New mom needs advice... - YorkieTalk.com Forums

tamarac68 · 07-25-2007, 10:48 AM

Hello all!

I am a brand new yorkie mom...so new that I still have about a 3-4weeks before she can leave her brothers & sisters

. I am so excited for Lola to come home and have been trying to do my research but am starting to get a little (or alot) stressed! She will be my first baby and like any new mom I need help.

I have gotten books and read them but feel like they aren't giving me enough so here are the questions I have:

1. I am sure the breeder will tell me what I need to know but just in case, what should I ask? What should I be bringing home? Will she tell me what kind of food I should be feeding her and how often? Dry food or wet?

1. What happens when I bring her home? I am planning on working from home the first week so I can spend lots of time getting her adjusted and comfortable and try to get on a routine but I am so confused. Do I confine her to a small area of the house? Baby gates? Crate?

2. Potty training: I am worried about using a pee pad in the beginning b/c I don't want to use them forever...should I start by just taking her out every hour? Or should I start with a combo....then as she understands the pee pad move it outside until she gets it? Will that confuse her?

3. Vet: I am planning on taking her within two days of getting her but what should I be asking? I have heard mixed reviews about what shots small yorkies should be receiving? Should I just trust that the vet knows? How often will I be visiting the vet in the first year?

4. Sleeping: As much as I will want Lola to sleep with me...I think sleeping in her own bed will work better. Do I start this right away? Do I need a bed that has a door so she doesn't roam around? Do they roam around at night? How often should I be taking her out throughout the night? Will she pee in her bed?

5. If I need to leave, is it okay to leave her for a couple hours? Is that too long in the beginning? I am worried if I bring her everywhere then she will get used to it and then when it's very hot and I cannot leave her in the car, she will have separation anxiety if I have to leave her at home? At what age is it okay to leave for a couple hours? Should I crate her? Or are baby gates better? I have heard people leave them in the bathroom but I think I would worry?

6. When can she start going for walks? How soon for a collar, leash?

7. What about grooming....should I start brushing her from day one? How about baths? At what age do they go to the groomer?

As you can tell...I have turned into one of those new moms who worry about everything. I am hoping that once I have her, it will come natural but I think in order to sleep well at night until I had to post this and hopefully get some advice. I would so appreciate any you could give me...even if it is a CALM DOWN

. Again, sorry for such a lengthy post but can tell from just browsing the site that everyone on here loves yorkies and is a treasure trove of knowledge!

Thanks everyone!

Judy in Waco · 07-25-2007, 10:59 AM

LOL...you sound just like I did. First...congratulations! How exciting for you!!!

Then, take some time to search this site using key words from your questions. Most of them can be answered on previous threads. For example...search "vet". There was a recent thread about how to choose a good vet that was very informative.

Different people have different opinions about many of your questions, and it's interesting to read a variety of responses. There is rarely one "right" answer. Just the answer that is right for you and your yorkie!

I think it was very smart of you to arrange to work from home for that first week.

I am also VERY proud of you for doing all of this research. My prior research made all of the difference for Gizmo, for me and for the rest of the family. There are so many things to learn about these little guys. I am still learning, and I hope I am always interested in learning about yorkies.

Most of all, have fun! Welcome to YorkieTalk.

Judy in Waco · 07-25-2007, 11:03 AM

Also, please tell us...boy or girl? How old will he/she be when you bring him/her home? How did you find the breeder? Do you have any pics?

See...we have questions too!

Judy in Waco · 07-25-2007, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judy in Waco

Also, please tell us...boy or girl? How old will he/she be when you bring him/her home? How did you find the breeder? Do you have any pics?

See...we have questions too!

My bad...Lola...girl! Duh.

Cute name.

tamarac68 · 07-25-2007, 11:10 AM

She is a baby girl and is 5 weeks old. My breeder said that she could be ready at 8 weeks but I have a out of town guest (with younger children) that week so I think it would be best to do it the following weekend...9 weeks if she is ready. Is that too soon? I don't mind waiting but am worried that the breeder will not start training her soon enough.

