Yorkies are notoriously stubborn to potty train due to their small bladders and independent "terrier" nature.
The Method: If they aren't in a crate, they should be on a 6-foot leash attached to your belt (Umbilical Training). This prevents "stealth peeing" behind the couch.
The Schedule: Take them out every 30 minutes, plus immediately after eating, napping, or playing.
Pro-Tip: Use an enzymatic cleaner for accidents. If they can smell the old spot, they will go there again.
Yorkie hair is more like human hair than dog fur; without care, it becomes a matted, painful mess.
Daily Maintenance: Brush daily with a pin brush and metal comb. Never brush a dry coat—use a leave-in conditioner spray to prevent hair breakage.
The "Texas Cut": Many local owners prefer a "Puppy Cut" or "Teddy Bear Cut" to keep the dog cool in the Victoria heat and reduce matting.
Dental Care: Yorkies are prone to losing teeth early. Start brushing their teeth with dog-safe toothpaste at 12 weeks old.
Keeping them on a strict schedule prevents life-threatening diseases like Parvo.
The Schedule: Initial shots at 6–8 weeks (usually done by Jim and Jane), followed by boosters at 12 and 16 weeks.
Heartworm/Fleas: In the Texas Crossroads area, heartworm and flea prevention is a year-round requirement due to the climate.
Safe Exercise: Wait until 16 weeks (fully vaccinated) before taking them to public parks or PetSmart.
Because they are so small, household items that are safe for a Lab can be deadly for a Yorkie.
The "Hawk Rule": In rural areas like Inez, never leave a Yorkie puppy alone in the yard. Large birds of prey (hawks/owls) can and will attempt to snatch them.
Floor Check: Get down on your hands and knees. Check for loose coins, rubber bands, or dropped pills—anything a Yorkie can swallow is a choking hazard.
Height Danger: A jump off a standard couch can break a Yorkie puppy's leg. Use pet ramps or supervise them on furniture.
For toy breeds like Yorkies, low blood sugar can be fatal within hours. This is the most important info for a new owner in the first 48 hours.
The Danger: Yorkies have tiny livers that can’t store much glucose. Stress or a missed meal can cause their blood sugar to crash.
The Signs: Lethargy, shivering, glassiness in the eyes, or "acting drunk."
The Fix: Feed 4–6 small meals a day. Always keep a tube of Nutri-Cal or Karo Syrup on hand. If they seem weak, rub a small amount on their gums immediately and call the vet.
In the Golden Crescent, humidity levels often exceed 60%, making it nearly impossible for small dogs to cool themselves. Since Yorkies don't sweat, they rely on panting—but high humidity makes panting inefficient.
The Danger: A Yorkie’s temperature can skyrocket to dangerous levels in minutes. High moisture can also lead to skin fungal infections or "hot spots" in their thick coats.
The Solution: Limit outdoor activity to early morning or late evening when the heat index is lower. Always keep your puppy in an air-conditioned environment during peak hours.
Pro-Tip: Check their gums; they should be a healthy "powdery pink." If they turn bright red or the saliva becomes thick, your puppy is overheating. Move them to AC immediately and apply cool (not cold) water to their belly.
The sandy soils of Inez and Victoria County are prime territory for Field Sandburs (stickers). For a Yorkie’s long, silky hair, these are like the strongest Velcro imaginable.
The Danger: Beyond the pain of the initial prick, these barbs can work their way into the skin between paw pads, causing severe infections that may require a vet visit to remove.
Removal Hack: Never pull them with your fingers! Use a wide-toothed metal comb or even pliers to "flick" them out. If they are badly tangled, a small amount of vegetable oil or cooking spray can act as a lubricant to slide the burr down the hair shaft.
Prevention: Keep your lawn mowed short and bag the clippings to remove the seeds. Keeping your Yorkie's paw hair trimmed short (the "clean foot" look) helps prevent them from catching stickers in the first place.
Living in the Texas Crossroads means sharing space with Diamondback Rattlesnakes and Copperheads. A curious 5-pound Yorkie is at high risk if they corner a snake in the brush.
The Danger: Bites to the face or chest are the most lethal. Snakes love "hot spots" like woodpiles, leaf litter, and tall grass.
Safety Rules: 1. The Leash is a Life-Saver: On local trails, keep your puppy on a short leash to prevent them from sticking their face into heavy brush. 2. Property Maintenance: Clear away debris piles and fill in holes under sheds where snakes might den. 3. Training: Consider "Snake Avoidance Training" which teaches dogs to fear the scent and sound of a rattle.
Emergency: If bitten, do not try to suck out the venom or use a tourniquet. Carry your dog to keep their heart rate low and drive straight to an emergency vet in Victoria.