Question - YorkieTalk.com Forums

GAOMariposa · 10-16-2007, 10:05 PM

Hello everyone. I just wanted opinions from fellow Yorkie Talkers. You guys are the most knowledgeable with this question. First, here's my issue: I've been wanting to get a puppy for the past 3 years. I did my homework (i.e. read all of the books on care of both Yorkies and Chihuahuas). I was thinking of getting a Chi for a while. But I really love Yorkies. I had one about 12 years ago and I really loved him. So, anyway, I did my homework first, I know what kind of work goes into Yorkies, like any dog. Now, I am very close to getting a Yorkie, but I'm not sure about. I'm in medical school right now. I won't be away from home a lot, so the puppy won't be alone for more than a few hours. But everyone keeps saying to wait until after medical school. But I know that that will be about 3 years from now, add on residency and I'm looking at getting a puppy 6-7 years away. I'm always going to be busy...whether it's school related, personal life related, I know something will always be going on. So, my question is this: should I just bite the bullet, and get a Yorkie? I wanted to get one during the Christmas break so I can spend an uninterrupted month with it. The rest of the semester will be more relaxed, so I can devote more time to training. Well, I value your opinions, so any advice, suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

EmrldShdwQueen · 10-16-2007, 10:22 PM

Not sure how your finances are, especially being a med student, but maybe you could get two puppies together. That way, they would always be able to keep each other company. You said the dog wouldn't be left alone for more than 3 hours at a time...most dogs would be ok with that. However, when I have to work all day I'm certainly glad I have more than one...I don't worry about them as much!

MyFairLacy · 10-16-2007, 10:39 PM

I'm in my first year of Vet school and I have a yorkie so it's definitely possible. I saw that you said you wouldn't be away from home very much but I can't imagine you not being away from home being in med school. I have a friend in Med school (and like I said I'm in vet school) and both of us are in class most of the day on weekdays. I always come home at lunch to let Lacy out to go to the bathroom. I do know that as I progress in vet school I'll be away from home even more, especially my fourth year when we really get into clinical rounds. I would imagine this would be the same in med school - that you'd become even more busy, especially during residencies. So if you are not too busy right now it would be the best time to get a puppy and get potty training taken care of. It would be great for you to have a month to spend with it and start training. I would even recommend getting a slightly older puppy 16 weeks-6 months so it will be mostly potty trained and able to hold it longer by the time you start school next semester. Just make sure that you'll be able to handle the responsiblity, time, and cost of having a yorkie for 15-20 years. You will be extremely busy in med school and doing residencies so make sure you make it a priority to spend time with your dog.

GAOMariposa · 10-16-2007, 10:47 PM

Well, right now I'm away from home until about 5 p.m. or so. Next semester I'm going to be home by 12:00 p.m. so I'll have more time to spend with the puppy. I know as the years go by it will be more crazy and time will be very hard to come by. But I will definetly spend time with the puppy. She will probably be the only thing keeping me sane!!! I'm prepared to spend the next 15 + years with my doggie. If it were up to me, I would have that Yorkie with me forever, but I haven't discovered the magic pill of immortality!

Just kidding. Well, it's good to know that there is another student who is super busy but who also has time for a Yorkie. I guess I need some reassurance to know that it is possible to go to school and have a furbaby.

autumn star · 10-17-2007, 02:51 AM

I think you hit the nail on the head. Life is always going to be busy and if you wait until your not busy you will never get a dog, yorkie or anything else. If you think you can do it then go for it. We at YT are here to support you! Good luck in your search!

ladyj · 10-17-2007, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAOMariposa

Hello everyone. I just wanted opinions from fellow Yorkie Talkers. You guys are the most knowledgeable with this question. First, here's my issue: I've been wanting to get a puppy for the past 3 years. I did my homework (i.e. read all of the books on care of both Yorkies and Chihuahuas). I was thinking of getting a Chi for a while. But I really love Yorkies. I had one about 12 years ago and I really loved him. So, anyway, I did my homework first, I know what kind of work goes into Yorkies, like any dog. Now, I am very close to getting a Yorkie, but I'm not sure about. I'm in medical school right now. I won't be away from home a lot, so the puppy won't be alone for more than a few hours. But everyone keeps saying to wait until after medical school. But I know that that will be about 3 years from now, add on residency and I'm looking at getting a puppy 6-7 years away. I'm always going to be busy...whether it's school related, personal life related, I know something will always be going on. So, my question is this: should I just bite the bullet, and get a Yorkie? I wanted to get one during the Christmas break so I can spend an uninterrupted month with it. The rest of the semester will be more relaxed, so I can devote more time to training. Well, I value your opinions, so any advice, suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

