Housebreaking Your Yorkie by Crate Training

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A crate used correctly for house training becomes the dogs own private retreat or den. The puppy will seek out the crate when it wants to rest undisturbed or to feel safe.

A crate’s success as a housebreaking tool is simple, puppies will not soil their sleeping area if they can possibly avoid it. But remember that a puppy needs time to play and has a small bladder. Use the crate when you can’t watch your puppy, but don’t overuse it.

Crates come in many different styles and sizes. Choose one that will be large enough for your Yorkie to lay down, stand up, and turn around easily in. If you plan on traveling with your Yorkie buy a plastic one with ventilation slits on all four sides. [Read more...]

Beware of Hypoglycemia!

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Hypoglycemia is more commonly referred to as low blood sugar. It is a disorder that occurs mainly in small breeds between 6 and 12 weeks of age. Stress is often the cause; and, it can happen without warning. The puppy will show signs of hypoglycemia after it misses a meal, chills, becomes exhausted from playing, or has a digestive upset. This brings on symptoms because they add stress to the energy reserves.

For tiny pups hypoglycemia is a real threat; even more reason for you to watch your pup even more closely. Watch and make sure your puppy doesn’t become too tired or droopy. Listlessness and depression are some of the 1st signs. Then muscular weakness and tremors [Read more...]