possible neglected yorkie question....need advice

[JCarlson2004]

Originally Posted by sassypup

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.

I totally agree. I'm so sorry, that comment was totally uncalled for. You were VERY RIGHT to come here and ask for opinions and advice. Many people ignore the signs and that's why there are SO MANY abused animals (not to mention children) in this world. Don't let the negative people get you down. You did the right thing girly.

[sassypup]

thanks yorkiesmiles and Jenn and everyone else here for the encouragement and support. I don't mind advice, just don't bash me for asking a question or making other members feel as if they can't ask a question for fear of judgement. This is in fact a board to learn and educate about our little guys.

[MyFairLacy]

So far as the grooming thing - I'm sure the owners wouldnt mind if the nails were trimmed and the dog was bathed. But I know I would be mad if someone cut my dog's hair without asking - even for a sanitary groom. Do you have a way of getting in touch with the owners? I think it's a good idea to just give them a call and say you are taking your dog to the groomer and ask if they would like theirs to go to - you can tell them you noticed her nails were pretty long and might need to be trimmed and see if they're okay with her getting cleaned up a little. That way you're not infringing on their rights and making it seem like you are just offering to take their dog along too since your dog is going.

With the teeth - it would be nice for you to offer them a bottle of Petslife if you have a bottle to spare. You can tell them you know she's older and noticed her teeth and tell them about the product and how it's worked for you. Let them know that healthy teeth really help a dog's quality of life and help them to live longer (just like people).

Just be really nice and tactful in the way you say things.

[bornnygurl]

I totally agree. How would you know unless you asked. I hope things work out and just wanted to offer my support.

[red98vett]

I think it's really nice of you to be so concerned and your observations can only help when her people come back....the nails do need a trim though and you should try to talk to them about that - letting them get that long has to be very uncomfortable for her -and that could be another reason she isn't very active - they can dig into their little pads

[nvnvgirl]

Originally Posted by La Princesa

I think if you did get her groomed It would be easier to say, hey you need to keep this area shaved for sanitary purposes. Doing that would kind of clear the air and make speaking about changes a positive thing, not a negative. WHo knows maybe she will continue to keep in touch and come to you for more advice?

I think maybe the owners just don't really know what all the dog really requires in the way of nutrition and exercise. I really thought that Max being so small when I first got him, he wouldn't need to be walked or exercised other than running around the back yard and house. But I can see the difference in his weight just after being consistent with walking him for a couple of weeks now. (I did used to walk him when the weather was cooler and we didnt' have to be out by 5:30 am or could walk in the evening). And if they don't walk their dog, then it's no wonder she's not used to being on a leash. Max hated it when I first had him on the leash, and I felt really bad (altho he was a puppy). I think if you're just nice and considerate of their dignity and feelings, the people probably would want some help with the right information. They dont' have to go overboard, but I believe there's a lot of people out there with pets who love them, but just are unaware of a lot of things that are needed and available now. I mean, when I was little, didnt' everyone just get a dog and feed it and water it and play with it? I dont' remember anything about cleaning their teeth or taking them to the vet other than for their shots and if anything happened to them. There's probably a lot of people out there who are still in that time warp . Just don't be judgmental; pretend that you were doing it for your dog, so you thought it would be a "surprise" for them, and that you "noticed" while having whatever done, about the teeth thing. I'm sure there's people who have no idea that dogs teeth fall out due to not being cared for and not just old age! I think it was really thoughtful of you to take the dog in, and they must at least care enough that they found someone to take care of it instead of just leaving it home alone with a huge bowl of food and a big water jug or something

[chloeandj]

It doesn't sound like neglect to me. It must be very scary for her to be in your home completely unaware of what is going on and who you are. I am guilty of letting my dogs nails get a little too long or go a little long between haircuts. I have an 8 year old yorkie and he had a dental in october, his teeth were totally white after having that done however just a year later they look terrible again, EVEN with brushing consistently and using the petzlife, I think he just has abnormal bacteria growth or something, i don't know. So things like that do happen unintentionally. Just my thoughts on it.

[yorkiesmiles]

Originally Posted by chloeandj

I have an 8 year old yorkie and he had a dental in october, his teeth were totally white after having that done however just a year later they look terrible again, EVEN with brushing consistently and using the petzlife, I think he just has abnormal bacteria growth or something, i don't know. So things like that do happen unintentionally. Just my thoughts on it.

The tooth thing is so hard to predict. I care for my 2 yorkies the same, although Roxie is more into chewing & my vet said this can make a difference because gnawing on a good toy can help to clean their teeth. But heredity here can make a difference too according to my vet. At age 5, Roxie's teeth are fine, but Bubba needs to go in for a cleaning. Saving my $$

[Magneticgal]

Originally Posted by Yorkiedaze

She's not been socialized at all, and probably never gets to go anywhere at all, especially on walks which would help keep the nails shorter. Yes, snacks will certainly cause a dog to gain weight, and quickly too.
My guess is that the owner just doesn't have the proper "know-how" to take care of the dog, and it would be nice if you could show her these problem areas and offer to help out.

