Frequently Asked Questions

The diet of your new puppy is very important. The baby should not be changed off the food he is familiar with for at least a month of taking your puppy home, and then only if you must change, do so gradually. We feed a premium dry kibble, which is Royal Canine Mini Puppy 33 we feed this for the first year and then over a period of 2 weeks switch to Royal Canine Adult Mini Yorkshire 28. We recommend free-feeding (leaving food out all day) for your yorkie, this way he/she has access all day to food which will help ensure he/she does not get hypoglycemic.

You MUST monitor your puppys food consumption to ensure proper nutrition is being consumed, and supplement with Nutri-cal if needed. If you notice your puppy is not eating enough try hand feeding; just place about 10 kernels in your hand and sit with the puppy trying to encourage eating. If this doesn't work you can try to put a little warm water in the food and stir together to make a little soft. If the pup is very small or doesn't eat well (and you've already tried the above, you can feed a mixture of 1/3 Baby Food Pureed Chicken (yes, real human baby food) and 2/3 Baby Food Rice Cereal with enough plain yogurt mixed in to make a gruel, then warm it (but make sure it is not too hot to burn your baby yorkie). This wet food is fed until we gradually wean them to a total diet of the dry kibble (since dry kibble is best to promote healthy teeth). Some pups take longer for the adjustment than others do. Treats should be kept to a minimum while getting a regular diet achieved.

Talk to your Veterinarian ASAP if your puppies appetite does not pick up or if your puppy is dehydrated or acting lethargic, see our Hypoglycemia Facts page for important information.

Hypoglycemia is simply low blood sugar. It can be a SERIOUS issue if left untreated. Stress, not enough food intake, being chilled, or too much energy output can cause hypoglycemia. A tiny puppy cannot store enough energy in its liver for long periods and the extra stress of a new environment adds to this. Signs of this can be as mild as despression or as serious as coma and death. Treatment can range from a simple dose of Karo Syrup or Nutri-Cal to an IV of Dextrose given by your vet. Regular small meals and much care are needed in caring for a new pup. You must always remember your puppy is just a baby and needs lots of rest to stay healthy.

At even the first sign of hypoglycemia (sluggishness, vomiting, abnormal drooling, or wobbliness) you should immediately contact your veternarian. Rub the puppy's gums with Nutri-Cal or Karo Syrup. If the puppy can't swallow, place several drops of syrup or about a ¼ inch ribbon of Nutri-Cal and massage the puppy's throat so that it swallows. Make sure that the puppy is warm. If the puppy responds favorably to this treatment then proceed to feed the baby warm Pedialyte water (found in the baby aisle at any grocery, always try to keep some on hand during the puppy stage), you must be very careful not to allow your puppy to choke. Then feed the pup warm gruel (baby food chicken, yogurt, baby rice cereal). If your puppy is unresponsive to the treatment, seek immediate assistance from your vet within the 1st hour of symptoms.

Please read our Hypoglycemia Facts page for more important information.

We begin all our Yorkshire Terriers on housetraining. We start with paper training using 'puppy pads', there are many brands on the market. The pads have a plastic sheet on the bottom to prevent leaks and absorbent top layers with a scent to attract your Yorkie puppy. If you prefer your puppy to potty outside, then you should begin a strict housetraining regime when he comes home. You must keep the puppy in his own little area (Kennel/Crate) when you are not watching over him. That first 3 weeks you should take him outside, thru the same door to the same exact spot in the yard and everyone in the house should use the same exact word for potty. Consistency is the key to success in housetraining. At first, take him out about every hour or so. Always take your puppy out following meals, when he wakes, after playing, and when he is excited. Do not talk while he is thinking about doing his business; simply give a one-word command. The talking distracts him and he forgets why you came outside. The world is a very interesting place for your puppy. YOU MUST GO WITH THE PUPPY OUTSIDE do not push him out the door and expect that he knows why he is out there. He may be afraid or simply go off and play. When he has gone potty as you have requested, give your puppy lots of praise and lots of love. Yorkies love to have praise and kisses. Your puppy will soon begin to understand that to potty outside gets him lots of love! Introduce your new puppy to more and more of your home after he has gone potty. Do not overextend his limits. Do not leave your puppy unattended at any time in the house- this is just begging for an accident. The puppy should work up to freedom in the home. Be realistic with your new Yorkie. Expect accidents, and when you find one, Do Not hit or rub his nose in it, this has no effect on your puppy and will only lead to fear and a puppy that will grow up to be a skidish dog, just clean up the mess right away. And next time your puppy is out with you keep a closer eye and take your puppy out more frequently. If you catch your puppy in the act- say 'No' firmly then simply lift him up and put him in the proper place to eliminate as you set him down use your command word (i.e. Potty). Potty Training is really dependant upon the owners consistancy- where a smart yorkie is there you will also find a smart mommy & daddy!

Do I have to keep the long coat? No, most pet owners prefer a puppy clip or other short haircut.