I found the breeder through another breeder who is farther away. It wasn't a personal referral from someone I knew but I visited her a number of times before I actually decided and it seemed right. But of course now, I wonder if I should have done more research...ARGH.

But her pups all looked healthy and seemed to love her and were very friendly. She only breeds yorkies and has been doing it for about 30 years so I am hoping I made the right choice!

Thanks for the encouragement!!

jujubee008 · 07-25-2007, 11:13 AM

Well lets see how much help I can be....
1. I am sure the breeder will tell me what I need to know but just in case, what should I ask? What should I be bringing home? Will she tell me what kind of food I should be feeding her and how often? Dry food or wet?

Answer: You need to ask her what type of food she has been eating and ask her if she could give you about a weeks worth of food so you dont have to buy a huge bag when you want to switch her food. Being 10 weeks she should be eating dry food. Ask the breeder what she was been doing with her and do the same thing for about a week then mix the food you want her on and the food she has been on then switch it entirely!

1. What happens when I bring her home? I am planning on working from home the first week so I can spend lots of time getting her adjusted and comfortable and try to get on a routine but I am so confused. Do I confine her to a small area of the house? Baby gates? Crate?

Answer: Dont allow her to have free roam of the house, but you dont have to keep her locked up all day. Keep her in the room you are planning on working in and watch her so she doesn't have an accident. I use baby gates and lock our puppies in the kitchen when we are gone. THEY WORK GREAT!! And crate them at night.

2. Potty training: I am worried about using a pee pad in the beginning b/c I don't want to use them forever...should I start by just taking her out every hour? Or should I start with a combo....then as she understands the pee pad move it outside until she gets it? Will that confuse her?

Answer: We use pee pads and they have worked wonderfuly, but we live in an apartment. We are buying a house in Sep and will be using "Potty Outside" so I will let you know how well that works...I would take her out every two hours and keep a puppy pad inside. Just watch her and when she starts sniffing take her out. Start with that and if she doesnt get that and starts peeing in the house.. run to her the puppy pad.

3. Vet: I am planning on taking her within two days of getting her but what should I be asking? I have heard mixed reviews about what shots small yorkies should be receiving? Should I just trust that the vet knows? How often will I be visiting the vet in the first year?

Answer: TAKE HER ASAP!! That is so important! You seem really on top of that. Trust the vet on shots. They didnt go to 7 years of schooling for nothin. We also gave our puppies an additional shot (can't remember the name) but it prevents any parasites from hurting them if they drink spring water. If you live in an area with alot of ticks I know there is another vac that is recommended as well. Just ask your vet. He will know. We have gone 4 times so far and we be going for the last time this year to get her fixed. First was a check up. Second, Third and Forth were theirs shots and last visit is to get spay/neutered.

4. Sleeping: As much as I will want Lola to sleep with me...I think sleeping in her own bed will work better. Do I start this right away? Do I need a bed that has a door so she doesn't roam around? Do they roam around at night? How often should I be taking her out throughout the night? Will she pee in her bed?

Answer: I had them both sleep with me the first night ONLY! I know if yorkies get stressed they can go into hyperglycemia so watch for that (look at gums and if they are any color other than pink... let a vet know). Then the second night put her in a crate with a little blanket (or crate bed...get at petsmart) and take her out every two hours. She wont pee in her bed if you take her out. Puppies have a hard time holding their bladder but if you are on top of it she should be good. They dont roam at night unless you let them.. keep her in her crate take her out to go potty and thats it. Dont play tell her "Bedtime' and put her back in bed.

5. If I need to leave, is it okay to leave her for a couple hours? Is that too long in the beginning? I am worried if I bring her everywhere then she will get used to it and then when it's very hot and I cannot leave her in the car, she will have separation anxiety if I have to leave her at home? At what age is it okay to leave for a couple hours? Should I crate her? Or are baby gates better? I have heard people leave them in the bathroom but I think I would worry?

Answer: Everyone has their own option on what to do with your puppy when you are gone. We put them in the kitchen and lock them in with a baby gate. I know that alot of people use dog playpens. That is a good idea too. I would not put her in the bathroom... to much stuff to get into. Just puppy proof where you put her. They can get into cabnets so be aware of that and keep cleaning stuff put up high (Just like a baby)! She is old enough to leave home alone. She will be just fine I promise! They also find everything and anything on the floor swipe your kitchen/dog area everyday so they dont eat plastic, paper etc and get sick or choke.

