List of Supplies Needed to Care for a Yorkie

Hi there! Please note that we are currently in the process of updating this page. We realize that due to certain browsers, the images of our recommendations are not appearing for some of you. We are working on changing things over to text-based recommendations. It's a long process, so we thank you for your patience.

Overview

It may seem a bit overwhelming to think about everything that's needed to properly care for a puppy or dog; however, once you get organized and feel that you've chosen the right items, you'll carry forward with much more confidence.

This list of supplies is both for new puppies and for Yorkshire Terriers of any age, to ensure that they have all that is needed for optimal health, safety, comfort, and happiness.

Quick List

Here we offer a quick list and then you can read further for details on each of these essentials.

Accessories, including a tethering leash, retractable leash, harness, and ID tags
A quality dog bed
Body care items, including paw wax, nose balm, and skin spray or lotion
Bowls for food and water, and a water filtering method
Brush & comb
Car seat
A carrier method
Clothing
Dental care items
First aid items
Flea and tick repellent (all natural, no-chemical)
Food and treats
Hair growth aids (if needed, for dogs with thinning or balding areas)
Playpen or gates
Separation anxiety aids (if needed)
Shampoo and coat products
Toys
Nail clipper or grinder
Supplements (if needed)

Accessories

The most important accessories you will need for your Yorkshire Terrier are a leash (or two), a harness, and ID tags.

Tethering leash - This refers to a short 4 or 6 foot soft-handled leash. This is generally used when housebreaking, to keep your puppy very close to you. It may also be used when teaching certain basic commands. You'll want the leash to be lightweight and with a soft handle that allows you to place it over your wrist or slip it through your belt loop; with the other end connected to your Yorkie's harness, this allows for a 'tethering' supervision method.

For this, we recommend the PetSafe 6-foot Nylon Leash.

Retractable leash - Though you can use a standard leash for walking your Yorkie, it's a good idea to have one that adjusts in length, depending on your needs. You can keep it short when you're teaching your Yorkie to heel by your side and/or wish to have good control over where your little guy or gal is walking and let it out longer when you want your Yorkie to have more freedom.

As with most accessories for the Yorkshire Terrier, you'll want this sort of leash to be designed for small dogs. We like the TUG 360 Tangle-Free Retractable Dog Leash , which is comfortable to hold and extends out to 16 feet at its maximum length.

Harness - Whenever your Yorkie is on leash, it is highly recommended to use a harness, and not a collar. Toy breeds are very prone to neck injury, including collapsed trachea. This is a condition in which genetically weakened tracheal rings collapse inward; it can be terribly painful and cause serious breathing problems. A harness helps prevent this type of injury by displacing pressure across the shoulders, back, and chest, and keeping stress off of the neck.

Another reason to have a harness is to use alongside a car seat. Canine car seats have an inner connector buckle that is meant to snap onto the o-ring of a harness. Connecting this to a collar is dangerous in the event of a collision.

Recommendation - One harness that we recommend is the Puppia Harness Soft B Vest ; this starts at size extra-small, is easy to place on and is made with a nice air-mesh.

More reading - See our Yorkshire Terrier Collars and Harnesses article for even more details.

Collar and ID tags - Though a Yorkie should be on harness while on leash, you may wish to have a lightweight collar to hold your puppy or dog's ID tags. Even if your Yorkie is microchipped, an ID tag is a good idea since chips are only useful if a dog is found and brought to a facility that has a scanner. Most owners opt to have their cell phone number engraved on the tag as the easiest method of contact.

Beds and Cots

There are valid reasons to have a bed for your Yorkie:

A quality bed will offer proper support; sleeping on hard surfaces is not good for the hips or back, and can be wearing on the elbows.
Puppies often benefit from the warmth of a bed, since small toy breeds can have trouble regulating body temperature.
Adults 6+ years can benefit from orthopedic memory foam beds, to help prevent common joint ailments.
Senior dogs do best with orthopedic beds to help alleviate pain from arthritis; proper sleeping surfaces can increase mobility with older dogs.
A bed, particularly when placed within a structured area like a canine playpen, offers the safety and security of having a 'den'. This is helpful in cases of separation anxiety, and is ideal for a good night's sleep.
Many dogs appreciate having their own area to retreat to to rest and nap.