What grooming tools do I need? A comb with fine teeth and a brush. Always brush the coat first, if you encounter tangles, carefully pulls the tangles apart with your fingers or your comb. Be sure and get out any and all snarls----all the way to the skin. Check those high friction spots----the armpits, collar area, back of the legs, tops of the feet, mouth corners. When your dog is a puppy, do not make him sit still for long long periods of time, but break it up into small amounts of time and reward him (big kisses, lots of praise) for good behavior. Make grooming time a happy time. I always give a treat after a grooming session this makes the experience a rewarding one for your puppy. I always shampoo, then rinse, rinse, rinse. Follow with conditioner, and rinse again. If the dog has a long coat, you may want to consider one of the show coat oils. Be careful about using one of the grooming sprays that leaves a build up on the coat, after a time the hair is sticky and attracts dirt and dust---this breaks the coats and makes the dog appear "tacky" and is not good for the coat. If you take the dog to a groomer, he will look best if he is hand dried NOT cage dried.

Do I have to blow dry the puppy, I prefer to let him air dry? You have to hand dry his/her hair; the pup could get cold or chilled which could lead to sickness! Do not have the dryer set on a high temperature as this can damage delicate hair or burn their skin, a nice medium temperature is best. Keep the dryer moving this keeps from one area getting too hot. Comb the hair straight as you dry it. Special dryers are available from grooming supply stores for under $50 that allows your hands free to hold the dog and comb the dog at the same time.

Will I hurt the puppy clipping the nails? Not if you don't cut them too short, simply clip them once a week at the crook and you should be fine. I prefer a kitten nail clipper, as they are smaller and easier to control the amount removed. I really recommend getting it done by your vet or groomer for the first time and asking them to show you exactly how to do it to avoid hurting your puppy.

What about the hair in the ears? You should pull the hair in the ears so that air freely flows. (If you prefer, your groomer can take care of this for you.) Clean very gently with a cotton swab---do not go too deep or you can hurt the eardrum. If you get water in the ears when bathing be SURE and dry the ear thoroughly with the warm dryer. Check the ears often for a musty smell---this is a sign of ear infection, yeast etc. and should be handled by the vet.

Remember, Yorkies have tiny delicate necks. I ONLY RECOMMEND a harness. The harness puts the pressure on the chest---not the throat. Especially with yorkies tendency for collapsed trachea it is more than cruel to use a collar for walking. You can keep a cute collar on for looks but as far as walking your yorkie- use a harness.

Brush your dog's teeth! If you start them as a pup, they really don't mind. Begin by simply rubbing your finger across the teeth, praise the pup for letting you put your fingers all around in his mouth. Purchase a little doggy toothbrush or one of the finger brushes. Never use human tooth paste, dogs will swallow it. Any big pet supply store, such as Pet Smart or Pet Co carry a dog tooth paste---beef or chicken flavored. New on the market are "pop-up" wipes that are treated with tartar preventative to simply scrub across your dog's teeth and throw away. Have your vet check for retained baby teeth when the pup is spayed/neutered. Many toy breed dogs will retain the canine teeth or even several baby teeth. The best time to have them removed is when the pup is having their spay/neuter surgery at about 6-8 months of age. It is normal for toy dogs to need their teeth professionally cleaned. Keeping your dog's mouth healthy will prolong their life. Bacteria travel from the mouth directly to the blood stream and can cause damage to the heart.

What about bad breathe? First check for a bad tooth or tartar build up, a vet should be consulted if a problem is found. Products are available that contain Chlorhexidine that freshen the dogs breath and helps break down the tartar. They are available at your vet's office or one of the dog supply companies. If the teeth look good but the dog has awful breath, then maybe the food is the cause. You might try switching to a lamb and rice or a food without corn.

Yes we do ship and we will make all the arrangements for you. We are located in the Redlands, Ca and have access to Ontario, Ca Airport. Shipping prices are subject to change based on any cost increase from airlines, the cost is around $250. We will buy your yorkie a ticket on the plane after coordinating a date and time with you. This generally means that the puppy only has to be at the airport about 1 hour before the plane leaves, we check him in at the office. About 30 minutes before the flight leaves he is taken to the plane by an airline employee. The puppy travels in a little pet taxi, like the ones you purchase at the pet store with the little metal door and a suitcase handle on top. The puppy travels in the pressurized, temperature controlled part of the plane. When the plane lands, an employee carries the puppy into the office of your airport. You will need to be there as soon as the plane lands not having your puppy stay any later than necessary. The airlines must verify your idenity with your I.D. to prove you are the person I sent the puppy to. No one else will be allowed to pick up your dog.

Yes, we would never do anything that jeopardizes the well being of one of our kids! The airlines are always very good about taking care of them. If we feel the puppy is not ready to travel, we will tell you that the puppy must remain with us a little longer. We will give your puppy some nutri-cal right before dropping him off & put snacks in their kennel for the trip. If they have a favorite blankie or toy we include that also. We will ask that you purchase some nutri-cal as well and give some (about 1/4 inch ribbon) in the car when you pick up, this is just an extra precaution for your puppy to help him/her adapt well with the stress of the travel.