6. When can she start going for walks? How soon for a collar, leash?

Answer: You can start going on walks 48 hrs AFTER she has had her second set of shots. I would still be safe and wait til she has had all her shots. You dont want her to get sick. Use a harness not a collar they are safer and when you start taking her on walks use a lease then. To get our puppies use to their harness and lease we walked them in the house for a couple of weeks then outside.

7. What about grooming....should I start brushing her from day one? How about baths? At what age do they go to the groomer?

Answer: YES!! Brush her from day one. They get really big knots around their bums. And brush her everyday. Baths every week. We do ours on Sunday and ours went to the groomer when they were about 12 weeks to get their bums shaved (really important to do) and face trimmed and ears shaved because they arent up yet. But make sure she is up to date on shots before you go.

Hope that helps. Good luck with your baby!!!

chachi · 07-25-2007, 11:56 AM

1. I am sure the breeder will tell me what I need to know but just in case, what should I ask? What should I be bringing home? Will she tell me what kind of food I should be feeding her and how often? Dry food or wet?
The things you will need when you bring her home are pee pads, food,food and water dishes, a bed, Nutrical,a crate or an xpen, tooth brush and tooth paste, brush.some toys and chewies and a baby blanket is nice. Ideally you want to feedwhat the breeder has been feeding and gradually switch over to any new foods. If you cant do that just pick out a good quality food. Do a search on here there have been alot of posts about food

1. What happens when I bring her home? I am planning on working from home the first week so I can spend lots of time getting her adjusted and comfortable and try to get on a routine but I am so confused. Do I confine her to a small area of the house? Baby gates? Crate? Yes you want to confine with a baby gate, crate, xpen or playpen

2. Potty training: I am worried about using a pee pad in the beginning b/c I don't want to use them forever...should I start by just taking her out every hour? Or should I start with a combo....then as she understands the pee pad move it outside until she gets it? Will that confuse her?If you dont want her to use peepads forever than start outt by outside training. take her out every 1/2 to 45 minutes

3. Vet: I am planning on taking her within two days of getting her but what should I be asking? I have heard mixed reviews about what shots small yorkies should be receiving? Should I just trust that the vet knows? How often will I be visiting the vet in the first year?Ask if the vet has experience with small breeds. Ask about the vaccinaton schedule.. you might ask when you can spay and also microchip. I cant remember exactly but i think my dogs went to the vet 5 or 6 times the first year

4. Sleeping: As much as I will want Lola to sleep with me...I think sleeping in her own bed will work better. Do I start this right away? Do I need a bed that has a door so she doesn't roam around? Do they roam around at night? How often should I be taking her out throughout the night? Will she pee in her bed?
You dont want her to sleep in your bed untill she is potty trained. Yes you need to confineher

5. If I need to leave, is it okay to leave her for a couple hours? Is that too long in the beginning? I am worried if I bring her everywhere then she will get used to it and then when it's very hot and I cannot leave her in the car, she will have separation anxiety if I have to leave her at home? At what age is it okay to leave for a couple hours? Should I crate her? Or are baby gates better? I have heard people leave them in the bathroom but I think I would worry?

Yes that is fine
6. When can she start going for walks? How soon for a collar, leash?
This is another question you should ask your vet. Mine said after the 3rd set of shots. You want to use a harness not a collar yorkies have delicate tracheas
7. What about grooming....should I start brushing her from day one? How about baths? At what age do they go to the groomer?Brush from day one and give the first bath about a week after you get her

As you can tell...I have turned into one of those new moms who worry about everything. I am hoping that once I have her, it will come natural but I think in order to sleep well at night until I had to post this and hopefully get some advice. I would so appreciate any you could give me...even if it is a CALM DOWN . Again, sorry for such a lengthy post but can tell from just browsing the site that everyone on here loves yorkies and is a treasure trove of knowledge! You wil do fine just enjoy her

tamarac68 · 07-25-2007, 01:21 PM

All this information is truly appreciated and helpful!

