So my girlfriend wants a yorkie...

[JCarlson2004]

Originally Posted by NODAK

I think one of her main problems is that she realyl wants to feel like she's taking care of something...and since we're not having kids just yet...well, a cute little dog will work.

I just saw this post ... if she doesn't really want a Yorkie but something cute and cuddly temporary to take care of until you have children, then I would definitely not get a dog. I don't mean to be harsh but that's my honest opinion.

[TLC]

I had no idea what I was 'really' getting into when I got Roxy and TJ. I don't regret it, I grew up fast, and also filled a huge hole in my heart with the love I have for them and for the love they give back.

They are now 2.5 years old. This May, I will have had them for 2 years! WOW I can't believe it - But, anyway, what a 2 years. Between TJ having IBD - Roxy having 2 LP surgeries - Getting Married (2 parties) - Going to Italy 2 years in a row - AND THEN THE NORMAL PUPPY TRAINING!

Boy oh Boy - I don't recall the last time I was able to come home from work and take nap! I can't b/c Roxy and TJ won't let me even if I wanted too - hahahaha

Seriously though, you said you are moving into a new house, you two should get things settled and organized and then go from there! I don't think a Yorkie should be a definate NO, but just give it some time to settle and see where you 2 are at!

[mynameishadow]

Originally Posted by NODAK

See, I'm not so sure even my girlfriend would spend that much time with the dog....she'd spend a lot, but she has many days that she's just exhausted and wants to rest. Typically, when I come home, I either go on the computer or just watch TV for a while with Heidi (the girlfriend)...sometimes video games. I just hope if she gets the dog, she doesn't neglect it.

Please don't get one. please. It is obvious that you guys (or she) are not ready. People shouldn't get yorkies or dogs in general cuz the are cute. So DO NOT get one. thanks in advance.

[Dina_Nichole]

You know I never thought about it before. It always seems like I'm buying something. However, they are beyond spoiled I mean I just placed an order online for $200 just for stuff for my one's little birthday party I'm having, LOL! I groom myself so I do save there but roughly for the things they actually need wouldn't be that high. I have three so its kinda hard for me to say. I buy a big bag of food which last for months. (atleast 6) Maybe someone else could help answer this question better then me. Sorry!!

Originally Posted by NODAK

I'd agree with you totally on this.

How much does a Yorkie cost you monthly would you say??

As it is, we're movign into a new house as I'd said...and we're spending a lot of money on furniture and putting extra towards house payments....if it's a large expense, it may not be feasible.

[NODAK]

Originally Posted by mynameishadow

Please don't get one. please. It is obvious that you guys (or she) are not ready. People shouldn't get yorkies or dogs in general cuz the are cute. So DO NOT get one. thanks in advance.

Why else do people get Yorkies?? Isn't a great part of their appeal how they look?? I find that to be a poor reason to tell somebody not to get a dog.

[vainchick5]

I personally think it's wrong to not let someone pursue their dream of having a pet. I think as long as she knows what this breed will require in care and time, there should be no reason not to let her get one. You can say all you want that you won't help, but the minute that cute little face looks up at you to pick her up and licks your nose, you're a goner.
It's great that you've come here to do your research. She needs to know EVERYTHING there is about caring for them. My b/f wasn't even an animal person at all and now we have two and he's in total bliss when they are both sleeping in his arms. They need a lot of attention, you can't just leave them to entertain themselves. I work from 8-430 and get hom by 5, and they are happpy as clams to see me. I spend the rest of the evening with them. I go to dinners with my honey here and there but we mostly do that on weekends anyway. On weekends when we do stuff, we either leave them with someone or take them with us. If you really want something, you do anything for it. Just depends on how bad she wants it. I think you should be more supportive, as long as she does her homework and researches everything. I'm sure if you wanted something she would put her feelings aside and let you have it, because she would want to make you happy. But definitely if you know she's going to punk out on the responsibility, then no don't get one.

[JCarlson2004]

Originally Posted by NODAK

How much does a Yorkie cost you monthly would you say??

As it is, we're movign into a new house as I'd said...and we're spending a lot of money on furniture and putting extra towards house payments....if it's a large expense, it may not be feasible.

When you first get a Yorkie, there are several expenses such as, but not limited to, the following:

1. Vet check (blood work, stool sample test, etc.)

2. Puppy shots and then adult shots when the puppy turns 1 year old

3. Spaying/Neutering between 6 months to 1 year old

4. Crate (if you are going to crate train), wee wee pads, food, food and water bowls, toys, blankets, harnesses and leashes, clothes (for cold winter month) and other odds and ends

There are some more things but those are basic, general things that you will need when brining a puppy home for the first time. These things can cost anywhere from $200 - $500 or more if the dog happens to be sick (and this is NOT including the initial purchase price). Hopefully, that won't be the case if you get a pup from a reputable breeder. However, accidents happen and puppies can get into trouble easily. You both should learn dog CPR and have Nutrical (a beef flavored vitamin paste) handy in case your puppy has hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) issues.

[mynameishadow]

JUST DON'T DUDE!!! you guys are not qualified. NFT.

