How to Care for a Yorkshire Puppy

Yorkshire terrier puppies are playful, friendly and often mild-mannered. Generally obedient, Yorkies require a certain amount of care that is specific to their breed that will keep them healthy, behaved and feeling good. Fortunately, their care is quite easy and most are typically compliant.

Things You'll Need

  • Premium puppy food
  • Slicker brush
  • Dog toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Crate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your Yorkie puppy a high-quality, premium puppy food. Like many small breeds, Yorkies are susceptible to becoming hypoglycemic, or having low blood sugar levels. This can cause them to become quite ill and is potentially fatal. Feeding your Yorkie puppy three to four times a day will help to prevent this serious condition. Use food that is organic and free of preservatives and artificial colors and flavors.

    • 2

      Brush your Yorkie puppy daily. Yorkshire terriers require grooming every few weeks. Helping your puppy become familiar with this process now will help to avoid protesting as an adult. Therefore, start brushing your Yorkie puppy daily with a slicker brush. Touch its ears, head, mouth and teeth to get it used to being handled in this way. The more comfortable your puppy feels with this type of touching, the better it will behave for grooming as an adult.

    • 3

      Brush your Yorkie puppy's teeth daily. As a small breed, Yorkies are prone to developing serious dental issues, including gingivitis and periodontal disease. Brushing your Yorkie's teeth daily will help to prevent these problems. Purchase dog toothpaste and a toothbrush from the pet store. Apply a small amount of the toothpaste on your finger and let your dog lick it---it will probably enjoy the taste. Place a small amount on the brush and insert it into the puppy's mouth. Gently move the brush back and forth on the teeth. Reassure your Yorkie puppy throughout the process by talking gently to it and petting it. Give it a treat afterward as a reward.

    • 4

      Keep your Yorkie puppy in a crate to assist in potty training. Yorkies are known for being difficult to housebreak. A method that often works well for housebreaking Yorkies is crate training. Keep your puppy in a crate when you are not home or able to supervise. Dogs generally do not like to eliminate in areas of rest or like to come in contact with their waste. Crate training takes advantage of both aspects as most dogs view their crates as den areas and often sleep inside. In addition, if a dog eliminates in its crate, it is forced to lie in it, so most puppies will avoid using the bathroom in the crate. Purchase a crate that is only big enough for your Yorkie puppy to stand up, turn around and lie down in.