How to Adopt a Yorkie

If you are considering adopting a Yorkie dog, there are few things you need to consider before making your final decision. It is a big commitment and should not be taken lightly. There are some requirements that must be met before a breeder will allow an adoption to take place. Read on to find out more about the adoption process.

Things You'll Need

• Pet carrier Doggy bed Dog food Leash Collar Toys

Instructions

Information About Yorkies

1. Consider the environment that the dog will be brought into before you adopt. Yorkies are very temperamental, and they bark a lot! This may make them an excellent guard dog; however, if you live in an apartment or condo, the barking may cause a problem with the neighbors. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, the barking problem can be controlled with proper training.

2. Be prepared to take a training course on how to effectively housebreak a Yorkie because Yorkies are one of the most difficult breeds to housebreak. For some Yorkie owners, this is an ongoing issue. If you are not prepared to deal with doggie messes in the house, maybe you should reconsider getting a Yorkie. Another problem to consider is grooming. Yorkies must be bathed and combed on a regular basis if you want their coats to stay nice and smooth. Frequent trips to a professional groomer may be necessary.

3. Take into consider that Yorkies tend to suffer from separation anxiety and do not like to be left alone. When left alone, they tend to bark incessantly and chew on furniture, clothing and upholstery. If you are at work all day, consider adopting a different breed of dog.

4. Engage your new Yorkie in social activities with other dogs and people. Yorkies tend to be anti-social and typically do not get along with kids or other animals. They have been known to snap at or bite when exposed to social situations. This type of personality is quite common in smaller dogs and is not an exclusive trait of Yorkies. However, this could be a problem because your dog can be ordered quarantined and you may be sued if your dog bites another person or animal. Owning a toy-sized dog requires constant supervision. They are typically under foot and can be stepped on, which may injure the dogs as their little bones are quite fragile.

Adopting Your New Yorkie

1. Take the time to go online and search for the best places to adopt a Yorkie. Websites such as PetFinder.com or AdoptAPet.com are great resources to find a specific breed (see Resources).

2. Write down the contact information for any breeders that are offering Yorkies that you are interested in. Call or email them to ask about the Yorkie you are interested in. You will need to find out if it is still available, if the Yorkie has had all of its required vaccinations and what the final cost will be.

3. Be sure to bring along an appropriate-sized pet carrier when you go to meet and bring home your new Yorkie. Place a towel in the carrier to make sure your new pet is comfortable. You will pay a fee to the breeder or organization in exchange for your Yorkie, and will receive all of the pet's paperwork.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to fully pet-proof your home. If you are adopting a puppy, make sure you have "puppy pads" for house training, appropriate toys, a collar, food and a leash. After you adopt your Yorkie, a follow-up visit to the vet is a wise move to ensure it is in good health and does not have worms.

• The fees to adopt a Yorkie can run as high as $500 to $800 per dog.

Resources

• Pet Finder
• Adopt a Yorkie at Adopt a Pet