There are several types of beds:

Bolstered beds - These have 3 sides and are best for puppies and Yorkies of any age that like to snuggle up. Young pups may benefit from self-warming bolstered beds.
Flat mattresses - These have no bolstered sides, and are best for dogs that love to be on the floor; it allows them to be at floor level, but on a supportive surface.
Orthopedic - Both bolstered beds and flat mattresses can be made with memory foam that conforms to the body while offering support. We highly recommend this type.
Cots - Also known as elevated cots or beds, these are raised to allow for airflow under the body. These are ideal in the summer to help keep a dog cool, and can be used both indoors and out.

Recommendation - One bed that we really love for Yorkies of all ages is the Joyelf Memory Foam Dog Bed. It has a solid memory foam base, non-slip bottom, appropriately sized durable side bolsters, and a removable, washable quality cover.

More reading - See our Yorkshire Terriers Beds article for more details and expanded recommendations.

Body Care Items - Paws, Nose, Skin

Paw wax - Paw wax should be applied to the paws as part of a Yorkshire Terrier's regular care and grooming maintenance.

Its benefits cannot be understated. A quality wax will repel all sorts of irritants (such as lawn care products and allergens), offer a layer of protection from hot and cold walking surfaces, help prevent 'snow balling' (when snows melts then refreezes to stretch sensitive skin between the toes and paw pads), gives a dog better traction (indoors and out), keeps the paw pad skin properly moisturized, and can even heal certain issues such as excessively dry paws, peeling, and/or cracking (for this type of treatment, a daily application may be needed).

Our top recommendation for this is Musher's Secret Paw Protection Wax . This should be massaged onto the paw pads and between the toes about once a week. It absorbs pretty quickly, however you may wish to apply this at night right before your little guy or gal falls asleep.

Nose butter or balm - You do not need to constantly apply a balm to the nose. In fact, some level of UV exposure helps the nose to maintain its dark color. However, a nose balm should be used if a Yorkie tends to develop a chapped nose (usually happens in the winter) or to heal a dry or peeling nose.

For this, we like Natural Dog Company Snout Soother . It's an all-natural plant-based balm that protects and heals.

Skin sprays and topical lotions - There are a lot of different skin issues that can develop with dogs; however, the most common ones are related to allergies and includes hot spots, itching, and/or rash. While you will want to go over all steps to resolve Yorkshire Terrier allergies, part of this is to offer immediate relief for these sorts of symptoms.

A topical anti-itch product can help to soothe and heal skin issues while you work to resolve the trigger. A spray is a good method to target specific areas and is a good choice if a Yorkie does not tolerate having problem areas touched. A lotion is a good method to give full-body relief for intense issues.

Recommendation - Though there are many types of products for a variety of issues, our top choice for a non-medicated anti-itch spray is Bodhi Dog's Anti Itch Spray for Dogs. This can be very effective for all types of allergy-related itching and works right when you apply it, for fast relief. It's made with baking soda and oatmeal and can be applied multiple times a day.

And for very dry skin, unexplained rashes, hot spots, balding areas, and other skin irritations, a overall effective topical treatment is ResQ Organics Pet Skin Treatment. This can be massaged in at least once, and up to several times per day.

More reading - If your Yorkie suffers from dry skin and related issues, see Yorkshire Terrier Dry Skin for more details and expanded recommendations.

Bowls and Water Filtering Method

Bowls - When getting supplies, many owners simply grab the first bowls that they see, not putting much thought into this; however, this can have negative consequences. Material and sizing play a huge role, both health-wise and in regard to a Yorkie being able to eat with ease.

For material: Steer clear of plastic bowls, even if they are BPA free. It's not uncommon for dogs to have reactions to plastic; the most common being a gradual discoloration of the nose. In addition, these are prone to sliding and tipping over. Finally, plastic bowls tend to scratch and it is within those tiny nicks that bacteria loves to thrive, making the bowls unsanitary unless cleaned constantly. So, opt for stainless-steel or ceramic.

