There is nothing quite like bringing Baby home for the first time. You'll want to introduce her to all the relatives — human and otherwise — give her a tour and lavish new toys on her. But before the baptism, take the time to make sure your household is ready. That means Yorkie Puppy -proofing her quarters, spaces shared with you and the yard or garden, if you have one. You'll need to purchase supplies ahead of time and read up on Yorkie Puppy  behavior so you know what to expect. Furthermore, it is hugely important to prepare children for the new responsibilities that lie ahead and to teach them to handle the pup correctly. As your to-do list grows, consider using our checklist to help you organize your tasks.

 

Making Your Home Safe

 

 

• Consolidate electrical cords then hide them in hard plastic "cord keepers," cover outlets with plastic plugs.
• Move houseplants out of reach until your pup can be trusted. Never give her access to poisonous plants such as poinsettias, azaleas, rhododendrons, dumb can, Japanese yew, oleander and English ivy.
• Put away breakable treasures and beloved toys.
• Tuck household chemicals into cabinets and consider locking them with baby hinges. Note this is imperative with engine lubricants and antifreeze, which are especially interesting to puppies and deadly.
• If you have an outdoor dog run or kennel, check the path of the sun during different times of the day. If your Yorkie Puppy  will receive full exposure, ensure there is shelter available for her to take refuge.

 

 

Choosing Fencing

 

The allure of the wide world is strong for puppies. That's why you'll want to make sure your home has appropriate fencing to keep her safe. Note too, that you might need a fence-within-a-fence to secure your pool or hot tub. Though canines are known for their ability to swim, some pets fall in but can't navigate to steps or leap over tall walls to get to safety. Fencing choices include:

 

• Privacy fences. These tall barriers have no openings. They cost between $4* and $6 per foot.
• Chain link. This material is durable and costs about $60 per roll.
• Underground fencing. These wire systems are invisible to the eye because they're buried underground and connected to transmitters which are linked to a special collar. This collar emits a small shock when the Yorkie Puppy  nears the barrier. Such systems run anywhere from $99 to $1,500.
• Dog runs. A covered concrete slab will protect your pup from adverse weather and ensure she doesn't climb or jump out of the cage. Such flooring keeps her from digging a hole underneath and escaping.

*Please note all prices are in US dollars.
 

 

 

Choosing Pet Identification

 

No matter how much thought you put into keeping your dog contained, there is always the chance that she might get lost. Therefore, you'll want to make sure she's properly identified. Think about:

 

• Purchasing a breakaway collar that includes an inscription featuring her name, address and your permanent telephone number as well as the name and number of her veterinarian.
• Having a microchip surgically implanted with contact information.

 

 

Necessary Supplies

 

People are absolutely mad about their puppies. That's why doggie day cares, canine boutiques and bakeries for barkers have popped up around the country in the past decade. But what equipment do you really need? Put the items listed below on your "must" list, then if your budget allows, indulge in that cheetah-print Yorkie Puppy  carry-all you've been eyeing.

• Stainless steel no-tip food and water bowls (such finishes won't break or absorb odors)
• Yorkie Puppy  treats for use in training
• Identification tags, adjustable collar, 6-foot-long nylon leash between ½-3/4 inches wide with a breakaway feature (Tip: Make sure the collar is sized correctly. One way to measure is to make sure two of your fingers can slip between the collar and the Yorkie Puppy 's neck.)
• Home and travel crate large enough to accommodate your Yorkie Puppy  when she's full grown
• Stain remover specially formulated for doggie odors
• Brushes and combs to suit your Yorkie Puppy 's coat
• Dog shampoo, toothbrush and paste
• High-quality chew toys to ease teething (Note: It is important to make sure playthings will not break apart easily.)
• Parasite controls such as flea medicine
• Nail clippers
• Expandable baby gate to isolate Yorkie Puppy 

 

 

First Days At Home

 

The incorporation of your pup into your family begins the minute you pick him up at the kennel or shelter and will continue for many months. During these days, you'll want to gently impart upon him that you're the leader of his pack and that there are rules to be followed. If you establish good habits right off, you're likely to save yourself grief later on. (Yes, we agree that it is lovely to snuggle with your 10-pound Golden Retriever Yorkie Puppy  in bed on a Saturday morning, but do you really want Genghis sleeping with you when he tips the scales at a hefty 110?) Veterinarians recommend the following strategies to help socialize your pup and ritualize his days:

 

• Bring your new Yorkie Puppy  home when the house is relatively quiet and "normal." This means no sleepovers for your twin boys until routines are established, no spontaneous vacations or holidays where the pup will be left alone, no late nights at the office. Instead acclimate your little one to the usual household routines.
• Before you even enter the actual house, take your charge to the area in your garden or yard (or to the park) that will serve as his toilet. Allow him time to sniff and snort. If he goes potty, praise him effusively. If there is no action, try again later.
• Then, introduce your pup to one room in the house at a time to avoid overwhelming him. Cordon off a small section of the house with a baby gate or door and keep him there to get used to things for a couple of days. If you aim to crate-train him, place the kennel in this space. Leave comfy bedding in the room, but quickly remove it if it becomes soiled, so that Yorkie Puppy  won't think he's got a personal indoor potty.

 

 

Teaching Kids to Respect Yorkie Puppy

 

You might have purchased your Yorkie Puppy  to occupy your kids — or maybe you had kids because you loved babying your pet. Whatever the case, children of all ages need to be taught how to handle your family's animals in an appropriate manner. Consider these ideas:

 

• Before introducing puppies and children, lay ground rules with the kids, provided they are old enough to understand them. Remind them to be gentle. Show them exactly what you mean by petting their forearms and heads as you would your pet's. Ask them to practice by stroking you.
• Remind kids to use a gentle voice when addressing the Yorkie Puppy  as though they are talking to a baby.
• Teach children to respect the animal's space, most especially at mealtimes, as even the best puppies might bite if they feel threatened.
• Instruct kids to allow the pup to come to them, as even the smallest child can spook a young animal.
• Limit Yorkie Puppy -child play session to between 15-30 minutes 2-3 times per day. Articulate that pets needs rest time just like the rest of us.
• Explain that teasing behaviors — such as holding a ball just out of a Yorkie Puppy 's reach — will only reinforce bad habits like jumping and barking.
• If it's the baby that is new to the home, bring blankets or clothing that smells like the child to the animal prior to a homecoming.
• Always supervise interactions between youngsters and pets, disciplining the appropriate party should a snafu take place.

 

 

Introducing Resident Pets to Yorkie Puppy

 

The addition of a new Yorkie Puppy  can be tremendously exciting for your current furry friends. That said, special precautions can — and should — be taken to lay a foundation for copasetic friendships. Experts suggest:

 

• Separate your new Yorkie Puppy  and the old gang for a few days by putting up a baby gate between two rooms. (Or, keep the newbie contained in a kennel.)
• Allow the friends to sniff one another through the bars for several days.
• Finally, supervise "dates" between the two pets, resorting to separation if need be.