One of the most important things to remember is that Yorkshire terrier puppies need to have someone home with them all day. They need to be fed four meals, taken out every two hours, and exercised regularly. Housetraining can be a difficult enough proposition without leaving the pup on his own all day. In order to meet all your pup's requirements you'll have to make certain arrangements.

Take Time Off

There should absolutely be someone home with the dog for at least the first few weeks. Perhaps a family member can take vacation time from work or work from home temporarily. Maybe you're lucky enough to work in a dog-friendly office and can bring the pup to work with you. But if you do this, beware: adorable pups can be pretty disruptive to office routine, not to mention the potty breaks. Perhaps all family members, older children included, can combine their schedules to take turns with puppy care. Everyone might have to give up some other activity — willingness to compromise in this way is a good indication that everyone's ready to take responsibility for this new addition to the family.

Hire Help

If you can't be with the puppy at all times, your other option is to hire an in-home pet sitter. Some parents hire nannies for their children, and there's no reason you can't have one for your dog. Look for someone who is insured — they'll have free use of your home, after all — and ask for references, specifically those that indicate experience with small dogs. Be honest with the pet sitter about the pup's needs, and be sure that this person continues whatever training, food regimen, and exercise schedule you have initiated. Additionally, be prepared to spend the time you are home with the pup. You don't want your dog to have a stronger bond with his pet sitter than he has with you.

Avoid the Holidays

It's a classic image: a new puppy beneath the Christmas tree with a big red bow tied around her neck. You may decide it makes perfect sense to bring a new dog home around the holidays; after all, you'll likely have some time off from work. But if you give it some more thought, you'll realize this is precisely the wrong time to add a time-intensive new pet to the household. You'll already have more to do than seems possible, from shopping to cooking, from decorating to visiting relatives. Not only will you not have time for the pup, all the excitement can overstimulate a puppy and make her more difficult to train.

Maybe your spouse has always wanted a Yorkshire terrier and you think it's the perfect holiday gift. Still, it's best to wait until some of the hubbub has died down. Instead, give your loved one some puppy accoutrements — a leash, dog bowls, even a crate — and a list of breeders or contact information for a rescue group. In addition, you can promise to help in the search for a new pup as soon as the holidays are over. You could even put down a deposit on a pup, and just wait for calmer times to bring the pup home. This may also give the recipient a chance to meet the prospective pup before the deal is finalized.