Adopted yorkies
Discussion
Just adopted these two reprobates. 4.1/2 year siblings; he's Ted and she's Stella - well, they're supposed to be.
1. They don't seem to respond to their names and recall is hopeless. Is it advisable/possible to rename them? Apart from anything else, Ted and Stella are not good names call with a 'happy inflection', IYSWIM. I guess something like Bella and Teddy would be close and more doggy friendly. Not what I'd choose if starting from scratch, but close enough to give them a chance?
2. They came with little harnesses which don't sit well with me, especially on such small dogs that don't pull anyway. Is a standard collar a better bet?
3. Will take vet's advice, but they need neutering - both at once or stage them?
4. Previous owners fed them Tesco complete chicken and veg dry food. They appear healthy and seem to be happy grazing when they feel like it - they have feed dispenser which tops up their bowl when it gets low. Big bag included. However, they go mental for some raw scraps I got from the butcher! I'll give it a few days to make sure no immediate ill-effects.
My fault I'm sure, but on the trip home from collecting them I gave them each a mini chew bone which they ate over the 90 minute journey. Ted sicked up most of his a couple of hours later - probably unusual food and travel sickness. Right as rain since. Stella was a little sick the next day but wasn't clear what it was as it was more digested than Ted's vomit. Again though, this was after a relatively short car journey, only 10 minutes each way.
I guess the move, change of ownership, new home and everything that entails, I should expect a few issues.
Won their way into my heart already though.
LordGrover said:
Just adopted these two reprobates. 4.1/2 year siblings; he's Ted and she's Stella - well, they're supposed to be.
1. They don't seem to respond to their names and recall is hopeless. Is it advisable/possible to rename them? Apart from anything else, Ted and Stella are not good names call with a 'happy inflection', IYSWIM. I guess something like Bella and Teddy would be close and more doggy friendly. Not what I'd choose if starting from scratch, but close enough to give them a chance?
2. They came with little harnesses which don't sit well with me, especially on such small dogs that don't pull anyway. Is a standard collar a better bet?
3. Will take vet's advice, but they need neutering - both at once or stage them?
4. Previous owners fed them Tesco complete chicken and veg dry food. They appear healthy and seem to be happy grazing when they feel like it - they have feed dispenser which tops up their bowl when it gets low. Big bag included. However, they go mental for some raw scraps I got from the butcher! I'll give it a few days to make sure no immediate ill-effects.
My fault I'm sure, but on the trip home from collecting them I gave them each a mini chew bone which they ate over the 90 minute journey. Ted sicked up most of his a couple of hours later - probably unusual food and travel sickness. Right as rain since. Stella was a little sick the next day but wasn't clear what it was as it was more digested than Ted's vomit. Again though, this was after a relatively short car journey, only 10 minutes each way.
I guess the move, change of ownership, new home and everything that entails, I should expect a few issues.
Won their way into my heart already though.
Taking each of your questions in turn:
1. Names - it may just be that they haven't been trained well to come/recall to their names. You need to reinforce them by using them frequently and rewarding them when they come. I've certainly changed dogs' names in the past for various reasons, without issues. Funnily enough, the friend's yorkie I mentioned on your other thread was called Stella, so I quite like that name, but I kind of understand why you might feel it's not 'doggie' enough.
2. Harness vs collar - depends on the dog really. The dogs we have harnesses for don't pull on harnesses, but do pull on collars. Whatever you go for, you'll need some kind of collar anyway, for their tags.
3. Neutering - the timing (for the female at least) will probably depend on when she had her last season - do you know? Because generally I think vets prefer to spay mid-way between seasons. As you say, take advice once they've been checked over by your vet.
4. Food - don't switch their food too quickly if you are planning to. If you're planning to switch to a different dry food, wean them onto it gradually over a period of 7-10 days by mixing some into their existing food in increasing proportions. Some people advocate a BARF diet; it's not something I've ever done, but if you're going to do it, please research it to ensure they get all the nutrients they need (or go for a commercially produced raw food). Again, though, probably as well to give them time to settle first.
Please keep us updated
Thanks!
Stella/Bella refuses to go out when it's wet!
Wouldn't even go out the door. Carried her out but once on the ground refuses to budge - won't be encouraged or tugged. Short of dragging her around, any tips?
Hope she's able to hold it in - today shouldn't be too bad, it should be dry later, but this is UK! It rains, a lot.
Stella/Bella refuses to go out when it's wet!
