Once You Get Your Puppy HHere are some things to know that will help your pup get acclimated:
1. Be courteous! If you receive your puppy by plane, once you get home and settled , please give me a call and let me know that your puppy arrived safely. I spend many hours raising these babies as my own children and I really worry about their safety!! Also if you pick them up in person, drop me an e-mail or give me a quick call to let us know how your puppy is getting along.
2. Remember that puppies are still babies and need their rest. Place them in their playpen or crate several times a day so they may rest and eat and drink in peace.
3. Schedule an appointment with the vet for a "well puppy visit". to have your puppy checked out by your own veterinarian.
This is a precautionary physical to make sure that your pup is in good health.
Make sure that you take your puppies shot record with you so your vet will know it's medical history.
4. Get your vet to schedule your puppies shots. Every vet has a different schedule, but most shots are given every 3 weeks until the series is complete. Remember, until your pups immunizations are complete, make sure to hold your new pup in your lap and keep them away from other dogs and off the floor at the vets. This also means not letting strangers or children pet your puppy. This is how many diseases such as parvo are spread and these diseases can be deadly for your puppy.
4.Training should start immediately. If you want a well mannered pet, you must set the ground rules as soon as you get home. There is nothing cuter than an 8 week old puppy dragging a shoe that is bigger than itself around the house! But it is not so cute when that 6 month old puppy chews the toes out of every shoe that you own! So remember to set "House rules". The more time that you spend with your dog, the smarter they will become.
5. Set a date to have your pet spayed or neutered. There are many health benefits to spaying and neutering and neutering a male at a young age will help control leg lifting and wandering.
6. The most important thing, is just to give your new pet a lot of love and attention. And remember to keep in touch, as we enjoy hearing how our babies do and we just love photos!!!
So many people have written me about basic Yorkie grooming questions that I have decided to include this page for you who need a little help getting started. There's no reason you can not groom your Yorkie by yourself, as long as you have the time, and patience to learn.
Make sure you gather all of your supplies before you get started as there's nothing worse than reaching for something and it's not there. Another word of advice: if you have a Portable Phone take it with you to the sink. Mine always rings as I'm bathing a dog, it never fails.
I'm sure I'll forget a couple of things to mention, so please don't hesitate to contact me with additional questions. If something isn't clear to you, I'd like to know so I can clarify it better for others also.
The type of coat that your dog has will affect what Shampoos and Conditioners you will be useing. Just as the type of water you have, hard or soft, will affect the performance of the different products.
Some feel that you shouldn't use human products, that they are too drying. I haven't experienced this at all. I'm not including inexpensive products with this statement but good Salon type. All you can do is to try them. If you notice the skin looks dry, or if there is an excess amount of itching change products.
At the end of this page, I'll list a few of my favorite dog products. There're thousands of them out there, and more being developed almost daily. You'll also want to periodically change products, and/or use a clarifying type to remove residue that can build up. Even though one shampoo works great for weeks, all of a sudden the shine is gone, the cause is build-up.
Pre-Bath
You are going to need to go through the coat to check for snarles and mats. Snarles can be pulled apart with your fingers, then using a pin type brush go though the coat before bathing. If the coat is matted, you are not grooming often enough or the coat is a soft type.
A soft coat is much more difficult to maintain than the proper silk coat. It will take daily care to keep from matting, so you may need to have the dog trimmed in a puppy cut or another style. There is no sense in struggling with a coat that will constantly mat, causing you and the dog to be upset at grooming time. Mats hurt coming out regardless how careful and gentle you are. Soft coats also collect dirt and absorb moisture much quicker than a true silk coat. You'll need to add a slicker brush to your list if you're working with this type of coat. Be careful using this type of brush, they can actually burn the skin. Place your fingers at the base of coat next to the skin as you are brushing. Start brushing at the ends of the hair and gradually work up toward your fingers.
Before the bath is the best time for brushing the teeth. Many Yorkies are prone to excessive Tartar which causes premature tooth loss. They make a number of products now to help keep the teeth clean. If you do not brush the teeth, this will mean additional professional cleanings at the Vet's, and it can also lead to Bacterial Infections to develope causing additional expense to you, Ears
Check the Ear Channel first, if there is any offensive odors, redness, or a reddish brown discharge, have your Vet look at them. All could be signs of infection, and need to be treated if so.