I would urge you to get a Yorkie (or two) from rescue, an older Yorkie, potty trained, crate trained, etc. There are always great little guys out there looking for good homes and they would be less expensive and easier to live with. And just think how good it would feel to give a homeless Yorkie a forever home!

celstu1 · 10-17-2007, 12:46 PM

I am single and work full time, so my boys are home from 730am until 6pm everyday by themselves. They are a bit rambunctuous when I get home, but otherwise they are perfectly fine and healthy. Oh yeah, my other post says they are clingy & overly needy. It IS hard to be single and having a dog, but having 2 makes it easier because they are not completely alone when you are not there. I think getting a pup right now would be fine for you! Maybe when your life gets more hectic you can get another one so it won't be alone.

MikaTallulah · 10-17-2007, 01:22 PM

I would recommend a slightly older yorkie i.e. one that is housebroken and crate trained. That way you would really be able to enjoy your time with you new baby from day one. That is just my opinion.

yorkiemomma7 · 10-17-2007, 01:50 PM

well, i have three, and they keep each other company, but when i had just the one to begin with, she would get very upset with me if she was alone for more than an hour....she would get into things that i thought i had put up, she would tear up the trash can, and all that...but a few options would be to leave her/ him with a family member while you are gone, or take her/ him to a doggie daycare, or as others have posted, purchase two so they can keep one another company. I think you should go ahead and get one.....the longer you wait, the more the chance is that you'll talk yourself out of it.

mejones · 10-17-2007, 04:24 PM

I am a clinical fellow in speech pathology right now, and I work at a hospital about an hour away from my house, so I'm gone every weekday from 6:45 am until around 6 or 7. My husband is gone similar hours, so my little one only gets to be out and play for a few hours each day (before and after work). She is 16 weeks, and has been a dream with crate training (luckily), but I often feel bad, because I don't feel like I can ever give her enough of my time and energy. She gets just about all of me on Saturday and Sunday, though, and I love it!

I recommend getting a puppy. It may be hard while you're in school, but just like the others said, if you wait until you're done, it will be a long time off!

GAOMariposa · 10-17-2007, 10:12 PM

Thank you so much to everyone who replied. All of you are the reason I have decided to go ahead and get a Yorkie.

I'm going to get a little girl sometime near the end of November before I go back home to the States for my winter break. That way I can take advantage of that month break to get to know my new baby. Now, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that I can find a puppy during that time.

I was walking around all happy today because I might have my little baby before the year is out. Thanks again and I will keep everyone posted on what's going on. You guys are the greatest!!! Yorkie Talk rules!!!

ItsyBitsy · 10-18-2007, 07:00 AM

I say go for it!

I live by myself and am out of the house for 9 hours a day. When I got Bitsy, she was 9 weeks old. I took 2 weeks off work, then did a week of half days, then went home for lunch for two weeks.

I put her in her play area when I'm at work (bathroom and gated hallway). She has her crate, peepads, food and water and a million toys in her play area. She also has my two cats to keep her company.

To make sure she doesn't get all anxious and destructive, I walk her for 40 minutes in the morning before work and an hour when I come home from work.

She is an absolute delight and happy. She didn't have any separation anxiety. I made sure that during the two weeks I had off, I left her alone for different periods of time (5 min, 15 min, then 10 min, then an hour etc). I don't say anything to her when I leave for work, I just go. When I come home, I ignore her completely for 10 minutes, then I walk over calmly and say hello.

Good luck!

GAOMariposa · 10-18-2007, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItsyBitsy

I say go for it!

I live by myself and am out of the house for 9 hours a day. When I got Bitsy, she was 9 weeks old. I took 2 weeks off work, then did a week of half days, then went home for lunch for two weeks.

I put her in her play area when I'm at work (bathroom and gated hallway). She has her crate, peepads, food and water and a million toys in her play area. She also has my two cats to keep her company.

To make sure she doesn't get all anxious and destructive, I walk her for 40 minutes in the morning before work and an hour when I come home from work.