In regard to sizing: You'll want to be sure that the bowl is properly sized for your Yorkie. Oversized bowls can make it hard for the Yorkie to reach all of their food, which can lead to frustration and even under-eating. In addition, when the bowl far exceeds the size of the meal, this can throw off serving size calculations.

For height: Some toy breeds prefer a raised bowl, simply because it makes eating easier. If you think that your Yorkie may like this, and you have a floor dish at home, you can place it up onto a sturdy surface to test this idea. Do, however, choose wisely for raised bowl sets; since the Yorkshire Terrier is very small, the bowls should only be raised up a couple of inches. Any further would possibly impede comfort and ease of eating.

For design: With floor level bowls, you may find that those built into a base work very well for both keeping the dishes near each other and for limiting spills and messes.

A set that we really like is the Vivaglory Dog Bowl Set Stainless Steel with Mat ; the 6.5 oz size is ideal for most Yorkies (if your little guy or gal is over 10 lbs, you may want to opt for the 13 oz). The bowls are stainless-steel and the mat is silicone. These stay in place rather well, are easy to clean, and come in a wide range of colors.

Water filtering method - While it is very common for pets to drink unfiltered tap water, this is possibly one of the biggest mistakes that owners make, and one that can greatly impact a dog's health and lifespan.

The presence of toxins in tap water is well-known, and in fact the EPA allows for 'acceptable' levels of many of them. The top 12 contaminants are: Fluoride (which is toxic to canines), chlorine, lead, mercury, PCB chemicals, arsenic, perchlorate, dioxins, DDT, HCB, dacthal, and MtBE. Most of these have been proven to cause serious issues including but not limited to thyroid imbalances, respiratory issues, cell damage, kidney damage, liver damage, nerve damage, seizures, and cancer.

In addition, Chromium-6, the carcinogen brought to light in the Erin Brockovich movie, is currently in the drinking water of over 200 million Americans.

Methods to offer clean, safe water include giving bottled spring water or using a filtering system. Systems range from those that are installed under the sink, to those connected to faucets like the PUR Advanced Faucet Water Filter, or portable filtering pitchers.

Brushes and Combs

The Yorkshire Terrier is rather low maintenance in regard to brushing the coat; though Yorkies with long coats do require a bit more upkeep. The most important factor is to use the right tools; the wrong brushes can pull at hairs or otherwise be detrimental to the integrity of the coat, and those designed for thick coats of fur can be rough on this breed's silky hairs and even hurt your dog while you're brushing.

Brushes:

For short or shaved coats - With short coats, the brushing goal is to remove dirt, dander, debris and dead hairs, distribute natural body oils (which is great for the skin), and stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles to help improve coat health. For this, the best brush is a small boar bristle brush. Do not attempt to use a pin brush or slicker brush as this can be painful and damaging to both skin and hair.

For this, we recommend the Chris Christensen Soft Tufted Boar Brush . It's a good size for most Yorkies and comfortable to hold. The wooden handle and base makes it much more durable than plastic models. Tip: Brush in the direction of hair growth.

For moderate to long coats - When there is several inches of hair length, you'll need a different type of brush. The goals as mentioned above will still apply; however, you will also want brushing to separate the hairs and prevent tangles. So, the best type of brush to use is a pin brush. There are different types; most notably polished tips and bubble tips. In most cases, we recommend the bubble tipped pin brush since this type is more gentle on the skin.

For this, we recommend the ConairPRO Small Pin Brush . The size 'small' has ideal pin length, good bubbled tips, has a comfortable grip and is pretty durable.

Combs:

Not all Yorkies need to be combed; it depends on the coat length. Shaved or very short coats with no longer hairs anywhere on the body will not require a comb. Your bristle brush will be all that's needed. However, medium-length to long coats do require a comb. The comb is used before brushing to gently check for any tangles, can be used to help remove a tangle (along with a good measure of coat conditioner), and/or can be used to tidy up hairs on the face and other small areas of the body.

