I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for looking into what you and your puppy will need. You are embarking on a wonderful journey with your new friend that will be a wonderful experience over the next decade of your life. I still remember the first day I brought my new puppy home. I was nervous and excited and wished I knew more about him. That is why I have put together this information to help get you started with your new puppy. My little babies have brought such joy into my life. I know your new little one will do the same for you. I wish you all the happiness!

First, Make sure that you have considered all the needs of your new puppy. A new family member should make an ideal match for everyone involved.
1. How big will my puppy grow?
2. Do I have enough room for my puppy to run and play?
3. How active will my puppy be?
4. How much attention will he require?
5. Do I have the time to invest in his socialization and training?
6. Am I willing to do what is necessary to raise and care for my new puppy?

Second, child Proof Your House:
1. House Plants: Many houseplants can be poisonous or toxic. Ideally you should keep ALL plants out of your dogs reach. And make sure that they cannot play with any of your plants. Some common toxic plants are Poinsettias, Oleanders, and Ivies.
2. Electrical cords: Make sure all electrical hazards are up and out of the way. A puppy is constantly teething and house hold cords made of plastics and rubbers are very tempting to a little guy.
3. Household cleaners; Do not leave household cleaners out where your puppy can have access to them. Many common cleansers like Bleach, Pinesol and Antifreeze are fatal if your puppy drinks them.
4. Chocking Hazards: Make sure to have all chocking hazards removed from your puppy’s play areas. This includes toys that have small button noses and eyes made out of hard plastic that are sewn on the toys. Also no toys with dangling strings that can wrap around the puppies neck. And can strangle the puppy. Human baby toys are the best! Please note that even dog treats can be a chocking hazard.
5. Do Not Feed Chocolate!

Third, know where your puppy is at all times. Put a Bell on Your Puppy – This will help in avoiding accidents like closing a door on your puppy, stepping on him, even sitting on him. Cooking in the kitchen with your puppy underfoot can be a very bad combination. Ideally you should have a puppy play pen for him where you can keep him with you and have him secure.

Fourth, secure Entrances and Exits – This will stop the puppy from running into the front yard or back alleys where you may not catch him on time from an on coming vehicle. Other loose neighborhood dogs can also pose a deadly threat to your puppy. Watch your puppy closely, especially yorkies because are known to be: feisty, independent, tenacious, bold, intelligent, active, and inquisitive, sometimes barkers. THEY DON’T KNOW THEY ARE LITTLE – you will need to keep a watchful eye on them around larger dogs. If I may add a little note here I would like to stress the importance of training your puppy the basics like “Come” – Commands like this may one day save his life.

Fifth, apply household rules for your puppy and for your family:
1. Keep The Puppy Off High Furniture: Puppies love to climb and jump. A broken leg is no fun!
2. Do not allow the puppy to have free roam of the house until he is trained.
3. Always secure your puppy with a HARNESS when out walking him
4. Do not let small children pick up the puppy.
5. Puppy must sleep in his play pen or crate – for his safety.

Sixth, keep your puppy away from areas with high concentrations of unfamiliar dogs. Even though your puppy is vaccinated that is not a 100% guarantee that they will not contract some communicable disease that can be deadly, places that are unsafe for a new puppy are: Parks, Rest Areas, and Dog Stores. Even though a visit to the vet is necessary you should not allow your puppy to come in contact with anything in the waiting area including people and make sure that the exam table and scale are clean!

Seventh, have a feeding schedule: Puppies have very sensitive stomachs so please avoid feeding him table scraps. Below is a general feeding schedule with proper foods.
• 8 weeks to 12 weeks 4 Times a Day
• 12 weeks to 18 weeks 3 Times a Day
• Over 18 Weeks 2 Times a Day
Remember that small breeds like the Maltese and Yorkie are susceptible to hypoglycemia and it is your responsibility to make sure your puppy is eating the right amount of food daily. Discuss this with your vet because every puppy is different. A skipped meal can have dire consequences for your puppy!

Keep Emergency Numbers Handy!!!!!

A crate need only be big enough for the dog to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. The crate should be large A crate need only be big enough for the dog to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. The crate should be large enough for your Maltese

“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion” - Anonymous