Yorkie Owner To Be!

[roseylovestosho]

Hi everyone,
In the middle of December, I will be meeting a breeder I found on the YTCA website. I talked to her for about 30 minutes on the phone (and asked plenty of questions!) and she would like me to stop by her home and meet all of her babies (I live around 5 hours from her). I can't lie, I'm a bit nervous! I told her that I'm a college student (I'm currently enrolled in a phD program) and she's worried I wouldn't have enough time for a puppy/money etc (a very reasonable concern). Either way, do you guys have any suggestions of how to prepare myself to meet her (like I said, I'm nervous!) and I'd like to reassure her and convey that I will be a dedicated owner.
Thank you!

[gemy]

Originally Posted by roseylovestosho

Hi everyone,
In the middle of December, I will be meeting a breeder I found on the YTCA website. I talked to her for about 30 minutes on the phone (and asked plenty of questions!) and she would like me to stop by her home and meet all of her babies (I live around 5 hours from her). I can't lie, I'm a bit nervous! I told her that I'm a college student (I'm currently enrolled in a phD program) and she's worried I wouldn't have enough time for a puppy/money etc (a very reasonable concern). Either way, do you guys have any suggestions of how to prepare myself to meet her (like I said, I'm nervous!) and I'd like to reassure her and convey that I will be a dedicated owner.
Thank you!

Well this best preparation is honesty, and a great desire to do well by your pup, coupled with an honest self evaluation of how you will care for your pup on a day to day basis, and obviously have the basics of money set aside for regular vet, grooming and feeding, but also an idea should a health concern arise how would you deal with this?

These pups can live a healthy 15 years or so, so your breeder is looking to place a pup for all those years. \will you care and put first this pup over the long haul, through boyfriends of one nature or another, through all life changes that will come your way?

But also remember as this breeder is evaluating you , so should you be evaluating this breeder and her breeding program.

[RDB911]

Originally Posted by gemy

Well this best preparation is honesty, and a great desire to do well by your pup, coupled with an honest self evaluation of how you will care for your pup on a day to day basis, and obviously have the basics of money set aside for regular vet, grooming and feeding, but also an idea should a health concern arise how would you deal with this?

These pups can live a healthy 15 years or so, so your breeder is looking to place a pup for all those years. will you care and put first this pup over the long haul, through boyfriends of one nature or another, through all life changes that will come your way?

But also remember as this breeder is evaluating you , so should you be evaluating this breeder and her breeding program.

[roseylovestosho]

Thank you for your responses. On the comment about expenses, would anyone mind sharing with me a rough estimate of how much you spend a year on your baby on average? For example, it would be extremely helpful if anyone can provide an estimate on food, vet bills (excluding vet bills you might incur on some unforseen accident), toys, etc? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks again!

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by gemy

Well this best preparation is honesty, and a great desire to do well by your pup, coupled with an honest self evaluation of how you will care for your pup on a day to day basis, and obviously have the basics of money set aside for regular vet, grooming and feeding, but also an idea should a health concern arise how would you deal with this?

These pups can live a healthy 15 years or so, so your breeder is looking to place a pup for all those years. will you care and put first this pup over the long haul, through boyfriends of one nature or another, through all life changes that will come your way?

But also remember as this breeder is evaluating you , so should you be evaluating this breeder and her breeding program.

Well said, as usual.

Puppies need a schedule and require (in my opinion) nearly constant care to completely housebreak them. They require socialization, walks, quality food, good vet care, regular grooming, and tend to get very lonely when they have to spend too much time by themselves. They quite often suffer from separation anxiety. It is easier to housebreak them, if they have access to a fenced yard. Actually, I suppose it is a good thing I'm not a breeder, because I have always stated that I wouldn't want my puppies to go to a home where they didn't have access to a nice, safe fenced-in yard - their own space to run and play in without being attached to a leash. If a puppy has an accidental injury, would you be in the position to provide the cost of a surgeon to repair the injury? Those are just some of the little things to think about. As Gail said, though, I wouldn't be anything less than honest with the breeder. After all, that is what you expect of her.

[roseylovestosho]

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

Well said, as usual.

