Yorkie Puppies’ Development
For the next six to ten months, you and your yorkie puppy will be learning about each other and adjusting to new situations.
Each month, the yorkie puppy will be going through different developmental stages, each bringing new challenges. Teething and hormonal changes will both play major roles in his behavior patterns.
There are three distinct periods in puppy development. The first is the social development period that occurs between the ages of 6 to 12 weeks. At this time, your yorkie puppy is learning about new people and environments.
The prime time to move him from his litter to a new home is between weeks seven and ten. He will be more accepting and will easily bond with his new family pack. At this age, your puppy will also be very dependent on his new family.
He will want to always be by your side. Thus, you may be tempted to not keep him on a leash in a quiet open area. However, it is always a food idea to get him used to the idea of wearing one, even if you don’t need to use it.
Second stage is the fear imprint period. It can occur both at four months. At this time, everything can be scary. Make certain your yorkie puppy is never forced to confront something that he is afraid of. A food example is the puppy being afraid of getting into the car.
He remembers the car took him away from his mother and siblings, and into the nightmare of sharp objects and strange people. The best means of overcoming the fear is to coerce him to sniff and explore.
Placing treats in a line toward the object can be helpful. Taking the time to sit near the car door while the yorkie puppy rests nearby is also helpful. He has learned to trust you; if he sees you are unafraid, he will get the message.
Third stage of development is adolescence. What was once a well-behaved puppy eager to please you will turn into a rambunctious, assertive dog that ignores your commands. The yorkie puppy will begin noticing things he had previously ignored, such as other dogs.
Canine adolescence normally begins around five months and can last anywhere from the age of ten to a year and a half. Not only is this a puppy’s peak energy period, but your yorkie pup will feel very confident about himself, testing his boundaries.
