Yorkshire Terriers are known for their big personalities and loud voices. While their barking can be useful as an alert, excessive barking can become a problem if not properly managed. Whether your Yorkie barks at strangers, other dogs, or random noises, training them to control their barking is essential for a peaceful home.
In this guide, you’ll learn why Yorkies bark so much and the best methods to reduce excessive barking while keeping their natural protective instincts intact.
Why Do Yorkshire Terriers Bark So Much?
Before training your Yorkie to stop barking, it’s important to understand why they bark in the first place. Common reasons include:
✔ Alert barking – They see or hear something unfamiliar.
✔ Attention-seeking – They want food, playtime, or affection.
✔ Boredom barking – They need mental or physical stimulation.
✔ Anxiety or fear – Loud noises or new environments make them nervous.
✔ Territorial behavior – They bark to warn intruders (including other dogs).
How to Stop Excessive Barking in a Yorkie
1. Use the “Quiet” Command
Teaching your Yorkie to understand “Quiet” can help control barking.
✔ Wait for your Yorkie to bark.
✔ Hold a treat near their nose and say “Quiet” in a calm voice.
✔ When they stop barking, immediately reward them.
✔ Repeat this training daily until they respond to the command.
2. Ignore Attention-Seeking Barking
If your Yorkie barks for attention, don’t reward the behavior.
✔ Avoid eye contact and turn away when they bark for no reason.
✔ Reward them only when they are calm and quiet.
✔ Be consistent—never give in to barking demands.
3. Remove the Trigger
If your Yorkie barks at specific things (like the doorbell or other dogs), try reducing their exposure.
✔ Use curtains or barriers to block their view of outside distractions.
✔ Play white noise or calming music to drown out triggering sounds.
✔ If they bark at guests, introduce them gradually with treats to create positive associations.
4. Provide Enough Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A tired Yorkie is a quiet Yorkie. Make sure they get:
✔ Daily walks (20–30 minutes)
✔ Interactive toys and puzzle feeders
✔ Playtime with fetch or tug-of-war
5. Avoid Yelling or Punishment
Shouting at your Yorkie when they bark can make them more anxious and cause them to bark even more. Instead, use:
✔ A firm but calm voice for corrections.
✔ Positive reinforcement to reward quiet behavior.
✔ Training techniques that focus on redirection rather than punishment.
6. Desensitize Them to Barking Triggers
If your Yorkie barks at doorbells, strangers, or loud noises, gradual desensitization can help.
✔ Play the sound at a low volume while rewarding them for staying calm.
✔ Gradually increase the volume over several days.
✔ Over time, they’ll learn that the sound isn’t a threat.
7. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If your Yorkie’s barking is caused by severe anxiety or fear, consulting a professional dog trainer or veterinarian might be necessary.
Final Thoughts on Stopping Excessive Barking
Yorkies are naturally vocal, but with consistent training, patience, and positive reinforcement, you can teach them when barking is appropriate and when to stay quiet. By understanding the root cause of their barking and addressing it with proper techniques, your Yorkie will become a well-mannered and calmer companion.
Does your Yorkie bark a lot? What has worked best for you? Share your experience in the comments! 🐶🔇
