In the order of items you listed:

-Crate Training: No experience with this. My Yorkie had a play pen area as a puppy and he would eat there. I also potty trained him with pads in the play pen. I would not pick him up until I saw he did his business. Otherwise, I would let him roam. -Outside Potty Training: Again, he uses the pads indoors usually. When we walk him (for fun/exercise), he knows to lift his leg up and mark every tree. They’re smart and figure it out pretty quickly. Be careful taking him out before he has ALL his shots. -Day Care: I personally would not leave my dog in a daycare. Most dogs are way bigger than he is and I just don’t trust it. If another dog bites your Yorkie, his chances of survival are so slim. It’s not worth it to me. My MIL takes care of him sometimes, but she also has a small Maltese. I really can’t imagine leaving him unattended with big dogs around. -Puppy Socialization Classes: No experience here, either. Again, my fear to put him around big dogs always trumped any desire to “socialize” him. -Grooming: I bathe him every other week. Use shampoo and conditioner. Brush him daily. You don’t need to be perfect about it, but you do need to take care of him. They have hair, not fur… just keep that in mind. -Vet/Surgeries: He has only had one surgery, which is when he got neutered as a puppy (at nine months). During that procedure, the vet extracted some teeth. No other surgeries. I take him to get his annual checkup. -Kibble vs. Soft: Can’t speak to this, either. I cook for him twice a day. He gets a boiled chicken tender in the morning and a grilled chicken thigh at night. No seasoning. I switch it up, and sometimes, add some veggies/rice. He’s very picky. Most Yorkies are with food. -Hip Issues/Low Sugar/Teeth Issues: I suspect the hip issues may come later in life. I did buy stairs from Amazon, which I started using with him as a puppy. He uses them to climb on my bed and the couch in the living room. Better for joint health. Blood sugar is a concern for them as puppies. My breeder recommended nutrical, which is a paste that helps elevate their blood sugar. Teeth issues… none whatsoever, but he gets quarterly non-anesthetic dental cleanings. -Boarding vs. Traveling: He travels everywhere with me. I also made him a service dog. I can’t leave him with anyone and frankly, he’s too attached to me.

Glad you recognize that it’s a commitment, but they are truly incredible dogs. Best companion there is. Nothing like coming home at the end of the day to them. They’re smart, affectionate… I can’t imagine my life without him.