Preparing for a Yorkie or Morkie Puppy: A Home Checklist
Prepare for a Yorkie or Morkie puppy in three phases: before the puppy comes home, the first days, and the first weeks. This is general guidance, and your veterinarian is the source for medical questions.
Supplies and a Safe Space
A new puppy checklist works best in order.
- Before the puppy comes home: gather supplies and set up a safe space.
- The first days: keep routines quiet and simple while the puppy settles in.
- The first weeks: add socialization and grooming habits gradually.
Start with the first phase and set up these categories before the puppy comes home.
Supplies
- Feeding items, such as food and water bowls
- Bedding
- Identification, such as a collar and tag
Space setup
- A safe, confined area where the puppy can rest
- Small-dog safety around stairs and furniture, because a small puppy can be hurt by a fall
Ask the breeder what the puppy has been eating, so the first meals match what the puppy knows. Ask your veterinarian before changing food or choosing products.
Early Socialization
Socialization is the first of the first-weeks tasks. The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes puppy socialization as introducing a puppy to new experiences in a gradual, positive way, and this is general buyer guidance.
- Start early, because AKC treats early socialization as an important part of a puppy's development.
- Keep each experience positive, and stop if the puppy seems overwhelmed.
- Add new people, sounds and surroundings gradually.
- Consider a puppy class, which AKC lists as one way to socialize a puppy.
- Ask your veterinarian which settings are safe for your puppy.
Questions about vaccination timing and exact ages belong with your veterinarian.
Grooming Basics
Grooming is the other first-weeks task. AKC's Yorkie grooming guidance covers ongoing coat care and professional grooming support, and a Morkie's coat varies, so care follows the individual dog.
- Brushing, as often as the coat needs
- Nail care
- Dental care
- Ear and skin care
- The right grooming tools
PetPlace says Morkie coats usually need brushing several times a week, or daily for longer coats. Some owners keep the coat trimmed short, keep the hair around the eyes clean, and treat oral hygiene as important. For the differences between the two coats, see Yorkie vs Morkie.
Records and Questions for the First Veterinary Visit
Your puppy's first veterinary visit comes after you bring the puppy home, and you will want the puppy's records with you. Those records come from the breeder, so ask about current puppy availability and which records come with a puppy, then keep them for the visit.
Bring these to the visit:
- The breeder's written records
- Feeding information
- The breeder's contact details
- Your questions for the veterinarian, including what to do next
Ask your veterinarian about anything medical.
Call With Questions
Have ready your questions about the puppy's records and feeding, plus any details about your home you want to talk through. Call (336) 488-4717, or learn more about Yorkie puppies and Morkie puppies, or use the contact page to find other ways to reach Yadkinyorkies & Morkies.