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- How do you choose the BEST Yorkie who is
just perfect for you and your family?
Do your home work BEFORE you decide. Research Yorkies. Read a book on their care and training. Check out rescue groups in your area. Check the Internet, talk to your veterinarian and pet-loving friends, and don't be afraid to call these sources and ask questions. Most rescue groups are quite humane and honest, but you still should do your homework to be sure a YORKIE is right for you. While they are cute they are not right for every family - which is why we exist.
- Remember to think with your HEAD. When you're looking at those adorable Yorkie faces in the pictures, it is easy to make a decision based purely on what your HEART feels. BEFORE , you go looking for the perfect Yorkie, seriously think about the canine characteristics that will be best for your family and home, and stick to those guidelines.
- List what you are looking for in a dog. Contact the rescue with a plan. Tell the staff why you want a dog, and they will help you find the right one for you. Do you want a jogging partner, a lap dog, a watch dog, a companion for your dog.....? Do you want a puppy or would you like to rescue an old dog?
- Consider your finances and lifestyle. Really! Yorkies are a lifetime commitment, and they deserve the best care possible. Will your pocketbook allow you to feed a dog a quality diet, provide him with the supplies he needs to nurture his daily life, and give him adequate preventative and emergency medical care? Do you have plenty of available time to spend with a dog? Do not adopt a dog only to find that you do not have time or money for him. This is never fair to any pet.
- Take your time when making this big decision. Do not rush into pet ownership. Take the time needed to find the right Yorkie and get to know him. Visit the dog before taking him home. Also, take the time to be sure your house is ready for the new family member.
- Visit with the dogs outside their foster home. Taking a dog outside will give you the opportunity to get to know the dog's true personality.
- Interact with the dog. Don't just say, "He's cute, I'll take him." Walk him! Play with him! Find out if he knows any commands or tricks! Give him a snack... Get to know the dog, and let him get to know you.
- Allow the dog to meet all members of the family. Bring Mom, Dad, kids, even other pets. Be sure the dog you are considering for adoption is comfortable with the whole family.
- Talk to the foster mom. The foster family is the best tool for helping you learn more about the dog, his likes and dislikes, his quirks, his health, etc. They spend a lot of time with these rescue dogs and have gotten to know them well.
- Evaluate the dog's health and body condition. Check for discharge from the dog's eyes and nose. Is the dog coughing, sneezing, etc.? Note the dog's gait. Is the dog overweight or underweight? Check for fleas and ticks. Check the condition of the teeth. If you see any issues in these areas, talk to your vet and / or the rescue staff about them. Learn what you can do to resolve any health problems, and think about whether you are willing to do so.
- Bring needed supplies on adoption day. Be prepared, and help your dog feel welcome. Bring a collar, leash, blanket for the car seat, and possibly a toy on the day of adoption. Try to make your dog's transition as stress-free and calm as possible. Do not have people over to your house that day. Keep things calm and quiet for the first few days.
- Do not expect everything to go perfectly. There will be struggles. Remember your dog will be a little nervous in his new home, and he will not immediately know your expectations. The rules and ways of his previous home probably weren't the same as they are in his current home. BE PATIENT as your dog adjusts.
- Show him your love. Give your new dog abundant time, attention, and affection. This is especially important during his adjustment period. Help him feel wanted and comfortable.
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