calliope Braxton on Dogster

03-25-2007, 04:15 AM	#26
FlDebra Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: FL Posts: 7,651	Sounds like your husband is just being a PITA because he does not want you to get a yorkie. Has he ever been around one before? My husband was not for getting a yorkie at all, "little yapper dogs that they are" -- lol! Guess who is enthralled with them now. Guess who just bought a huge chaise recliner so there would be plenty of room for him and the pups? "My" yorkies seem to spend an awful lot of their time curled up with him. They win over the most macho of them all! As to the pit bull idea -- I think the fact that he knew it would be a "threat" to bring it up answers the question. I think they should all be neutered and an end be put to this menace that man created. They are like loaded guns. The ones that kill were always "the most gentle dogs" until the day they attacked. Maybe any dog can kill but approx. ONE THIRD of all human deaths attributed to dog bites are from PIT BULLS. Rottweilers and Presa Canarios add to them to include 65% of the canine homicides. Read this page: http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/stat...stlikelytobite __________________ FlDebra and her ABCs Annie, Ben, Candy Promoting Healthy Breeding to the AKC Yorkshire Terrier Standard

03-25-2007, 05:00 AM	#27
Emmsmom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 989	I will sound like a hypocrite here but.. I would not get a Pit period! I have a German Shepherd and he is a huge baby with us and Diesel. He is still on the fence about Keira tho. She is really hyper and so when he sees her coming he runs and hides. When it comes to Pits tho I have my concerns. I know a lot depends on their breeding and I have come across several very friendly Pits. I also have one that has been coming in my yard that will growl as I chase it out. Yes, the media loves to blow things way out of proportion but the recent attacks have really happened. Everyone will have a different opinion on this subject that's for sure. I just don't like Pits and to be honest just don't trust the breed. Even Cesar Millan has a Pit that has growled at him before. I think my biggest concern would be your son. Above all else I would protect him FIRST. If this is something that your husband really wants be sure and search around for a good breeder. One that breeds for a good temperament. Good Luck I hope it all works out. __________________ MICHELLE DIESEL "The Weasel" and little brother TUCKER

03-25-2007, 05:29 AM	#29
BLowry My furkids Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 4,625 Blog Entries: 1	First I want to say I am VERY impressed how this thread has not become combative. This is one of those topics that usually gets out of control. IMO..I would NEVER own a pit..I know everyone says it's in the way they are bred and handled however, this breed has been bred for fighting and it just seems to be in their blood..I love ALL animals but, this breed just terrifies me.People who own pits will always tell you how sweet they are and wouldn't hurt a fly...I just don't trust them. My Mom was telling me, just last week, that a "sweet pit that just loved everybody" latched onto a small girls arm and they couldn't get the dog to release his jaws...they called the police...the police just about emptied a can of mace into the dogs face and it STILL wouldn't let go of her arm...The cop ended up shooting the pit. Now, this little girl is scared for life! Not only physically but mentally as well! I really feel bad for this breed because of what man has done to it and it is unfortunate but, I would never trust one. I know that all dogs can bite but, believe me! If I was going to get bit by a dog I'd rather it be a 5 lb yorkie than a 90 pit! Sounds like your husband isn't very concerned about his child if he would get a dog like that. __________________ Brenda

03-25-2007, 06:05 AM	#30
natalienicole YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 286	That would take a lot of you watching them all the time. I had a pitbull, lab, someother hunting dog mix dog here for a while with my anna but he was smaller still and we had to keep him in a kennel when we were not watching him he chewed on stuff alot and was real hyper. pitbulls are known to chew on things. I dont necisarily think they are mean dogs and I have a 2 year old and he was great with her. I think they can be trained that way but being a puppy he needed to be watched cuz even stepping on anna accidently could be hurtful to her. So i ended up carrying her arround most of the time when he was in side and not in his kennel for the night.