Training a Yorkshire Terrier can be tricky. These tiny dogs are smart but also stubborn. With clear steps and patience, you can teach your Yorkie good habits and commands. Keep reading to learn how to make training easier for both you and your pup!
Key Takeaways
- Start training your Yorkshire Terrier early, around 8 weeks old. Focus on housebreaking and simple commands like “sit” during short sessions of 5-10 minutes.
- Use positive reinforcement, like treats (Cheerios or cheese), praise, or toys. Reward good behavior quickly to keep them motivated.
- Yorkies have tiny bladders. Take frequent potty breaks every two hours during housebreaking. Stick to a consistent schedule for success.
- Socialize puppies between weeks 1-12 by exposing them to calm dogs, people, and new environments. This helps prevent fear or aggression later.
- Keep training fun and brief since Yorkies have short attention spans—no more than 15 minutes per session works best!
Key Challenges of Training a Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers often act like they’re bigger than they are. This can make them stubborn during obedience training. Their small size may fool you, but their big-dog attitude adds a layer of difficulty.
Yorkies also get hyper if not given enough mental and physical stimulation. Without tasks or play, they may develop bad habits like chewing or barking excessively.
Their tiny bladders mean frequent trips outside or to pee pads. Housebreaking takes patience since accidents will happen more often than with larger breeds. Plus, Yorkies have short attention spans—shorter than 15 minutes for most activities—which makes long dog training sessions ineffective.
Keeping lessons fun and brief works best to keep them focused!
Training Timeline for a Yorkie Puppy
Training your Yorkie puppy takes time, love, and patience. Each stage builds the foundation for a well-behaved companion.
Weeks 1-12: Early socialization and housebreaking
Yorkshire Terrier puppies need socialization early on. During weeks 1-12, they bond with their littermates and mother. This time helps them learn to interact with other dogs. Isolation can lead to fear or aggression later.
Start housebreaking as soon as the pup comes home at eight weeks. Use a crate for nighttime and potty training. Take them out every two hours, after meals, and naps. Praise success immediately with treats or kind words—it’s positive reinforcement that works best! Puppies this age respond well to routines, so keep it consistent daily.
Weeks 12-16: Basic commands and leash training
By week 12, your Yorkie puppy is ready for more structure. Start teaching basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “lay.” Use positive reinforcement like small treats—Cheerios or bits of cheese work great.
Keep sessions short, around 10 minutes each. Puppies have short attention spans, so end on a good note to keep them excited for the next session.
Leash training begins now too. Use a harness instead of a collar to avoid strain on their necks. Let your puppy get used to wearing the harness first before attaching the leash. Practice walking in quiet spaces without distractions at first.
In most cases, consistent practice will have your pup leash-ready within one week!
Weeks 16-20: Grooming introduction and advanced commands
Start grooming your yorkie puppy early to get them comfortable. Schedule their first grooming appointment for a bath, nail trim, and haircut once vaccinations are done. This often happens around 16-20 weeks.
Regular visits to the groomer every 6-8 weeks will keep them clean and healthy. At home, bathe them weekly but avoid getting water in their eyes or ears.
Introduce advanced dog commands like “Heel” or “Place.” Keep sessions short to match their attention span. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, when they follow instructions well.
Stay patient and consistent during command training at this stage of yorkie training!
Essential Training Tips
Training your Yorkshire Terrier takes patience, love, and a sprinkle of humor—it’s a journey worth every wagging tail!
Use positive reinforcement
Reward good behavior quickly. Yorkshire Terriers respond well to treats like Cheerios or bits of shredded cheese. Use these snacks during yorkie training sessions for tasks like the sit command or leash training.
Affection works wonders, too. Praise your yorkie puppy with a cheerful voice and lots of pets. A quick game with their favorite toy can also build excitement for learning. Keep rewards simple but meaningful to keep them eager and focused!
Be patient and consistent
Yorkie training takes time. These tiny dogs need repetition and gentle guidance to thrive. Stick to a regular routine each day. For example, train for short bursts—no more than 15 minutes at a time—to keep them focused.
Breaks are just as important! Pushing too hard can lead to frustration for both you and your yorkshire terrier.
Use the same words or gestures every session during command training. This helps avoid confusion over commands like “sit” or “stay.” Consistency with leash training also builds trust, making walks easier down the road.
Progress may feel slow, but steady effort pays off in building good habits for your yorkie puppy long-term.
