A Yorkshire Terrier may fit in one arm, but the sitter briefing for this tiny, spirited dog needs to be more detailed, not less. Small bodies chill quickly, empty quickly, and injure easily, so write a handoff that covers frequent feeding and toilet breaks, safe handling, barking, coat care, and the specific dangers a very small dog faces in an ordinary house.
Small meals and a tight toilet schedule
Yorkshire Terriers have small stomachs and fast metabolisms for their size, so leave the exact meal pattern you follow, including any smaller, more frequent feeds rather than two large bowls. Note where the food is kept, how much goes in the little bowl, and that going a full day without eating is a concern in a dog this small, not something to shrug off until you return. Write the toilet schedule in detail: first thing, after meals, after play, and last thing at night, because a Yorkie's small bladder and a new person's slower reactions are a common recipe for accidents. Say whether this dog uses the garden, a pad indoors, or both, and where cleaning supplies live. Mention the cue word you use outside so the sitter prompts the same way you do.
Handling a fragile dog with confidence
Explain how to lift a Yorkshire Terrier safely, supporting the chest and hindquarters together, and that this dog should never be grabbed by a leg, scruff, or collar. Tell the sitter to keep the Yorkie off high furniture unless supervised, because a jump down from a sofa or bed that a larger dog shrugs off can injure small legs. Note that children must sit on the floor to hold this dog, and that the sitter should watch feet in busy moments, since a tiny dog underfoot gets stepped on during door answering and cooking. Describe safe outdoor practice: a well-fitted harness rather than collar pressure on a delicate neck, staying on lead, and keeping distance from large, bouncy dogs whose paw swipe could do real harm. Mention doors and gates, because a Yorkie can slip through a gap that would stop any bigger breed.
Barking, boldness, and that long silky coat
A Yorkshire Terrier often has a watchdog's confidence in a toy body, so tell the sitter what triggers barking in your home and the calm, boring response that settles it. Note whether this dog is shy, bold, or snappy when startled awake, and ask that the Yorkie be approached visibly and spoken to first. Cover coat care honestly: whether the hair is kept long and needs gentle daily brushing to prevent tangles, how the topknot or fringe is tied back so the dog can see, and where the soft brush lives. Add teeth to the notes, since small breeds commonly need dental attention, and mention any mouth sensitivity the vet is already monitoring. Describe favourite lap times, toys that are size-appropriate, and chews to avoid because they are too hard or too large for this mouth.
Vet details and tiny-dog warning signs
Leave the Yorkshire Terrier's vet number, an emergency clinic, your number, and a nearby backup contact, and point out where the carrier is if a vet trip is needed. Ask the sitter to call the vet the same day if this small dog skips meals, seems shaky, weak, or unusually sleepy, vomits repeatedly, has ongoing loose stools, coughs persistently, or hurts a leg and will not bear weight. Summarise what normal looks like for this Yorkie: typical appetite, energy bursts, sleep spots, and toileting, so subtle changes are visible to someone new. Show the sitter the warm layer you use for cold or wet outings if this dog wears one. Putting those Yorkie specifics into KinsLe's Care Pass means the person holding that tiny lead also holds every feeding, handling, and vet detail in one place.