I am so thankful for this site and all of your advice. I know that I will be a frequent visitor!

I'll post a picture of Lola as soon as I get one

.

kezza · 07-25-2007, 01:45 PM

I'm starting to feel a bit like that too with only about 6 weeks to go...it's been 14+ years since i had a VERY tiny pup in the house and i'm getting a bit nervous! all this info is helping me too!

What a wonderful place YT is!!!

143munchkin · 07-25-2007, 03:11 PM

Check out this link on my website. It should answer some of your questions.

http://www.swankpets.com/toy-breed-p...e-101-a-4.html

tegamom1 · 07-25-2007, 03:54 PM

Well, welcome to YT! Seems as if you're getting lots of advice. Starting off the way you are, doing your research, you will make a great Yorkie mommy! Each puppy is a little different and has a different personality. Do the research and learn, but also follow your instincts. One thing that I definitely do a little different, is I would never go more that a week without giving them a bath. Dirt causes a lot of damage to a coat. You just need to use a good shampoo and conditioner. I've never had dry skin. Also, they tend to have puppy fuzz, so if it's not brushed and you never want to dry brush, it will mat and she won't enjoy the time is will take to get the mats out. I use a Wahl Peanut trimmer for the ears and the hair on the pads. Before I got it, I used the mustache trimmer on my husbands electric razor. I use scissors to trim the hair on the little bum. I keep mine in long coats and they enjoy the time and attention they get, so I never use a groomer. Think I would learn how to trim if I ever decided to keep them short. Just don't know of any groomers around here that I would trust. Looking forward to seeing pictures of Lola and don't worry, there is always someone around if you ever need any help or have any questions. Main thing, lots of love. Those little Yorkie kisses are the best!!

07-25-2007, 10:48 AM	#1
tamarac68 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 31	New mom needs advice... Hello all! I am a brand new yorkie mom...so new that I still have about a 3-4weeks before she can leave her brothers & sisters . I am so excited for Lola to come home and have been trying to do my research but am starting to get a little (or alot) stressed! She will be my first baby and like any new mom I need help. I have gotten books and read them but feel like they aren't giving me enough so here are the questions I have: 1. I am sure the breeder will tell me what I need to know but just in case, what should I ask? What should I be bringing home? Will she tell me what kind of food I should be feeding her and how often? Dry food or wet? 1. What happens when I bring her home? I am planning on working from home the first week so I can spend lots of time getting her adjusted and comfortable and try to get on a routine but I am so confused. Do I confine her to a small area of the house? Baby gates? Crate? 2. Potty training: I am worried about using a pee pad in the beginning b/c I don't want to use them forever...should I start by just taking her out every hour? Or should I start with a combo....then as she understands the pee pad move it outside until she gets it? Will that confuse her? 3. Vet: I am planning on taking her within two days of getting her but what should I be asking? I have heard mixed reviews about what shots small yorkies should be receiving? Should I just trust that the vet knows? How often will I be visiting the vet in the first year? 4. Sleeping: As much as I will want Lola to sleep with me...I think sleeping in her own bed will work better. Do I start this right away? Do I need a bed that has a door so she doesn't roam around? Do they roam around at night? How often should I be taking her out throughout the night? Will she pee in her bed? 5. If I need to leave, is it okay to leave her for a couple hours? Is that too long in the beginning? I am worried if I bring her everywhere then she will get used to it and then when it's very hot and I cannot leave her in the car, she will have separation anxiety if I have to leave her at home? At what age is it okay to leave for a couple hours? Should I crate her? Or are baby gates better? I have heard people leave them in the bathroom but I think I would worry? 6. When can she start going for walks? How soon for a collar, leash? 7. What about grooming....should I start brushing her from day one? How about baths? At what age do they go to the groomer? As you can tell...I have turned into one of those new moms who worry about everything. I am hoping that once I have her, it will come natural but I think in order to sleep well at night until I had to post this and hopefully get some advice. I would so appreciate any you could give me...even if it is a CALM DOWN . Again, sorry for such a lengthy post but can tell from just browsing the site that everyone on here loves yorkies and is a treasure trove of knowledge! Thanks everyone!

