possible neglected yorkie question....need advice - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

jeanief · 08-06-2007, 09:25 AM

I would not get her groomed. People can get weird about things like that. I would give her a bath and trim her nails and butt area only. ( thats just me I guess) Talk to the people about your concerns and show them what needs to be done. talk about being over weight and NO TREATS. Mabey meet up with them for walks etc. If they are interested thats a good sign. If they blow you off you'll know they might not give a rip. I posted earlier but my post didn't show up. Anyone else have this happen? this is the 3rd time on different post.....

zoeybear · 08-06-2007, 09:28 AM

I think I would do the nail trim and sanitary trim but not cut her coat.These people obviously had no issues with letting you see how they care for their pet. I guess they think everything is ok. It is a delicate subject to approach. I would just say,"hey I noticed her nails were getting a little long, so I took her along when we had Zoe's cut. Here's the card for the salon. They are really good." Hopefully they will get the hint.Good luck.

TatumsMom · 08-06-2007, 09:29 AM

IF you do anything at all, I would keep it to just a bath and a nail trim.... possibly even a hiney trim. DO NOT get this dog groomed without permission from the owners. If someone that was babysitting my Tatum did that without permission, I would be pissed. What if you took it to the groomer and something happened? Anything from the dog getting injured or even just a really horrible haircut that the owners ended up hating? I would not want that on my conscience. I have to speak from the human standpoint now..... a neighbor of mine that I trusted was babysitting my 11 month old daughter (many years ago) and took it upon herself to "trim her bangs". Of course she didn't take into account that my daughter's hair was very wavy and really bounced up when dry. Her bangs were SO short..... I was livid. I think I would not be happy either if someone took it upon themselves to make significant changes with my dog either. Just my 2 cents!

char7 · 08-06-2007, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red98vett

hey there - poor girl - the nails have to hurt and she needs a sanitary trim - it'll make her feel better and you too - I'd go for it -

as far as all the rest - she may not be used to children or other pets - it happens - maybe in a few days she'll come around but you have to remember she's in a new envoirnment and probably scared - She's also a bit older and maybe toys don't interest her anymore - I wonder if you can give her the kind that has a treat inside to keep her attention better ?

You're right about the new environment. They need time to adjust. I also had a young female that did not like to play with toys or other dogs. Never did. She was a one person dog and would protect you with her life. She was as sweet as she could be, but did not like to be messed with. She was NEVER abused. She had run of the house and slept with us. Just a difference in personalities.

sassypup · 08-06-2007, 09:46 AM

I hope I didn't offend anyone about my concerns and observations. I know everyone treats their dogs differently and every dog reacts differently. I too teach Zoe her place in our family but she also enjoys being exercised, groomed, and shown affection. I guess. I'm still on the fence about grooming but I like the ideas presented here about how to tell and educate the parents

I didn't realize treats alone can possibly trigger a weight issue. She is on a strict diet set by her parents at the moment in hopes of loosing weight. I don't know how succesful this is because she doesn't want to exercise (walk or run or play and is constantly sneaking Zoe's food (we are constantly having to guard Zoe's food since we free feed Zoe in hopes she will gain some weight since she's too skinny) BUT I was told strict 2 scoops of her dry food per day, no extra treats so treats are out of the question. I asked if I can give her fresh cut up fruits and they said no to that.

I was posting just to get different people's opinions, I'm just concerned about her is all, we're not freaking out or anything like that. I guess everyone's right, different lifestyles and different ways on how to treat a dog.

Yes V, you're right, she's in a new environment and is probably in some sort of stress in her new environment without her family. I guess I saw signs that concerned me.

I only used abused in the touch aspect where she took off when we gently rubbed her back.

All the posts above is making me feel slightly better about different dog behaviors and personalities.

LuvMySissy · 08-06-2007, 10:04 AM

Hi Jennie - you are so kind to be concerned (and very observant) about this pup. Some people do treat Yorkies "just like dogs". There are some pups that are just not social no matter what you do and don't ever take well to the leash.

I know that our Eskimo Spitz is one such dog. She has never walked well on a leash (and actually hates walks and the car), she has never played with a toy in her life (we tried when she was a puppy) and she has very bad teeth. Now, I will admit the teeth part is because she has never had a dental cleaning at the vet. For years I did brush her teeth regularly. I really didn't know better about the teeth till I got my yorkie girls. I tried to use the Petzlife Gel on her, but she is now old and ornery and her mouth obviously hurts her and she has bitten me several times when I've tried to take care of her - so I don't try anymore.

