Yorkie Puppy Tips

Yorkshire terriers are small, toy-size dogs that make great pets and companions. When they are puppies, they tend to be very tiny, but are known to be very intelligent and spunky, and love getting attention. Yorkie puppies are very loving and enjoy being around their masters a lot in the early stages of life. Raising a Yorkshire terrier and caring for a Yorkie puppy can be made easier if you follow a few basic tips.

  1. Diet

    • When a Yorkshire terrier is a puppy, it is extremely important to give him the proper food. According to yorkie.org, Yorkie puppies should have a diet that consists of premium dry dog food that caters specifically to pups that are in the growing stage.

      Yorkie puppies tend to feed at least three times a day, and a least two of the meals should consist of dry food. While these dogs (like other dogs) enjoy doggie treats, the site suggests that these treats be kept at a minimum. For example, because they are so small, a milk-bone treat can be like a full-size meal for them. Giving them a couple of bites or a tbsp. of a treat can be enough for them.

    Housebreaking

    • Yorkie puppies are notoriously difficult to potty train and tend to have numerous accidents because their kidneys aren't fully developed. As a result, it's important to show compassion when a Yorkie makes the mistake of soiling an area in your home. According to myyorkiesecrets.com, it is imperative to keep an eye on your puppy. When you catch him urinating or defecating in your home, stop him and take him outside to allow him to finish. Make sure to take your puppy outside right after he's finished eating and consider rewarding him with praise or a small treat after he relieves himself.

      Crate training can be effective because the Yorkie learns not to eliminate in his sleeping area. However, it is also important to spend as much time as possible with your puppy. Yorkies who are left alone often have a more difficult time being housebroken.

    Teething

    • Yorkie puppies tend to keep their puppy teeth, but owners should start watching their puppies when they are about 5 months old to make sure they are able to chew properly, according to Yorkie.org. Making sure that your puppy's teeth are aligned is important because it will help him chew his food better and have better digestion.