The type of coat that your dog has will affect what Shampoos and Conditioners you will be using. Just as the type of water you have, hard or soft, will affect the performance of the different products.

Some feel that you shouldn't use human products, that they are too drying. I haven't experienced this at all. I'm not including inexpensive products with this statement but good Salon type. All you can do is to try them. If you notice the skin looks dry, or if there is an excess amount of itching change products.

You'll also want to periodically change products, and/or use a clarifying type to remove residue that can build up. Even though one shampoo works great for weeks, all of a sudden the shine is gone, the cause is build-up.

You are going to need to go through the coat to check for snarles and mats. Snarles can be pulled apart with your fingers, then using a pin type brush go though the coat before bathing. If the coat is matted, you are not grooming often enough or the coat is a soft type.

A soft coat is much more difficult to maintain than the proper silk coat. It will take daily care to keep from matting, so you may need to have the dog trimmed in a puppy cut or another style. There is no sense in struggling with a coat that will constantly mat, causing you and the dog to be upset at grooming time. Mats hurt coming out regardless how careful and gentle you are. Soft coats also collect dirt and absorb moisture much quicker than a true silk coat. You'll need to add a slicker brush to your list if you're working with this type of coat. Be careful using this type of brush, they can actually burn the skin. Place your fingers at the base of coat next to the skin as you are brushing. Start brushing at the ends of the hair and gradually work up toward your fingers.

Before the bath is the best time for brushing the teeth. Many Yorkies are prone to excessive Tartar which causes premature tooth loss. They make a number of products now to help keep the teeth clean. If you do not brush the teeth, this will mean additional professional cleanings at the Vet's, and it can also lead to Bacterial Infections to develope causing additional expense to you, and pain to your friend.

Check the Ear Channel first, if there is any offensive odors, redness, or a reddish brown discharge, have your Vet look at them. All could be signs of infection, and need to be treated if so.

If there is hair in the channel, remove it by pulling it out with your fingers. Whether the hair is oily or not, using a plucking powder lightly will make it much easier to do. Note: Pull quickly, not slow.

Now for the outer ear you will use the Half Pint or Mustache Wahl Clippers. Clip the excess hair on the inside of the ear leathers about 1/3rd way down. Then you'll clip the same amount on the back side but trimming the hair off in the shape of a V. With the Wahl clippers, it is even safe to go along the outer edge of the ear to finish it off neatly.

The most important thing to encourage ears to stand upright is keeping the excess hair trimmed. But, if they are not up by 6-7 weeks of age they should be supported. This method will work even with older pups, it may just take a longer period of time. If you purchased your puppy, the ears should have been up prior.

Cut three pieces of 2 inch masking tape in triangles, and lay them on top of one another. Use better quality tape, because the less expensive brands do not adhere as well. Place this so the adhesive side is next to the skin on the inter-ear leather. Next, cut a strip of tape approximately 3-4 inches long. This is centered on the "back side" of the ear, and the remainder is folded over the front, on top of your tape inserts. You may need to repeat this step, using two strips depending on ear length and weakness.

Leave these in place, checking or replacing them every 2-3 days. Sometimes the ears will be up in the first 2-3 days, others can take weeks, and some may never stand correctly depending on the breeding and ear type.

Again the small clippers will be used to trim the pads of the feet. Hair grows from between them and it should be trimmed to at least were the hair is level with the pads themself. You can go between the Pads if you are comfortable with this, if not, at least check between them.

Trimming Nails should be done with almost each bath, if you are diligent about this, all you will need to do is remove the tips. Yes, they can bleed if too much is removed, so you should have Quick Stop on hand. The center of the nail changes color and texture as you clip, if the nail is dry and white you may want to take additional nail off. They also have Nail Files available for dogs. If you wish, file the end of each Nail for a smoother finish.

Some prefer to trim the hair around the foot at this time, before bathing. If you have a lot of excess coat it wouldn't hurt, but you'll find that after bathing it will need to be done again.

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