That being said, I don't feel she is neglected. She is fed, brushed (she when lets me) and loves to be with us. But, she still hates all other animals (my girls included) and basically just lies around. Some just act this way!!!!

I would offer her parents some literature on PetzLife and see if that makes any difference. I would also bathe her and trim the nails, but would leave it at that. Good luck!!!

YorkieTime07 · 08-06-2007, 10:08 AM

taking her to the groomer sounds good but are you sure she is up todate on the shots??? If she is antisocial I would hate for her to nip the groomer!! It sounds like a good idea but I would think twice though especailly if she is not groomed now she may not be up todate on shots which is why they haven't taken her.

sassypup · 08-06-2007, 10:18 AM

Thanks Jodie...great idea, I'll even donate a bottle of Petzlife and educate them on this. Not a big deal.

Yeah, the vaccinations are where we faltered...we never asked if vaccinations were up to date. This is our first time volunteering to doggy sit for a complete stranger that joined the meetup because a neighbor suggested this just to find a sitter. Who knows if they will ever come to a park meetup.

Miz Mary · 08-06-2007, 10:32 AM

do you have a phone # - can you reach them ??? Call, and tell them you are taking yours in to the "spa" , can thiers go too???

jrsygal37 · 08-06-2007, 10:41 AM

This is tough. Let me point out a few things; The fact that his nails are overgrown bothers me. However, with that said let me just say that Newman our 10 year old Yorkie is prone to overgrowth. His nails curl naturally and grow quickly AND, he is not good at all at having them trimmed so in some cases his become much longer then I intended because only the vet and a small army can trim them. In so far as how he's acting at your home. It could just be that he's uncomfortable in a strange house, with strange dogs. Tia who is very good with "OUR" other Yorkies, was visiting with us at a strange place and she snapped at a very friendly pup that just wanted to say hi. AND, Bella is just not good with other dogs other then our dogs. The petting throws me a bit. When you say your hubby went to pet him and he yelped and ran. Only thing I can say is that that doesn't necessarily mean anything either. Newman is very touch sensative. Down right nuerotic and it's due to poor breeding. You cannot chew gum in front of him or he freaks and shakes. If you pick him up, he yelps, and that's due to his hips bothering him. Perhaps this 8 yr. old is just a bit artheritic? Oh boy next in so far as his being over weight. Well, I'm guilty of that for sure. Newman is over weight too. Partly because he sneak eats the other's food and partly because he does have trouble with getting excersice due to his arthritis and due to a collapsing trachea. The only thing that does really concern me is the fact that the people would think nothing of bringing their ungroomed dog to stay with you. I know that sometimes things get crazy and at times my dogs may seem unkept from time to time (Very rare) but one thing for sure is that I ALWAYS make sure they look GREAT when they have a vet visit or we have company etc. I would be mortified to have someone see any of my babies looking scrappy. I think your best way to judge this is to see how he reacts when his mom and dad come to get him. If he's not excited about seeing them then I woudl think that would give you your answer right away. I know mine would be bouncing off the walls when we came to get them. Elaine

sassypup · 08-06-2007, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrsygal37

This is tough. Let me point out a few things; The fact that his nails are overgrown bothers me. However, with that said let me just say that Newman our 10 year old Yorkie is prone to overgrowth. His nails curl naturally and grow quickly AND, he is not good at all at having them trimmed so in some cases his become much longer then I intended because only the vet and a small army can trim them. In so far as how he's acting at your home. It could just be that he's uncomfortable in a strange house, with strange dogs. Tia who is very good with "OUR" other Yorkies, was visiting with us at a strange place and she snapped at a very friendly pup that just wanted to say hi. AND, Bella is just not good with other dogs other then our dogs. The petting throws me a bit. When you say your hubby went to pet him and he yelped and ran. Only thing I can say is that that doesn't necessarily mean anything either. Newman is very touch sensative. Down right nuerotic and it's due to poor breeding. You cannot chew gum in front of him or he freaks and shakes. If you pick him up, he yelps, and that's due to his hips bothering him. Perhaps this 8 yr. old is just a bit artheritic? Oh boy next in so far as his being over weight. Well, I'm guilty of that for sure. Newman is over weight too. Partly because he sneak eats the other's food and partly because he does have trouble with getting excersice due to his arthritis and due to a collapsing trachea. The only thing that does really concern me is the fact that the people would think nothing of bringing their ungroomed dog to stay with you. I know that sometimes things get crazy and at times my dogs may seem unkept from time to time (Very rare) but one thing for sure is that I ALWAYS make sure they look GREAT when they have a vet visit or we have company etc. I would be mortified to have someone see any of my babies looking scrappy. I think your best way to judge this is to see how he reacts when his mom and dad come to get him. If he's not excited about seeing them then I woudl think that would give you your answer right away. I know mine would be bouncing off the walls when we came to get them. Elaine

wow, you have some good points here to explain the situations. Can you educate me on what it means by 'poor breeding'. Do you mean they have certain traits/behaviors that are a cause of breeding from their parents with similar traits? eg...if if a dog is always aprehensive or fearful, and if they are bred...their pups could develop similar characteristics?

