Preparing your home for a Yorkshire Terrier puppy requires specific considerations to ensure safety and comfort for these tiny but spirited companions. Before bringing home one of these adorable puppies, creating a proper environment will help ease the transition and protect your new four-legged family member. As you browse Yorkie puppies for sale in Pennsylvania or elsewhere, take time to properly puppy-proof your living space ahead of your new pet’s arrival.
Puppy-sized escape artists
Yorkshire Terriers weigh just 4-7 pounds as adults, making them small enough to squeeze through surprisingly narrow gaps. Their diminutive size means standard puppy-proofing must be more thorough, with special attention to tiny spaces where these curious puppies might become stuck. Examine your home from floor level, looking for spaces under furniture, gaps behind appliances, or openings in fencing that could allow escape. Electrical cords pose particular dangers, as Yorkies may chew through them, risking electrical shock. Secure all cords out of reach or cover them with cord protectors designed for pet households. Cabinet locks on lower storage areas prevent access to cleaning products and other toxins.
Hot dogs, cold dogs – Climate control
Yorkies have difficulty regulating body temperature due to their small size, making environmental comfort especially important. These puppies chill easily in cold weather and overheat quickly in warm conditions. Maintain indoor temperatures between 68-72°F for optimal comfort, and create draft-free sleeping areas with warm bedding. Consider puppy-sized sweaters for brief outdoor trips during winter, as Yorkies lose body heat rapidly in cold conditions. In summer, provide shaded rest areas and monitor for signs of overheating during outdoor play.
Gravity is not their friend
Yorkshire Terriers face significant injury risks from falls due to their fragile bone structure and adventurous nature. Standard household features include:
- Staircases without gates at the top and bottom
- High beds and furniture without ramps or steps
- Balconies with railings wider than 3 inches apart
- Retaining walls in landscaping
- Multi-level decks without barriers
All require modification or supervision to prevent potentially serious injuries. Baby gates designed for human infants work well for containing Yorkies, though some tiny puppies might require mesh barriers.
Tiny teeth – Big Destruction
Yorkies have strong chewing instincts despite their tiny size, and their teeth are surprisingly sharp. Protect both your possessions and your puppy by removing or securing items like:
- Shoes and leather goods
- Small decorative items they could swallow
- Houseplants (many common varieties are toxic)
- Children’s toys with small parts
- Books and important papers
Provide appropriate chew toys for small breeds to redirect this natural behaviour.
Their castle, their rules
Despite their bold personalities, Yorkie puppies benefit from having a quiet space to retreat when overwhelmed. An appropriately sized crate (just large enough to stand, turn around and lie down) lined with soft bedding creates a secure den that satisfies their instincts. Position this safe space in a low-traffic area where the puppy can observe household activities without disturbance. This retreat becomes especially important in homes with young children or other pets, giving your Yorkie a stress-free zone when needed.
Pea-sized bladders
When young, Yorkshire Terrier puppies have tiny bladders, cannot hold their urine for more than 2-3 hours. Create designated bathroom areas with easily cleanable surfaces, using puppy pads, indoor grass patches, and outdoor options.
Consider limiting the puppy’s access to carpeted areas during initial training periods, as accidents will inevitably occur. Washable rugs provide alternatives to permanent carpeting during the housetraining phase.
