Acclimation: A few days after your teacup Yorkie puppy is home and comfortable, it’s time to begin teaching the bathing ritual. Start by performing ‘trial runs.’ Be consistent with commands that indicate getting into the bath, staying still during bathing and getting out of the bath. Perform these first bathing exercises using just water on your teacup Yorkshire Terrier puppy. Stay close; keep a hand on your puppy at all times. Watch for signs of stress or discomfort. You may include treats into this exercise to keep your teacup Yorkie puppy attentive and to help him associate bath time with good things.
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Organization: It’s best to gather all your supplies before you get your teacup Yorkshire Terrier puppy in the tub or sink. If you don’t have a hand-held shower or spigot wand, a shatter-free pitcher or cup will suffice. Have your shampoo, conditioner, water supply, pitcher and towels within reach. It’s also important to ensure your Yorkie puppy has good footing. Place a bath mat or towel in the sink or tub to prevent your puppy from slipping. This also increases your teacup Yorkie puppy’s confidence.
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Products: Yorkshire Terrier specific shampoos and conditioners are available, and are produced to accommodate a Yorkie’s hair and skin pH. While these products may be more expensive than general dog grooming products, Yorkshire Terrier specific supplies will probably produce a shinier and healthier coat. It’s believed that shampoos and conditioners for Yorkie puppies that include oatmeal and aloe may be gentler and easier for your teacup Yorkshire Terrier puppy to tolerate. It’s also necessary to finish off with a good cream rinse that includes a Yorkie hair detangler. Some teacup Yorkie experts use a leave-in conditioner as the final step.
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Bath time: Now it’s time to bathe your teacup Yorkshire Terrier puppy. Use the commands you practiced during the acclimation step for getting your Yorkie in the tub or sink. Be consistent with your commands and generous with the praise and the treats. Relax. Don’t start actually bathing your Yorkie puppy until both of you are calm and ready. As practiced, always have a steady hand on your Yorkie puppy. Gently pour warm water over the Yorkie puppy’s body using either the pitcher or wand. When your Yorkshire Terrier puppy is completely wet, apply the shampoo and work it through the teacup puppy’s coat from his neck to his hips. Make sure to work in the direction of your teacup Yorkie’s hair growth and avoid his head. Once you’ve worked up a good lather, completely rinse your Yorkshire Terrier puppy. Be careful to wash away every bit of shampoo residue.
Next, apply the conditioner/hair detangler to your Yorkie puppy in the same way that you applied the shampoo. Gently pull it through the Yorkie’s hair in the direction of hair growth. Then completely rinse out all of the conditioner. If you choose, apply the leave-in conditioner.