Our top pick for a comb is the Coastal Li'l Pals Double-Sided Comb . One side has wide-spaced teeth for your first pass-through and to check for tangles and the other side has narrow-spaced teeth for the face, paws, and other small areas.

More reading - You may wish to see our Yorkshire Terrier Brushes article for more details.

Car Seat

If you'll be having your Yorkshire Terrier as a passenger in your car, it's highly recommended to have them securely buckled in. There are several reasons for this. Unrestrained dogs present a distraction risk for drivers (it's estimated that 1 in 5 car accidents involves a distracted driver), can be seriously injured in the event of an accident (with a car traveling 35 MPH, a 5-lb dog can be thrown with the force of a 235-lb object), and typically suffer from more intense motion sickness (as they sway with each turn and stop).

If that's not enough to convince you to secure your Yorkie, keep in mind that some states (Hawaii, Arizona, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, South Carolina (the list grows all the time) either have laws specifically calling out for pets to be placed in car seats or have distracted driving laws in regard to pets loose in the car.

Recommendation - One seat that we like is the PetSafe Happy Ride Booster Seat . This is raised nice and high so that small dogs like the Yorkshire Terrier can have a good line-of-sight view out of the windows and feel the air current from a partially opened window; two things that can really help with car sickness. It's also durable and easy to install. This particular one is designed for dogs 12 lbs. and under.

Please note: Canine car seats are designed with an inner buckle that attaches to a dog's harness. It should never be used with a collar, as doing so can cause severe neck injury. You can use your Yorkie's regular harness, as detailed previously under 'Accessories - Harness'.

More reading - See our Car Seats for Yorkies article for more details and expanded motion sickness prevention tips and car seat recommendations.

Carry Method

Being so tiny, there may be lots of times that your Yorkie is not able to walk alongside you at the pace that you need to go. And though you can, of course, keep them in your arms, this is not feasible in many situations. Also, if you will be doing anything other than carrying your Yorkie, it's not safe to multitask in a way that can lead to them either falling or wiggling out of your grip.

In addition, many pet parents end up leaving their Yorkie home alone if they deem it too difficult to bring their dog along or if the destination does not allow pets. However, if you choose a carrier method, you can keep your Yorkie right by you in a safe way, have your hands free, bring them into many stores and other places that do not normally allow pets (but don't mind toy dogs in carriers), and decrease the amount of time that you head out without your best friend.

There are several options.

Slings - These are ideal for toy breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier and a very popular choice. Carry slings are a type of 'bag', designed to comfortably and safely carry a small pet. There is usually a thick shoulder strap (to wear it diagonally cross-body) and a deep pocket for your dog. With most, a dog will be at your hip level. Many dogs find these to be soothing, due to the rhythmic swaying motion of your body as you walk.

One sling that we really like is the Cuby Sling Carrier; it's super-soft (unlike some nylon models) and is adjustable.

Carry packs - These are similar to backpacks, but designed to hold dogs. Some are just like a backpack, with the dog on a person's back and others are front-facing (we like these best). And, some have cutouts for a dog's hind legs, others don't.

Carry packs are more structured than the slings and are a great choice if you prefer two-shoulder support and/or if you'll be walking long distances.

For this, one of our top choices is the Coodia Legs-Out Front Dog Carrier. It's fairly easy to put on and can work well if there'll be lots of movement.

Strollers - Pet strollers are a great carry method if you'll be moving at a good pace, have tons of walking to do, and/or if you want to keep your little guy or gal in the shade. Of course, the con is that this does not keep your hands free; but, this is ideal for long durations (dogs can sit up, sleep, eat, play, etc.). Some pet parents also use this method to bring their dog with them while out jogging.

When it comes to choosing a stroller, you'll find there's an almost endless amount of options. They range from inexpensive (and short-lasting) $25 models to high-end designs $200 or more. But our favorite pick is the modestly-priced Pet Gear Happy Trails Pet Stroller which we love for it's awesome window with a panoramic-view that's perfect for small dogs who would otherwise struggle to see their surroundings. It also has a great storage compartment and a removable waterproof liner.