I was told by someone that because a dog's trait is extreme loyalty to their owners, no matter how badly you treat or neglect them, they will always love you and want you and be happy to see you....is this true? Just curious about this because of the comment about whether they will get excited to see their parents, which was also mentioned in a prior post.

I think my husband will be glad to hear/read this thread and be slightly relieved about this dog minus grooming and education.

janh7 · 08-06-2007, 11:07 AM

Wow, I think you should really step back and realize that this is not your dog.
I don't mean to be rude, but perhaps you don't have all the information and it would be a horrible thing to make these people sound so terrible if it is not warranted. You offered to dog sit. So do a good job of it. All dogs are different. My last Yorkie was a product of horrible breeding and he died at 7 yrs old. His bottom teeth stuck straight out causing all sorts of eating problems and pain for him. He had a congenital kidney problem and eventually died of kidney failure at 7. He never ran and played like a "normal" dog. I now know that his teeth caused him a lot of pain even though the vet sedated him to clean them often. I think that if you had dog sat my Gizmo, you may have had a list for me too. Gizmo was in so uncomfortable in his last year, we just held him mostly and tried not to cause him any more pain. We loved him very much.
Now, I have a healthy yorkie girl, one of Jill Brook's, and she is beautiful, playful, etc., nothing like Gizmo. Every dog is different.

tammy8833 · 08-06-2007, 11:13 AM

i thought about this and no one else has pointed it out
unless you have the rabies certificate she cant be taking to any groomers.
most groomers want the certificat not just the tag and some have legal things that have to be sign by the owners

sassypup · 08-06-2007, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janh7

Wow, I think you should really step back and realize that this is not your dog.
I don't mean to be rude, but perhaps you don't have all the information and it would be a horrible thing to make these people sound so terrible if it is not warranted. You offered to dog sit. So do a good job of it. All dogs are different. My last Yorkie was a product of horrible breeding and he died at 7 yrs old. His bottom teeth stuck straight out causing all sorts of eating problems and pain for him. He had a congenital kidney problem and eventually died of kidney failure at 7. He never ran and played like a "normal" dog. I now know that his teeth caused him a lot of pain even though the vet sedated him to clean them often. I think that if you had dog sat my Gizmo, you may have had a list for me too. Gizmo was in so uncomfortable in his last year, we just held him mostly and tried not to cause him any more pain. We loved him very much.
Now, I have a healthy yorkie girl, one of Jill Brook's, and she is beautiful, playful, etc., nothing like Gizmo. Every dog is different.

I understand what you're saying and I didn't ask to be judged. I only asked for different people's thoughts and their experience as I've only had a dog for a few years and the post was meant to educate me (and perhaps others), not to point fingers at the owners or insinuate anything at all. I want to know from people whether I should be concerned and that is all. I'm not asking if the owners are horrible nor am I trying to bash them, but rather should I bring this up to the owner if it is in fact an issue. Wouldn't you rather me ask this question and find out it's nothing to be concerned about rather than sit there and say nothing and do nothing and perhaps there are some issues to be addressed? I've simply listed key items I've observed and am asking other whether this behavior is 'normal'. Forgive me for caring, I tend to have a very motherly nurturing personality. I realize this is NOT my dog, hence my hesitation to do anything but bathe and care for the dog. (Eg....school teachers that see things in a student, is this their child? No but it's their duty to speak up if anything seems off) enough judging on this board.

yorkiesmiles · 08-06-2007, 12:20 PM

Maybe the pet owners will call and check up on their baby & you can ask about the grooming.

If they are concerned about the dog's weight, that's a good sign that they are trying to help the dog.

