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Puppy Care

Before you read further, make sure you realize that Yorkshire Terriers are a High Maintenance Dog.  This beautiful dog requires a lot of attention both in grooming and human interaction.  Tines require special attention and close evaluation of their environment and physical state.  Take it upon yourself to read books and any other material you can find to completely familiarize yourself with this wonderful breed and the things necessary for safely and  physical maintenance .  The internet and your public library is wonderful resources for in depth reading material that will be invaluable to you and your Yorkshire terrier. I will try to give you a few pointers for the best care of this wonderful breed.

Yorkshire Terriers' are loyal and loving to a fault.  They are heartbroken if you are not there, or if you are too tired to play with them.  If you have to be gone from home a lot, it would be a difficult breed to maintain.  As a puppy (and an adult) this breed will try to please you to a fault.  They will try to do things that are dangerous to them, if they have any inkling you wish them to.  They will also play so hard that they will use up their supply of glucose (energy source) which can cause them to become ill, even become comatose, or in extreme cases, die.  These are all preventable and treatable, with knowledge.

Puppies are prone to hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) so they must be observed and given regular feedings of a small bite, nutritionally correct puppy food.  No table scraps.  Puppy food has the protein, and other nutrients for growth and health.  If your puppy is playing hard, be sure he has extra glucose (can be given as a dime size drop of Nutri-Cal that can be purchased at any good pet store) prior to his exercise, and for tines, reduce the amount and duration of exercise periods because they are extremely sensitive to low blood glucose.  Keep food available to the dog at all times.  They tend to eat small amounts day and night.

Puppies (as well as adults) have smaller throats than other breeds.  It is important that puppy food be in small, fine particles so as to not cause choking.  Table scraps are unreliable, both in nutritional value and size.  It is very easy for a young or tiny puppy or dog to choke on a piece of food.  Loosing an animal to choking is a calamity that must be avoided!

Avoid a dog collar, but rather a halter-leash combination is much safer for their small trachea.  Another safety issue is stepping or sitting on your dog.  They are very loving, and will do anything to be close to you, including jumping into to seat or path which you are beginning to sit or walk in.  Even the largest yorkie is small, and the tines are even more so, so you must watch out for them!

It has been a historical fact, that many Yorkshire terriers, especially the tines, have lost their lives when faced with other animals.  Whether it be another dog, coyote, owl, hawk, or even unreliable people, yorkies, who know no fear, have walked straight into danger.  It is up to us, their loving masters, to be sure they are in a controlled environment.  Because, the Yorkshire terrier puppy is very active (until about 10 months) it is safer to keep teething toys that have nothing that can be bitten or chewed off that can choke them, but that keep them occupies.  They love to play keep away, fetch, and "kill" the stuffed animal.  I try to find stuffed animals that have no buttons, eyes, beans inside, or any other part that can be torn or pulled off.  They can play with you or each other for long periods of time.  They will begin to settle down as adults, and be more content in your lap or in their favorite bed.  It does not take a lot of encouragement for them to play, even as an older adult. 

That brings me to my last point, what ever you do, try to remember that you and your dog are a family.  If your dog misbehaves, then punish them, but restrain from kicking, hitting, or even yelling at them. They are very sensitive to your mood and demeaner.  If they feel they have let you down, it is enough, physical violence will not accomplish more.  In fact, it make push a shy puppy or dog to becoming aggressive, because they no longer feel safe and secure with you.  There is no excuse for a biting dog, but I have found it rare in Yorkshire terriers, but in the wrong environment it does occur!   Yorkshire Terrier's are loving to a fault, keep them happy and you will have a friend who will give you love for his whole life!!!