More reading - See our Yorkshire Terrier Carry Methods article for more tips and details.

Clothing

There's a long history of dog clothing, and much of it has less to do with 'dressing up' a dog, as it does with protection. Hunting, sporting, and some work dogs regularly wear protective clothing. Small toy breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier have very little body fat, so it's common for there to be very little tolerance for the cold. And if you mix in some snow or rain, tolerance drops even further.

So, while it can be cute to have your Yorkie don a t-shirt or pajamas, one of the most important and functional clothing pieces you'll want to have for your little guy or gal is a warm coat.

Though they are often referred to as 'coats', many designs are more like vests, with the front and hind legs free. And this usually works just fine for Yorkies, since the main goal is to add protection and warmth to the core body.

Keeping in mind the guidelines for a Yorkie to wear a walking harness (not a collar) (see, 'Accessories - Harness'), having a coat on your Yorkie can make that tricky. For this reason, we suggest opting for a coat that has d-ring sewn into the back where the leash can be attached.

Recommendation - A favorite winter coat that we like for pet parents to know about is the Gooby Padded Dog Vest; the extra-small will fit most Yorkshire Terriers in the 4 to 6 lbs. range, though do be sure to measure.

More reading - For a look at our top picks for adorable clothing that fits even really tiny Yorkies, see our Clothing for Yorkshire Terriers article.

Dental Care Items

The Yorkshire Terrier is very prone to tooth decay, and this can take many owners off guard. It's vital to make clear: The battle against tooth decay with your Yorkie is a daily one. Plaque is being produced around-the-clock. It is a clear, sticky film that clings to teeth. Within just 3 days, it can start to harden into tartar, which is much harder to remove.

This sits on the teeth where it eats away at enamel, and can move under the gum line. The buildup of plaque and tartar leads to tooth decay, gum disease, (often painful) infections, bone loss in the jaw, and eventual tooth loss. It's not uncommon for Yorkies as young as 5 or 6 to have missing teeth if they've lack regular dental hygiene and this can make it really difficult for them to eat.

Much of this can be avoided with strict at-home dental care and (when needed) veterinary full-dental exams in which x-rays are taken, teeth are scraped, and issues are fixed.

There are several products that can help keep your Yorkie's teeth clean and strong.

Canine toothbrush and paste - This is one of the most effective ways to remove plaque and keep your Yorkie's teeth in good shape. This should be done daily. The brush (standard or finger-tip) should be small enough as to not overpower the mouth and the paste should be made for canines (fluoride-free and non-foaming).

One of our recommendations for this is the Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dental Kit. This is a nice kit that has both types of brushes and an effective paste with Denta-C. Please note that the 'puppy' size work well for Yorkshire Terriers under 10 lbs.

Dental spray - This is another option that can work to varying degrees, depending on the brand. Though this typically does not work as well as brushing, it can be a good alternative if a Yorkie has no tolerance for a toothbrush. If you're looking around for an effective spray, keep in mind that some are only designed to freshen breath, not clean teeth.

One dental spray to consider is Dental Spray by Pets are Kids Too. This should be both sprayed directly onto the teeth and gums and added to water, daily.

Dental chews - These can play a role in dental hygiene as well. Most are hard edible chews that gradually remove plaque due to their texture and shape. Since these must be hard by design, it's important to supervise your Yorkie when they're chewing on their dental treat; if any small pieces break off, discard them.

One of the most popular dental chews is Greenies. There are several types, which are categorized by the size of the dog, with the 'teenie' made for dogs 5 to 15 lbs.

First Aid Items

There's no need to carry around a doctor's bag; however, you will find that having some essential items is a wise move. Should there be an emergency, you can react immediately. And if there are smaller issues, you can tend to your Yorkie right away without having to try to find what you need or run to the store.

