Is your Yorkshire Terrier acting more like the boss of the house than you are? Yorkies are small but smart, and they often need guidance to follow rules. This guide will show simple training methods to help your Yorkie become a well-behaved companion.
Keep reading—you won’t want to miss these tips!
Key Takeaways
- Yorkshire Terriers thrive on positive reinforcement. Use treats, praise, and clickers for commands like “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Come.” Keep sessions short—5 to 10 minutes works best.
- Housebreaking Yorkies needs a set routine. Take them to the same potty spot regularly. Watch for signs like pacing or whining to avoid accidents.
- Socializing your Yorkie is important. Introduce them slowly to pets, people, and places with rewards for calm behavior.
- Address barking by rewarding silence and using calm redirections like commands or toys. Consistency reduces bad habits over time.
- Training takes patience at every age! Puppies learn faster but need repetition, while seniors may need clear gestures or softer treats due to health changes.
Understanding Your Yorkie’s Behavior
Every Yorkshire Terrier sees its home as sacred ground. It’s their “den,” their safe place. This strong sense of territory explains why Yorkies bark at strangers or strange noises—they think intruders are invading their space! They aren’t being defiant; they’re acting on instinct to protect what’s theirs.
These small pups may seem stubborn, but often, they just don’t understand what you’re asking. Dogs can learn about 200 words, but training is needed for basic obedience commands like “sit” and “stay.” Without clear guidance, your Yorkie might feel confused or overwhelmed.
Patience and consistency help bridge that gap between chaos and calm behavior.
Preparing for Training
Training starts with patience and the right mindset. Get tools like treats, a clicker, or a crate ready beforehand.
Setting realistic expectations
Yorkshire Terriers are small but full of energy. They may not master commands instantly, especially as puppies. At 8–10 weeks old, they often react to voices rather than truly understanding commands.
Training takes time and repetition.
Older Yorkies might face challenges like hearing loss or vision issues. These can slow their response to training cues. Focus on their strengths instead of rushing progress. Gather supplies before starting, like treats and toys, to make sessions smoother for both you and your dog.
Gathering training essentials
To start training your Yorkie, gather the right tools. A sturdy leash and a comfortable collar are must-haves. Many trainers recommend clicker training for faster results—small handheld clickers work best.
Treats are key; use small, soft rewards like liver bites or tiny cheese cubes to keep your dog motivated.
Grab “The Power of Positive Dog Training” by Pat Miller for extra tips. Crate training? Choose a crate just big enough for your Yorkie to stand and turn around inside. Keep poop bags handy for accidents, and stock up on patience—it’s as essential as any tool in puppy training!
Basic Training Techniques for Yorkies
Yorkies thrive on kindness and patience, so approach training with a calm attitude. Small steps work best, making the process easier for both you and your pup.
Positive reinforcement
Rewarding good behavior works wonders. Praise your Yorkshire Terrier for listening well or sitting on command. Use treats, like small vegetables or dog-friendly snacks, to encourage obedience training.
Clicker training can also help mark the right actions. Press the clicker when your Yorkie follows through on a command, then give a reward immediately. This builds trust and helps to reinforce positive habits in your pup quickly!
Using treats and rewards effectively
Positive reinforcement shines with treats and praise. A small, tasty snack can motivate your Yorkie to follow commands like “Sit” or “Stay.” Use bite-sized treats, so they don’t fill up quickly.
Pick soft ones that are easy to chew. Timing matters—give the treat right after good behavior, not a few seconds later.
A clicker adds extra precision. Click once when your Yorkshire Terrier obeys, then offer the treat immediately. Avoid overloading on snacks; too many could lead to weight gain or poor nutrition.
Mix in verbal praise like “Good job!” or gentle pats as rewards instead of always relying on food. Rotate between these rewards for variety and better results during dog training sessions!
Maintaining consistency
All family members must stick to the same rules. If one person lets the Yorkshire Terrier on furniture, but another scolds for it, the dog gets confused. Dogs thrive with clear patterns and expectations.
Use identical commands every time. For example, say “Sit” instead of switching between “Sit down” or “Take a seat.” This makes obedience training more effective. Keep practice regular, even if short—five minutes daily works wonders for Yorkies!
Teaching Essential Commands
Mastering basic commands helps your Yorkie listen better, behave calmly, and build trust!
Sit
Start with a treat in hand. Hold it near your Yorkie’s nose to grab their attention. Slowly lift the treat above their head, prompting them to look up and naturally sit as their bottom lowers.
The moment they sit, say “Good, Sit” and give the treat immediately.
Use clicker training for better results during dog obedience lessons. Click the device right after they follow the command, then reward them with praise or treats. Repeat this daily for consistency.
Sessions should be short—5-10 minutes—to prevent boredom in your Yorkshire Terrier puppy.
Stay
Train your Yorkshire Terrier to “Stay” using simple steps and patience. Start in a quiet room with no distractions. Use a firm but friendly tone when saying, “Stay.” Hold your hand up like a stop sign to give them a visual cue.