Wouldn't even go out the door. Carried her out but once on the ground refuses to budge - won't be encouraged or tugged. Short of dragging her around, any tips?
Hope she's able to hold it in - today shouldn't be too bad, it should be dry later, but this is UK! It rains, a lot.
LordGrover said:
Thanks!
Stella/Bella refuses to go out when it's wet!
Wouldn't even go out the door. Carried her out but once on the ground refuses to budge - won't be encouraged or tugged. Short of dragging her around, any tips?
Hope she's able to hold it in - today shouldn't be too bad, it should be dry later, but this is UK! It rains, a lot.
My rescue won't go out in the rain, u til he gets really desperate. If they're house trained, they will get to that point, but if they don't need to go why would they go outside? I wouldn't :-)Stella/Bella refuses to go out when it's wet!
Wouldn't even go out the door. Carried her out but once on the ground refuses to budge - won't be encouraged or tugged. Short of dragging her around, any tips?
Hope she's able to hold it in - today shouldn't be too bad, it should be dry later, but this is UK! It rains, a lot.
Lovely photo of these two and am glad you have adopted them.
I agree with everything moorx posted above.
Over the years we have had two dogs where we have changed their names. They get used to it quickly and respond to your voice.
I have two dogs and if a say either name they both seem to respond.
Remember that saying their name is to attract their attention. Giving the command is when they should react. Most dogs come with just calling their name. Sorry if I am trying to teach my grandma to suck eggs.
Also, these two will have had their life turned upside down. Dogs love consistency, so will need time to settle down in their new life.
Good luck and enjoy them
I agree with everything moorx posted above.
Over the years we have had two dogs where we have changed their names. They get used to it quickly and respond to your voice.
I have two dogs and if a say either name they both seem to respond.
Remember that saying their name is to attract their attention. Giving the command is when they should react. Most dogs come with just calling their name. Sorry if I am trying to teach my grandma to suck eggs.
Also, these two will have had their life turned upside down. Dogs love consistency, so will need time to settle down in their new life.
Good luck and enjoy them
LordGrover said:
Willow's beautiful. Looks bigger than my two, and a nice haircut too.
Need to book them in for a trim soon.
Yorkies have hair rather than fur and don't shed. The downside is they need a haircut every 2 or 3 months. I invested in a trimmer and do it myself.Need to book them in for a trim soon.
As you have discovered with the rain they can be stubborn little characters and will refuse to do anything they don't agree with.
Forget dogs, you have terriers. be they Yorkies/Cairn/WH /Sky/ Scottie/JRT- they are all of similar nature. Just different size, but same temperament.
They need to focus on something. I focus my terriers on food and love. Last two would do anything for a treat. Latest one just wants to be loved and please me. Terriers need a bond. And with a bond, they will do anything to please you. Latest one will come to me when in danger or frightened and ignore all others . That is a bond, I've developed from a dog that feared me a week ago , to jumping on my lap and demanding attention. I've done it with love.
They need to focus on something. I focus my terriers on food and love. Last two would do anything for a treat. Latest one just wants to be loved and please me. Terriers need a bond. And with a bond, they will do anything to please you. Latest one will come to me when in danger or frightened and ignore all others . That is a bond, I've developed from a dog that feared me a week ago , to jumping on my lap and demanding attention. I've done it with love.
[quote=Who me ?]Forget dogs, you have terriers. be they Yorkies/Cairn/WH /Sky/ Scottie/JRT- they are all of similar nature. Just different size, but same temperament.
They need to focus on something. I focus my terriers on food and love. Last two would do anything for a treat. Latest one just wants to be loved and please me. Terriers need a bond. And with a bond, they will do anything to please you. Latest one will come to me when in danger or frightened and ignore all others . That is a bond, I've developed from a dog that feared me a week ago , to jumping on my lap and demanding attention. I've done it with love.
[/quote]
What a lovely post.
Thank you
They need to focus on something. I focus my terriers on food and love. Last two would do anything for a treat. Latest one just wants to be loved and please me. Terriers need a bond. And with a bond, they will do anything to please you. Latest one will come to me when in danger or frightened and ignore all others . That is a bond, I've developed from a dog that feared me a week ago , to jumping on my lap and demanding attention. I've done it with love.
[/quote]
What a lovely post.
Thank you
[quote=Who me ?]Forget dogs, you have terriers. be they Yorkies/Cairn/WH /Sky/ Scottie/JRT- they are all of similar nature. Just different size, but same temperament.
