Puppy Care Suggestions
Puppy care - Product information -
Preparation before bringing your puppy home
Feeding: We recommend Diamond Small Breed Puppy Formula available at most pet stores, current feeding is free feed; meaning feed bowl is always available to them, but make it a routine every morning and 5pm so they become accustom to a schedule. We do not recommend feeding canned food they get all they need from a quality dry. Keep treats and people food to a minimum, you will only have difficult eater if you over do anything. Resist in changing your puppy's diet for at least the first month of transition. We have taken great care selecting a quality food for our puppies. Always have fresh water out at all times. If your puppy gets stressed add a tsp of white karo into fresh drinking water.
Treats, training and positive reinforcement: we recommend American Kennel Club Liver training treats or Waggin'Train wholesome western grill assorted treats made from turkey and chicken for bait and training *** PLEASE READ Package feeding instructions for any treat. We break these treats into pieces and limit the total amount consumed by each pet. You may also choose to give fun treats; honey nut cheerios, animal crackers, raw carrots (various fruits and veggies) vanilla yogurt, once a week or so. We do not give milk bones (too many fillers). For chewing and teething we offer hooves, bones and plenty of toys. Never offer rawhide their system does not digest them and can cause serious intestinal blockage.
Bathing and grooming: wet the Yorkie puppy with a wash cloth so they're not in fear of running water then use Coat Handler - Shampoo and Coat Handler - Conditioner, online or dog shows. We do not rinse out the conditioner, blow it directly into the coat, it protects the coat and helps prevent breaking of the hair. Use a hair dryer to dry totally (be careful with the heat) be sure to dry gently the inside of the ear. We bathe every 2 weeks young Yorkie puppies and every week our adult Yorkshire Terriers.
Never brush a dry coat, spray the brush with a diluted conditioner or Coat Handler - Detangler. Daily brushing is recommended to maintain the coat and keep it mat free. Do not wet a mat it will only tighten it making it impossible to remove, use your fingers to gently separate the hairs one by one, a slicker brush will help as well. Pin Brushes and tiny head slickers are what we recommend.
Yorkshire Terriers do not shed, they are single coated. Yorkie hair is very similar to yours and mine, if you use people shampoo make sure it's a quality one, but I prefer the ones I recommend above because we differ in PH balance. Do not use Baby Shampoo or Aveeno oatmeal based shampoo on a regular basis, they're very drying, if used for an extended period they will strip the natural oils in the skin and coat.
If your tying the head up into a topknot don't use rubber bands, they will break the hair, use latex band and remove gently with a seam ripper or manicure scissor.
Trimming the bum and under paw: removing the hair around the bum helps with hygiene. Also remove the excess hair on the under paws and between the toes. As your yorkie matures cut around the contour of the paw well rounded with the curved scissors.
Trimming and cleaning ears: when your Yorkie puppy is teething they tend to droop, simply follow the taping instructions provided they will stand again and should be permanent. If you take your Yorkie puppy to a groomer regularly, request the ears shaved 1/3 down from the tip in an inverted v shape front and back, too much hair weights the ear causing an unnatural droop or teething can cause the ear to fall. The ear hair should be trimmed on a regular basis every week or so when young, as adults every other week along with nail trimming. Clean the ears with an ear cleaner or 50/50 vinegar and water mixture follow by wiping clean and dry with cotton balls (be careful using q-tips in the ear) also use tweezers to remove any excess hair inside the ear.
Clipping nails: use a standard nail clipper (for people) clip them at the hook no further if you cut short (use stop bleed immediately). They're accustom to the trimming, simply turn your Yorkie puppy on to their back and massage the paws just before doing it, they should cooperate. Dog nail clipper will be needed as they mature.
Potty Training: use disposable pee pads keep them in the areas your puppy will be. At your new home keep he/she in their own special area do not give them the run of the house. Training them outside simply move the pee pad closer to the door week after week. Also take your Yorkie puppy outside first thing in the morning, after naps and finally bedtime. Be sure to give them plenty of praise each time they're successful outside, they will get the hang of it, they want to please you.
Teeth: Use a tooth brush and paste made for dogs available at all pet stores. We recommend giving Yorkie puppies and Yorkshire Terrier adults hooves, large size beef and pork bones and plenty of chew toys, they love them. Make sure you have the teeth checked by your vet @ 6-8 months (when you spay or neuter your vet should clean and remove any problem or extra teeth at that time).
Safety: Please monitor your Yorkie puppy the same way you would a toddler or small child. Puppies will explore and are vulnerable to many household hazards. Keep all electrical cords out of reach from teething pups. Do not place house plants or other items that may be toxic or poisonous within reach of your curious puppy. Be aware that a delicate puppy may injure themself if they fall or attempt to jump from heights such as furniture or a overzealous child's arms. Always supervise young children with a tiny Yorkie puppy. It is wise to avoid placing your little puppy in an environment that puts them at risk of being trampled, stepped on or kicked by members of your household or visitors. Be cautious of larger pets in your home, tiny puppies are vulnerable to bigger dogs who may trample or maul them unintentionally. Your Yorkie puppy is depending on you to keep them safe and be their protector in their new home.