07-25-2007, 10:59 AM	#2
Judy in Waco Gizzy & Kandi spoil me Donating Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 8,477	LOL...you sound just like I did. First...congratulations! How exciting for you!!! Then, take some time to search this site using key words from your questions. Most of them can be answered on previous threads. For example...search "vet". There was a recent thread about how to choose a good vet that was very informative. Different people have different opinions about many of your questions, and it's interesting to read a variety of responses. There is rarely one "right" answer. Just the answer that is right for you and your yorkie! I think it was very smart of you to arrange to work from home for that first week. I am also VERY proud of you for doing all of this research. My prior research made all of the difference for Gizmo, for me and for the rest of the family. There are so many things to learn about these little guys. I am still learning, and I hope I am always interested in learning about yorkies. Most of all, have fun! Welcome to YorkieTalk. __________________ The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. -Mother Teresa ( RIP Gizmo 3/9/07-8/18/12)

07-25-2007, 11:03 AM	#3
Judy in Waco Gizzy & Kandi spoil me Donating Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 8,477	Also, please tell us...boy or girl? How old will he/she be when you bring him/her home? How did you find the breeder? Do you have any pics? See...we have questions too! __________________ The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. -Mother Teresa ( RIP Gizmo 3/9/07-8/18/12)

07-25-2007, 11:10 AM	#5
tamarac68 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 31	Further Info She is a baby girl and is 5 weeks old. My breeder said that she could be ready at 8 weeks but I have a out of town guest (with younger children) that week so I think it would be best to do it the following weekend...9 weeks if she is ready. Is that too soon? I don't mind waiting but am worried that the breeder will not start training her soon enough. I found the breeder through another breeder who is farther away. It wasn't a personal referral from someone I knew but I visited her a number of times before I actually decided and it seemed right. But of course now, I wonder if I should have done more research...ARGH. But her pups all looked healthy and seemed to love her and were very friendly. She only breeds yorkies and has been doing it for about 30 years so I am hoping I made the right choice! Thanks for the encouragement!!

