New Mommy Frustrated....

[Cheri]

I have had my baby, Maggie, for 2 weeks. She is 10 weeks old. I have had many dogs (larger breed dogs) in my 49 years but never can I remember feeling so much frustration with a new puppy. But, in the past when I got puppies I did not have to work and was home with them. You may all think I am a terrible mommy but I have thoughts that maybe I made a huge mistake for several reasons. I work all day and when I get home some days I am very tired. I go home to poop all over the laundry room floor (no, it is not diarrhea, she just poops a lot), and now the kitchen floor because I felt the laundry room was too confining and made her a larger area. When I ran home at lunch today she had already pooped several times on the kitchen floor (not the laundry room where the newspaper is). She has been on antibiotic for several days for Coccadia and seems to be feeling better. I feel so guilty leaving her for hours during the day and wonder if she needs to be in a home with someone who can spend more time with her. I got her from a girl at work 2 weeks ago because her little boy did not seem to understand he should be gentle with her. I am divorced and thought it would be great to have a baby to keep me company at night and weekends. I guess I just need someone to tell me if this breed needs to be with their owner for longer periods than my schedule allows me. I don't feel like I will ever accomplish potty training her. I work with her when at home but just doesn't seem to get it. I know she is very young. Are my expectations too high for this age? I feel like I am having post partum depression or something.

[Superstarkba]

Just take a deep breath! Potty training does not come in a few weeks. It took me 3 months to potty train Aubrey. She just might not be use to no-one being there with her a lot. I would just put some puppy pads down (if thats the way that you are training her) and put some toys and water in the room with her. I would feed her in the morning before you go, and then take her out, then when I get home, I would take her out and then feed her then take her back out. Its frustrating at first, but you will overcome that part and you will love her. Check out the training forum, theres a lot of good info in there about potty training, and being at home by yourself. Welcome to YT!!

[Ellie May]

Welcome to YT! Could I ask how many hours a day are you gone? If you are only gone for 4 or 5 hours and then come home and see her and go away for another 4 hours I think that is okay. It is very difficult to potty train though. Ellie is 6 and still likes to go in the house.

[Cheri]

Thank you so much for your encouragement Kelsey! I know I should be ashamed for even considering giving her away. When I look at that sweet little face of hers I feel even more guilt for even having that thought. By the way, I forgot to say that she does have a little kitten to play with, it's a stray that came up the same day I brought Maggie home. They are about the same size and do play well together but I can't leave Maggie out to roam all day as the cat because, of course, the cat goes in the litter box always. When I went home at lunch today the kitty had crawled over the gate in the kitchen and they were together, both playing happily on the kitchen floor with all the puppy poop.

[patty58]

Welcome to YT. I know you are frustrated but in the end it is all worth it. They are very loving and love to cuddle. Patty and Murfee

[jujubee008]

I know how you feel, but they are so worth it!!! You will be so happy if you keep her. They are the best dogs ever! I have grown up with several big doggies (3 boxers and a lab). They are easy dogs to potty train. Small puppies are really hard... but its not impossible. Dont let her out of your sight when you are home. Keep her in one area of the house (like the living room) and just watch her. I work full time, and go to school full time. I dont have alot of time, but we have made it work. Just be patient and give it time. Things do get better!! And thats what us YTers are here for!!!!!!

[Cheri]

HI Crystal! I leave around 7:40 in the morning and get home around 5:15. I try to go home at noon every day for a few minutes. I was thinking this morning that there will be times after school starts that I will be gone often at night for a few hours when my son (who will be a senior this year) will be playing basketball.

[Cheri]

awwww...you are all so sweet! Thank you for all your encouragement! Obviously, I am not busy at work today.......sitting here reading your replies.

[Superstarkba]

Originally Posted by Cheri

Thank you so much for your encouragement Kelsey! I know I should be ashamed for even considering giving her away. When I look at that sweet little face of hers I feel even more guilt for even having that thought. By the way, I forgot to say that she does have a little kitten to play with, it's a stray that came up the same day I brought Maggie home. They are about the same size and do play well together but I can't leave Maggie out to roam all day as the cat because, of course, the cat goes in the litter box always. When I went home at lunch today the kitty had crawled over the gate in the kitchen and they were together, both playing happily on the kitchen floor with all the puppy poop.

Thats good that she has a little friend!! Give it time and you will have her to be a !!

[jp4m2]

What kind of food are you feeding??...I know a better quality food reduces the amount of poo's they have....

[Cheri]

Hi BJ! I am feeding her Natural Choice. It was recommended by my son and his wife. hmmmm.....thought it was a good quality food but wonder if the food is making her poop so much. The vet didn't say anything about the Albon, the antiobiotic she is taking for the Coccadia, upsetting her tummy. It is not really loose, maybe a little soft, but I can't get over how often she is pooping!

[Anna Banana]

Everything will be fine! Just calm down, and don't stress out!

Potty training will be difficult, some yorkies take months to be pottytrained. Remember she's still a baby, and it takes time and patience. I'd reccomend using potty pads instead of newspaper, because they have a scent that makes them want to go there.

You sound like you're going to be a great yorkie mommy. Welcome!

[Clioc]

Dont panic. We had 5 puppies when our girl had her litter. And they made a lot of poop during the day. We got them teddies and left the radio on and kinda stayed to one area of the utility room then. My little angels still mark inside the house when we have left them in kennels for a bit!! You will be fine!!!

[celstu1]

Cheri,
congrads on the new puppy! I think you are just in an adjustement phase! My boys are 2 and still have accidents in the house practically everyday! Its VERY frustrating. I have switched their food to Nutromax, it supposedly cuts down on the # of poops they take a day by having a balanced mix of stuff that they use, vs a lot junk that cheaper foods have. (I am not an expert so forgive me if Im wrong, I just read that in my research for a decent food) Try feeding her a good food.

Also, I am single and work from 8 - 5 everyday. I leave home at 730am and get home from work at 6pm. My boys are home alone all day and I work too far away to even go home on lunch. They are fine, they have each other, their toys, I leave a radio on for them. They sleep most of the day Im sure. Please don't feel guilty. Just make sure you give her time at night, take her for a walk, play with her, snuggle with her in bed! She'll be fine, especially with a kitty to play with too!

You are not a bad mommy! We all get a bit frustrated with the puppy stages! My boys must have eaten EVERYTHING in sight! at least 20 pairs of shoes, holes in my kitchen wall, the bottom of my cabinets, their bed (multiple beds) and much more... they were little terrors and It took ALL my patience and then some to make it through!

[jp4m2]

Originally Posted by Cheri

Hi BJ! I am feeding her Natural Choice. It was recommended by my son and his wife. hmmmm.....thought it was a good quality food but wonder if the food is making her poop so much. The vet didn't say anything about the Albon, the antiobiotic she is taking for the Coccadia, upsetting her tummy. It is not really loose, maybe a little soft, but I can't get over how often she is pooping!

yes, your doing good.. I don't think it's that then, unless it effects one pup differently than another, it was worth a shot... maybe someone can address that issue w/ brands for you...