If there is hair in the channel, remove it by pulling it out with your fingers. Whether the hair is oily or not, using a plucking powder lightly will make it much easier to do. Note: Pull quickly, not slow.
Now for the outer ear you will use the Pocket Pro Wahl Clippers. Clip the excess hair on the inside of the ear leathers about 1/3rd way down. Then you'll clip the same amount on the back side but trimming the hair off in the shape of a V. With the Wahl clippers, it is even safe to go along the outer edge of the ear to finish it off neatly.
Tapeing Ears
For Down Ears
The most important thing to encourage ears to stand upright is keeping the excess hair trimmed. But, if they are not up by 6-7 weeks of age they should be supported. This method will work even with older pups, it may just take a longer period of time. If you purchased your puppy, the ears should have been up prior.
Cut three pieces of 2 inch masking tape in triangles, and lay them on top of one another. Use better quality tape, because the less expensive brands do not adhere as well. Place this so the adhesive side is next to the skin on the inter-ear leather. Next, cut a strip of tape approximately 3-4 inches long. This is centered on the "back side" of the ear, and the remainder is folded over the front, on top of your tape inserts. You may need to repeat this step, using two strips depending on ear length and weakness.
Leave these in place, checking or replacing them every 2-3 days. Sometimes the ears will be up in the first 2-3 days, others can take weeks, and some may never stand correctly depending on the breeding and ear type.
Pads Nails
Again the small clippers will be used to trim the pads of the feet. Hair grows from between them and it should be trimmed to at least were the hair is level with the pads themself. You can go between the Pads if you are comfortable with this, if not, at least check between them.
Trimming Nails should be done with almost each bath, if you are diligent about this, all you will need to do is remove the tips. Yes, they can bleed if too much is removed, so you should have Quick Stop on hand. The center of the nail changes color and texture as you clip, if the nail is dry and white you may want to take additional nail off. They also have Nail Files available for dogs. If you wish, file the end of each Nail for a smoother finish.
Some prefer to trim the hair around the foot at this time, before bathing. If you have a lot of excess coat it wouldn't hurt, but you'll find that after bathing it will need to be done again.
Bathing
One of the biggest mistakes in shampooing is rubbing the coat in circles. With the products today, the dirt is lifted off. There is no reason to scrub back and forth.
Make sure the coat is entirely wet, apply your shampoo, and distribute it by running your fingers though the coat.
It's important to rinse and rinse and rinse. Shampoo left in a coat can do more damage to the coat and skin than anything else.
Follow with a light Conditioner per instructions, or use a Mist Bottle with a light Conditioner during the drying process.
I say a light conditioner because a very fine silky coat will get weighed down easily and appear dirty. Also if you are brushing the coat during the week, you'll want to Mist it lightly. Do not brush a dry coat, nor one that is getting dirty. You are much better off rebathing quickly if you are trying to grow coat.
Drying
After the bathing is done, wrap the dog in a towel. Again, do not rub the coat. If you hold him for just a couple of minutes wrapped it will cut down on drying time.
If you are trying to grow coat, let him just stand in front of the dryer until the coat is damp before you start to brush. Otherwise you can begin to brush starting at the ends, not the base of the coat next to the skin. Brush it in sections as you go along, it's much easier than to skip around. Don't forget the belly area, under the legs, and behind the ears.
Trimming
By now you are seeing the results of your work, and your dog has been patient with you. All you need to do now is trim around the feet and anal area.
The Anal area should be only slightly trimmed using scissors, do not use clippers for this area. Usually about 1/2 inch around is enough.
The feet should be rounded following the outline of the foot itself. You'll first brush the coat down straight around the foot, stand your dog holding the leg hair up and out of the way. Then trim the excess coat off around the foot that hits the table you're grooming on. It isn't easy to obtain a neat rounded foot at first, but each time you groom you'll improve getting that rounded look. Just take your time.