They need to focus on something. I focus my terriers on food and love. Last two would do anything for a treat. Latest one just wants to be loved and please me. Terriers need a bond. And with a bond, they will do anything to please you. Latest one will come to me when in danger or frightened and ignore all others . That is a bond, I've developed from a dog that feared me a week ago , to jumping on my lap and demanding attention. I've done it with love.
[/quote]
I wasn't keen on Terriers before we got our two, it was the wife who wanted Barry, she always had a soft spot for Terriers, now I don't think we could have any other type of dog, we now have Daphne aswell (both her and Barry are Yorkie/Jack Russel cross and related).
Both are very different but both are very fun and both are very affectionate; Barry more so and like your post, he just wants to be loved whereas Daphne is much more food orientated, Barry will go up to random people and roll straight over for a tummy tickle, Daphne will keep her distance and won't let anyone that she doesn't know, touch her, she is very cheeky and looks like she is constantly up to no good; both great characters.
They need to focus on something. I focus my terriers on food and love. Last two would do anything for a treat. Latest one just wants to be loved and please me. Terriers need a bond. And with a bond, they will do anything to please you. Latest one will come to me when in danger or frightened and ignore all others . That is a bond, I've developed from a dog that feared me a week ago , to jumping on my lap and demanding attention. I've done it with love.
[/quote]
I wasn't keen on Terriers before we got our two, it was the wife who wanted Barry, she always had a soft spot for Terriers, now I don't think we could have any other type of dog, we now have Daphne aswell (both her and Barry are Yorkie/Jack Russel cross and related).
Both are very different but both are very fun and both are very affectionate; Barry more so and like your post, he just wants to be loved whereas Daphne is much more food orientated, Barry will go up to random people and roll straight over for a tummy tickle, Daphne will keep her distance and won't let anyone that she doesn't know, touch her, she is very cheeky and looks like she is constantly up to no good; both great characters.
Who me said:
Forget dogs, you have terriers. be they Yorkies/Cairn/WH /Sky/ Scottie/JRT- they are all of similar nature. Just different size, but same temperament.
They need to focus on something. I focus my terriers on food and love. Last two would do anything for a treat. Latest one just wants to be loved and please me. Terriers need a bond. And with a bond, they will do anything to please you. Latest one will come to me when in danger or frightened and ignore all others . That is a bond, I've developed from a dog that feared me a week ago , to jumping on my lap and demanding attention. I've done it with love.
Yep, learning that already, plus your comment about consistency is helpful.They need to focus on something. I focus my terriers on food and love. Last two would do anything for a treat. Latest one just wants to be loved and please me. Terriers need a bond. And with a bond, they will do anything to please you. Latest one will come to me when in danger or frightened and ignore all others . That is a bond, I've developed from a dog that feared me a week ago , to jumping on my lap and demanding attention. I've done it with love.
I thought I was being helpful taking them on different walks, but I guess it just confuses them - not knowing where they're going each time. I'm now sticking to the same route every time and they now know when to turn and when we're getting home. Will switch things up, but only once they're more settled.
That bond is developing too - food is helpful, but attention is key. Both very happy to sit on my lap for belly rubs - for hours on end if I let them.
Ten minutes throwing a small ball around the garden is good fun for all of us, though they can be a bit stubborn returning the darn thing.
Daren't leave them alone with the ball though; left to their own devices they chew off the fluorescent green fluff - not sure how good that is for them. Similarly, I got them a rope toy which they loved on sight. However, after a few hours they've managed to rip and shred it - I guess this is okay? If they manage to ingest any of it it'll pass through?Taken it from them for now...
It's the way they go mental first thing in the morning and when I come in after being out for half an hour. They're so pleased to see me! They've got under my skin already.
LordGrover said:
It's the way they go mental first thing in the morning and when I come in after being out for half an hour. They're so pleased to see me!
That's one of the best things about dogs, the excitement when they haven't seen you for a while and with a small dog you can forgive the jumping up and down and licking; Barry gets proper excited even if I've only been out for 20 minutes.boxst said:
We’ve had a variety of dogs and the latest is a Yorkie. He is awesome with us but is a bit grotty with strangers and other dogs. Probably my fault with not socialising him properly perhaps.
He looks like a little character. Mine adores people but is very selective with his canine friends. I have to be careful as he will think nothing of having a pop at dogs many times his size. Small dog syndrome I guess.Edited by kuro on Thursday 6th June 11:41
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