How to Care for a Yorkie Puppy: Daily Care and Training

A Yorkshire Terrier puppy needs the same basics as any dog, with extra attention to its small size, fine coat, and vulnerability to falls and rough handling. A predictable routine helps your puppy feel secure and makes house-training, grooming, and learning easier. Before bringing a puppy home, arrange a veterinary visit and gather suitable food, a secure carrier, and a comfortable, puppy-proofed space.

What You’ll Need

A small-breed puppy food recommended by your veterinarian or breeder, plus clean bowls for food and water
A well-fitted harness and lightweight leash; avoid attaching a leash to a collar that may put pressure on the neck
A crate or playpen with a washable bed, and a carrier for safe travel
Age-appropriate chew toys, a soft brush, a metal comb, and puppy shampoo
Enzymatic pet-accident cleaner, poop bags, and small training treats
A veterinarian appointment and records of vaccinations, parasite prevention, and the puppy’s current food

Step-by-Step

Prepare a safe home base. Set up a quiet, warm area with a crate or pen where the puppy can rest undisturbed. Block stairways and gaps, secure electrical cords and household chemicals, and remove small objects the puppy could swallow. Keep the puppy off furniture and high surfaces unless you can lift it safely; a fall can seriously injure a small dog.
Keep food consistent. Feed a complete, age-appropriate puppy food in the amount and frequency on its label or recommended by your veterinarian. Young puppies generally do best with several small meals through the day; ask your vet when to adjust the schedule as your puppy grows. Keep fresh water available, and avoid abrupt food changes, table scraps, and foods known to be unsafe for dogs. Because tiny puppies can be vulnerable if they miss meals, contact your veterinarian promptly if yours refuses food or seems weak.
Arrange veterinary care. Book an initial checkup soon after your puppy comes home and bring any health and vaccine records. Your veterinarian can set a preventive-care schedule, discuss safe socialization, and explain what to watch for as your puppy develops. Do not give human medicines or use flea, tick, or other products unless your veterinarian confirms they are appropriate for this puppy.
Start toilet training right away. Take your puppy to the chosen toilet spot after waking, eating, drinking, and playing, and frequently while it is awake. Stay with it and quietly reward toileting in the right place immediately. Supervise closely indoors or use a pen; clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner, without scolding. A young puppy cannot hold its bladder for long, so expect frequent breaks, including during the night at first.
Teach simple skills gently. Use brief sessions to reward its name, coming when called, calm handling, and walking beside you on a harness. Give a treat or praise at the moment the puppy does the desired behavior. Keep training upbeat and stop before it gets tired. Avoid yelling, physical corrections, or forcing interactions; these can frighten a puppy and undermine trust.
Socialize safely and gradually. Introduce ordinary household sounds, gentle handling, different surfaces, and calm, friendly people at a pace the puppy can manage. Ask your veterinarian how to balance early socialization with infectious-disease risk before vaccination is complete. Do not put the puppy on the ground in places used by unknown dogs until your vet says it is safe. Let the puppy retreat if it seems overwhelmed.
Groom the coat and check the body. Gently brush and comb the coat every day to prevent tangles, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar or harness. Keep sessions short and reward cooperation. Bathe only when needed with puppy shampoo, rinse well, and dry thoroughly in a warm room. Check ears, paws, nails, and skin during handling; have a groomer or veterinary team show you safe nail care if you are unsure. Arrange regular coat trims as needed.
Provide safe play and rest. Offer several short, supervised play sessions with toys sized so they cannot be swallowed. Let the puppy sleep whenever it needs to; young dogs need plenty of rest. Avoid rough play, jumping from furniture, and strenuous forced exercise. Use a secure carrier or a properly restrained pet travel setup in the car, and never leave the puppy alone in a parked vehicle.
Build independence and routine. Keep meal, toilet, play, and bedtime routines predictable. Practice brief, calm periods in the pen while you remain nearby, then gradually increase the time as the puppy settles. Make sure it has a comfortable resting place and a safe chew toy. This helps the puppy learn to relax without relying on constant attention.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is treating a Yorkie as a toy rather than a small dog: carrying it everywhere, allowing children to handle it unsupervised, or letting it jump from heights can create safety risks. Another is waiting for the puppy to signal before offering toilet breaks; a young puppy often needs frequent opportunities and close supervision.

Skipping grooming until the coat looks tangled can make brushing uncomfortable and allow mats to tighten. Start gently before there is a problem. Avoid harsh discipline, long training sessions, and sudden exposure to crowds or unfamiliar dogs. Finally, do not assume that a small dog needs no exercise or training; short, age-appropriate activity and consistent boundaries matter.

Tips

Keep treats tiny and count them as part of the puppy’s daily food so rewards do not replace balanced meals.
Use the same words and toilet location consistently, and reward the behavior immediately.
Keep a simple record of meals, toilet trips, training, and questions for the veterinarian.
Teach children to sit on the floor and let the puppy approach rather than picking it up.
Introduce brushing, paw checks, and tooth-brushing gradually with praise; ask your veterinary team to demonstrate safe handling.
Use a harness for walks and check the fit as the puppy grows. A loose harness can let a small dog slip free.

Troubleshooting

Accidents continue: Increase supervised toilet trips, keep the puppy in the same room, and reward outdoor success immediately. Clean old spots thoroughly so their odor does not encourage repeat accidents. If there is a sudden change in toilet habits or the puppy seems uncomfortable, call your veterinarian.

Brushing causes a struggle: Use a softer tool, work in very short sessions, and reward calm moments. Do not pull hard on a mat or cut close to the skin with scissors; ask a professional groomer or veterinarian for help.

The puppy cries when alone: Check that its needs have been met, then practice shorter separations and return before it becomes very distressed. Avoid punishment. If distress is persistent or severe, ask your veterinarian for guidance.

The puppy will not eat, seems unusually weak, has trouble breathing, is injured, or may have swallowed something harmful: Contact a veterinarian promptly. Small puppies can deteriorate quickly, so do not wait for an online explanation or give a home remedy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I feed a Yorkie puppy?

Offer several small meals a day while the puppy is young, following the food label and your veterinarian’s advice. The right schedule changes as it grows, so confirm when to adjust it at checkups.

How often should I groom my Yorkie puppy?

Gently brush and comb the coat daily to prevent tangles. Bathe when needed, and arrange trims based on coat length and your groomer’s or veterinarian’s guidance.

Can I take my puppy outside before vaccinations are complete?

Ask your veterinarian about safe places and socialization for your puppy’s situation. Avoid ground contact in areas used by unknown dogs until your vet advises it is safe.

When should I start training?

Start as soon as your puppy comes home, using brief, positive sessions for its name, toilet habits, and gentle handling. Keep lessons simple and reward the behavior you want.

Is a collar or harness better for walks?

A properly fitted harness is generally a practical choice for a small Yorkie because it avoids leash pressure on the neck. Check the fit often as your puppy grows and supervise to prevent slipping out.

How much exercise does a Yorkie puppy need?

Provide several short periods of supervised play and exploration, balanced with plenty of rest. Avoid forced, strenuous exercise and ask your veterinarian what is appropriate for your puppy’s age and development.

Further reading: American Kennel Club. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.