Start training early
Starting at 8 weeks, begin teaching your Yorkshire Terrier simple things. Housebreaking should be a top goal. Puppies need to learn where and when to go potty. Early socialization is vital too.
Let them interact with littermates and their mother until 12 weeks old for good behavior skills later.
Introduce basic command training shortly after that period. Focus on teaching “sit” or “lay” in short sessions of five minutes each day. Use positive reinforcement like treats or praise to make learning fun! Early training helps build strong habits before unwanted behaviors set in.
Teaching Key Commands
Teaching commands is like building a bridge between you and your Yorkie. Start small, keep it fun, and watch them shine!
Sit, Stay, and Lay
Yorkshire Terriers need clear steps to learn “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Lay.” Use positive reinforcement like treats or praise every time they follow the command. For instance, hold a treat above their nose to guide them into sitting, then reward quickly.
Keep sessions short—5-10 minutes max—to match their attention span.
Start with “Sit” as it’s simple and builds trust. Once they master that, move on to “Stay.” This one requires patience but strengthens control. Place them in a sit position, use an open hand gesture for “Stay,” and take a step back before rewarding success.
Teaching these commands early makes leash training and housebreaking smoother later on.
Leash walking basics
After “sit” and “stay,” leash training is the next big step for your Yorkie puppy. Use a harness, as it’s gentle on their tiny necks. Attach the leash indoors first to get them used to the feel.
Let them drag it around while you supervise.
Once comfortable, begin walking short distances in quiet areas. Reward with treats and praise when they stay beside you or walk calmly. Keep sessions short—10 minutes work best at first.
With positive reinforcement, most Yorkshire Terriers adjust within one week of practice!
Crate Training for Yorkshire Terriers
Crate training helps Yorkies feel safe and aids in housebreaking. Choose a crate that’s just big enough for your Yorkshire Terrier to stand, turn around, and lie down. If it’s too spacious, they might use one corner as a bathroom.
Puppies under 4 months usually need a potty break at least once during the night, so plan accordingly.
Use positive reinforcement to make the crate inviting. Toss in treats or toys to encourage them to explore it willingly. Never force them inside or use the crate for punishment. For long hours during the day, consider adding a playpen or gated area nearby for extra space to stretch their legs safely.
Housebreaking Your Yorkie
A crate can make housebreaking your Yorkie much easier. Puppies hold their needs based on age—in months, plus one hour. For example, a 2-month-old puppy lasts about 3 hours before needing a break.
Stick to a schedule for bathroom trips: early morning, after meals, and right before bed.
Use the same spot outside each time. This builds consistency and signals “bathroom” to your Yorkie puppy. Praise them with treats or soft words when they go in the correct place.
If they cry at night, keep responses quick and quiet—just for potty breaks or water.
Socializing Your Yorkie Effectively
Expose your Yorkie puppy to new sounds, people, and places between weeks 1-12. This is a critical period for socialization. Let them meet calm dogs or friendly neighbors during short walks.
Keep these interactions safe and positive with treats as rewards.
Yorkshire Terriers can be shy without early exposure. Visits to parks or busy areas help build their confidence. Introduce grooming tools gently by week 16, so they grow used to handling.
Avoid loud environments that could scare them too much at first—baby steps work best!
Conclusion
Training your Yorkshire Terrier takes effort, patience, and love. Start early, stay consistent, and celebrate the small wins. Positive reinforcement can work wonders—treats go a long way with these clever pups! Build trust through play, practice commands daily, and enjoy the bond that grows stronger each day.
A well-trained Yorkie isn’t just obedient; it’s a happy companion for life.
FAQs
1. How do I start training my Yorkshire Terrier?
Start with basic command training, like teaching your Yorkie puppy the sit command. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, to encourage good behavior.
2. What is the best way to leash train a Yorkie?
Begin leash training early by letting your Yorkshire Terrier get comfortable wearing a lightweight harness and leash indoors. Practice short walks while rewarding calm behavior.
3. Should I hire a dog trainer for my Yorkie?
If you’re struggling with specific behaviors or need guidance on advanced yorkie training techniques, working with an experienced dog trainer can help you make progress faster.
4. Can positive reinforcement work for all types of Yorkie behaviors?
Yes! Positive reinforcement is effective for most Yorkshire Terriers when teaching commands or correcting unwanted habits. Consistency and patience are key to success.