Puppies need a schedule and require (in my opinion) nearly constant care to completely housebreak them. They require socialization, walks, quality food, good vet care, regular grooming, and tend to get very lonely when they have to spend too much time by themselves. They quite often suffer from separation anxiety. It is easier to housebreak them, if they have access to a fenced yard. Actually, I suppose it is a good thing I'm not a breeder, because I have always stated that I wouldn't want my puppies to go to a home where they didn't have access to a nice, safe fenced-in yard - their own space to run and play in without being attached to a leash. If a puppy has an accidental injury, would you be in the position to provide the cost of a surgeon to repair the injury? Those are just some of the little things to think about. As Gail said, though, I wouldn't be anything less than honest with the breeder. After all, that is what you expect of her.

Karen, I do not have a fenced backyard unfortunately. I've looked at descriptions of several rescue dogs, and it seems as if while a lot of yorkies tend to be very active and like to run a lot, there are at least a few that can do without one. I have communicated with my breeder that I do not have a yard and so I think that if she were to give me one of her little ones, I think it'll be because she finds that maybe they will be OK living in an apartment setting. At least I hope....if not, then I will have to make a lot of trips to the dog park!

[gemy]

Originally Posted by roseylovestosho

Thank you for your responses. On the comment about expenses, would anyone mind sharing with me a rough estimate of how much you spend a year on your baby on average? For example, it would be extremely helpful if anyone can provide an estimate on food, vet bills (excluding vet bills you might incur on some unforseen accident), toys, etc? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks again!

There is a good sticky here, called the Cost of owing a dog. The first year is always the most expensive, because it usually includes the cost of a spay, and their third set of shots, and of course, the beds, crate, and xpens, toys, and leashes you get for your pup.

I shudder to share with you what I spend on my boy. Because he is totally spoilt and to boot a show boy. Plus I do raw feed my boy, and spend lots on supplements etc. How-ever I groom myself which is a cost savings
But then again I have every shampoo and conditioner under the sun too
Then I train him, do agility and obedience, so it all sort of blurs out.

Look at that sticky. But do add in the cost of a warm coat for your pup in the wintertime, (if you live in a cold climate). Not so pricey maybe $20 or so.

Wheither you send your pup to the groomer or not, you still will need to do some grooming yourself ... so brush n comb at the minimum, and if you want to do grooming yourself, blunt nose scissors, clipper, straight scissor, and a dematter.

[roseylovestosho]

Originally Posted by gemy

There is a good sticky here, called the Cost of owing a dog. The first year is always the most expensive, because it usually includes the cost of a spay, and their third set of shots, and of course, the beds, crate, and xpens, toys, and leashes you get for your pup.

I shudder to share with you what I spend on my boy. Because he is totally spoilt and to boot a show boy. Plus I do raw feed my boy, and spend lots on supplements etc. How-ever I groom myself which is a cost savings
But then again I have every shampoo and conditioner under the sun too
Then I train him, do agility and obedience, so it all sort of blurs out.

Look at that sticky. But do add in the cost of a warm coat for your pup in the wintertime, (if you live in a cold climate). Not so pricey maybe $20 or so.

Wheither you send your pup to the groomer or not, you still will need to do some grooming yourself ... so brush n comb at the minimum, and if you want to do grooming yourself, blunt nose scissors, clipper, straight scissor, and a dematter.

Thank you Gail, I didn't even know there was a sticky on that! I guess I've spent too much time looking at the "new posts" section on this website!

[roseylovestosho]

Originally Posted by gemy

There is a good sticky here, called the Cost of owing a dog. The first year is always the most expensive, because it usually includes the cost of a spay, and their third set of shots, and of course, the beds, crate, and xpens, toys, and leashes you get for your pup.

I shudder to share with you what I spend on my boy. Because he is totally spoilt and to boot a show boy. Plus I do raw feed my boy, and spend lots on supplements etc. How-ever I groom myself which is a cost savings
But then again I have every shampoo and conditioner under the sun too
Then I train him, do agility and obedience, so it all sort of blurs out.

Look at that sticky. But do add in the cost of a warm coat for your pup in the wintertime, (if you live in a cold climate). Not so pricey maybe $20 or so.

Wheither you send your pup to the groomer or not, you still will need to do some grooming yourself ... so brush n comb at the minimum, and if you want to do grooming yourself, blunt nose scissors, clipper, straight scissor, and a dematter.

I left a comment earlier, but for some reason it did not post? Either way, I wanted to say thank you for informing me about the thread, I've been too busy just looking through the new posts section!