Here is a list of supplies to keep in a small bag (a makeup bag or even a gallon plastic zipper bag works well):

Betadine solution, gauze pads, paw bandages (all for treating cuts)
Canine thermometer, petroleum jelly (for taking your Yorkie's temperature)
Activated charcoal tablets, hydrogen peroxide, medicine syringe (used to treat ingestion of toxins, poisoning. Do NOT give unless you are given instructions by the vet to do so)
Eye wash and/or artificial tears (to treat irritation to the eyes)

Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Repellent and Protection

About fleas - Puppies and dogs can easily catch fleas, even in the cleanest of homes. These tiny pests can jump several feet from dog to dog, and can live embedded in carpeting indoors and moist, shady places outside. Some of the diseases that fleas can cause include tapeworm infection and plague. A flea infestation can cause severe itching for a dog while the flea population spreads throughout the house.

About ticks - Ticks are a concern in just about every state in the US; some more than others. While they are most active in the summer, they can awake from winter hibernation if there are several days without snow. Some of the diseases that ticks can cause include Lyme disease (spread through the blacklegged tick), ehrlichiosis (spread by the Lone Star tick), and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (caused by several types of ticks).

About heartworms - Heartworms are a serious danger to canines of all ages and are transmitted only one way: female mosquitoes that are infected with heartworm larvae. Heartworm disease often has no early symptoms. Once it’s detected, there’s often hundreds of worms clogging the heart and surrounding arteries. Though there is a type of emergency surgery, a serious heartworm infection is often fatal.

Product tips: Before you start to use a flea and/or tick repellant or prevention method for your Yorkie, first check the (usually prescribed) heartworm medicine that you're using; some also work for other pests like fleas and/or ticks. And if so, there is often no need to 'double up'.

Then, when choosing products for your Yorkie, do your best to go with no-chemical options when at all possible. Chemical pesticides (like those on flea collars) can cause allergic reactions (or worse; dogs can have seizures and other serious reactions) and toy breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier often have very little tolerance for pesticides.

That said, using an organic, all-natural product does not mean that it's safe to douse a dog in it. Certain essential oils that repel pests, like peppermint, are considered safe for topical use but can cause irritation and even allergic reaction if too much is applied. So, do please follow the instructions of whichever method you are using.

Recommendation - A non-chemical repellent that we like is mdxconcepts Organic Flea and Tick Control Spray for Dogs. Despite the name, this actually works to repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes via a blend of peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, rosemary oil, lemongrass oil.

The scent is a bit strong on day one, but pleasant, and it gradually fades as each day goes by. Once you cannot smell the fragrance any longer (usually in 7 to 10 days), it'll be time to re-apply it. Please note that this comes in a spray bottle; however, it needs to be wiped onto the coat/body (don't forget the legs, paws, and tail), in the opposite direction of hair growth for proper application.

Food and Treats

If ever there was a crowded market for pet supplies, it is for dog food, snacks, and training treats. The options are seemingly endless and many pet parents understandably feel very overwhelmed.

Since there is so much involved in choosing the healthiest foods and brands for your Yorkie, we highly urge you to read through our much more thorough articles as seen below. However, this section will offer a quick overview of things to keep in mind, along with a couple of recommendations.

So, first, these are the detailed articles that you may wish to visit:

Yorkshire Terrier Feeding Guidelines - This article covers most of the FAQ regarding schedules, timing, wet vs dry, grain vs grain-free, and more, and offers several of our top choices. Check back for regular updates.

Yorkshire Terrier Treats and Snacks - This article covers the difference between snacks (given in between meals) and training treats, and offers a range of healthy options for Yorkies of all ages.

Food, snack, and treat summary:

With so many options, one rule to follow is to stick with all-natural brands. By doing so, you can avoid some of the worst ingredients and additives that can be found in dog food and snacks. All-natural will help you avoid chemical preservatives, artificial coloring dyes, and flavor enhancers, all of which can cause allergic reactions and some of which are linked to quite serious health issues.

Aside from that, you'll want to steer clear of by-products, generic meats or oils, fillers, and high levels of wheat.

Then it'll be time to look for beneficial bonuses such as good levels of antioxidants, probiotics, omega fatty acids and glucosamine.

