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.
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.
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.
kuro said:
boxst said:
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.
Not very responsive to their names though, which is a pain but I'm working on it. Stella is reluctant to release the ball once she's got it - again, more work (fun) required by me.
Went to vets last night for a check-over and vaccinations. Both excited to be there with lots of people, dogs and assorted furry friends. Ted was pretty good with just a wriggle and whelp when the needle went in, but Stella was quite stressy. Yelping like you wouldn't believe - you wouldn't believe how much (high-pitched) noise such a small thing can make. It was funny really - took three of us; the vet, veterinary nurse and me. Can't wait for the boosters in four weeks.
Clean bill of health overall though which is great.
Vet recommended waiting a month or so before getting them neutered, once they've properly settled in with me.
moorx said:
Have you tried using two balls? One to throw and one to 'bribe' them with to swap?
Afraid so, yes. The problem is Stella is keen to win the ball but Ted chases half heartedly, more interested in Stella than the ball. I can throw the second ball and Stella will fake run after it holding onto ball one, Ted follows her and then they both trot back leaving ball two where it landed.
When Stella gets bored standing off by a couple of feet she'll drop the ball and look at me eagerly to pick it up. 1. It's not close to me as it should be and 2. if I relent and try to pick it up, she snatched it up again and wags her tail furiously, clearly the most hilarious trick in the world ever.
I just have to spend some time teaching them what I expect. Can't expect them to know what I want after less than a week in my care.
The Internets.
Was registered on several websites to rescue or adopt a dog and these two popped up. Previous owners had to rehome them due to medical condition. They had to move to housing which doesn't allow pets.
They had the yorkies since they were 8 weeks old. I think they were heart broken to let them go but no option.
They obviously brought them up well, the dogs have brilliant temperaments and well behaved.
Just a little obedience training required to make them double adorable.
Was registered on several websites to rescue or adopt a dog and these two popped up. Previous owners had to rehome them due to medical condition. They had to move to housing which doesn't allow pets.
They had the yorkies since they were 8 weeks old. I think they were heart broken to let them go but no option.
They obviously brought them up well, the dogs have brilliant temperaments and well behaved.
Just a little obedience training required to make them double adorable.
Pretty sure I'm going to stick with original names now; Ted and Stella.
I've got used to them, and they are better at recognising their names now. Perhaps it was the switch from their original Welsh accented owners to my Bristolian/West Country accent...
Anyway, I would be unable to resist calling them Alexa and Google, just for giggles, which isn't such a great idea.
Still a struggle to get them to go for a walk when it's wet or cold. Stella was reticent from the beginning, but Ted's as bad now. Probably caught it from her. Although, things not helped by a neighbour's dog having a go at him.
My two were on their leads, but my neighbour's weimaraner, which while still a puppy at 14 months is massive, bounded round the corner off the lead. After a moments sniffing he snapped at Ted and had a go. I'd pulled my two in close and fended off the other with my foot while my neighbour tried to control her dog. Poor Ted is tenth the size of the aggressor.
Frustratingly, while she was apologising she said he only does this to small dogs on leads, 'He'll be fine if you let them off'. So they're aware he has a problem, yet still let him off-lead.
Onwards and upwards.
I've got used to them, and they are better at recognising their names now. Perhaps it was the switch from their original Welsh accented owners to my Bristolian/West Country accent...
Anyway, I would be unable to resist calling them Alexa and Google, just for giggles, which isn't such a great idea.
Still a struggle to get them to go for a walk when it's wet or cold. Stella was reticent from the beginning, but Ted's as bad now. Probably caught it from her.
Although, things not helped by a neighbour's dog having a go at him. My two were on their leads, but my neighbour's weimaraner, which while still a puppy at 14 months is massive, bounded round the corner off the lead. After a moments sniffing he snapped at Ted and had a go. I'd pulled my two in close and fended off the other with my foot while my neighbour tried to control her dog. Poor Ted is tenth the size of the aggressor.
Frustratingly, while she was apologising she said he only does this to small dogs on leads, 'He'll be fine if you let them off'. So they're aware he has a problem, yet still let him off-lead.
Onwards and upwards.
Stressful day of dog ownership yesterday...
About mid-morning Stella started a squeaky cough, a bit like hiccups. Was quite funny at first, but after a while it was clear something was troubling her. Champing her jaws and stretching her tongue, retching, swallowing hard and generally not herself. I was worried but what could I do? It was Sunday so vets not open, except the HO for emergencies only. Went online and booked her in for an appointment later today.
Still the same first thing this morning. Let them into the garden and she didn't even have a wee, just looked around sullenly and went back inside. Took them for our early morning constitutional when she started eating grass. I know this can be a sign they're ill, bored or just fancy some grass so didn't read too much into it. But, a couple of minutes later she sicked up something stringy; I pulled it out all the way. I wish I'd looked more closely at what it was, but was keen to get rid of it, and to stop Ted trying to eat it.
With whatever it was gone, she was better, and half an hour later back on form.
With the worry, I hardly slept last night. They're fabulous stress relievers, but the reverse is true too.
About mid-morning Stella started a squeaky cough, a bit like hiccups. Was quite funny at first, but after a while it was clear something was troubling her. Champing her jaws and stretching her tongue, retching, swallowing hard and generally not herself. I was worried but what could I do? It was Sunday so vets not open, except the HO for emergencies only. Went online and booked her in for an appointment later today.
Still the same first thing this morning. Let them into the garden and she didn't even have a wee, just looked around sullenly and went back inside. Took them for our early morning constitutional when she started eating grass. I know this can be a sign they're ill, bored or just fancy some grass so didn't read too much into it. But, a couple of minutes later she sicked up something stringy; I pulled it out all the way. I wish I'd looked more closely at what it was, but was keen to get rid of it, and to stop Ted trying to eat it.