Preparation before bringing your puppy home
Feeding: We recommend Diamond Small Breed Puppy Formula available at most pet stores, current feeding is free feed; meaning feed bowl is always available to them, but make it a routine every morning and 5pm so they become accustom to a schedule. We do not recommend feeding canned food they get all they need from a quality dry. Keep treats and people food to a minimum, you will only have difficult eater if you over do anything. Resist in changing your puppy's diet for at least the first month of transition. We have taken great care selecting a quality food for our puppies. Always have fresh water out at all times. If your puppy gets stressed add a tsp of white karo into fresh drinking water.
Treats, training and positive reinforcement: we recommend American Kennel Club Liver training treats or Waggin'Train wholesome western grill assorted treats made from turkey and chicken for bait and training *** PLEASE READ Package feeding instructions for any treat. We break these treats into pieces and limit the total amount consumed by each pet. You may also choose to give fun treats; honey nut cheerios, animal crackers, raw carrots (various fruits and veggies) vanilla yogurt, once a week or so. We do not give milk bones (too many fillers). For chewing and teething we offer hooves, bones and plenty of toys. Never offer rawhide their system does not digest them and can cause serious intestinal blockage.
Bathing and grooming: wet the Yorkie puppy with a wash cloth so they're not in fear of running water then use Coat Handler - Shampoo and Coat Handler - Conditioner, online or dog shows. We do not rinse out the conditioner, blow it directly into the coat, it protects the coat and helps prevent breaking of the hair. Use a hair dryer to dry totally (be careful with the heat) be sure to dry gently the inside of the ear. We bathe every 2 weeks young Yorkie puppies and every week our adult Yorkshire Terriers.
Never brush a dry coat, spray the brush with a diluted conditioner or Coat Handler - Detangler. Daily brushing is recommended to maintain the coat and keep it mat free. Do not wet a mat it will only tighten it making it impossible to remove, use your fingers to gently separate the hairs one by one, a slicker brush will help as well. Pin Brushes and tiny head slickers are what we recommend.
Yorkshire Terriers do not shed, they are single coated. Yorkie hair is very similar to yours and mine, if you use people shampoo make sure it's a quality one, but I prefer the ones I recommend above because we differ in PH balance. Do not use Baby Shampoo or Aveeno oatmeal based shampoo on a regular basis, they're very drying, if used for an extended period they will strip the natural oils in the skin and coat.
If your tying the head up into a topknot don't use rubber bands, they will break the hair, use latex band and remove gently with a seam ripper or manicure scissor.
Trimming the bum and under paw: removing the hair around the bum helps with hygiene. Also remove the excess hair on the under paws and between the toes. As your yorkie matures cut around the contour of the paw well rounded with the curved scissors.
Trimming and cleaning ears: when your Yorkie puppy is teething they tend to droop, simply follow the taping instructions provided they will stand again and should be permanent. If you take your Yorkie puppy to a groomer regularly, request the ears shaved 1/3 down from the tip in an inverted v shape front and back, too much hair weights the ear causing an unnatural droop or teething can cause the ear to fall. The ear hair should be trimmed on a regular basis every week or so when young, as adults every other week along with nail trimming. Clean the ears with an ear cleaner or 50/50 vinegar and water mixture follow by wiping clean and dry with cotton balls (be careful using q-tips in the ear) also use tweezers to remove any excess hair inside the ear.
Clipping nails: use a standard nail clipper (for people) clip them at the hook no further if you cut short (use stop bleed immediately). They're accustom to the trimming, simply turn your Yorkie puppy on to their back and massage the paws just before doing it, they should cooperate. Dog nail clipper will be needed as they mature.
Potty Training: use disposable pee pads keep them in the areas your puppy will be. At your new home keep he/she in their own special area do not give them the run of the house. Training them outside simply move the pee pad closer to the door week after week. Also take your Yorkie puppy outside first thing in the morning, after naps and finally bedtime. Be sure to give them plenty of praise each time they're successful outside, they will get the hang of it, they want to please you.
Teeth: Use a tooth brush and paste made for dogs available at all pet stores. We recommend giving Yorkie puppies and Yorkshire Terrier adults hooves, large size beef and pork bones and plenty of chew toys, they love them. Make sure you have the teeth checked by your vet @ 6-8 months (when you spay or neuter your vet should clean and remove any problem or extra teeth at that time).
Safety: Please monitor your Yorkie puppy the same way you would a toddler or small child. Puppies will explore and are vulnerable to many household hazards. Keep all electrical cords out of reach from teething pups. Do not place house plants or other items that may be toxic or poisonous within reach of your curious puppy. Be aware that a delicate puppy may injure themself if they fall or attempt to jump from heights such as furniture or a overzealous child's arms. Always supervise young children with a tiny Yorkie puppy. It is wise to avoid placing your little puppy in an environment that puts them at risk of being trampled, stepped on or kicked by members of your household or visitors. Be cautious of larger pets in your home, tiny puppies are vulnerable to bigger dogs who may trample or maul them unintentionally. Your Yorkie puppy is depending on you to keep them safe and be their protector in their new home.