Training your Yorkie is one of the most important things you can do as a pet owner. These little dogs may be small, but they’ve got big personalities!
Proper training helps your Yorkie become a well-behaved family member and strengthens the bond between you two.
Think of training as a fun way to chat with your furry friend. It’s not just about teaching tricks – it’s about building trust and understanding. Here is a step by step guide on how to train your yorkie from scratch.
Understanding Yorkies
Are Yorkies easy to train?
Yorkies are smart cookies, but they can be a bit stubborn too. Here’s what you need to know:
General temperament and intelligence:
- Yorkies are clever little dogs
- They love to please their owners
- They have big personalities in tiny bodies
- Yorkies can be feisty and independent
Factors affecting trainability:
- Age: Younger pups are usually easier to train
- Consistency: Regular training works best
- Patience: Some Yorkies need extra time to learn
- Rewards: Yorkies love treats and praise
While Yorkies aren’t the easiest breed to train, they’re far from the hardest. With some love, patience, and yummy treats, your Yorkie will be showing off new tricks in no time!
Training Basics
What is the best age to train a Yorkie?
Ideal training age for puppies:
- Start basic training as early as 8 weeks old
- Focus on simple commands and potty training
- Keep training sessions short and fun (5-10 minutes)
- Use lots of praise and treats
Training older Yorkies:
- It’s never too late to start training
- Be patient – older dogs may take longer to learn
- Break down tasks into smaller steps
- Use positive reinforcement
Remember, every dog is different. Some Yorkies might pick things up quickly, while others need more time. The key is to stay positive and keep at it!
Step By Step Guide: Obedience Training
Training a Yorkie to Come when called
- Choose a short, clear command like “Come” or your Yorkie’s name
- Start in a quiet room with few distractions
- Say the command in a happy, excited voice
- When your Yorkie comes to you, give lots of praise and a treat
- Repeat this several times a day
- Gradually increase the distance and add distractions
Pro tip: Use a long leash like this one for outdoor practice to keep your Yorkie safe while learning.
How to train a Yorkie to sit?
- Hold a treat close to your Yorkie’s nose
- Slowly move the treat up and back over their head
- As their head goes up, their bottom will naturally go down
- As soon as they sit, say “Sit” and give the treat
- Repeat this process several times
- Start using the command before the hand motion
Remember, keep training sessions short and fun. Use small, tasty treats like these to keep your Yorkie motivated.
More basic training guides:
How do you discipline a Yorkie?
Disciplining a Yorkie isn’t about punishment – it’s about teaching them what’s right and wrong. Here’s how to do it:
Positive reinforcement vs. negative reinforcement:
| Positive Reinforcement | Negative Reinforcement |
|---|---|
| Rewards good behavior | Punishes bad behavior |
| Builds trust | Can create fear |
| Encourages learning | May lead to hiding behaviors |
| Makes training fun | Can damage your bond |
Techniques for effective discipline:
- Ignore bad behavior when possible
- Use a firm “No” for unwanted actions
- Redirect your Yorkie to a positive behavior
- Always reward good behavior
- Be consistent with your rules
Remember, yelling or physical punishment will only scare your Yorkie and damage your relationship. Stay calm and patient, even when it’s tough!
Essential Commands
How to teach a Yorkie to stay?
Teaching “stay” helps keep your Yorkie safe and well-behaved. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-step instructions:
- Start with your Yorkie in a “sit” position
- Hold your hand up, palm facing your dog
- Say “Stay” in a clear, firm voice
- Wait a few seconds, then say “Good stay!” and give a treat
- Gradually increase the time and distance
- Always return to your dog to give the treat
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Moving too fast – take it slow!
- Forgetting to release your dog from the stay
- Using a treat to lure them back to you
- Getting frustrated if they break the stay
Pro tip: Use a comfortable mat like this one as a “stay spot” to make the training easier for your Yorkie.
How to train a Yorkie not to bark?
Yorkies love to talk, but sometimes they need an indoor voice. Here’s how to help:
Understanding barking triggers:
- Boredom
- Attention-seeking
- Fear or anxiety
- Excitement
- Territorial behavior
Techniques to reduce excessive barking:
- Teach the “Quiet” command
- When your Yorkie barks, say “Quiet” calmly
- Wait for a pause in barking, then praise and treat
- Repeat until they associate “Quiet” with stopping
- Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation
- Ignore attention-seeking barks
- Address underlying anxiety if present
- Use positive reinforcement for quiet behavior
Remember, some barking is normal. The goal is to reduce excessive noise, not silence your pup completely.