Recommendations - For a main meals, we recommend a dry kibble. Though there are several top brands (see the reference to our feeding guidelines above), the one we've chosen to list here is Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Formula. This is a top-quality option with a turkey and oatmeal base that we find is easy on the stomach for many dogs that are otherwise sensitive to a rumbling tummy. Aside from being 100% all natural, there are healthy extras including excellent levels of omega-3 via salmon oil and antioxidants via blueberries and spinach.

For snacks (a dry treat given between meals) and training treats (a soft treat given as reward), our top pick is Wellness Core Petite Treats. If you haven't given these to your Yorkie yet, you'll be thrilled you've discovered them. This line offers both crunchy (dry) and soft (chewy) 100% all-natural treats with flavor combos such as chicken, cherry & spearmint and lamb & apples and are designed specifically for small dogs.

Hair Growth Aids

The topic of hair loss and balding is quite extensive. For this reason, we have now expanded our information regarding this. For complete details, please refer to our article: Yorkshire Terrier Hair Loss Causes and Treatments, which covers possible reasons and full treatment options, including our specific recommendations for home remedies.

Playpens

These are an alternative to crates, which most dogs find to be extremely confining. On the other hand, 24 or 34 inch playpens offer a comfortable, open-air, defined space that can help in many ways:

It keeps your Yorkie in one defined area to limit accidents when housebreaking.
Offers a secure spot if a dog has separation anxiety; not only does it create the feeling of a 'den', which dogs find to be comforting, but it also keeps all of a dog's items nearby.
To limit destructive chewing, including during the teething phase.
As a safe spot when you're cleaning, when guests come over, or for any other time that you need your Yorkie somewhere safe.

Within the pen, you'll want to have a quality bed, pee pads, food & water, and some great toys. Read more about the benefits to using a playpen for a Yorkie.

Separation Anxiety Aids

It's common for dogs to have trouble being home alone, and when this is felt to such a strong degree that it affects a dog physically and/or emotionally, it is referred to as separation anxiety. A dog may spend his time nervously pacing and/or endlessly barking, or may become sullen, depressed, and/or suffer from overwhelming feelings of isolation. Enduring these episodes can affect dogs far passed the event, and each session of being alone compounds the problem.

There are several things that you can do to help with this, and it mainly focuses on creating a comforting yet lively environment:

Keep your Yorkie in a well-lit area that is not too close to AC vents or heating elements.

Experiment with a window vs a non-window view.

Create a 'den'; canine instinct tells a dog that a 'den' equals safety and security, so a dog that is left in a room or worse yet is left to roam an empty house will have much more trouble. A den can be created via a playpen (see previous supply), and within that have a quality bed (see Beds), toys (read on), food and water, and pee pads.

Leave on lights; even if you plan to come home before dark, heavy clouds, a storm, or approaching dusk that darkens the house can increase feelings of loneliness.

Have the TV on or music playing. Choose a family-friendly TV channel or an easy-listening radio station. There is also music specifically designed for dogs to help keep them happy and content.

Offer toys that keep your Yorkie busy; those that speak are great for this, and treat-release toys are fantastic as well.

Offer a companion toy; these are designed to mimic living animals and are as close as you can get to having another pet without literally getting one. The one that we recommend, the Smart Pet (see below) is a great size, has a comforting heartbeat, and emits a soothing warmth.

Consider a pet cam; these are a bit pricey and therefore not for every budget; but, can be a terrific method of interacting with your dog from far away. There are several types with various functions; however, most allow you to see your dog, there may be audio so that you can say hello, and the ones that allow you to send out a treat with the tap of a button on an app are really fantastic.

Read more about helping a Yorkie with separation anxiety.

Shampoo and Coat Care

The shampoo and other coat care products that you use will have a huge effect on the health of your Yorkshire Terrier's skin and coat. In addition to this, the right coat supplies can prevent issues, and treat issues. Let's look at each type and what they can do:

Shampoo - Yorkies should have baths every 3 weeks, regardless of whether or not they appear dirty. This is because once a bath is given, just about 3 weeks later there is enough of an accumulation of natural body oils that it warrants a bath to cleanse them away and start anew. If not, these oils will compound on the skin clogging skin pores, blocking natural air flow, and can start to smell quite stinky. Eventually, oil will start to spread onto hairs, making the coat look greasy.