Reward them immediately with treats or praise if they don’t move.
Gradually increase the challenge by taking one or two steps back. If your Yorkie stays put, reward again! Over time, add small distractions, like dropping a toy nearby, while reinforcing this command.
Clicker training can also help mark their success quickly and clearly. Keep sessions short—five minutes is plenty for these smart but easily bored dogs!
Come
Start training your Yorkshire Terrier to come in a quiet space. Use treats, clickers, or cheerful praise when they respond. Say “Come” clearly and kneel to their level for encouragement.
Reward them as soon as they reach you.
Increase distractions gradually after basic success. Practice in the yard or park with mild noise around. Keep sessions short, fun, and consistent for better results during obedience training.
Leave it
Teaching “Leave it” can keep your Yorkshire Terrier safe. Use a treat in one hand, and let them sniff it without giving it away. Firmly say, “Leave it.” When they pull back or stop trying to grab the treat, use a clicker to mark the behavior, then reward with a different treat.
Practice this daily at home before adding distractions like toys or food on the ground. Gradually increase challenges so your Yorkie learns to obey even in busy environments. Consistency is key during obedience training for lasting results.
Housebreaking Your Yorkie
Potty training your Yorkie takes time, patience, and a good routine. Start small, keep calm during setbacks, and celebrate the wins—big or small!
Establishing a routine
Take your Yorkie to the same potty spot each time. Dogs thrive on patterns. Set a schedule for meals, walks, and bathroom breaks. Frequent trips outside help avoid accidents. Watch for signs like pacing or whining—they may need to go out.
Feed at the same times every day. This keeps their bathroom habits predictable. Stick to consistent wake-up and bedtime routines too; it helps create stability in training and daily life.
Crate training tips
Start by choosing a crate that feels cozy but isn’t too cramped. Yorkies should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Place it in a quiet spot where your dog can feel safe but still see you.
Soft bedding or a small blanket makes the crate inviting.
Keep training sessions short—about 4–5 minutes at a time several times daily. Toss treats inside the crate to encourage exploration. Close the door for just seconds at first, then gradually longer as your Yorkshire Terrier grows more relaxed inside.
Don’t use the crate for punishment—it’s their safe space!
Handling accidents appropriately
Accidents happen, especially during puppy training. Yorkies may pace, sniff, or whine when they need to go. Watch for these signs and act quickly to prevent a mess indoors.
Clean up accidents with enzymatic cleaners to remove odors completely. Regular cleaners don’t break down the smell, tempting your Yorkshire Terrier to return to the same spot. Stay calm if your pup has an accident; punishment confuses them and delays their progress in dog obedience training!
Addressing Common Behavioral Issues
Nobody wants a barking, chewing whirlwind—learn how to tackle these habits with simple fixes.
Excessive barking
Yorkshire Terriers often bark to guard their territory. They see their home as a safe “den” and react loudly to people, pets, or noises they think are intrusions. This instinct can quickly become excessive without proper training.
Ignore your Yorkie’s barking if it is not aggressive. Reward silence with treats or praise using positive reinforcement techniques. For persistent barking, try redirecting attention with commands like “sit” or “leave it.” Stay calm during these moments.
Reward-based training works best for this breed, as they respond well to small victories like earning a treat or toy. Consistent effort will reduce disruptive habits over time.
Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety often makes a Yorkie restless or destructive. They may bark excessively, chew furniture, or become clingy when you prepare to leave. Ignoring their attention-seeking behavior can help them learn independence without adding stress.
Social isolation works for extreme behaviors but should feel safe, not scary. Crate training helps by giving them a cozy space they trust. Gradually increase time apart to show your Yorkie that being alone isn’t bad.
Reward calm behavior with treats and praise after brief absences.
Chewing and destructive behavior
Chewing often starts from boredom or teething pain. Offer safe chew toys to redirect this urge. Rotate toys weekly to keep them exciting. Remove items like shoes or cords from reach to prevent accidents.
Consistency matters; calmly say “Leave it” when they chew on something forbidden.
Ignoring small mischief sometimes works wonders too, as Yorkies seek attention through bad behavior. Social isolation for brief periods can help curb destruction but avoid tiny crates which stress them out.
Training your Yorkshire Terrier consistently helps with barking and separation anxiety too!
Socializing Your Yorkie
Yorkies can be small, but they have big personalities that thrive on social interaction. Training them to meet new faces and unfamiliar places helps them stay calm and happy.
Introducing your Yorkie to other pets
Start in a calm space. Allow your Yorkshire Terrier and the other pet to sniff each other at their own pace. Keep both on leashes during the first meeting for safety. Watch for signs of stress, like growling or stiff tails, from either animal.
If tension rises, separate them and try again later.
Praise good behavior with treats or kind words. Reward-based training can help build trust between pets. Limit these sessions to 10–15 minutes at first so no one feels overwhelmed.
Over time, increase their interactions as they become more comfortable around each other. Patience is key!
Exposing your Yorkie to new environments
Taking your Yorkshire Terrier to new places builds confidence. Start small, like a walk around the block or a visit to a calm dog park. Gradually introduce busier areas, such as markets or pet-friendly stores like those on amazon.com.
