Welcoming Your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy – What to Expect in the First Year

Puppyhood is an exciting time for any dog owner. You get to watch your little ball of fluff grow
and learn new things every day. For Yorkshire Terrier owners, this time can be doubly thrilling.
Not only are you getting to know your new best friend, but you’re also training them to be the
well-behaved dog you’ve always wanted.

Of course, like with any new endeavor, there will be some bumps along the way. But with a bit
of patience and a lot of love, you’ll get through it and end up with a pup that’s the envy of all
your friends. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about training your
Yorkshire Terrier puppy in their first year.

So what can you expect? Well, Yorkshire Terriers are quick learners, so you shouldn’t have too
much trouble teaching them the basics. However, they can also be stubborn, so patience is key.
Here’s what you need to know about training your Yorkshire Terrier puppy throughout the key
milestones in their first year:

Timeline for Your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy: The First Year

Weeks: 1-12
The first 12 weeks of your Yorkshire Terrier puppy’s life are crucial for their development and
growth. It’s critical to let them stay with their mother during this time so they can learn essential
socialization skills and bond with her.

Once they are around 12 weeks old, you can start thinking about taking them home and
beginning their training.

If taken too early, your puppy is at risk of developing anxiety and eating problems. As you wait
for your puppy to be ready to come home to you and your family, you can take this as an
opportunity to puppy-proof your home in the meantime.

Make sure all potential hazards are out of reach, and that there are plenty of toys and chewable
objects available. This will help your puppy feel com
fortable and safe in their new surroundings
when they finally come home.

During the 8-9 week period, your puppy will receive its first vaccinations, such as shots for parvo
and distemper. It’s vital to keep up with your puppy’s shots to help protect them from disease.

As for weeks 9-10, this is the time when the little Yorkie puppies will start to show some slivers
of silver or gold fur coloring on the tops of their heads.

Weeks: 12-16

At 12 weeks old, your Yorkie puppy will need a booster of their parvo and distemper shots, as
well as a check-up with the vet. This is a good time to have a stool sample checked for
parasites, and to make sure your puppy is in good physical health.

This is also the perfect time to finally bring them home, so your focus should be on ensuring
they have a smooth and happy transition.

Making the switch from the breeder or shelter to your home is a big moment for your new
puppy. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure their transition is as smooth as
possible:

● Give them time to adjust. It can be tempting to want to show off your new puppy to
everyone, but they will need some time to adjust to their new surroundings first. Let them
sniff around and explore at their own pace.


● Make sure their food and water are easily accessible. Puppies can get easily
overwhelmed, so it’s important to make sure they can find their food and water without
any trouble.

● Create a comfortable space for them to sleep. This can be a crate or a bed in a quiet
corner of the house. Add a few of their favorite toys to make it feel like home.

● Establish a routine. Puppies thrive on routine, so it’s important to start establishing one
from the get-go. This includes regular mealtimes, potty breaks, and playtime.

With a bit of patience and TLC, your new puppy will be settling into their new home in no time.

Weeks: 16-20
As your Yorkshire Terrier puppy starts to lose their thick, fuzzy fur and their adult coat starts to
come in, you’ll want to begin making regular grooming appointments. This is the time to start
setting up a grooming schedule that will keep your puppy’s coat healthy and free of mats.

6 Months and Beyond
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year already since you brought your little Yorkshire Terrier
puppy home! Time really does fly when you’re having fun, and we’re sure you’ve had plenty of
fun with your furry friend over the past 12 months.

From playful puppyhood to energetic adolescence, your Yorkie has probably been keeping you
on your toes—but it’s all been worth it, right? Now that your pup is a bit older and wiser, it’s a
great time to start exploring some more advanced training activities. After all, a well-trained dog
is a happy dog—and a happy owner!

Obedience training is the foundation of a well-behaved dog. It’s important to start obedience
training early, but it’s never too late to start! You can sign up for an obedience class, or you can
do some simple obedience training exercises at home.

Whatever training activities you decide to pursue with your dog, the most important thing is to
have fun and bond with your furry friend. After all, that’s what it’s all about!

The Bottom Line: All About Understanding Your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy’s First Year


Your Yorkshire Terrier puppy’s first year is full of milestones. From the time they’re born until
they turn one year old, they’ll go through a lot of changes. By the end of the first year, your pup
will be a well-adjusted adult dog. They will still have a lot of energy and playful puppy moments,
but will be much more obedient and easy to handle.

We love nothing more than sharing tips and stories about our beloved Yorkshire Terriers!
Whether you’re looking for information on how to care for your Yorkie, or simply want to read
about other people’s experiences with their own pups, we’ve got you covered.

With our Yorkshire Terrier blogs, you’ll find everything from advice on potty training to

heartwarming tales of Yorkie mischief. We update our blog regularly, so be sure to check back
often for new posts!