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HEALTH EXTENTION: We feed and recommend Health Extension Little Bites for Toy and Miniature Dogs. Your pup has been on that food since the beginning of the weaning process and we have continued the same during the pup’s time with us. Our Georgia beauties eat this exclusively, as do our homegrown pups. We leave food and water out 24-7 because we have several pups here at once but when you get your pup home you should put him on a regiment of 3 meals a day and a bedtime snack if you are going to house break him to go outside. If you are going to use wee wee pads or litter box training, you may leave the food down 24-7 or feed 3 times daily. We give our pups Honey Nut Cheerios each night before bed. It helps to keep blood sugar up, to avoid hypoglycemia. Buying a 10 lb. bag is a mandatory purchase when you leave with your pup. You must either purchase a bag or show us a receipt for one. We sell only the large bag so you are less likely to change the food too suddenly, if at all. There is a store locator on the front page of our site..
PET HEALTH: Your puppy has been receiving Pet Health Nutritional Supplement OPC Formula. We sprinkle it on food beginning at 6 weeks of age. Pet Health OPC Formula with Glucosamine represents the latest technology available today in naturally based pet food supplements. It comes in Beef flavor and the pups eat it up. Because these pups are so small, even as adults, you get many doses out of one jar. The jar costs 25.00 and has 360 doses for a dog up to 10 lbs. I became aware of the people-version of this product several years ago when my husband began using it for relief of joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis. We did not realize it but it completely cured his allergies also. After seeing what it did for him, we began using it as a family. I decided to pass the obvious benefits on to my dogs and gave it to them for many years. Then the pet version came out!!! So rather than wait until a problem occurs, I start my pups on it as babies. I buy it and have it here to pass on to my clients at my cost. It is not available in stores. I purchase it through a distributor.
PET MAGIC: If you brush your pup’s hair every day, the coat will remain tangle free and healthy. I use Pet Magic on my pups. When my clients pick up my pups they exclaim over how nice they smell. Pet Magic does the trick. In between baths, spray it on the pup and comb. It can also be used to spray on pet areas such as bedding. It costs 10.00 per bottle. It is not available in stores. I buy it through a distributor and can pass on purchasing information to you for future purchases.
NUTRI-STAT: In addition to Honey Nut Cheerios and honey, we also use Nutrical, Nutristat or Enervite. These items can be purchased in most pet stores. It is a high calorie dietary supplement that is a "must" for pups. Although I use the Cheerios and the honey, I use this paste also. It is especially handy when traveling. I keep it in the house, my purse and the car.
Vaccinations & General Health
It is very important that you keep up with your pup’s shots. Just because a breeder tells you the pup is up to date on shots does not mean his shot history is complete. Pups should receive shots at approximately 6-9-12 and 16 weeks. That is just standard “baby shots”. Of course there are other inoculations required such as rabies and you should consult your veterinarian regarding inoculations. Although we give pups shots as early as 5 weeks of age, those immunizations do not remain with the pup because they have received and are receiving mother’s milk. The immunizations do the job they need to do for the time being but do not stay with the pup. That’s why they must be repeated every few weeks. The shot that really “stays” with your pup is the 12 week and 16 week shot and shots given beyond that age because of their immature immune system and mother’s milk. Until your pup is 16 weeks of age and has had the 12 and 16-week shot, I STRONGLY suggest you do not allow your pup around strange dogs. DON’T let your puppy “potty” indiscriminately. Your pup should “go” in the designated area you provide and not be allowed to sniff around and share potty facilities with other dogs. Your pup is a baby. We BEG you not to visit us after going to a pet store or breeder. All facilities are not as clean as ours and we have no idea what happens or does not happen to pups coming from other facilities. We don’t allow anyone to visit our pups until they are 8 weeks of age and have had a minimum of two shots.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE POOP: My days start and end with my obsession about poops. I am not a medical person but it is my opinion that a pup's health issues are often times first reflected in its appetite and poop! A healthy poop usually means a healthy pup. As long as the pup is pooping tootsie rolls, I don't worry. When it gets loose or watery, I panic. When a pup has diarrhea, it loses fluids and that can be very dangerous. A pup can appear very sick but when they begin to refuse food, we worry. I have had pups in the hospital and when I talk to the doctors and techs, the first sign of improvement is appetite. Please don't confuse being a finicky eater with poor health. When I have a sick pup or a pup I think might be sick, I offer the pup chicken baby food, chicken or boiled ground meat. If the pup refuses it, I worry.