Addressing Behavioral Issues
How to train a Yorkie not to bite?
Nipping and biting are common in puppies, but it’s important to nip this habit in the bud!
Understanding biting behavior in puppies:
- Puppies explore the world with their mouths
- Teething can cause discomfort and increase biting
- Play biting is normal but needs to be controlled
Methods for discouraging biting:
- Yelp loudly when they bite to mimic puppy play
- Immediately stop playing if biting occurs
- Redirect to appropriate chew toys
- Teach gentle play and petting
- Provide plenty of exercise to reduce excess energy
Use a variety of chew toys to keep your Yorkie’s mouth busy and reduce the urge to nip at hands or feet.
At what age do Yorkies start barking?
Yorkies find their voice pretty early on. Here’s what to expect:
Typical barking behavior in young Yorkies:
- Most Yorkies start barking between 7-10 weeks old
- Barking usually increases around 4-6 months
- Adult barking patterns emerge by 1 year old
Managing early barking habits:
- Start training early to establish good habits
- Teach the “Speak” and “Quiet” commands
- Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation
- Don’t inadvertently reward barking with attention
- Consider puzzle toys to keep them occupied
Remember, each Yorkie is unique. Some may be more vocal than others, but consistent training can help manage any excessive barking.
Advanced Training Techniques
Tips for leash training and walking etiquette
Walking your Yorkie should be fun for both of you. Here’s how to make it happen:
Importance of proper leash training:
- Prevents pulling and potential injuries
- Makes walks more enjoyable for everyone
- Increases safety in public areas
- Builds better communication between you and your Yorkie
Techniques for effective walks:
- Start with a properly fitted harness or collar
- Use a 4-6 foot leash for better control
- Begin training indoors with fewer distractions
- Reward your Yorkie for walking beside you
- Stop walking if they pull, and only continue when the leash is slack
- Practice in short sessions multiple times a day
A comfortable harness like this one can make leash training easier and more comfortable for your Yorkie.
Incorporating play into training sessions
Who says learning can’t be fun? Here’s how to mix play and training:
- Use favorite toys as rewards for good behavior
- Turn commands into games (e.g., “sit” before throwing a ball)
- Hide treats around the house and use “find it” as a command
- Practice “stay” during game of hide-and-seek
- Use tug-of-war to teach “drop it” and “leave it”
A playful attitude makes training more enjoyable for both you and your Yorkie!
Common challenges faced while training a Yorkie
- Short attention span
- Solution: Keep training sessions brief (5-10 minutes)
- Stubbornness
- Solution: Stay patient and use high-value treats
- Easily distracted
- Solution: Start in a quiet area and gradually add distractions
- Excessive barking
- Solution: Teach “Quiet” command and provide mental stimulation
- Separation anxiety
- Solution: Gradually increase alone time and create positive associations
Best tools and resources for training Yorkies
- Treats: Small, soft treats for quick rewards
- Clicker: For precise timing in positive reinforcement
- Harness: For comfortable and safe walks
- Puzzle toys: To provide mental stimulation
- Training books or online courses specific to Yorkies
- Professional dog trainer consultations
A training kit can provide all the essentials you need to start training your Yorkie effectively.
How long does it take to train a Yorkie?
Training a Yorkie is an ongoing process, but here’s a rough timeline:
- Basic commands (sit, stay, come): 4-6 weeks
- Potty training: 4-8 weeks (with consistency)
- Leash training: 2-4 weeks
- Advanced tricks: Varies, but usually a few weeks per trick
Remember, every Yorkie is different. Some may learn quickly, while others need more time. The key is consistency and patience!
Summary..
Training your Yorkie is a journey filled with love, laughter, and lots of treats. Remember, it’s not about perfection – it’s about building a strong, happy relationship with your furry friend.
Stay patient, keep things fun, and celebrate every little victory. Before you know it, you’ll have a well-behaved Yorkie who’s the star of the neighborhood!
Most importantly, enjoy the process. These training moments are precious bonding times with your Yorkie. Treasure them, learn from them, and have fun along the way.