Finishing Touch
Now that the Grooming is done, you can finish off by putting in the Top Knot with your favorite Bow. Collect the hair starting at the outer corner of the eye, going back at an angle toward the center of head, then back down to the outer corner of other eye. Brush this hair up and place a Latex Band, finish by adding your Bow. You may even have a favorite dog cologne, but don't forget the "Hug"! He deserves it.
THINGS YOU WILL NEED
GROMMING TIPS AND MORE
Yorkie Puppies and You
Hopefully whoever you purchased your Yorkie from spent some time with you. It's important that a breeder is willing to give you instructions on Vaccinations, Feeding, Grooming, Precautions, Products and whatever else a Buyer may need to know. This usually takes about 2 - 3 hours, but it's time well spent for You, the Breeder, and most importantly that Puppy.
Contract Contents
Make sure the Terms of the Sale are in writing. It should contain Names and Addresses of both the Buyer and Breeder, including Phone Numbers and Purchase Price. All dogs should have a personal file at home, to be kept with all other information you'll record through the years. You'll never know when you'll have a question that the Breeder may be able to help you with.
Sire and Dam information: Names and Registration numbers.
Spay / Neuter Agreement should be outlined in the contract also. Your Veterinarian will recommend a time frame, and don't be frightened to ask questions. There are "many advantages" of having animals altered, health reasons being number one on the list. Anesthesia has changed during the last few years, being much safer for Toy Dogs. I always recommend that they wait to see if the Puppy retains Puppy Teeth. Usually around 5 - 6 months of age you'll notice if they have and it's easier to have them removed at the same time the Alteration is performed. Isoflurane is an extremely safe Anesthetic and the Dogs are awake within seconds after any procedure.
Type of Registration you'll be receiving from AKC, Limited or Full. If you're purchasing the Pup as a Companion / Pet from a Breeder who is knowledgeable to the Yorkie Standard and is concerned about not breeding "Pet Quality" dogs, then this will most likely be a Contract Stating a Limited Registration. Offspring from this dog would never be able to be Registered with AKC.
The breeder should give you a few days to have the puppy checked by your Veterinarian. It is important that you have your new addition checked the first couple of days of owning it. It's very easy to get attached quickly, and if it should have a condition that is a Crippling defect or worse, it would be much easier to return it to the breeder if need be.
Vaccination records on the Puppy, your Veterinarian will need these as well as you.
If the Puppy has been put on Heartworm Medication, you'll need this information. This could also be on a separate Care Sheet. If the Puppy is too young at this time for the Medication, it's helpful to know if the Dam was on it.
If you were told that the Puppy will never be over a certain size, make sure it's in writing. When you have the Veterinary Check done, he/she should be able to estimate the Adult size. Some people want a smaller 4-5 pound dog to travel with. If this Puppy is 4 pounds at 3 months, then you're looking at approximately an 8 pound Adult.
A Puppy needs a well Balanced Diet with the highest quality food sources available. Hopefully, your Breeder has informed you of the importance of his diet and has supplied you with enough food to last a few days, along with feeding instructions. Again, this may be part of a Care Sheet, but it is necessary information. Transferring to a new environment is stressful on a Puppy, the last thing that should be done is to change Diets too, it adds more stress on his system. Young Puppies should be fed three times a day, small amounts each time. Health problems can arise from lack of energy in puppies that can be life threating, see Hypoglycemia or Low Blood Sugar on the Puppy Tips Page.
Receive some basic grooming instructions. Yorkies are so easy to do, there's no reason not to keep up on grooming. The lack of proper Grooming can cause Matting and Skin Conditions resulting in infections. Improper grooming can cause Skin Burns and Injuries. If you didn't receive instructions, Go Here.
NOTES Silly Things I Hear
I want one just like I had!
This is almost impossible. The way you brought up your last dog, and what you went through together are wonderful Memories. Don't try to replace them.
If they are "Fixed" they get fat.
Not true at all, and there are so many positive health reasons to have it done!!
They Are Yappers and Ankle Biters.
Yorkies can be unruly if you let them. Just because they are a small breed doesn't mean they can't be trained. Socialization is very important when they are young along with the "proper type" of correction when needed. Yorkies Can Not Be House Trained.