TEACUPS: Many people want their adult dogs tinier and tinier. There is no such thing as a Teacup pup. the term Teacup simply refers to pups smaller than the standard of the breed. Taking on the responsibility of one of these tiny pups is an awesome task. Tiny pups are not for every family. You cannot bring a tiny dog to your home from ours and simply leave it home all day. Our tinies never go more than 6 hours without food. When I say this, I mean food other than the dry kibble, which is left down for them 24-7. I am referring to them being offered wet food or NutriStat. I feed our tinies at midnight and again at 6:00 a.m. I understand everyone may not be able to do this but a tiny can NEVER go longer than 8 hours without direct contact (overnight only) and food other than kibble. We follow this feeding schedule until a pup reaches 3 pounds or 16 weeks of age, whichever comes first. If you are not able to follow these guidelines, you should not have a "teacup". These pups are not little stuffed animals that look cute in your purse. They are not fashion accessories. They are living, breathing creatures that deserve the best treatment available.
Pet Insurance: I cannot over stress the importance of pet health insurance. Although I have no personal experience with it, many people who have experienced serious illness or accidents with their dogs are very happy they had their pup insured. I suggest you carry some type of pet insurance for the first year of your pup’s life. A broken leg can cost in excess of $2,000.00.
The Trip Home
We sell the basic items needed for a puppy and our prices are competitive with the major chains. Most of our items cost less here than at a pet store. Bring a blanket. Bring a towel or paper towels. Some pups become carsick the first few times in a car, so be prepared. If your pup becomes car sick on the ride home don’t give him water until after you are home and he has rested. Give him some NutriStat and allow his belly to rest for 1/2 hour before offering food or water.
HOMESICKNESS: Your pup may be a little “homesick” for the first few days. He has just left his littermates and his human family who have cared for him for his entire short life. Familiar sounds and smells are replaced with new ones. You will probably find your pup is very quiet for the first few days. Our new owners often report how “good” the new pup is but then he adjusts to his new surroundings and watch out! He will begin to show his true personality. Nervousness or change of diet may cause diarrhea. Please contact us immediately if your pup shows signs of diarrhea. We recommend you feed your pup Royal Canin dry Puppy Food. Your pup has been eating that food exclusively and a change in diet almost always causes bowel changes.
First Few Days Home "Troubles"
FINICKY EATING: Your pup’s appetite may be “off” for the first few days at home so you must be careful not to confuse this with actual sickness or lack of appetite. Small breed pups often experience low blood sugar. When this happens if your pup is not eating, you will have to encourage him to do so. You can get some human meat baby food and mix it with the dry food. Eventually, you can decrease the baby food. You can also soak the dry food in chicken broth. Remember though, when you begin giving your dog snacks and adding wet food, he will often become disinterested in the dry kibble. It’s similar to your choosing a cheeseburger over a cracker.
LOW BLOOD SUGAR: Hypoglycemia occurs in small breeds. Symptoms of hypoglycemia are white gums, rolled up eyes, inability to stand up straight and seizures. The small breeds can get hypoglycemia any time of the day but overnight is the most common time. Many years ago when I had my first Yorkie I woke in the morning and realized my pup was not stirring. When I went to her pen she was listless. By the time I rushed her to the vet, she was gone. The breeder I purchased her from never mentioned low blood sugar. When I called crying to tell her what happened, she then told me about low blood sugar in Yorkies!!! Low blood sugar is not covered in health guarantees, nor should it be, but your breeder should give you proper information. If you even think your pup has low blood sugar, give the pup some honey. When in doubt, use sugar. Don’t worry about giving the pup too much sugar! Put him in a warm place (wrapped up in a soft towel just out of the dryer or microwave and in your arms is the best place) and within a very short time he will be perking up. As soon as he is able, offer him food. Baby food chicken is the best. Hypoglycemia also occurs when puppies become stressed. We also keep Enervite, Nutristat, on hand. It is a high calorie, high sugar supplement that you can give your pup each night before bed or whenever he is extremely busy. It comes in a toothpaste-like tube. But the sugared cereal or honey works just as well for prevention, although the NutriStat is easy to keep on hand and best for times of emergency when the pup won’t eat. Just open his mouth and squirt it in. I suggest you have both honey and NutriStat or Enervite available. We have explained in great detail about the danger of hypoglycemia. You have received the information in written form. You must pay strict attention to this potential problem.
