Trainability

Your wee Yorkie might be a little dog, however according to life in the mind of this adorable breed, they are far from being a small dog. For this reason, training is paramount to ensure your dog is well-trained and understanding of doggy manners. Having a good ‘recall’ command and also establishing yourself as a leader is important part of responsible pet ownership. Early and consistent training can help iron out any problems like barking. As too, early socialisation with as many sights, sounds, people and environments as possible. Puppy-preschools are a wonderful way to introduce your Yorkie to other pups of all shapes and sizes, and also begin some basic training. If well-trained this breed can excel at dog sports and other obedience skills. Due to their high prey drive off-leash running should be contained in a secure location, and always ensure you have trained your dog accordingly to guarantee they are safe when running free. Beginning training at an early age is also advisable. It is better to prevent a problem than cure it. The key with this breed is consistency and not giving up. For success; keep training fun and entertaining and part of everyday life. This breed loves to please, so as long as you are happy (and armed with some tasty morsels of food) training will be a pleasure.

Grooming

Grooming needs to be taken into consideration before you decide on this breed. They will need professional attention particularly if you have decided on keeping your Yorkie with a full body of hair instead of clipping. Their hair can be very soft and tangle easily. If you have decided to clip and trim your Yorkie (as most owners do) a gentle brush daily will help keep the coat soft and clean. Ask your local groomer for advice when it comes to coat care for this breed. Like all dog breeds it’s important to get your pup used to having their feet, mouths and ears touched. This makes veterinary care a breeze and also can help you detect if there is a problem that requires your attention. Nail clipping should also be done from an early age.

Exercise Requirements

Being a terrier, your Yorkie will require a good dose of daily exercise. A good off leash romp and a brisk morning walk will keep him happy and entertained. But in saying this, because of their small size, a good play session will also keep them well exercised. They love to explore and adventure alongside their beloved owners. Like with all breeds keeping them well-exercised will help keep them out of mischief during times when they are alone.

Intelligence

Being a terrier breed your Yorkie is smart. Plus, this dog will be like your little shadow and will not take well to endless boring hours left alone. Consider using smart toys to ward off boredom and always leave after you have adequately exercised your Yorkie with either a play session or a good brisk walk. Treat balls and special ‘home alone’ toys will work well, just always remember to pick these up when you come home, as they are ‘alone’ toys only. This is also a good way to check for any damaged toys that can lead to internal blockages. Ripped and damaged toys belong in the bin.

Family Friendly

Due to their small size, this breed isn’t recommended for families with very small children. However, in saying this many Yorkie’s have enjoyed a wonderful life growing up around little humans. The key is supervision and common sense. Do not allow your children to carry the dog – sitting cuddles only and teach your dog manners. A dog needs to be taught how to correctly interact with children, and children how to correctly behave around a dog. They can easily be taught to love other pets if socialised suitably around them. This is also true of young children, if you are considering this breed and do not have children it’s a good idea to invite friends and family over with young children so your dog can interact with them during puppyhood.

Indoor/ Outdoor

This breed is a people pleaser and will not take well to life outdoors. They make great apartment dogs and thrive with those who have ample time for affection and love. The breed will feel the cold easily and will need to have lots of warm areas in the winter and cool areas in the summer. Being a terrier, you will need to check fence lines regularly for any possible dig-escape routes. If you do need to leave your Yorkie for a long period of time, consider doggy day-cares and minding facilities.

Breeding

It is very important to only source your new family member from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.