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by roseylovestosho

Thank you for your responses. On the comment about expenses, would anyone mind sharing with me a rough estimate of how much you spend a year on your baby on average? For example, it would be extremely helpful if anyone can provide an estimate on food, vet bills (excluding vet bills you might incur on some unforseen accident), toys, etc? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks again!

Actually, it wold be better for you to know the cost of an emergency. It's better to overestimate than under when it comes to the care of a living breathing creature. You never know when "fluffy" might swallow a toy and need surgery; might decide to jump off something high because he thinks he's bigger than he actually is and he seriously hurts himself, or when they might catch something, like a UTI, and need antibiotics, vet visits, and follow up visits. I'm not trying to scare you, I just want you to see the big picture. Carecredit is fabulous by the way. A real life saver for us pet owners with shallow pockets.

[deonk1]

Originally Posted by DvlshAngel985

Actually, it wold be better for you to know the cost of an emergency. It's better to overestimate than under when it comes to the care of a living breathing creature. You never know when "fluffy" might swallow a toy and need surgery; might decide to jump off something high because he thinks he's bigger than he actually is and he seriously hurts himself, or when they might catch something, like a UTI, and need antibiotics, vet visits, and follow up visits. I'm not trying to scare you, I just want you to see the big picture. Carecredit is fabulous by the way. A real life saver for us pet owners with shallow pockets.

Hi and congrats on the new baby you'll eventually have! I'm a student, and it was tough... Harley is a year now so he's ok with me being in class, but last year we rotated schedules between my bf and me. Try and take some time off when your baby comes home, a few weeks to get things settled.. Also INSURANCE is wonderful! I just had to make my first claim and I'm super happy I didn't have to pay out of my pocket. If you factor an extra $30-40 a month you'll be covered for any major injuries or illnesses

[felicity1008]

Yippie! a baby to come! be yourself!

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by roseylovestosho

Karen, I do not have a fenced backyard unfortunately. I've looked at descriptions of several rescue dogs, and it seems as if while a lot of yorkies tend to be very active and like to run a lot, there are at least a few that can do without one. I have communicated with my breeder that I do not have a yard and so I think that if she were to give me one of her little ones, I think it'll be because she finds that maybe they will be OK living in an apartment setting. At least I hope....if not, then I will have to make a lot of trips to the dog park!

It is something you can do. However, I have never seen a docile yorkie that was a purebreed. In my experience, if they were docile, they were either bored or sick. I just think you need to be prepared because it will be much harder for you to go out in all kinds of weather - thunderstorms, lightning, high winds. I have dual-trained all of mine. All of mine, over the years, were trained to go on piddle pads in an attached garage in bad weather, but much prefer to go outside. Not trying to discourage you at all. In fact, I am convinced you would be a wonderful yorkie mom. Please just be aware that it can be difficult without that yard and in bad weather. I don't know how people do it, honestly, but I know it can be done and many people do live in apartments.

[LordRanger]

ur not with a yorkie yet so i forgive you but you dont own yorkies. we own you.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by roseylovestosho

Karen, I do not have a fenced backyard unfortunately. I've looked at descriptions of several rescue dogs, and it seems as if while a lot of yorkies tend to be very active and like to run a lot, there are at least a few that can do without one. I have communicated with my breeder that I do not have a yard and so I think that if she were to give me one of her little ones, I think it'll be because she finds that maybe they will be OK living in an apartment setting. At least I hope....if not, then I will have to make a lot of trips to the dog park!

There is a whole lot of reading material here. ONe woman made all her own agility equipment and set up an agility set indoors for her pup

You might want to dual train your pup. Initially peepads in the apartment, and then outdoor potty.

Most important is safeguard your pup from jumping off the furniture. It is hard at times I know. We recently revamped our garden room, got two new chairs, our Razz man who is 2yrs old is quite the climber, well I went to the washroom one morning came back to see him up ontop of a tall crystal cabinet the scamp had leapt onto my chair seat, then to the chair back, and up to the cabinet. That cabinet is 4 1/2 feet off the ground. My heart was in my mouth. Why you might ask did he go up there? Well I had put his toy up there when we had finished playing. Umph. We have removed the toys and changed the cabinet location!

Yorkies can get exercise in the apartment, but oh you do so want to give the gift of fresh air regularly, socialization, let them feel the grass under their feet, dig in the sand, run and scamp around all over the outside safe places. Meet lots of ppl, and other dogs too.