07-25-2007, 11:13 AM	#6
jujubee008 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 67	Well lets see how much help I can be.... 1. I am sure the breeder will tell me what I need to know but just in case, what should I ask? What should I be bringing home? Will she tell me what kind of food I should be feeding her and how often? Dry food or wet? Answer: You need to ask her what type of food she has been eating and ask her if she could give you about a weeks worth of food so you dont have to buy a huge bag when you want to switch her food. Being 10 weeks she should be eating dry food. Ask the breeder what she was been doing with her and do the same thing for about a week then mix the food you want her on and the food she has been on then switch it entirely! 1. What happens when I bring her home? I am planning on working from home the first week so I can spend lots of time getting her adjusted and comfortable and try to get on a routine but I am so confused. Do I confine her to a small area of the house? Baby gates? Crate? Answer: Dont allow her to have free roam of the house, but you dont have to keep her locked up all day. Keep her in the room you are planning on working in and watch her so she doesn't have an accident. I use baby gates and lock our puppies in the kitchen when we are gone. THEY WORK GREAT!! And crate them at night. 2. Potty training: I am worried about using a pee pad in the beginning b/c I don't want to use them forever...should I start by just taking her out every hour? Or should I start with a combo....then as she understands the pee pad move it outside until she gets it? Will that confuse her? Answer: We use pee pads and they have worked wonderfuly, but we live in an apartment. We are buying a house in Sep and will be using "Potty Outside" so I will let you know how well that works...I would take her out every two hours and keep a puppy pad inside. Just watch her and when she starts sniffing take her out. Start with that and if she doesnt get that and starts peeing in the house.. run to her the puppy pad. 3. Vet: I am planning on taking her within two days of getting her but what should I be asking? I have heard mixed reviews about what shots small yorkies should be receiving? Should I just trust that the vet knows? How often will I be visiting the vet in the first year? Answer: TAKE HER ASAP!! That is so important! You seem really on top of that. Trust the vet on shots. They didnt go to 7 years of schooling for nothin. We also gave our puppies an additional shot (can't remember the name) but it prevents any parasites from hurting them if they drink spring water. If you live in an area with alot of ticks I know there is another vac that is recommended as well. Just ask your vet. He will know. We have gone 4 times so far and we be going for the last time this year to get her fixed. First was a check up. Second, Third and Forth were theirs shots and last visit is to get spay/neutered. 4. Sleeping: As much as I will want Lola to sleep with me...I think sleeping in her own bed will work better. Do I start this right away? Do I need a bed that has a door so she doesn't roam around? Do they roam around at night? How often should I be taking her out throughout the night? Will she pee in her bed? Answer: I had them both sleep with me the first night ONLY! I know if yorkies get stressed they can go into hyperglycemia so watch for that (look at gums and if they are any color other than pink... let a vet know). Then the second night put her in a crate with a little blanket (or crate bed...get at petsmart) and take her out every two hours. She wont pee in her bed if you take her out. Puppies have a hard time holding their bladder but if you are on top of it she should be good. They dont roam at night unless you let them.. keep her in her crate take her out to go potty and thats it. Dont play tell her "Bedtime' and put her back in bed. 5. If I need to leave, is it okay to leave her for a couple hours? Is that too long in the beginning? I am worried if I bring her everywhere then she will get used to it and then when it's very hot and I cannot leave her in the car, she will have separation anxiety if I have to leave her at home? At what age is it okay to leave for a couple hours? Should I crate her? Or are baby gates better? I have heard people leave them in the bathroom but I think I would worry? Answer: Everyone has their own option on what to do with your puppy when you are gone. We put them in the kitchen and lock them in with a baby gate. I know that alot of people use dog playpens. That is a good idea too. I would not put her in the bathroom... to much stuff to get into. Just puppy proof where you put her. They can get into cabnets so be aware of that and keep cleaning stuff put up high (Just like a baby)! She is old enough to leave home alone. She will be just fine I promise! They also find everything and anything on the floor swipe your kitchen/dog area everyday so they dont eat plastic, paper etc and get sick or choke. 6. When can she start going for walks? How soon for a collar, leash? Answer: You can start going on walks 48 hrs AFTER she has had her second set of shots. I would still be safe and wait til she has had all her shots. You dont want her to get sick. Use a harness not a collar they are safer and when you start taking her on walks use a lease then. To get our puppies use to their harness and lease we walked them in the house for a couple of weeks then outside. 7. What about grooming....should I start brushing her from day one? How about baths? At what age do they go to the groomer? Answer: YES!! Brush her from day one. They get really big knots around their bums. And brush her everyday. Baths every week. We do ours on Sunday and ours went to the groomer when they were about 12 weeks to get their bums shaved (really important to do) and face trimmed and ears shaved because they arent up yet. But make sure she is up to date on shots before you go. Hope that helps. Good luck with your baby!!! __________________ Kela, Keller and Paramedic Mommy

