Newbie Question

[southernbelle04]

Hey guys! As you know our Yorkie will be coming home very soon and I have ran upon yet another question. LOL.

I went to PetCo and PetSmart yesterday and bought all of our essentials. I had a collar, leash, and harness on the list but once I got to the store and saw everything and on the different sizes, I sort of froze up. I just wasn't sure what size and which one would fit and would be more comfortable for her. So I left those things off until I can be sure. We should be picking her up next week. She will be 12 weeks on Oct. 10.

So I told my husband that maybe once we got her home I could measure her and then go back and purchase those things. But first of all, I'm confused on the measurements. Where and how do I measure?

Or I could just take her to the pet store with me and fit her there. My only concern with that is she won't be finished with her puppy shots until 16 weeks right? Is it safe to take her places or do I need to wait? What did you do with your babies? If I can take her, do I need to hold her or keep her in a carrier, make the trip a quick one, and not let her interact with other dogs just in case? Or am I being too overprotective? I just do not know and don't want to mess up. Being a new Yorkie owner, I'm still learning these things. I mean, I know we'll be taking her to the vet right after we get her for her to get checked out and set up her last shots. And she'll be exposed to things there, so is it ok to take her to the pet store?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much for your help!!!!

[Britster]

I think the general consensus is to avoid places like pet stores and dog parks until all shots are completed. Some even leave their dogs inside until then but I do not... Jackson was outside, in our yard, when I brought him home at 9 weeks, as were every other dog I know in my life. So it's what you are willing to risk, but yeah, pet stores/dog parks would be out for me that early on.

Do you know how much she currently weighs? Some tiny Yorkies actually have to wear a ferret or cat harness to start because they are so small. But usually they have xxsmall and xsmall dog stuff.

For harnesses, most measure around the girth, behind the front legs. Collar is simple, you just put it around her neck.

[RileyDC]

I took Riley to Petsmart the first day I got him.... at 10-weeks old, and he was Fine! I did carry him the whole time.....

[AmyD102]

We took both Kiwi and Lola to the petstore the day after we got them, we gave them the first day/night to get used to us and not be too overwhelmed, but then took them the following day so we could actually try on the collars and harnesses and see what worked for them. We did hold them the whole time tho too!

[Rachael1983]

Troy went with us to the Pet supply store the first day we got it. I carried him the whole time.

[MamaZiggy]

i agree, i think as long as she's held the whole time, she will be fine. i also had a problem with sizes! it sucks

[southernbelle04]

Thanks guys for all of your input! I really appreciate it!

[chestermama]

anyplace there is dogs I carried chester, alot of germs on those floors especially if the petsmart has a banfield in it

[maci_mace]

haha maci pee'd in petsmart today... right when we walked in. then i was like "ew. other dogs have pee'd on this floor too" so i picked her up and carried her all over. i only let her down to try on harnesses and see what toys she preferred. she is completely vaccinated, but still... gerrrrms.

[Jacksmom052709]

I took Jack to Petco a couple of days after I had him home at 10 weeks (this was before I found this site and educated myself about puppies staying with their moms until 12 weeks) but I did carry him and when I was fitting him for the harness, I held him in my lap. Congrats on your new baby!

[snoopymom]

You could get a couple different sizes and try them on at home. Don't cut off the tags, keep your receipt, and check the return policy.

[TraciG]

Since I have never owned a pet before, I had do idea what I needed for Brutus or what size. I actually bought a stake and leash to hook to it before I had the pup home. The leash is for a 30lb dog and weighs weigh more than my baby. lol Live and learn, plus now that I have him - I would never even consider leaving him out side by himself for multiple reasons. I have about 4 different sizes of harness, one is actually for a cat that fit him at 2.5 lbs, but is to small at 4.2 lbs. I have some spares and he has room to grow. Congrats on your new baby.

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by snoopymom

You could get a couple different sizes and try them on at home. Don't cut off the tags, keep your receipt, and check the return policy.

I did that!! Trouble is, it wasn't til I got them home, I realised they'd put the heavy plastic hook bits that the tags were attached to, right through where you needed to open them to try them on aaargh!! Sally + Harry x

[southernbelle04]

Thanks y'all!

[deonk1]

Originally Posted by snoopymom

You could get a couple different sizes and try them on at home. Don't cut off the tags, keep your receipt, and check the return policy.

I was going to say the same thing... either that or ask the breeder... they could tell you what size the pup is... Harley came with his first harness but it was too big, so i bought the next size down and kept the one he came with for when he got bigger.

Also I tend to like the step in ones, they are SUPER adjustable. At least then you have less chance of messing up sizing...

Good luck with your pup. can't wait to see pics