The shampoo must have effective cleansing agents and proper pH to swipe away body oils while being gentle on the skin. Inferior cleansing agents will leave oils, which nullifies the bath, and the wrong pH can cause dry skin and other associated issues.

Conditioner - The shampooing process opens hair cuticles, and this is a very vulnerable state for the coat. A good conditioner will smooth cuticles down, and if it is not used at all, open cuticles will be very prone to split ends. You'll want a conditioner that does it job and then is easily washed out; if not, any remaining product can block skin pores and weigh down the coat.

Coat sprays - Also known as leave-in conditioner sprays or spritzes, these are often used daily and serve several purposes:

To help protect against contact friction and split ends
To help repel dirt, debris, and urine splashes
To offer a layer of protection from arid air in the winter and sun exposure in the summer
To help prevent tangles
To keep a puppy or dog smelling nice in between baths

So, you'll find a lightweight daily spritz to be very helpful in maintaining your Yorkie's coat, whether it is short, medium, or long.

Specialty Shampoos - There are lots of skin issues that may require a specialty shampoo or even a medicated one. Common issues seen with Yorkshire Terriers include dryness, itching, hot spots, and/or rash. A terrific shampoo that works for all of these, plus one that can treat fungal or yeast skin infections is Moosh (see below).

This contains an amazing array of soothing and restorative 100% organic ingredients including bentonite clay (known for its healing abilities, binds and removes bacteria, fungus, and toxins), neem and argan oil (both are natural antiseptics, and also are great for moisturizing), shea butter, aloe, and coconut (fantastic to restore skin health and improve hair texture), nutmeg (to soothe irritation), and rosemary oil (to improve circulation).

Read more about choosing the best shampoo and coat products for Yorkies.

Toys for Specific Needs

It's not uncommon for a puppy or dog to have a huge pile of toys that are mostly ignored. This is often a combination problem of having a lot of wrong ones and having a few good ones lost in the mix. It's far better to have 6 to 8 effective toys, than to have a huge collection that is basically ignored or that do not do their job.

You'll also want to focus on toys that meet your Yorkie's particular needs. Let's look at some choices:

Teething / Chew toys - For this, you'll want toys that are appropriately sized and that have the right consistency to feel good while chewed. For teething, those with small nubs or twisted rope toys work fantastic to 'scratch' itchy gums, and for both teething and chewing urges, those that are flavored are a good draw to keep a pup interested.

'Stay busy' toys - Bored dogs are not happy dogs, and high levels of boredom or consistent boredom can lead to all sorts of issues including excessive barking, destructive behavior, and stress. For this, interactive toys are great. Those that speak or make noises in reaction to a dog touching them can keep a dog focused and busy. These are terrific for when a Yorkie is home alone, or for when you want your Yorkie to stay occupied while you are there but not able to play.

Treat dispensing toys - These are designed to slowly release treats or kibble, and are wonderful for keeping a dog busy or for when you want to offer food while you're away from home. The tricky thing about these, is that most are designed for dogs much larger than the Yorkshire Terrier. Fortunately, a couple of the 'Busy Buddy' toys are designed for tiny toy dogs.

Fetch toys - If there's one thing that your Yorkie wants, its your attention. And playing the quintessential game of fetch is one of the easiest (and funnest) ways to both bond with your dog and offer a short bout of healthy cardio. The key is to use a toy or ball that is appropriately sized for this tiny breed so that mouthing it is easy, and to have the toy be colorful enough to add to its attraction. Finally, your enthusiasm plays a big role, the more animated and excited you are to be playing, the more fun your Yorkie will have.

Companion toys - As the name implies, this type of toy is meant to serve as a de facto companion. These are incredibly helpful for dogs that suffer from separation anxiety. Look to the Separation Anxiety Aids section to see more about these particular types of toys.

Read more about the types of toys every Yorkie should have.