I figure you have had your fill of advice. Just wishing you the best of luck & maybe everyone will have adjusted to one another by the time the owners come back

yorkiesmiles

08-06-2007, 09:28 AM	#17
zoeybear Misssing Baby Chloe Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: California Posts: 4,186	I think I would do the nail trim and sanitary trim but not cut her coat.These people obviously had no issues with letting you see how they care for their pet. I guess they think everything is ok. It is a delicate subject to approach. I would just say,"hey I noticed her nails were getting a little long, so I took her along when we had Zoe's cut. Here's the card for the salon. They are really good." Hopefully they will get the hint.Good luck. __________________ We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made. -M. Acklam

08-06-2007, 09:29 AM	#18
TatumsMom Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: TX Posts: 2,799	IF you do anything at all, I would keep it to just a bath and a nail trim.... possibly even a hiney trim. DO NOT get this dog groomed without permission from the owners. If someone that was babysitting my Tatum did that without permission, I would be pissed. What if you took it to the groomer and something happened? Anything from the dog getting injured or even just a really horrible haircut that the owners ended up hating? I would not want that on my conscience. I have to speak from the human standpoint now..... a neighbor of mine that I trusted was babysitting my 11 month old daughter (many years ago) and took it upon herself to "trim her bangs". Of course she didn't take into account that my daughter's hair was very wavy and really bounced up when dry. Her bangs were SO short..... I was livid. I think I would not be happy either if someone took it upon themselves to make significant changes with my dog either. Just my 2 cents! __________________ ~ Angie

08-06-2007, 09:46 AM	#20
sassypup Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: S. Ca Posts: 1,905	I hope I didn't offend anyone about my concerns and observations. I know everyone treats their dogs differently and every dog reacts differently. I too teach Zoe her place in our family but she also enjoys being exercised, groomed, and shown affection. I guess. I'm still on the fence about grooming but I like the ideas presented here about how to tell and educate the parents I didn't realize treats alone can possibly trigger a weight issue. She is on a strict diet set by her parents at the moment in hopes of loosing weight. I don't know how succesful this is because she doesn't want to exercise (walk or run or play and is constantly sneaking Zoe's food (we are constantly having to guard Zoe's food since we free feed Zoe in hopes she will gain some weight since she's too skinny) BUT I was told strict 2 scoops of her dry food per day, no extra treats so treats are out of the question. I asked if I can give her fresh cut up fruits and they said no to that. I was posting just to get different people's opinions, I'm just concerned about her is all, we're not freaking out or anything like that. I guess everyone's right, different lifestyles and different ways on how to treat a dog. Yes V, you're right, she's in a new environment and is probably in some sort of stress in her new environment without her family. I guess I saw signs that concerned me. I only used abused in the touch aspect where she took off when we gently rubbed her back. All the posts above is making me feel slightly better about different dog behaviors and personalities. Last edited by sassypup; 08-06-2007 at 09:50 AM.

08-06-2007, 10:04 AM	#21
LuvMySissy Luv my Angel, too! Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: USA Posts: 9,333	Hi Jennie - you are so kind to be concerned (and very observant) about this pup. Some people do treat Yorkies "just like dogs". There are some pups that are just not social no matter what you do and don't ever take well to the leash. I know that our Eskimo Spitz is one such dog. She has never walked well on a leash (and actually hates walks and the car), she has never played with a toy in her life (we tried when she was a puppy) and she has very bad teeth. Now, I will admit the teeth part is because she has never had a dental cleaning at the vet. For years I did brush her teeth regularly. I really didn't know better about the teeth till I got my yorkie girls. I tried to use the Petzlife Gel on her, but she is now old and ornery and her mouth obviously hurts her and she has bitten me several times when I've tried to take care of her - so I don't try anymore. That being said, I don't feel she is neglected. She is fed, brushed (she when lets me) and loves to be with us. But, she still hates all other animals (my girls included) and basically just lies around. Some just act this way!!!! I would offer her parents some literature on PetzLife and see if that makes any difference. I would also bathe her and trim the nails, but would leave it at that. Good luck!!! __________________ Sissy & Angel

08-06-2007, 10:08 AM	#22
YorkieTime07 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: atlanta, ga Posts: 920	taking her to the groomer sounds good but are you sure she is up todate on the shots??? If she is antisocial I would hate for her to nip the groomer!! It sounds like a good idea but I would think twice though especailly if she is not groomed now she may not be up todate on shots which is why they haven't taken her. __________________ Nathan has a crush on Tatum!!!! The Gentlemens' Club is on the Run!! We're gonna Rock YT with some Fun!!!

08-06-2007, 09:25 AM	#16
jeanief YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 307	I would not get her groomed. People can get weird about things like that. I would give her a bath and trim her nails and butt area only. ( thats just me I guess) Talk to the people about your concerns and show them what needs to be done. talk about being over weight and NO TREATS. Mabey meet up with them for walks etc. If they are interested thats a good sign. If they blow you off you'll know they might not give a rip. I posted earlier but my post didn't show up. Anyone else have this happen? this is the 3rd time on different post.....