Safety
YOUR PUP IS A BABY: Although your pup is not a human, he is still a baby and should be treated as such. During the first few weeks at home, give the pup frequent rest times. Small breed dogs have amazing energy requirements because they reach maturity in 8 to 12 months. Put the pup in “time out’ just as you would put a baby in for a nap. Although toy breeds love to be handled, they also need rest. If your pup has a lot of unusual activity, make sure he eats and has a nap. Remember, the pup is fragile and must be treated like a baby for the next few months. Do not allow your pup to come in contact with other dogs. Even though that dog is fully vaccinated, he may be a carrier and although it does not affect him because he is an adult, it can be a death sentence to your pup. Never leave a pup unattended. Your pup should either be in his crate, in your arms or directly within your view. So many sad stories of dropped yorkies, pups eating a pill from the floor or becoming poisoned from some other matter. Your pup is not a plaything. I know you are proud of your pup and you want to show him off but you must be very careful.
CHILDREN: When a young child holds your pup in an incorrect manner, the supply of air to the windpipe can become compromised. Pups are dropped on their heads and that is it.
HEIGHTS: Some toy breeds are very daring and will jump off of a bed or a sofa long before they should. My rule of thumb is: "If they can't jump up on it of their own accord, they shouldn't be on it unsupervised". Don't walk away from your bed because your pup will take that long jump down to be with you. The nicest big dog may confuse your tiny pup with lunch! Actually, they may think it is a rabbit, and go for it. Larger breeds have often been known to seriously hurt a Yorkie or other small toy breed pup by simply stepping on it or playing too roughly. I’m not saying that you should not have a big dog and a Yorkie. Many people have Lab – Yorkie combinations and they are best buddies, with the Yorkie often being the Top Dog. I’m just stating the facts. You have to be careful until the pup is hardy enough. And…… a hawk may confuse your pup for a rabbit and swoop down and grab him for dinner. It happens much more often then one would think.
LEASH AND COLLAR: We never use a collar on our toy breeds. We use a halter. They should not have that collar around their neck because toy breeds are prone to tracheal collapse so why tempt fate? A halter is also good because you can pick up your pup when he is on the fly without hurting him. WALK THE DOG ON A LEASH!!!!! Do not carry the pup all the time and don’t think it is cute that the puppy only likes you. The pup must be around a lot of people and go to others. Growling is unacceptable! If you pup growls when you touch his food, you must speak very sharply and let him now that you are top dog. Being food aggressive is not cute. Remember, you are alpha dog and he is at the bottom of the pack.
CAR SEAT: I strongly recommend a car seat for your pup (dog). You can buy one for 25.00 that will fit over the back of your seat and give your pup a comfortable, safe place to view the world as it speeds by. Dogs love to look out the window and they can do so safely. Left loose, your pup can become a tiny projectile.
VETERINARY CARE: If you cannot afford regular veterinary care, you cannot afford a dog. Of course there are spay and neuter and rabies clinics available, but regular veterinary care must be factored into the ongoing care for a pup throughout the life of the pup. Your dog will require yearly health exams, vaccinations and monthly flea, tick and heartworm preventative at a minimum. All dogs must be spayed/neutered. Please do so at the direction of your vet. When your pup is spayed or neutered, please have your vet check for and remove "double teeth". Double teeth is common is small breeds. Baby teeth are not pushed out by the new permanent teeth and the result is that the dog has two rows of teeth. The extra teeth must be removed. Sometimes, only a few teeth remain and sometimes it may be an entire second row. Having them removed during the spay/neuter surgery saves the pup from undergoing two separate surgeries and saves you the additional expense.
Your pup will not shed but he must be combed. Preferable every day!! Your pup will be in your arms and on your lap a lot so just get in the habit of brushing him. Actually, I prefer a comb to a brush. The brush sometimes does not get the hair closest to the skin. Have your pup lay on one side, then the other. He will get used to it and grooming will not be a chore, but will become something you just do together. He will even learn to like it, as will you.
TOPKNOT: All self-respecting Yorkies, Maltese and long haired mixes wear a topknot. Place that topknot in the hair when they are still young, before the hair is so long that you actually need it. They will become used to it. Some owners just prefer to keep “bangs’ short and that if fine but if you are going to let the hair grow long, get the pup used to a top knot. Your pup will do the "Yorkie head dance". You will recognize it when you see it. They all do the exact same dance. It’s as if they actually have become instructed as to how they can get rid of that bow. She will rub her head on the floor, the bed, the wall, whatever, making every effort to remove that knot. It often times becomes a "man against dog" challenge to see who wins but my dogs, in the end, wear a top knot.
HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR PUP TO GET THEM USED TO GROOMING:
1. When you hold your pup, get in the habit of holding the little paws, caressing the paw, etc. The pup will be used to you “holding” the paw and will not be as apt to misbehave at nail clipping time. If your pup pulls away from you, he does not know you are in charge and that is not good. The more you hold the paws, the more the pup will get used to it and know you are in charge and nail clipping, etc., will not be difficult. Play with his ears so he will allow the groomer to clean them. Hold the hairs under his chin as if you are trying to steady his head. The groomer will do this to trim his hair and he will be used to ti.
2. Turn on an electric shaver (with the cap on) and run it over the pup's body each week. Let the pup get used to the sound and the vibration so when grooming time comes you will not have a problem. I learned this the hard way. I had a Yorkie who was blackballed from every grooming salon in my area. They would "do" her once and not welcome her back again. Also, allow them to be around the blow dryer when you are using one so they are not afraid.
Myth Busters
Toy breeds have a reputation regarding certain behaviors that are not actually a puppy behavior, but rather an owner behavior. These little guys are adept at owner training. They know how to train you very well.
TOY BREEDS ARE HARD TO HOUSEBREAK: Because they are so little, their humans do not do what they are supposed to do to housebreak. Your PUP is a dog! They are somewhat fragile when they are babies but by the time your PUP comes home with you, the pup should be hardy, except in the case of the tiniest babies. If you want your pup to potty outside, then get his little butt out the door. He won’t turn into a “Pupsicle”. He might shake as if he were going to absolutely die but chances are, if you persist, he will get used to the outside. A sweater is a good thing for toy breeds when the weather is very cold. They don't like to go out in the rain. My Elizabeth puts her head out the doggy door, sees that is raining and turns right around as if to say, "I am not going out in the rain". I shove her little butt out the doggie door and lock it until she finally gives up and goes. You must insist.
TOY BREEDS ARE PRONE TO BITING: If you let them nip, they might bite. People think it is cute when they nip and they are reluctant to discipline a TINY dog because they are so small. When a pup bites you should grab him by the scruff of the neck and give a little pinch. That is what his mama does. Or a stern tap on the nose and “NO”. Don’t be afraid to put your pup in “time out”. When he misbehaves, put him in his crate for a few minutes so he can regroup. If you have other pets and your pup is misbehaving in terms of biting or being aggressive with other dogs, you must use the time out procedure. It works.
TOY BREEDS HAVE BAD TEETH: Although toy breeds can have a tendency for bad teeth, a soft diet will add to the problem. Your dog will have bad teeth when he is older if he was fed poorly for his entire life. If you are going to feed your toy breed soft food or table food, he will have bad teeth. Many manufacturers offer food for small dogs in tiny pellets. Although this is somewhat necessary when they are little babies, it becomes less so as the pups grows. Feed them a good size kibble so they will have something substantial to chew on. I also give my Yorkies a raw chicken breast once a week. They love it and it helps to clean their teeth. Raw meat can not make dogs sick as it does with humans.
Alpha Dog/Potty Training
Alpha Dog and potty training are directly connected. Who is Alpha Dog? This should be you. If you allow your puppy to take over as alpha dog, you will pay dearly for years. Dogs are pack animals and they understand the order of things. The dog that brings them their food is the pack leader. That should be you.
Before you bring home your new little darling you should be prepared. Take care to have all the items necessary for your new family member who is a baby at the present time. Be sure to have a safe area for him. Dogs live in dens. Provide him with one. Show him his new “safe place” and he will love it. When you first bring a pup home she should either be in your arms, playing outside with you (supervised), on a leash or in his crate.
Our pups are "spoiled" in the sense they receive the best food, the best products, the best veterinary care, lots of things to play with and they receive lots of time with us. They are well socialized. Very well socialized. But as much as we love them and we do, they are in puppy day care when with us and they do not have our undivided attention as they do in your home. Although they exhibit certain personality traits when with us, it changes as soon as their “pack” changes.
An example of this is: Our puppies live in a large puppy pen. Each day we place a new plaything in the pen to give them something new to do. It is amazing to watch the interactions among them. As soon as a new item enters the puppy pen, the place rocks. You can watch as they vie for the new toy. The new den may be a cardboard box or a plastic “cave type” structure. All hell breaks loose as they determine who is
“King of the castle”. After a little while, everyone decides who is in charge and they settle in. Then someone goes home with their new family and it starts all over again, depending on the placement in the pack that specific pup had at that particular time. If he was the alpha dog of the pack, the puppy pen goes in an uproar for a few more hours. The reason I am telling you this is to explain how important it is for your newest family member is not the leader of the pack in your home. He can and should be loved and cherished but he must not be the leader. That position belongs to you.