All puppies need quiet rest time, just like a baby. A nice warm bed, free from drafts is a must. Most pups enjoy the safety of their little kennel for short periods of time. We place a dry food bowl, an attachable bowl of fresh water or a water feeder bottle (never put a bowl down they tend to spill it and then they will get wet and this could possibly lead to sickness), toys, bed and blanket in the kennel. A potty pad or litter box in one corner. The puppy also finds comfort in your scent, if you will place something that you have worn (a t-shirt for example) in his/her bed) the baby will feel you near and take comfort. A ticking clock, t.v. or radio sometimes helps. Young puppies should only have about 20 minutes of playtime and then need a good rest. When pups wake up from their naps, they should be full of energy. Waking up is the perfect time to place them on the potty pad or take them outside for a potty break. Any time you are not with your puppy he/she should be in their kennel, this is NOT cruel and is an excellent training tool- the more consistent you are the sooner your puppy will be trained. Do not leave your puppy in the kennel for more than 4hrs for the first month- remember they just left their mommy and litter mates and need to be around you as much as possible.

No, dogs naturally feel safe in a den i.e. crate. The puppy should be able to spend a few hours or a small amount of time in a kennel or crate to take naps. You must have some confinement area for the pup while you are training him/her. A playpen works well or a kenneled area. I DO NOT recommend leaving your puppy in a small plastic crate 8-9 hours while you go to work, the puppy has nothing to do and is very board. If you work, leave the baby in a playpen or penned area with the smaller crate within it, this way your puppy stays familiar with its crate. I can send you a photo of how I have it set up at my house for times when Im away for long hours.

Your Yorkie puppy has already had his first vaccinations and deworming. We prefer the 4-way combination vaccination to the 7-way combination shot. We are dealing with toy breed dogs and do not want to overwhelm their immune systems. We strongly urge, in fact, insist, dog owners to separate the rabies shot, kennel cough vaccine, and puppy booster shots by several weeks. The vaccinations work by giving the puppy a small amount of the virus and stimulating the pup's immune system to build up immunities to the dog viruses such as distemper and parvo. A recent Wall Street Journal report attributed many illnesses such as Autoimmune Disease to over-vaccination. Texas has recently implemented a 3-year protocol on rabies vaccination instead of the every year shot. Many other states have the same law. We also recommend that you do the heartworm preventative or flea control several days apart. If your puppy had an adverse reaction, how would you know what caused it? The 6-month heartworm shot had many problems associated with dogs, it was finally recalled. We want your Yorkies to live a long long time and be very healthy.

If you live in an area where fleas and ticks are terrible, then you may have to use one of the topical flea controls, be sure you purchase from the veterinarian we recommend Frontline or Advantage (NO OVER THE COUNTER PRODUCTS). Be sure to use the appropriate amount for your dog's weight---think about it; don't use the amount for a 10 lb. dog if you dog weighs only 2 lbs!! Be sure you only apply this product when you will be able to Pay attention to your dog for a consecutive 8 hours after applying, if your dog experiences any vomiting, stool changes, tummy upsets, etc. take your puppy immediately to your veterinarian for medical assistance.

There are many reasons to have your beloved yorkie spayed or neutered. The main reason is for the health of your Yorkie. The greatest risk your pet has of developing cancer at a later date is in the reproductive organs. We want your puppy to live a long healthy life. Reduce that risk by having him/her altered. Schedule the surgery after the puppy is at least 6 months old and have your vet check the puppies teeth to see if any need to be removed at the same time. Ask questions of your vet, make sure they use a heart monitor on the puppy while they are in surgery and use the minimum amount of gas to put the pup to sleep, so they can wake right up without risk afterwards.

First contact us by phone or e-mail asap, especially if you know what puppy you are interested in since our puppies will find homes fast. We really like to know the person wanting to adopt our babies, and then we can discuss if the puppy will be the right little person for you. We will talk (or e-mail) about what you need to do to be prepared etc.

If the puppy is not of age yet to go home with you yet, a non-refundable $500 deposit is required to hold your puppy. If we were unable to provide the puppy for any reason, we would of course refund the deposit. Please see our 'Purchase Agreement' for a full description of our policies. We are not set up to take credit cards, as we do not do that volume of business. We will accept cash, or wire transfer to our bank (all monies must be posted/available to place a puppy on reserve)

Here are just a few suggestions of what you should pick up at your local pet store and have before bringing your puppy home.

Crate / Kennel

Doggy Bed (make sure it is machine washable)

Small Washable Blanket (infant receivable blankets work great)

Newspaper or Potty Pads

Water Bottle (regular bowl spills easily and will get your puppy wet)

Food Dish

A Bag of Royal Canine Mini Puppy 33

Nutri-Cal

Stuffed Animal Toys (make sure not too small)

Chew Toys, We Prefer Only Nylabone (NOT pig ears or rawhide bone)

Brush & Comb

Tooth Brush puppy start kit

Yorkie Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner