It’s no wonder dogs are often referred to as humans’ best friend. That love and devotion make pups different from any other animal you can adopt and pet.

Now, there are countless breeds out there, ranging in aesthetics and most recognized traits.

Yorkies or Yorkshire Terriers are becoming widely popular. No surprise since this breed is extremely cute and adorable while their feisty attitude has nothing to do with their size.

Yorkie lovers should be aware that owning one of these pups isn’t just fun and games. Every dog needs a certain type and amount of training. It’s crucial to be well informed and treat your Yorkie right. Otherwise, significant problems can occur, making it harder to withhold your dog.

The approach you choose while educating and training your canine will be vital for their temperament, habits and overall health. Plus, if you dont apply the right methods owning a Yorkie (or any other dog) will bring infinite difficulties. Like everything, Yorkshire Terriers need moderate work and a lot of information.

Yorkie lovers pay attention: In the following text, you will find numerous tips and advice on how to train your Yorkshire Terrier right.

(1) The Basics

Let’s start from the beginning. Although some consider this first step insignificant, getting to know your dog’s character is crucial for proper training. Since Yorkies are often described as small dogs with a big dog attitude, put that feistiness to good use.

Yorkshire Terriers vary in intelligence and the ability to learn fast meaning that some individuals learn faster than others. 

At the very beginning, while learning your dog basic commands, you will quickly conclude whether your Yorkie is a slow learner. If that’s the case, dont worry since experts claim this breed is very trainable especially when you invest a lot of time and patience.

Protip:

Yorkies love learning, and any training is very mentally stimulative for them. However, because of their small size, it would be best to get on the floor level while communicating with them since its easier for them to see you and interact.

(2) Proper Walking Essentials

Yorkies size is a giant plus in terms of training. Larger dogs need highly intensive and constant exercise while walking or going on a quick run is more than enough for Yorkshire Terriers. If you decide to introduce and enforce this type of activity, make sure to pick out the right kind of collar and leash. Try to purchase a lightweight solution since Yorkies are very small and soft. It would be ideal for you to check if your dog is comfortable by inserting a finger or two between the collar and the dog’s neck. Not paying attention to how your dog is feeling can be very painful for them.

(3) Have You Heard About Positive Reinforcement?

We are sure you ve heard about reward-based training. Yorkies react to this specific method very well since they adore treats. This principle is very simple as it contains two steps:

1. Following commands-instant reward in the form of (usually) food
2. Not obeying commands- no reward

Employment of this method will simply motivate and teach your dog that obeying your instructions will bring them praise and a treat-one of the first methods when it comes to dog training.

Protip:

Like everything, this method has a tendency of going in the wrong direction. Take into account the number of treats you reward your dog with and try to incorporate them into your pups daily caloric intake. Another option is to thin out the number of delicacies. Rewarding your dog every fifth or sixth time they obey may be an advanced form of positive reinforcement.

(4) Clicker Training

The modern age allows advanced methods of training. One of them is definitely clicker training. Buying a small device with a clicking sound is hardly an investment, especially when it comes to Yorkshire Terriers. Clicking on it every time the dog fulfils the order or instruction will make your Yorkie associate being obedient with treats and praises.

(5) Crate training

Although crate training is still quite controversial because of possible abuse we can’t highlight this enough: 

-never force your Yorkie to enter the crate since they should experience the box as a safe space

-crate training is super useful regarding potty training (since Yorkies have small bladders)

Fit crate coaching is very useful when it comes to house training as it represents a second space they experience as a safe spot.

(6) Discipline and Punishment

It’s in our blood and instinct to punish bad and unwanted behaviour. However, negative affection can rewire the dog’s brain in the worst way possible. Try to avoid hurting your pup and instead simply ignore undesired conduct. Studies show that simply overlooking your Yorkie when he’s not obedient will help more in solving the problem than hitting, yelling or hurting him.

(7) Consistence and Boundaries

It’s crucial to set the boundaries straight and learn your Yorkie recognition. If you allow certain behaviour and then try and punish it the next time, your Yorkie will be left confused about what’s right and what’s wrong.

Consistency is the mother of learning alongside discipline, and you need to learn your pup this golden rule.

(8) A pinch of love

Whether you’re focusing on potty training your Yorkie or into more advanced skills, make sure the dog is aware of the love, patience and affection you give.

Yorkies are social and kind of needy so don’t forget a gift or two from time to time in order to make them feel special.

If you are looking for concrete answers and already in the training mode, feel free to explore the web and adjust methods to your own Yorkie. 

Protip:

Just make sure you use valid and certified sources, guides and books since there’s a lot of misleading information out there.

Share your experiences and let us know what you think in the comment section.