Use treats during these outings for positive reinforcement. Keep outings short at first so your Yorkie doesn’t get overwhelmed.
Help them adapt by staying calm yourself. Dogs sense tension and may mirror it. Introduce sounds like traffic noise, other canines barking, or children laughing in controlled settings before heading into more chaotic spaces.
Reward their bravery with praise and gentle pets—it’s obedience training in real life!
Advanced Training Tips
Challenge your Yorkie’s brain with fun, new tricks. Keep their focus sharp by making training sessions short but exciting!
Teaching tricks for mental stimulation
Training Yorkies with tricks keeps their minds sharp. Start with simple ones like “roll over” or “spin.” Use clicker training to mark correct actions, then reward them right after.
Treats work wonders as motivation, but keep portions small to avoid weight gain.
Teach new tricks in short sessions, about 5-10 minutes each day. This prevents boredom and frustration. Mixing up activities challenges them mentally and builds confidence. A Yorkshire Terrier thrives on positive attention, so keep it fun and engaging!
Improving focus during training sessions
Keep training sessions short. Yorkies have brief attention spans, so aim for 4–5 minutes per session. Repeat these multiple times each day to reinforce learning without overwhelming them.
Use high-value treats or tiny portions of their favorite food during reward-based training. This keeps your Yorkshire Terrier engaged and eager to follow commands. Remove any distractions like loud noises or other pets, as they can quickly lose focus in busy environments.
Be patient yet firm; consistency is key to building their concentration over time.
Training Stubborn Yorkies
Some Yorkies may act like they rule the roost, making training feel tricky. Patience and clever methods can turn even the most headstrong pup into a well-behaved companion.
Identifying triggers
Stubborn Yorkies often react strongly to specific things. Loud noises, strangers, or even changes in routine can set them off. Watch closely for patterns in their barking or anxious behavior.
A visitor knocking may lead to barking fits, while being left alone could trigger chewing on furniture.
Take note of body language like pinned ears or pacing. These are clear signs of discomfort. Identifying stress points early helps shape better training plans. For aggressive actions, calm corrections and temporary social isolation can work wonders without causing lasting harm.
Strategies for improving engagement
Use reward-based training to keep your Yorkshire Terrier interested. Offer treats, praise, or playtime when they follow commands. Keep sessions short—10 to 15 minutes works best, as Yorkies can lose focus quickly.
Use clicker training to grab their attention and mark good behavior instantly.
Identify what excites your dog most—like a favorite toy or tasty snack. Break tasks into small steps for stubborn Yorkies. If the dog becomes frustrated, take breaks but stay consistent.
Avoid long time-outs; 5-minute breaks are often enough after losing attention during obedience training.
Key Milestones in Training
Training your Yorkie is like building a house—each step stacks on the last. Start small, grow steady, and celebrate progress big or small!
Timeline for puppy training
Start training your Yorkie as early as 12 to 16 weeks. At this age, they are ready to learn and adapt quickly. Begin with simple commands like “sit” and “stay.” Focus on housebreaking during these stages by creating a consistent routine.
By eight weeks, puppies should get their parvo and distemper vaccines. A follow-up occurs around 12 weeks, including a parasite check. Use positive reinforcement throughout the process.
Reward small wins with treats or praise often to keep them engaged in dog obedience practices.
Adjusting techniques for adult and senior Yorkies
Older Yorkies may lose some hearing or sight. Use gestures or touch, like a gentle tap, to guide them during training. Keep commands simple and clear. If your dog struggles with vision, use bright toys or high-contrast items for activities.
Take them for vet visits twice a year to check their senses and health. Reward-based training still works well; just switch to softer treats if needed. Patience is key—adult dogs can learn but might take longer than puppies.
Conclusion
Training a Yorkie takes patience, love, and effort. These tiny dogs are smart but can be stubborn. Stay firm, use rewards often, and keep things consistent. Celebrate small wins—they matter! A well-trained Yorkie is a happy companion for life.
FAQs
1. How do you train a Yorkshire Terrier to stop bad behavior?
Use reward-based training and clicker training to encourage good habits. Be consistent with commands, and never punish your Yorkie harshly—it can lead to dog aggression.
2. What are the best methods for puppy training a Yorkie?
Start early with obedience training using simple commands like “sit” or “stay.” Reward small wins with treats or praise, as this builds trust.
3. Can deafness in Yorkshire Terriers affect their training?
Yes, it can make things harder but not impossible. Use hand signals instead of verbal cues, and always consult veterinarians for advice on managing health issues.
4. Why is my Yorkshire Terrier aggressive toward other dogs?
Yorkies may show aggression due to fear or lack of socialization during puppyhood. Obedience classes or help from professional trainers can address this behavior effectively.
5. Should I adopt a Yorkie from a dog pound if it has behavioral problems?
Absolutely! Many dogs at pounds just need proper love and guidance through structured dog obedience programs and patience from owners willing to invest time in their care.