With whatever it was gone, she was better, and half an hour later back on form.
With the worry, I hardly slept last night. They're fabulous stress relievers, but the reverse is true too.
Both looking grumpy because I woke them up to take the photo.
Stella was tuckered out after chasing a ball for ten minutes, and Ted flopped out because he's Ted.
Still settling to some extent, mostly brilliant but they can get a bit nervous at times. Usually understandable when there's lots of people and/or activity, but sometimes for no apparent reason. Can go days and it seems like they're over it, but then we'll be out walking and they'll get edgy - shaking and looking around nervously.
On the plus side, they really enjoy running which surprised me. If I jog around the field they'll gambol along, tongues lolling and thoroughly enjoy getting shagged out. Happily, it only takes five minutes.
Stella was tuckered out after chasing a ball for ten minutes, and Ted flopped out because he's Ted.
Still settling to some extent, mostly brilliant but they can get a bit nervous at times. Usually understandable when there's lots of people and/or activity, but sometimes for no apparent reason. Can go days and it seems like they're over it, but then we'll be out walking and they'll get edgy - shaking and looking around nervously.
On the plus side, they really enjoy running which surprised me. If I jog around the field they'll gambol along, tongues lolling and thoroughly enjoy getting shagged out. Happily, it only takes five minutes.
HTP99 said:
They are lovely.
You'd think so by looking at them, wouldn't you?kuro said:
Looking happy.
Thanks.Nearly six weeks since adoption and they're settling in properly now. Ted had a rough couple of days with sickness and 'loose movements' - made a right mess a couple of times. Much better now though.
Also dispensed with harnesses and just use simple collars 90% of the time. They really don't like the harnesses but sometimes I need the security if we're in town or busy roads, just in case. Letting them off the lead regularly now when safe and they definitely enjoy the freedom.
Ted's tummy troubles aren't over. I've been quite worried about him and last night after about a day or so of not pooping, had very wet and gooey diarrhoea with blood in it. I was worried sick.
Took him to vets again today and they've diagnosed colitis. While not great it's not as bad as I'd feared. Five day course of antibiotics and a diet of small and frequent meals of chicken and rice.
He seems right as rain in himself, running jumping and bouncing about. Hopefully he's on the mend properly now.
Took him to vets again today and they've diagnosed colitis. While not great it's not as bad as I'd feared. Five day course of antibiotics and a diet of small and frequent meals of chicken and rice.
He seems right as rain in himself, running jumping and bouncing about. Hopefully he's on the mend properly now.
The vet did mention the possibility, but as he's full of beans and eating well they said it's unlikely at the moment. If he gets lethargic and not eating they'll investigate further. He's been much better the last couple of days - antibiotics and chicken/rice diet seems to be doing the trick.
One point of interest; rather than pay £3 tin for the vet's choice of chicken and rice I cooked a supermarket chicken and boiled some rice. Both of them loved it and really wolfed it down. One odd side-effect though is nuclear fluorescent yellow poop. Ted just lays a log and doesn't notice. However, Stella always looks around to check her poop (as we all do). It was so funny when she turned round to see this yellow poop. She jumped backwards almost whelping with shock. She took a tentative sniff and ran to me with her tail between her legs looking very sorry for herself.
Fingers crossed he's over it now, but I've thought that before so we'll just have to wait and see.
One point of interest; rather than pay £3 tin for the vet's choice of chicken and rice I cooked a supermarket chicken and boiled some rice. Both of them loved it and really wolfed it down. One odd side-effect though is nuclear fluorescent yellow poop. Ted just lays a log and doesn't notice. However, Stella always looks around to check her poop (as we all do). It was so funny when she turned round to see this yellow poop. She jumped backwards almost whelping with shock. She took a tentative sniff and ran to me with her tail between her legs looking very sorry for herself.
Fingers crossed he's over it now, but I've thought that before so we'll just have to wait and see.
Quick update on the little darlings...
Ted is over his colitis, though he gets edgy when he gets nervous especially around other dogs. He gets jittery and barks with even friendly, quiet dogs - I guess it'll just take a little more time and acclimatization.
Stella was spayed last Tuesday and is well on the mend. She had a high temperature a few days post-op so probably an infection. A course of antibiotics has resolved that. Temperature back to normal and she's starting to run a little now. I think she's missed running for a ball more than any pain or discomfort from the operation.
Couldn't get the buggers to go out in the rain at all last night, apart from a quick pee in the garden. Was a little worried about an accident overnight so shut them in the kitchen, but they managed to hold it in. Still a challenge getting them out this morning but once we left the house they were happy as Larry. Big poops!
They like the beanbag in the box room. Ted's tail is a blur as usual.
Ted is over his colitis, though he gets edgy when he gets nervous especially around other dogs. He gets jittery and barks with even friendly, quiet dogs - I guess it'll just take a little more time and acclimatization.
Stella was spayed last Tuesday and is well on the mend. She had a high temperature a few days post-op so probably an infection. A course of antibiotics has resolved that. Temperature back to normal and she's starting to run a little now. I think she's missed running for a ball more than any pain or discomfort from the operation.
Couldn't get the buggers to go out in the rain at all last night, apart from a quick pee in the garden. Was a little worried about an accident overnight so shut them in the kitchen, but they managed to hold it in. Still a challenge getting them out this morning but once we left the house they were happy as Larry. Big poops!
They like the beanbag in the box room. Ted's tail is a blur as usual.
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