07-25-2007, 11:56 AM	#7
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	1. I am sure the breeder will tell me what I need to know but just in case, what should I ask? What should I be bringing home? Will she tell me what kind of food I should be feeding her and how often? Dry food or wet? The things you will need when you bring her home are pee pads, food,food and water dishes, a bed, Nutrical,a crate or an xpen, tooth brush and tooth paste, brush.some toys and chewies and a baby blanket is nice. Ideally you want to feedwhat the breeder has been feeding and gradually switch over to any new foods. If you cant do that just pick out a good quality food. Do a search on here there have been alot of posts about food 1. What happens when I bring her home? I am planning on working from home the first week so I can spend lots of time getting her adjusted and comfortable and try to get on a routine but I am so confused. Do I confine her to a small area of the house? Baby gates? Crate? Yes you want to confine with a baby gate, crate, xpen or playpen 2. Potty training: I am worried about using a pee pad in the beginning b/c I don't want to use them forever...should I start by just taking her out every hour? Or should I start with a combo....then as she understands the pee pad move it outside until she gets it? Will that confuse her?If you dont want her to use peepads forever than start outt by outside training. take her out every 1/2 to 45 minutes 3. Vet: I am planning on taking her within two days of getting her but what should I be asking? I have heard mixed reviews about what shots small yorkies should be receiving? Should I just trust that the vet knows? How often will I be visiting the vet in the first year?Ask if the vet has experience with small breeds. Ask about the vaccinaton schedule.. you might ask when you can spay and also microchip. I cant remember exactly but i think my dogs went to the vet 5 or 6 times the first year 4. Sleeping: As much as I will want Lola to sleep with me...I think sleeping in her own bed will work better. Do I start this right away? Do I need a bed that has a door so she doesn't roam around? Do they roam around at night? How often should I be taking her out throughout the night? Will she pee in her bed? You dont want her to sleep in your bed untill she is potty trained. Yes you need to confineher 5. If I need to leave, is it okay to leave her for a couple hours? Is that too long in the beginning? I am worried if I bring her everywhere then she will get used to it and then when it's very hot and I cannot leave her in the car, she will have separation anxiety if I have to leave her at home? At what age is it okay to leave for a couple hours? Should I crate her? Or are baby gates better? I have heard people leave them in the bathroom but I think I would worry? Yes that is fine 6. When can she start going for walks? How soon for a collar, leash? This is another question you should ask your vet. Mine said after the 3rd set of shots. You want to use a harness not a collar yorkies have delicate tracheas 7. What about grooming....should I start brushing her from day one? How about baths? At what age do they go to the groomer?Brush from day one and give the first bath about a week after you get her As you can tell...I have turned into one of those new moms who worry about everything. I am hoping that once I have her, it will come natural but I think in order to sleep well at night until I had to post this and hopefully get some advice. I would so appreciate any you could give me...even if it is a CALM DOWN . Again, sorry for such a lengthy post but can tell from just browsing the site that everyone on here loves yorkies and is a treasure trove of knowledge! You wil do fine just enjoy her __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

07-25-2007, 01:21 PM	#8
tamarac68 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 31	Thank you! All this information is truly appreciated and helpful! I am so thankful for this site and all of your advice. I know that I will be a frequent visitor! I'll post a picture of Lola as soon as I get one .

07-25-2007, 01:45 PM	#9
kezza Lovin my Pixie Pooh Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. Posts: 3,510	I'm starting to feel a bit like that too with only about 6 weeks to go...it's been 14+ years since i had a VERY tiny pup in the house and i'm getting a bit nervous! all this info is helping me too! What a wonderful place YT is!!! __________________ This Little Girl Has Stolen My Heart! Every Dog Should Have a Tail To Tell.. "I'm a Yorkiestalker"!

07-25-2007, 03:11 PM	#10
143munchkin Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: san diego Posts: 89	Check out this link on my website. It should answer some of your questions. http://www.swankpets.com/toy-breed-p...e-101-a-4.html __________________ Please Visit http://www.swankpets.com An Online Luxury Dog Boutique Just for Small Dog Breeds!

07-25-2007, 03:54 PM	#11
tegamom1 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 1,548	Well, welcome to YT! Seems as if you're getting lots of advice. Starting off the way you are, doing your research, you will make a great Yorkie mommy! Each puppy is a little different and has a different personality. Do the research and learn, but also follow your instincts. One thing that I definitely do a little different, is I would never go more that a week without giving them a bath. Dirt causes a lot of damage to a coat. You just need to use a good shampoo and conditioner. I've never had dry skin. Also, they tend to have puppy fuzz, so if it's not brushed and you never want to dry brush, it will mat and she won't enjoy the time is will take to get the mats out. I use a Wahl Peanut trimmer for the ears and the hair on the pads. Before I got it, I used the mustache trimmer on my husbands electric razor. I use scissors to trim the hair on the little bum. I keep mine in long coats and they enjoy the time and attention they get, so I never use a groomer. Think I would learn how to trim if I ever decided to keep them short. Just don't know of any groomers around here that I would trust. Looking forward to seeing pictures of Lola and don't worry, there is always someone around if you ever need any help or have any questions. Main thing, lots of love. Those little Yorkie kisses are the best!! __________________ Mary Ann A'Lea Yorkshire Terriers