Introducing a new puppy to your current dog is often an exciting process, and many dogs will become fast friends and eas...
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How to Introduce a New Puppy to Your Dog
Shorkies weigh only a few pounds, but they have strong opinions, sensitive emotions, and a surprising amount of energy. It’s easy to fall for their cuteness alone, but you should know how they fit into Kentucky life to prepare yourself for the daily commitment.
Kentucky is a great place for these little charmers. Whether you’re in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, or a quieter town with long country roads, shorkies can adapt easily. They don’t care how long their “walk” is as long as they get a chance to sniff, explore, and show off their tiny strut.
Since summers get pretty hot and winters are chilly, a shorkie’s indoor-friendly size also makes them great for people who prefer playtime and training sessions at home when the weather isn’t cooperating. If that sounds like you, here’s what you need to know about how to adopt a shorkie in Kentucky.
Shorkie Adoption in Kentucky
In Kentucky, you’re most likely to find a shorkie through a local shelter, all-breed rescue, small-breed rescue, or an owner-rehoming post. This breed is usually listed as “Yorkie mix,” “shih tzu mix,” or just “small mixed breed.” That means you’ll have to check descriptions and photos instead of relying only on the breed tag.
Once you’ve found a potential match, fill out a detailed application form. They’ll ask about your housing situation, daily routine, and whether you’ve had pets before or currently have one. When asked about your plan for daily exercise, don’t just say, “I’ll take my shorkie on walks.” Be specific and detailed because rescue volunteers don’t care for generic answers.
After that, the team may request a phone interview, virtual home check, or an in-person meet-up to make sure your home is safe for a tiny dog. In Kentucky’s many older houses and rural properties, that might mean checking for loose porch railings, open stairways, or yard fencing with big gaps.
Many Kentucky rescues also consider the vibe match between your family and the dog. When you meet a shorkie, notice how they respond to your energy. Do they climb into your lap, hide behind a volunteer, or sniff the room like a little detective? Ask the staff how the dog behaves with strangers and other pets in foster care, and if they hate being left alone.
If you’re looking to adopt a dog that’s already housetrained or past the puppy stage, let them know. The volunteers will be happy to help you find the right shorkie. When that finally happens, you’ll move forward with the formal adoption contract, payment, and a pickup time to make things official.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Shorkie in Kentucky?Many shelters and rescues charge $150-$500 for small mixed breeds, with younger dogs and puppies often on the higher end. Seniors are sometimes available at reduced or sponsored rates. The adoption fee usually includes core vaccinations, a basic health exam, microchipping, and spay/neuter services. If the staff can’t confirm vetting, microchip status, or spay/neuter details, it’s one of the biggest red flags in the adoption process. |
How Should I Train a Shorkie?Shorkies are smart enough to manipulate you (and adorable enough to get away with it). You’ll have to be extremely disciplined if you want your furry baby to learn good manners. Use the most cheerful voice and their favorite treats as rewards, and don’t train for more than 5-10 minutes at a time. Many shorkies are vocal watchdogs. They’ll sound the alarm for every squirrel, delivery truck, and suspicious leaf they see. Instead of yelling “quiet,” look out the window or door as if you’re checking the threat, say “thank you,” and toss a treat away from the window. This way, they’ll learn that their job is to alert only once or twice. Crate training is also important for house manners and emotional security. Many shorkies bark less when they have a quiet crate retreat, as it reduces decision overload. However, you need to introduce the crate properly, so your dog doesn’t see it as a cage. If you’re not sure how to do that, we recommend checking out our online Crate Training course. |
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Find the Right Shorkie in Kentucky for You
Kentucky has all kinds of shorkies across shelters, rescues, and foster networks, so pay attention to personality as much as, if not more than, appearance. Cute grows old, but compatibility lasts years.
Thinking about your energy level, work schedule, noise tolerance, and grooming comfort will help you avoid mismatches. Be honest with rescues about what you can and can’t handle, and be patient if the right match takes a little time.