08-06-2007, 10:18 AM	#23
sassypup Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: S. Ca Posts: 1,905	Thanks Jodie...great idea, I'll even donate a bottle of Petzlife and educate them on this. Not a big deal. Yeah, the vaccinations are where we faltered...we never asked if vaccinations were up to date. This is our first time volunteering to doggy sit for a complete stranger that joined the meetup because a neighbor suggested this just to find a sitter. Who knows if they will ever come to a park meetup.

08-06-2007, 10:32 AM	#24
Miz Mary Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 92	do you have a phone # - can you reach them ??? Call, and tell them you are taking yours in to the "spa" , can thiers go too???

08-06-2007, 10:41 AM	#25
jrsygal37 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Jersey Shore Posts: 3,370	This is tough. Let me point out a few things; The fact that his nails are overgrown bothers me. However, with that said let me just say that Newman our 10 year old Yorkie is prone to overgrowth. His nails curl naturally and grow quickly AND, he is not good at all at having them trimmed so in some cases his become much longer then I intended because only the vet and a small army can trim them. In so far as how he's acting at your home. It could just be that he's uncomfortable in a strange house, with strange dogs. Tia who is very good with "OUR" other Yorkies, was visiting with us at a strange place and she snapped at a very friendly pup that just wanted to say hi. AND, Bella is just not good with other dogs other then our dogs. The petting throws me a bit. When you say your hubby went to pet him and he yelped and ran. Only thing I can say is that that doesn't necessarily mean anything either. Newman is very touch sensative. Down right nuerotic and it's due to poor breeding. You cannot chew gum in front of him or he freaks and shakes. If you pick him up, he yelps, and that's due to his hips bothering him. Perhaps this 8 yr. old is just a bit artheritic? Oh boy next in so far as his being over weight. Well, I'm guilty of that for sure. Newman is over weight too. Partly because he sneak eats the other's food and partly because he does have trouble with getting excersice due to his arthritis and due to a collapsing trachea. The only thing that does really concern me is the fact that the people would think nothing of bringing their ungroomed dog to stay with you. I know that sometimes things get crazy and at times my dogs may seem unkept from time to time (Very rare) but one thing for sure is that I ALWAYS make sure they look GREAT when they have a vet visit or we have company etc. I would be mortified to have someone see any of my babies looking scrappy. I think your best way to judge this is to see how he reacts when his mom and dad come to get him. If he's not excited about seeing them then I woudl think that would give you your answer right away. I know mine would be bouncing off the walls when we came to get them. Elaine

08-06-2007, 11:07 AM	#27
janh7 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: noblesville, indiana Posts: 211	Wow, I think you should really step back and realize that this is not your dog. I don't mean to be rude, but perhaps you don't have all the information and it would be a horrible thing to make these people sound so terrible if it is not warranted. You offered to dog sit. So do a good job of it. All dogs are different. My last Yorkie was a product of horrible breeding and he died at 7 yrs old. His bottom teeth stuck straight out causing all sorts of eating problems and pain for him. He had a congenital kidney problem and eventually died of kidney failure at 7. He never ran and played like a "normal" dog. I now know that his teeth caused him a lot of pain even though the vet sedated him to clean them often. I think that if you had dog sat my Gizmo, you may have had a list for me too. Gizmo was in so uncomfortable in his last year, we just held him mostly and tried not to cause him any more pain. We loved him very much. Now, I have a healthy yorkie girl, one of Jill Brook's, and she is beautiful, playful, etc., nothing like Gizmo. Every dog is different. __________________ Lovin' My Hailee Mercy and Jackson

08-06-2007, 11:13 AM	#28
tammy8833 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: VA Posts: 2,775	i thought about this and no one else has pointed it out unless you have the rabies certificate she cant be taking to any groomers. most groomers want the certificat not just the tag and some have legal things that have to be sign by the owners __________________ Tammy YT Gallery Lil Girl Princess & Theodore *Gidget R.I.P**

08-06-2007, 12:20 PM	#30
yorkiesmiles Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,493	Maybe the pet owners will call and check up on their baby & you can ask about the grooming. If they are concerned about the dog's weight, that's a good sign that they are trying to help the dog. I figure you have had your fill of advice. Just wishing you the best of luck & maybe everyone will have adjusted to one another by the time the owners come back yorkiesmiles