Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent, affectionate, and full of personality. However, they can also be stubborn and strong-willed, which makes proper training essential. Without guidance, a Yorkie might develop bad habits like excessive barking, potty accidents, or ignoring commands.
In this guide, you’ll learn the best techniques to train your Yorkshire Terrier for obedience, good behavior, and a stronger bond with you.
Is It Hard to Train a Yorkshire Terrier?
Yorkies are highly intelligent, which makes them capable of learning quickly. However, they can be independent and stubborn, meaning they might test boundaries if not trained consistently.
The key to training a Yorkshire Terrier is:
✔ Positive reinforcement (rewarding good behavior)
✔ Short, engaging sessions (they get bored easily)
✔ Consistency (repeating commands regularly)
Basic Commands Every Yorkie Should Learn
1. Teaching “Sit”
- Hold a treat above your Yorkie’s nose.
- Slowly move it back, encouraging them to lower their bottom.
- The moment they sit, say “Sit” and give them the treat.
- Repeat several times daily until they respond to the verbal command.
2. Teaching “Stay”
- Ask your Yorkie to sit.
- Hold your palm out and say “Stay” while stepping back.
- If they stay, reward them immediately. If not, try again with a shorter distance.
- Gradually increase the time and distance before giving the reward.
3. Teaching “Come”
- Use a happy, encouraging voice and say “Come” while crouching down.
- If they come to you, reward them with a treat and praise.
- Practice in a safe, enclosed area until they respond reliably.
4. Teaching “No”
- If your Yorkie does something undesirable (chewing furniture, barking excessively), say “No” firmly but calmly.
- Redirect their attention to an acceptable activity (a toy or a different behavior).
- Avoid yelling, as this can create anxiety.
House Training a Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies have small bladders, so potty training requires patience.
- Take them out frequently (every 2–3 hours, after meals, and after naps).
- Use a consistent potty spot.
- Reward them immediately after they go in the right place.
- If accidents happen, clean thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner to remove scent markers.
For apartment dwellers, puppy pads can be an option, but transitioning to outdoor training is ideal.
How to Stop Excessive Barking
Yorkshire Terriers are known for being vocal dogs, which can be great for alerting but frustrating when excessive.
How to Reduce Barking:
- Identify triggers (doorbells, strangers, boredom).
- Teach the “Quiet” command by rewarding silence.
- Use distractions like toys or interactive games.
- Provide enough exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom barking.
Socializing a Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies can be territorial and wary of strangers. Early socialization prevents aggression and fearfulness.
- Expose your Yorkie to different environments, sounds, and people from a young age.
- Arrange playdates with well-behaved dogs.
- Reward calm behavior around new people and animals.
Final Tips for a Well-Behaved Yorkie
✔ Train with patience – Yorkies respond best to positive reinforcement.
✔ Be consistent – Mixed signals confuse them.
✔ Keep training fun – Use short, engaging sessions.
✔ Exercise regularly – A tired Yorkie is less likely to misbehave.
With the right training techniques, your Yorkshire Terrier will grow into a well-behaved, happy companion! 🐶✨
What behaviors are you working on with your Yorkie? Let us know in the comments!