She is an absolute delight and happy. She didn't have any separation anxiety. I made sure that during the two weeks I had off, I left her alone for different periods of time (5 min, 15 min, then 10 min, then an hour etc). I don't say anything to her when I leave for work, I just go. When I come home, I ignore her completely for 10 minutes, then I walk over calmly and say hello.

Good luck!

Thanks. I'm wondering about something, though. I noticed that other people have also said not to make a fuss when you come home and leave. What is the reason for that? Thanks again!

Yorkiekids · 10-18-2007, 09:07 AM

I think this would be a fine time for you to get a pup or an older trained dog. I don't know about making a fuss when you leave, but I always make a big fuss when I come home, because I missed them.

MyFairLacy · 10-18-2007, 09:19 AM

Good Luck in your puppy search

10-16-2007, 10:05 PM	#1
GAOMariposa YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: California Posts: 581	Question Hello everyone. I just wanted opinions from fellow Yorkie Talkers. You guys are the most knowledgeable with this question. First, here's my issue: I've been wanting to get a puppy for the past 3 years. I did my homework (i.e. read all of the books on care of both Yorkies and Chihuahuas). I was thinking of getting a Chi for a while. But I really love Yorkies. I had one about 12 years ago and I really loved him. So, anyway, I did my homework first, I know what kind of work goes into Yorkies, like any dog. Now, I am very close to getting a Yorkie, but I'm not sure about. I'm in medical school right now. I won't be away from home a lot, so the puppy won't be alone for more than a few hours. But everyone keeps saying to wait until after medical school. But I know that that will be about 3 years from now, add on residency and I'm looking at getting a puppy 6-7 years away. I'm always going to be busy...whether it's school related, personal life related, I know something will always be going on. So, my question is this: should I just bite the bullet, and get a Yorkie? I wanted to get one during the Christmas break so I can spend an uninterrupted month with it. The rest of the semester will be more relaxed, so I can devote more time to training. Well, I value your opinions, so any advice, suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

10-16-2007, 10:39 PM	#3
MyFairLacy Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 11,003	I'm in my first year of Vet school and I have a yorkie so it's definitely possible. I saw that you said you wouldn't be away from home very much but I can't imagine you not being away from home being in med school. I have a friend in Med school (and like I said I'm in vet school) and both of us are in class most of the day on weekdays. I always come home at lunch to let Lacy out to go to the bathroom. I do know that as I progress in vet school I'll be away from home even more, especially my fourth year when we really get into clinical rounds. I would imagine this would be the same in med school - that you'd become even more busy, especially during residencies. So if you are not too busy right now it would be the best time to get a puppy and get potty training taken care of. It would be great for you to have a month to spend with it and start training. I would even recommend getting a slightly older puppy 16 weeks-6 months so it will be mostly potty trained and able to hold it longer by the time you start school next semester. Just make sure that you'll be able to handle the responsiblity, time, and cost of having a yorkie for 15-20 years. You will be extremely busy in med school and doing residencies so make sure you make it a priority to spend time with your dog. __________________ ~Magnifique Yorkies~ Purchasing from backyard breeders, pet shops, and puppymills perpetuates the suffering of other dogs. Educate yourself and buy from reputable breeders or rescue.

10-17-2007, 12:46 PM	#7
celstu1 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 10,534	I am single and work full time, so my boys are home from 730am until 6pm everyday by themselves. They are a bit rambunctuous when I get home, but otherwise they are perfectly fine and healthy. Oh yeah, my other post says they are clingy & overly needy. It IS hard to be single and having a dog, but having 2 makes it easier because they are not completely alone when you are not there. I think getting a pup right now would be fine for you! Maybe when your life gets more hectic you can get another one so it won't be alone. __________________ “Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” ― Dean Koontz

10-17-2007, 01:22 PM	#8
MikaTallulah YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 1,812	I would recommend a slightly older yorkie i.e. one that is housebroken and crate trained. That way you would really be able to enjoy your time with you new baby from day one. That is just my opinion. __________________ Beware of Nestle Purina Cozy (4/06), Roxy & Zoey (2/08), Lucy (4/09); Buddy 4/09- Rescued 12/11); Mika ('98) & Tallulah ('00) RIP Harley 4/2009; Lucky 11/2010; Zoey 4/2012

10-18-2007, 09:07 AM	#14
Yorkiekids Piper & Sebastian Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: florida Posts: 14,495	I think this would be a fine time for you to get a pup or an older trained dog. I don't know about making a fuss when you leave, but I always make a big fuss when I come home, because I missed them. __________________ Susan, Piper ,Harley & Suiki

10-16-2007, 10:22 PM	#2
EmrldShdwQueen No Longer a Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,987	Not sure how your finances are, especially being a med student, but maybe you could get two puppies together. That way, they would always be able to keep each other company. You said the dog wouldn't be left alone for more than 3 hours at a time...most dogs would be ok with that. However, when I have to work all day I'm certainly glad I have more than one...I don't worry about them as much!

