What to Look for in a Reputable Yorkie Breeder: Part 2

 

Puppy Curriculum. The first 8 weeks of a Yorkie puppy's life are crucial and lay the foundation for their future behavior and development. These early weeks are irreplaceable, as a puppy's brain undergoes rapid growth and is like a sponge, soaking up new experiences, sights, and sounds. The prime window for this learning and socialization is within the first 16 weeks. Beyond this period, socializing them to new things becomes more challenging. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy progresses through the Neonatal stage, the Transitional stage, and starts the Socialization stage. Understanding when each stage begins and adapting the curriculum accordingly is essential because each litter may reach these milestones at different times.

A proper puppy curriculum goes beyond simply providing toys; it involves carefully planned activities and exposure to various sounds, people, and environments at the right developmental moments for the best possible outcomes. It’s about observing developmental changes and adjusting the approach as needed. I personally use the Puppy Culture curriculum, complemented by elements from the BAB curriculum, because I’ve found them to be highly effective. Since incorporating a structured curriculum, I've seen a significant increase in well-rounded family pets and Yorkies that have gone on to excel in specialized roles.

When considering a Yorkie breeder, they should be able to explain the puppy curriculum they use and the reasoning behind it. I chose these particular programs because they have consistently produced confident, well-socialized Yorkies that thrive in a variety of environments, whether as loving family members or companions with special roles.