Yorkshire Terriers are energetic and affectionate, often jumping on people to greet them or seek attention. While this behavior may seem cute, it can become a problem if your Yorkie jumps on guests, children, or in situations where jumping is unsafe.
In this guide, you’ll learn why Yorkies jump, how to correct the behavior, and effective training methods to keep greetings calm and polite.
Why Do Yorkshire Terriers Jump on People?
✔ Excitement – Yorkies jump to show happiness when they see someone.
✔ Attention-seeking – If jumping gets a reaction, they’ll repeat it.
✔ Lack of training – They may not have been taught an alternative greeting.
✔ Small dog syndrome – Yorkies are often carried, reinforcing jumping behavior.
Training a Yorkie to Stop Jumping on People
Step 1: Ignore the Jumping
✔ When your Yorkie jumps, turn away and avoid eye contact.
✔ Do not push them down or scold them—this is still attention.
✔ Wait until they calm down, then reward with affection.
Step 2: Teach an Alternative Greeting
✔ Train them to sit when greeting people.
✔ Before they jump, say “Sit” and reward them for obeying.
✔ Repeat every time they meet someone new.
Step 3: Reward Calm Behavior
✔ Only give pets and attention when your Yorkie has all four paws on the ground.
✔ Use small treats to reinforce good behavior.
Step 4: Use Controlled Socialization
✔ When guests arrive, keep your Yorkie on a leash.
✔ Ask guests to ignore jumping and reward sitting.
✔ Repeat until they greet people calmly.
Step 5: Redirect Energy with Exercise
✔ A tired Yorkie is less likely to jump!
✔ Give them daily walks and interactive playtime before guests arrive.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t yell or push them down – Negative reactions can reinforce jumping.
- Don’t pick them up immediately – This rewards the behavior.
- Don’t let guests encourage jumping – Consistency is key.
With patience and repetition, your Yorkie will learn that staying calm leads to rewards, making greetings more polite and controlled. 🐶✨