POTTY TRAINING: Potty training must be achieved by positive reinforcement. Don’t try rubbing your pup’s face in his poop. They actually don’t mind that at all and are confused when you do that, especially when you are using a stern tone or yelling loud words that he does not understand. Puppy is thinking: “Mmmmmmmmmm, this smells pretty good but why is my human yelling”???? Failed potty training is the single most reason why dogs end up in shelters. Which is the right method??? The right way is whichever method you choose. Making it “right” is up to you. If you decide that you want your dog to “go” outside, you MUST take the opportunity to do it right the very first moment he enters your home. You only have one chance to do it right the first time. Housebreaking is all about opportunity. If you do not allow your pup the opportunity to “Go” in the wrong place, he will go in the right place. It is as simple as that.
When you leave us with your pup, hold him or have him in his crate for the ride home. Take him immediately to the designated potty area at your house. Put him down on a leash and don’t give him much lead to move around. If he goes, give him all kinds of praise and then give him some room to check out the new facilities while still on the leash. If he doesn’t “go”, pick him up and take him inside but don’t put him down on the floor until he “goes” outside. Then take him inside and don’t’ give him the opportunity to “go” anywhere in the house. Keep him in your arms, in his crate or on a very short leash for 4 days. You can tie a 6-foot long rope around your waist so the pup does not have the opportunity to make a mistake. Again, it is all about OPPORTUNITY. If you can do this for 4 days, you will have a dog that is well on his way to be housebroken. It’s a lot of work but what is 4 days compared to 14 years times 365 days you will have that pup in your life? Remember, it is all about opportunity.
The main way your pup will know you are alpha dog is if you feed him. The person who will be training him should feed him. The person who provides him with food is alpha dog. It is as simple as that in his world.
Although I say on my site that these dogs are small and we leave food down 24-7, it is not the best way to feed your pup if you are trying to housebreak him to go outside. Unless he is a tiny pup and low blood sugar has to be a big issue, you should feed your pup 3 times a day and a snack. If you are not home in the daytime, twice a day will do. The toy breeds are unique in the fact that when they get finicky, they can starve themselves into a hypoglycemic episode and that is dangerous.
I suggest you feed your pup in the following manner:
Put his food and water down for 15 minutes three times a day. Leave it for only 15 minutes, and then remove it. He will soon learn that he eats when it is presented to him in the amount of time allowed or he doesn’t eat. If he were in his "pack” the others would not leave the food sit there until he felt like eating. They would eat it all up before he had the opportunity. The danger with small breeds with this method is obvious. Therefore I suggest that if he does not eat, give him some Nutrical or honey to hold him until his next meal. He should have his Honey Nut Cheerios snack no later than 2 hours before bedtime with water. Then right at bedtime, more Cheerios without water, Nutrical or other sugar replacement. Then he should be placed in the crate for the night but no longer than 8 hours. First thing in the morning, he goes outside and then has breakfast and water. He should have to “go” a half hour to one hour after each meal. It is not true that dogs need water down 24-7. Water with each meal and water offered if the pup is playing outside and burning up lots of energy is sufficient.
Dog Training Link:
Loads of free info here: http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/dog_training/index.cfm
If for any reason you cannot keep your pup in the future, we will be happy to help you find him/her a home. We will not re-sell the animal for you but sometimes life events interfere and it is impossible for a person to keep their pup/dog. So if you find your dog needs a loving home and you are willing to give him to a deserving family, please contact us and we can probably put you in touch with an appropriate person. Our pups have wonderful homes and we get to know our families. I am well aware of the people who can find room in their home for another wee wonder.
Yorkshire Terriers (and Yorkie Mixes) are energetic, assertive, toy dogs with large-dog attitudes. This tiny dog with an engaging personality and dauntless courage has endeared himself to pet lovers everywhere. His qualities as a companion are unsurpassed for he is possessed of great intelligence, a readiness to accept training and the fearlessness and tenacity of a dog many times his size. I think that when a Yorkie looks in the mirror he is surprised at his appearance, because he expects to see a German Shepherd! He surely does not feel or act, like the picture of the little fluffy dog looking back at him. He has the obvious practical advantage of diminutive size, making him a great choice for pet lovers in this era of condensed living space. Your pup can easily fit into your life style. He can live on a farm or in a tiny apartment. What he wants most is the love and attention from his human. If you do your part, he will do his! My best wishes for you and your new furry kid!!!
Sincerely,
609-628-0045
Cell: 609-350-0881for emergencies