Be cautious when choosing cheaper or generic brands of dog food. They may use lower quality ingredients that might not give enough nutrition to your puppy. [4] X Research source Some good brands of puppy food are Instinct and Blue Wilderness. You can also ask your veterinarian for food recommendations.

Avoid giving your puppy any table scraps. You should not get your dog in the habit of eating human food on a regular basis.

You can supplement your dog’s diet with treats, but veterinarians say that these shouldn’t make up any more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.

Brush the puppy daily and after baths to prevent mats and tangles. Wash your puppy once every week or two. Remain calm and speak softly while grooming your puppy. This will put her at ease.

Make sure that hair hasn’t matted down around the puppy’s toes. When this happens, hair can wrap around the nails and cause them to become ingrown. [7] X Research source This can be very painful for the Chorkie.

Luckily, training in general is very successful with Chorkies. They are smart dogs eager to learn.

Never punish a dog for refusing a command since dogs don’t understand punishment. They will respond to positive reinforcement when they do a task correctly.

If you do take your dog to a dog park, make sure there is a special area for small breeds.

For example, they can sometimes be aggressive if approached by another dog or person. So, make sure to walk your puppy along a quiet route. If your puppy pulls on the leash during walks, use a walking harness.

Don’t take your puppy out too much before she gets all her vaccinations, usually around 15 or 16 weeks old.

Small dog syndrome is an attitude your Chorkie may develop. She may think and act like she’s the boss: jumping up on people or nipping, growling, begging for food, etc. [17] X Research source

After your Chorkie has gotten all of her shots as a puppy, she’ll need to see the veterinarian at least once a year. [18] X Research source She may occasionally need to get booster shots.

Recognize signs of worms in your puppy. If you notice your puppy has diarrhea or is vomiting, coughing, chewing or licking under her tail, is short of breath, or losing weight take a stool sample to the vet. Get your puppy treated for worms again.

If you notice your Chorkie puppy acting strangely, take her to the vet as quickly as possible.

Tracheal collapse usually happens because of too much exercise, heat, or excitement. If your dog is overweight, she’s also at risk for this problem.

Normally, a dog will only feel pain when the kneecap slides out of place, but not after.

Talk over your options with your vet when making the decision to neuter or not.

Understand that the microchip is useful only when someone scans your lost pet, such as at a shelter. You must also have current contact information submitted in order for your pet to be returned to you. If you move or change phone numbers, submit the new information. [24] X Research source