Most Frequently Asked Questions About
Yorkie Puppies
The thing about raising a Yorkie Puppy is that unless you've done
it before, you're not sure if you're doing it the right way.
To quell those fears, here are the most frequently-asked
questions we receive at You & Your Dog magazine. We've also
provided answers you can rely on from our experts.
Q: How much should I play with my new Yorkie Puppy ?
A: Aim for between three and six play periods per day, but
remember that he'll tire easily as a youngster. A game of
fetch is ideal, as it includes exercise and a lesson on
commands.
Q: How often should I take my pet to the veterinarian?
A: Three times per year during Yorkie Puppy hood (which ends
in about one year for small and medium sized breeds and
between 18 and 24 months for large-breed dogs). After that,
he should have a visit once annually, unless he gets sick.
Q: How do I teach my pup not to jump on people?
A: Hold a treat in front of your dog's nose then raise it
over his head. As his nose comes up, his head should come
down. Say "Sit!" Reward him when his hindquarters touch the
ground. Repeat the drill and gradually remove the food used
during the lesson. (But always give him a treat afterwards
if he's followed your rules.) Once he learns the command,
ask him to "Sit!" each time he greets someone.
Q: How are the nutritional needs of large-breed and small-breed puppies
different?
A: Small-breed pups develop much faster than do others. They
have faster metabolic rates and thus need higher levels of
protein, fat, calcium and phosphorus. Meanwhile, large-breed
dogs aren't considered full grown until they're nearly two
years old. And while many people surmise they should eat
huge quantities of food, they simply need meals that pack a
nutritional punch. (If overfed, these animals risk putting
on too much weight too quickly and developing skeletal
problems.) The scientists at Eukanuba have developed
specific formulas for every size Yorkie Puppy so
you'll be sure to know they've got all the nutrition they
need to grow up healthy.
Q: What common ailments should I watch for?
A: Worms and infectious diseases such as parvovirus and
distemper are most problematic. The later two can be avoided
with vaccines, though it is smart to limit your Yorkie Puppy
's exposure to other dogs until he has been fully immunized.
Q: How often should I groom and/or bathe my pet?
A: Long-haired breeds should be brushed out every day or so
(give him a treat when you're done so that he learns
grooming is pleasurable). Bathe when stinky, but avoid
overdoing it, as his skin is sensitive.