10-16-2007, 10:47 PM	#4
GAOMariposa YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: California Posts: 581	Well, right now I'm away from home until about 5 p.m. or so. Next semester I'm going to be home by 12:00 p.m. so I'll have more time to spend with the puppy. I know as the years go by it will be more crazy and time will be very hard to come by. But I will definetly spend time with the puppy. She will probably be the only thing keeping me sane!!! I'm prepared to spend the next 15 + years with my doggie. If it were up to me, I would have that Yorkie with me forever, but I haven't discovered the magic pill of immortality! Just kidding. Well, it's good to know that there is another student who is super busy but who also has time for a Yorkie. I guess I need some reassurance to know that it is possible to go to school and have a furbaby.

10-17-2007, 02:51 AM	#5
autumn star Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Long Island Posts: 6,095	I think you hit the nail on the head. Life is always going to be busy and if you wait until your not busy you will never get a dog, yorkie or anything else. If you think you can do it then go for it. We at YT are here to support you! Good luck in your search!

10-17-2007, 01:50 PM	#9
yorkiemomma7 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 55	well, i have three, and they keep each other company, but when i had just the one to begin with, she would get very upset with me if she was alone for more than an hour....she would get into things that i thought i had put up, she would tear up the trash can, and all that...but a few options would be to leave her/ him with a family member while you are gone, or take her/ him to a doggie daycare, or as others have posted, purchase two so they can keep one another company. I think you should go ahead and get one.....the longer you wait, the more the chance is that you'll talk yourself out of it.

10-17-2007, 04:24 PM	#10
mejones Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Marion, Iowa Posts: 51	I am a clinical fellow in speech pathology right now, and I work at a hospital about an hour away from my house, so I'm gone every weekday from 6:45 am until around 6 or 7. My husband is gone similar hours, so my little one only gets to be out and play for a few hours each day (before and after work). She is 16 weeks, and has been a dream with crate training (luckily), but I often feel bad, because I don't feel like I can ever give her enough of my time and energy. She gets just about all of me on Saturday and Sunday, though, and I love it! I recommend getting a puppy. It may be hard while you're in school, but just like the others said, if you wait until you're done, it will be a long time off!

10-17-2007, 10:12 PM	#11
GAOMariposa YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: California Posts: 581	Thank you so much to everyone who replied. All of you are the reason I have decided to go ahead and get a Yorkie. I'm going to get a little girl sometime near the end of November before I go back home to the States for my winter break. That way I can take advantage of that month break to get to know my new baby. Now, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that I can find a puppy during that time. I was walking around all happy today because I might have my little baby before the year is out. Thanks again and I will keep everyone posted on what's going on. You guys are the greatest!!! Yorkie Talk rules!!!

10-18-2007, 07:00 AM	#12
ItsyBitsy Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 221	I say go for it! I live by myself and am out of the house for 9 hours a day. When I got Bitsy, she was 9 weeks old. I took 2 weeks off work, then did a week of half days, then went home for lunch for two weeks. I put her in her play area when I'm at work (bathroom and gated hallway). She has her crate, peepads, food and water and a million toys in her play area. She also has my two cats to keep her company. To make sure she doesn't get all anxious and destructive, I walk her for 40 minutes in the morning before work and an hour when I come home from work. She is an absolute delight and happy. She didn't have any separation anxiety. I made sure that during the two weeks I had off, I left her alone for different periods of time (5 min, 15 min, then 10 min, then an hour etc). I don't say anything to her when I leave for work, I just go. When I come home, I ignore her completely for 10 minutes, then I walk over calmly and say hello. Good luck!

10-18-2007, 09:19 AM	#15
MyFairLacy Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 11,003	Good Luck in your puppy search __________________ ~Magnifique Yorkies~ Purchasing from backyard breeders, pet shops, and puppymills perpetuates the suffering of other dogs. Educate yourself and buy from reputable breeders or rescue.