Hi everyone (New Member)

[Rubyliscious]

Hello all! My name is Ruby, I'm from NYC. Always a dog lover never a dog owner, but I've finally decided to take the leap and purchase myself a Toy Yorkie from a friend of mine.
Im not really sure where to start with this... literally. I've never owned a dog before so I'm super excited but nervous at the same time cuz i dont want to make the mistake of learning through experience at the cost of my new baby. I haven't received him yet although he is already 2 1/2 months old, i will be picking him up the end of this month and i really want to make sure i take in as much info as possible, and have everything totally prepared for his arrival. I've named him Logan in honor of Wolverine since I'm such an x-men geek and i like to think of myself as Jean Grey who i totally resemble btw minus the red hair lol.
Anywhoo, i'd greatly appreciate any and all info that could be helpful. I know i'll have to take him to the vet shortly after receiving him, i have no idea what veterinary checkups and shots cost, how often they need to be administered and possibly reputable places to go in the NY area for dog care? Also i travel a lot and would like to take my baby with me wherever i go, is there a certain amount of time i should wait before exposing him to the outside world? Which airlines are pet friendly and allow your dog to travel in your lap as oppose to with cargo? Helpful tips or tricks for potty training as well as to ensure a non-barker? Best food to promote healthy growth? I understand that toy dogs are at higher risk for health problems but i dont even know what that means and how to best prevent my dog from encountering any issues. And possibly a checklist of items i should have for his arrival? should i have like a daily doggie sheet or something lol.
Remember you're talking to a true beginner, and i do love to learn so i will soak this stuff up quicker through conversation than i would by researching a bunch of sites which is why i came here. Thank u all in advance

[Wylie's Mom]

Hi and WELCOME to YT, so glad you found us! Can't wait to see pics of Logan.

This thread will answer almost all of your questions: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/pup...w-parents.html

And here is the Puppy Library for even more info: Puppy Care and Puppy Info Library - YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community

More potty training info as yorkies can be tough: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...info-pics.html

And: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...ebreaking.html

Your breeder should tell you when, exactly, the next set of vaccines is due - they will also provide you with Logan's current vaccine record. At your next vet/vaccine appt - talk to the vet about the ideal age for neutering and concurrent retained baby teeth removal (you do this at the same time).

As far as travel, they should be able to travel with you right away - in the cabin. Many airlines allow this for an extra fee (not cheap).

As far as safety, just remember at first how tiny they are and that they don't realize how tiny they are...they also don't really understand heights at first, so you need to be very careful. Also, some people will put a collar on them when they're at home with a bell on it - so you know where they are and don't step on them.

On the subject of collars, don't leave a young puppy alone w/ their collar on! Also, yorkie are prone to tracheal collapse, so NEVER use a collar attached to a leash. Rather, you must buy a harness for putting him on a leash.

Hope some of this helps. Welcome again!

[matese]

Hi Ruby, welcome to YT.... you said you are looking for reputable places to go in the NY area for dog care...... I see you are from the Bronx, I was born & raised in The Bronx. Now living in Pa. When I lived in The Bronx I lived in the Throggs Neck area, No GOOD vets in the Bronx, I had at that time 3 yorkies. I used a vet in Yonkers, name...COUNTY ANIMAL CLINIC ..
1574 Central Park Ave. (corner of Tuckahoe Road) Yonkers, NY 10710
Phone # 914-779-5000 open 5 days a week. For me it was under a 30 min. drive. You can PM me for more info. My name is Joan

[matese]

correction, County Animal Clinic open 7 days a week

[gracielove]

Welcome. You will find a lot of information here and a variety of methods.
IF you are looking for a vet I would recommend you find one that has real experience working with smaller dogs. If you find a vet that wants to use the same vaccination time frame as the larger dogs then run away. Small dogs usually can't tolerate the number of injections given at the same time that they do to large dogs.

I hope your breeder has some good advice for you. If they are good breeders your pup should come with a multitude of instructions especially since you are a first time dog owner.

Are you going to be home with the pup when you first get him?

A lot of people here use a puppy playpen to help train their dogs. Having one handy for those time that you can't watch the pup is really helpful. Puppy pads in a secure frame are really helpful for the first few months when your pup doesn't have much control over bladder and bowel habits.

I hope all goes well with your new baby.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Welcome to YT and loving a Yorkie! Read everything you can all the time and learn all you will need to know about responsibly owning a dog and how to keep your Yorkie healthy and safe. You've a lot to learn but you've been given great advice above. Our YorkieTalk Library and threads are a wealth of wisdom, advice, opinions and good information!

[My lil friend]

Welcome! Im very excited for you.

[Bellabean]

Welcome!

[sassyyorkies]

Welcome to yt! Great place to become prepared for an exciting future with your first little yorkie. I notice you are planning to go to doggy parks. Please use caution around larger breed dogs. Have heard and read of incidents involving little dogs and larger breeds sometimes the outcome can be heart breaking. Past years edition of Yorkie Magazine had a very eye opening article of such a story. Don't know if the larger breeds are seperate from smaller but sometimes the harness of one or the other may slip off. Please know I'm not trying be pessimistic. But I understand you are totally new at this journey with your precious little companion. All the best for you both as you grow and learn together.

[rubymoon2072]

welcome to yt and congrats on your pending bundle of loves arrival.

[Tphelps]

Welcome! You are in for some excitement! Yorkies are soooo much FUN! Can't wait to see your pictures!