[NODAK]

Originally Posted by vainchick5

I personally think it's wrong to not let someone pursue their dream of having a pet. I think as long as she knows what this breed will require in care and time, there should be no reason not to let her get one. You can say all you want that you won't help, but the minute that cute little face looks up at you to pick her up and licks your nose, you're a goner.
It's great that you've come here to do your research. She needs to know EVERYTHING there is about caring for them. My b/f wasn't even an animal person at all and now we have two and he's in total bliss when they are both sleeping in his arms. They need a lot of attention, you can't just leave them to entertain themselves. I work from 8-430 and get hom by 5, and they are happpy as clams to see me. I spend the rest of the evening with them. I go to dinners with my honey here and there but we mostly do that on weekends anyway. On weekends when we do stuff, we either leave them with someone or take them with us. If you really want something, you do anything for it. Just depends on how bad she wants it. I think you should be more supportive, as long as she does her homework and researches everything. I'm sure if you wanted something she would put her feelings aside and let you have it, because she would want to make you happy. But definitely if you know she's going to punk out on the responsibility, then no don't get one.

I don't think she'd "punk out" persay, but I just question how much she could give in the limited time she has...that's all.

As for taking the dog with us on weekends....well I'm not sure...we go into a ludicrous amount of stores many Saturdays....I'm not sure how many would even allow us to take a dog in a carrier with us. I suppose that depends on the store.

[vainchick5]

Originally Posted by NODAK

I don't think she'd "punk out" persay, but I just question how much she could give in the limited time she has...that's all.

As for taking the dog with us on weekends....well I'm not sure...we go into a ludicrous amount of stores many Saturdays....I'm not sure how many would even allow us to take a dog in a carrier with us. I suppose that depends on the store.

I've never asked if I could take my babies anywhere. I had one up until last week, and she was in her carrier or doggie stroller and we'd just walk with her. No one noticed her in there so no harm done. I think as long as she is willing to put in her time and so are you, because relationships are partnerships, then you will so enjoy having a yorkie. Once you get one you will never go to another breed again. They are good to nap with, cuddle with, run with, camp with, shop with, kiss with, and everything else there is to do

[JCarlson2004]

Originally Posted by vainchick5

I personally think it's wrong to not let someone pursue their dream of having a pet. I think as long as she knows what this breed will require in care and time, there should be no reason not to let her get one. You can say all you want that you won't help, but the minute that cute little face looks up at you to pick her up and licks your nose, you're a goner.
It's great that you've come here to do your research. She needs to know EVERYTHING there is about caring for them. My b/f wasn't even an animal person at all and now we have two and he's in total bliss when they are both sleeping in his arms. They need a lot of attention, you can't just leave them to entertain themselves. I work from 8-430 and get hom by 5, and they are happpy as clams to see me. I spend the rest of the evening with them. I go to dinners with my honey here and there but we mostly do that on weekends anyway. On weekends when we do stuff, we either leave them with someone or take them with us. If you really want something, you do anything for it. Just depends on how bad she wants it. I think you should be more supportive, as long as she does her homework and researches everything. I'm sure if you wanted something she would put her feelings aside and let you have it, because she would want to make you happy. But definitely if you know she's going to punk out on the responsibility, then no don't get one.

I agree with you. Jim didn't really want a dog in the very beginning but I really wanted a Maltese (well, you know the story lol) and he said ok and said he'd help me with all the work even though he wasn't thrilled with the idea. But once he saw Codie, he was hooked (before we even brought him home!!) LOL How could anyone possibly resist Codie's sexy legs? lolol

But the point I'm trying to make is Jim wasn't THRILLED with the idea at first but he said he'd support me ALL THE WAY regardless of his feelings because that's what couples do to make each other happy.

[PeanutnTobysmom]

Originally Posted by NODAK

Why else do people get Yorkies?? Isn't a great part of their appeal how they look?? I find that to be a poor reason to tell somebody not to get a dog.

I think she was simply advising you not to get a Yorkie just based on the "cute" factor. You did start this thread by asking for advice ...correct?? Having a dog, Yorkie or not, is a huge responsibility not to be taken lightly. They are like children in many ways. Good luck in whatever you decide!!

[Ozzie'sperson]

Get a cat.

You still get the cute and cuddly factor -- not to mention powerful personality which, not coincidentally is why many people get Yorkies -- but cats are infinitely more self-sufficient.

[yougetthesmiles]

1st off, welcome to YT!! You did come to the right place to find great answers.

Your G/F may just be caught up in the cuteness of a Yorkie, you can dress it up and pretty much you have a "baby"

Good things about Yorkies, are, they are small, so when you go away on the weekends, you could take the yorkie with you, they do ride in carriers and they love to go bye bye.

I also work outside the home and my 2 are in a Ex Pen during the day, this is a big pen where your yorkie would have a big enough area to have a bed, pee pad and food and water. She could still get up and stretch and not be cramped up in a small crate.

I don't think I would rule out not getting her one. Maybe if you have some friends who have a small dog, maybe she could doggie sit.
Has she ever had a pet before?

Yorkies need a lot of grooming attention, daily brushing, weekly baths, every 6 weeks they need to go to the groomers. Then you have all the glamor everyone loves when it comes to yorkies (clothes, bows, blankets, toys, etc etc etc.)

Has your G/F been to YT yet? Maybe she should do some research on this subject.

Good luck and I'm sure you will make the right decision.

[JCarlson2004]

Originally Posted by Ozzie'sperson

Get a cat.

You still get the cute and cuddly factor -- not to mention powerful personality which, not coincidentally is why many people get Yorkies -- but cats are infinitely more self-sufficient.

Good option. If you want a cat, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND a Russian Blue. They are BEAUTIFUL, loving, sweet, adorable cats!! They are also a lot more independent. I had one growing up named Smokey and he would sleep on my mother's pillow every night. He drooled just like a dog LOL and he LOVED people!! He was so affectionate and loving ... he was just like a dog in personality.