Yorkie puppy Key Milestones, Weeks: 16-20 Week: 16Īround this time, a Yorkie’s color transition from black and tan to silver or gold may continue to progress-with the dark black color fading on the top of their back to a grey or light silver. “Never leave a tiny Yorkie in a backyard unattended,” says Marksbury, warning that, as small dogs, they’re more susceptible to being taken by predators (like hawks or coyotes) and are more sensitive to inclement weather, both hot and cold extremes. This should be a learning opportunity to correct the behavior early on.īefore it’s time to go back to work or go out of the house for an extended period of time, figure out where you’ll be able to safely leave your puppy unattended-whether that’s a crate or closed off room where they won’t be able to get into anything dangerous. They’re a small package but they don’t think they are. If they see a big dog, they’ll try to go after them. “They don’t know they’re little,” she explains. ![]() She also warns that humans should be prepared to see Yorkies display their fighter instinct when they first see bigger dogs out on a walk. Marksbury suggests using positive reinforcements, such as offering treats like Cheerios or shredded cheese, to encourage them to pick up the skill. Learning how to walk on a leash usually takes about a week. Use this time to teach your puppy how to walk on a lead, and importantly for Yorkies, be prepared to use a harness, which is better for their small size than a collar. “Don’t take them everywhere the first week,” she says, explaining that your puppy should first get comfortable at home with your family. Another thing to keep in mind is that this should be a relaxing time. In other words, don’t plan on getting a puppy one day and going to a full day of work the next, explains Marksbury. Make sure you have plenty of time to be with your puppy at home, so they feel comfortable and have time to bond with your family. ![]() Three weeks after their initial vaccinations-at around 12 weeks, Yorkie puppies will be ready for a repeat of their parvo and distemper shots and around this time they should also be checked for stool samples for parasites and have a complete physical, explains Marksbury.Īll of this should be taken care of before they are placed in a new home, and you should get a health certificate with details about your Yorkie puppy’s overall condition from your breeder.ĭuring your puppy’s first week with you at home, the goal is to ensure a smooth transition from the breeder to your house. Starting around nine to 10 weeks, the first sign of silver or gold should start to appear on the top of a Yorkie’s head. ![]() While Yorkie puppies are born with black and tan coloring, this will change over your dog’s first two years of life. Weeks: 8-9Īround eight to nine weeks, Yorkie puppies are almost weaned, and that’s when breeders should take them to get their first puppy shots for parvo and distemper. Originally ratters in mines and mills bfore becoming English lapdogs, the Yorkshire Terrier is bred to be a lap-sized companion. Removing a Yorkie from its first home too soon-earlier than 12 weeks-could lead to anxiety and eating problems, she explains.īefore your puppy first comes home between 12 to 16 weeks, you’ll need to puppy-proof your home (similar to baby-proofing.) Potential dangers to be on the look out for include extension cords, plants, and stairs-and find a vet so you’ll already be informed about where to take your dog in the event of an emergency, says Marksbury. That’s why it’s important that the earliest a puppy should be brought home is at 12 weeks, though many puppies remain with their litter, mother, and breeder until 16 weeks or longer, according to Marksbury. “That has to happen before they venture out in the world and become pets.” “At this time they learn how to be a puppy from their litter mates and their mother,” she explains. Key Milestones, Weeks: 1-12Ī Yorkie’s earliest weeks are the most important, says Marksbury. Here Marksbury shares the key milestones to look out for during Yorkie puppies’ first 12 months-including socialization, losing their puppy coat, the process of their coat changing color, and more. ![]() One of the most beloved and famous breeds of the toy group, Yorkies-known for their diminutive stature-require extra care compared to bigger dog breeds during this formative time, according to Judy Marksbury, a member of the the board of directors of the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, a Yorkie breeder with over 30 years of experience, and owner of Happy Tails Pet Resort, which she has been running for over 24 years. Getting ready to welcome a Yorkshire Terrier puppy into your home for the first time? Be prepared for that high Terrier energy and many important firsts in your young dog’s initial weeks, months, and year of life.
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