How to Prepare for a Yorkshire Terrier Puppy

Bringing home a Yorkshire Terrier puppy requires as much preparation as bringing home a human baby. Before the newest, pint-sized addition to the family arrives, you'll want to already have puppy-proofed your home and yard for your pup's health and safety. Your curious pup will sniff and chew almost everything they'll find, so put away potential hazards such as personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and garden chemicals. Your Yorkie can also get stuck in a number of places; baby gates, a crate, and/or a playpen are helpful in confining your pooch for short periods when you're unable to watch them. Other things to purchase prior to your Yorkie's homecoming are puppy food, a leash, a harness, ID tags, a soft bed, food and water bowls, potty pads, and grooming tools.

Dogs do well on a routine, so it's always a good idea to hammer out a schedule before the big day comes. If you live in a multi-person household, figure out who will be in charge of which tasks, including walking, feeding, grooming, and taking the puppy outside for potty breaks. Even small canines need moderate exercise, and your Yorkie will enjoy short walks twice a day and an occasional game of fetch in the backyard. When it comes to food, it is recommended to feed your pup three to four meals a day as Yorkshire Terriers are prone to hypoglycemia if they don't eat frequently enough. Grooming your pupper's floor-length coat is impawtant, too—you'll have to brush it daily if it's not trimmed short.

The first week with your new puppy will be filled with busy activity as everyone in the household adjusts to this big change in your lives. Your pup will be teething during this period, so be sure to provide them with chew toys. Be patient with your Yorkie as they learn the do's and don'ts of their new home. Once they've settled in, you can expect to get lots of laughs and love from this sprightly breed!