YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - View Single Post

mimodok · 07-26-2012, 05:35 AM

I overlooked the part about washing and brushing every night. You definitely don't want to give daily baths. People who show their dogs might (?), but certainly not this young. Once a week is about as often as you want to bathe your puppy right now (unless they get into a huge mess and require it).

You can brush your puppy daily, but only for short periods at a time (10 minutes) and only as long as the puppy is enjoying it. It is good to start grooming early so they get used to the routines.

I did think an hour a day of exercises seemed like a bit much, but I was hesitant to say anything. Puppies need a lot of sleep at this age in order to grow. Like kids, they sometimes don't know when they need sleep and need to be "put to bed" for naps, etc.

I've found that ten-twenty minutes of interactive play followed by an hour or two of nap/down time is good. This down time could just mean the puppy is in a play pen dictating its own play/rest schedule. I like to stay in the same room during this time and if I see my puppy is awake and playing with her toys, I'll talk to her and reach in to toss the toys around and pet her for a few minutes. I like to encourage her to learn how to entertain herself with her toys also though. This is good practice for times when she is home alone.

Relaxing and playing with your puppy indoors is definitely good for building a bond with your puppy. If I see my puppy is asleep, I often sit on the floor and pet and talk to her. If she starts to wake I sometimes pick her up, along with a bone, and sit with her in my lap on the couch. I hold the bone for her while she lays in my lap and chews on her bone.

This age is a critical socialization period for learning how to interact properly with humans and dogs. Just make sure that whatever dogs/puppies she interacts with are healthy, up-to-date on their vaccinations, and of a good temperament. Introduce your puppy to your friends and family and let them visit often. Just be sure to educate them on how to hold/handle such a small dog and teach them to be very careful where they walk.

I don't mean to lecture you, I just know you want to hear a consensus of the same information and I'd like to help provide that. You are doing a great job with your puppy. What is most important is that you love the dog and you do your best. Dogs are very adaptable and with a parents like you, I'm sure she'll turn out great.

07-26-2012, 05:35 AM	#9
mimodok Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Wilmington, NC, US Posts: 99	I overlooked the part about washing and brushing every night. You definitely don't want to give daily baths. People who show their dogs might (?), but certainly not this young. Once a week is about as often as you want to bathe your puppy right now (unless they get into a huge mess and require it). You can brush your puppy daily, but only for short periods at a time (10 minutes) and only as long as the puppy is enjoying it. It is good to start grooming early so they get used to the routines. I did think an hour a day of exercises seemed like a bit much, but I was hesitant to say anything. Puppies need a lot of sleep at this age in order to grow. Like kids, they sometimes don't know when they need sleep and need to be "put to bed" for naps, etc. I've found that ten-twenty minutes of interactive play followed by an hour or two of nap/down time is good. This down time could just mean the puppy is in a play pen dictating its own play/rest schedule. I like to stay in the same room during this time and if I see my puppy is awake and playing with her toys, I'll talk to her and reach in to toss the toys around and pet her for a few minutes. I like to encourage her to learn how to entertain herself with her toys also though. This is good practice for times when she is home alone. Relaxing and playing with your puppy indoors is definitely good for building a bond with your puppy. If I see my puppy is asleep, I often sit on the floor and pet and talk to her. If she starts to wake I sometimes pick her up, along with a bone, and sit with her in my lap on the couch. I hold the bone for her while she lays in my lap and chews on her bone. This age is a critical socialization period for learning how to interact properly with humans and dogs. Just make sure that whatever dogs/puppies she interacts with are healthy, up-to-date on their vaccinations, and of a good temperament. Introduce your puppy to your friends and family and let them visit often. Just be sure to educate them on how to hold/handle such a small dog and teach them to be very careful where they walk. I don't mean to lecture you, I just know you want to hear a consensus of the same information and I'd like to help provide that. You are doing a great job with your puppy. What is most important is that you love the dog and you do your best. Dogs are very adaptable and with a parents like you, I'm sure she'll turn out great.