I disagree with the "socialization" part. Just because she acts that way does not mean the owner has not had her out at all. My Lexie is a very fearlful dog, and I believe with my whole heart that it is a genetic thing- NOT her upbringing. We have been working with a trainer to help her overcome her issues. We have come a very long way, but still have a ways to go. Please be careful not to be so quick to pass judgement. Dogs are like children- some of them are easy and some of them are not. It is hard to understand if you are one of the lucky ones who got an "easy child/dog". Sometimes you can do everything right and still have issues. (sigh!)
The grooming part is the part that I would be most concerned about and whether or not the dog is healthy. I do applaud you for being concerned!!! I hope you can help "guide" the owners along. A positive non-judgemental approach will hopefully do the trick!

[sassypup]

Thanks everyone...I think I will call and get permission to trim nails and 'spa' day for this little girl and then proudly show them and give them our groomer's name. In fact, Zoe does have an appointment in a few days with the groomer so I'm not making anything up After all your informative posts, I have to conclude that it's just lack of information.

And yes, I will ask about the rabies vaccination before I take her on 'spa' day. I sure do have an extra bottle of Petzlife (I sell them so I wouldn't mind donating). Hopefully in the next few days she will be less scared of her new environment (she's with us for 8 more days). We're trying very hard to make her feel 'at home'. Even lil' Zoe is doing her part by sharing her toys and trying to play with her and I'm quite proud of her for sharing 'her house' with this girl. (although I think Zoe has gotten to the point that she prefers to stay away from her because of her lunges and nips, don't worry, she still plays with our neighbors dogs)

I agree, the way the topic is brought up will have to be very sensitive and won't be done in a way that will upset them. We will use tact in this situation.

[red98vett]

Originally Posted by sassypup

Thanks everyone...I think I will call and get permission to trim nails and 'spa' day for this little girl and then proudly show them and give them our groomer's name. In fact, Zoe does have an appointment in a few days with the groomer so I'm not making anything up After all your informative posts, I have to conclude that it's just lack of information.

And yes, I will ask about the rabies vaccination before I take her on 'spa' day. I sure do have an extra bottle of Petzlife (I sell them so I wouldn't mind donating). Hopefully in the next few days she will be less scared of her new environment (she's with us for 8 more days). We're trying very hard to make her feel 'at home'. Even lil' Zoe is doing her part by sharing her toys and trying to play with her and I'm quite proud of her for sharing 'her house' with this girl. (although I think Zoe has gotten to the point that she prefers to stay away from her because of her lunges and nips, don't worry, she still plays with our neighbors dogs)

I agree, the way the topic is brought up will have to be very sensitive and won't be done in a way that will upset them. We will use tact in this situation.

Awwwwww !! Go Zoe - that's a big deal to share toys ! and I'd love to hear how the next 8 days go - can you keep us posted ???

[sassypup]

Originally Posted by red98vett

Awwwwww !! Go Zoe - that's a big deal to share toys ! and I'd love to hear how the next 8 days go - can you keep us posted ???

Yes, our good little girl.

Yes, I will keep you all posted.

[Yorkiesforever]

Zoe what a sweet girl you are....Keep us posted on the next days and good luck.

[mizzwanned]

This one's tough. I always thought that all dogs should be social and friendly if raised right but by what other people have said im sure im wrong. It could just be their personality. It was always what i assumed because Teddy and London love all dogs and people and don't care at all if people touch them, pick them up, etc. Unless the dog is a recue i don't understand why they would have behavior problems. Sophia, I recently got and she is very very friendly also but it took her time to warm up to Teddy and London. I did have a dog called Charlie, a cavalier that we got when he was a yr old. I don't think his previous owners were the best to him cause he would always act scared of people, and we never ever hit him. He also wasn't very social and as he got older he didn't like to walk outside much, his back legs were giving up on him so that could be the problem with her, maybe her leg's hurt? If I were you, I wouldn't have her hair cut at all cause that could just make her owners mad, but i would cut her nails and bath her, and maybe trim the hair near her privates. I don't think you would be doing harm with that.

[icy]

Ok, here's my input: I have two Yorkies and they couldn't be more different than night and day. Brownie, who's my princess, will not walk on a leash, she hates walking and is carried everywhere because I guess I just spoiled her too much when she was a puppy. She doesn't like other dogs and will try to run away or hide from then, I swear she thinks she's human. We never had a problem with her weight and maybe she was a bit underweight before she got spayed and after that, she blew up like a balloon. She doesn't run around and play with toys, she loves to sit and watch TV, much like a stuffed Yorkie, you put her somewhere and she will stay till you come and pick her up again, that's why I'm allowed to take her to work with me everyday. Brownie also has a collapsed trachea and will snort and snort when she walks too far in this hot weather.

Pepper on the other hand, loves to play with toys, other dogs, people, you name it, it moves, it's his plaything. He's a good size now, but I bet that if he gets neutered, he'll gain weight as well. He loves walks and looks forward to going out everyday.

At 8 years old, this Yorkie you are sitting may have the same personality as my Bronwie, as well as some aliments due to her age, like arthritis or luxating patella (sp?). It's really hard to tell what they're like at such a short time that you've known him. As for the grooming, everyone has a different point of view of how clean their furkids are. Maybe call and ask if you can help them before the owners get back. Hope this helps you understand a little bit of unsocial Yorkies ~ like my Brownie. Oh......but I forgot to say, she loves people though, because she thinks she's one of us, lol.