Yorkies can be more difficult than some other breeds. But to say they can not isn't the truth either. When you get your new Puppy, it is important to keep it in a small area at first. If it is allowed to have full access to the entire house it will be much more difficult. You must also remember that they have to be taken out often, especially right after a meal. If you live in a cold climate and get your Puppy in February, don't expect a one and a half to four pound dog to run to the door. You're much better off trying to paper train initially, then start house training completely when the puppy is around 5 months, more mature, and the weather is more appropriate.
Whatever Size Are The Parents, The Pup Will Be The Same
Usually all I say is: Have you ever seen a couple that is 5 feet tall with 6 foot tall Children? It is much more complicated than just the size of the Parents, and a honest Breeder will tell you the approximate Adult size. The rule of thumb, double the 3 month weight. Common Sense
There are so many things that are just good common sense. I tell most Buyers to look at their new Puppy as a two year old. Puppy-proof the area it will be staying in, everything goes in the mouth and is chewed on including things like electric cords. Don't clean flooring with Chemicals, would you let a child crawl on a surface with many of the Cleaners on the Market today?? Lawn treatment for Insects and Weeds can be as deadly to the dogs as the weeds it was made for. The word "Natural" is deceiving in many ways. So if yours is treated, DEMAND an ingredients list, and check it out for yourself.
Yorkie Breeders
When you consider breeding / reproducing an animal, there are many aspects to consider. Please, put some thought into this venture before you proceed with a breeding that could end up a nightmare.
Is your dog a good representation of the breed meeting the Standard? Do you know the faults and which type of Gene transmits this fault?
Infections transfer from breedings. Have both the Dog and Bitch had Bacteria Cultures and Brucellosis Tests performed?
Have you had your bitch checked for such things as Luxating Patella's, Cardiomyopathy, or Hypothyroidism? Has the stud been checked, too? Do you have the time to learn, or knowledge about the possible hereditary faults in the line you are breeding?
Can you accept the loss of your bitch to have this litter? Complications can and do happen, and bitches do die before, during and after whelping. Are you familar with the terms: Uterine Inertia, Prolapsed Uterus, Eclampsia, Metritis, or Mastitis?
Are you willing to find the best male possible to complement your bitch? You wouldn't want to breed a "Fault" such as Luxating Patellas, incorrect Bites, Toplines or Coats, would you? If so, you're reproducing poor specimens of our Breed!
A Yorkie should never be alone as the Whelping time draws near, very few can Whelp without assistance. Will you be able to stay home for several days before and after the Whelping?
Do you have enough money saved in the event that a C-section is required? Do you know the signs of Eclampsia, the steps to take, and the possible outcome?
Have you educated yourself about whelping and raising puppies so that you will recognize a problem before it is too late? Do you know about Fading Puppies, Toxic Milk, Septicemia, Primary Atelactasis, Herpes Virus, Cleft Palates, Hypoglycemia?
To see a new born with a birth defect is heart breaking, and it may need to be put down. If it must be done, can you do it, for you can not let it suffer. This can be extremely hard on your Bitch also, and can cause further complications.
Are you willing to take a few days off work to raise the litter should anything happen to the dam? Should this happen you may need to Tube Feed. This involves placing a Tube down the mouth directly to the stomach with a measured amount of Formula. A weak Puppy does not have the strength to be fed with a Bottle, so you may even need to supplement if the Dam has only marginal milk.
Can you afford to vaccinate the puppies? Vaccinations are started at around 8 weeks of age and are given every 2-3 weeks until the Puppies are 4 months old. This means you will be giving 2-3 Vaccinations to each Puppy before it is to be sold.
Do you expect to profit from the sale of these puppies? Most litters cost breeders money, if you are lucky you may break even after the pups are sold.
How selective will you be in finding homes for the puppies? What criteria will new owners have to meet? Do they have fenced yards, will they be able to afford routine medical care, will they be able to afford veterinary bills if an emergency arises, will they continue to feed the pup a quality diet, etc.?
Are you willing to take back any unwanted puppies or dogs that you have produced if their owners are no longer able to keep them, or at least help them place them in proper homes? Job Tranfers, Medical reasons and etc do happen.
