10 Basic Commands Every Yorkie Should Know

What are the Most Basic Commands for a Yorkie?

Teaching your Yorkie basic commands is essential for their safety, well-being, and overall training journey. These commands establish a foundation for understanding and obedience, fostering a strong bond between you and your furry companion.

Here are 10 essential commands every Yorkie owner should teach their pup:

1. Sit: This command is the cornerstone of training, teaching your Yorkie to remain still and focus on you.
2. Stay: Building on “sit,” “stay” teaches your Yorkie to hold a position, enhancing their patience and control.
3. Come: This crucial command ensures your Yorkie’s safety by teaching them to return to you, especially in potentially hazardous situations.
4. Down: “Down” teaches your Yorkie to lie down, allowing for calm behavior and a resting position.
5. Leave it: This command is essential for preventing your Yorkie from ingesting harmful objects, teaching them to avoid unwanted items.
6. Heel: “Heel” teaches your Yorkie to walk calmly beside you, promoting good leash manners and control.
7. Quiet: This command is invaluable for curbing excessive barking, ensuring peace and harmony in your home.
8. Drop it: “Drop it” encourages your Yorkie to release an item, teaching them to comply with your instructions.
9. Wait: “Wait” teaches your Yorkie patience, especially useful when approaching doors or potentially stimulating situations.
10. Touch: “Touch” promotes positive interaction by encouraging your Yorkie to touch their nose to your hand, fostering a playful bond.

Start with short, frequent training sessions, using positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and toys. Remember, consistency and patience are key to successful training. As your Yorkie masters these basic commands, they’ll be ready to learn more complex behaviors, fostering a strong and harmonious relationship.

How do I Teach My Yorkie to “Sit”?

Teaching your Yorkie to “sit” is a foundational command that sets the stage for a successful training journey. It involves associating a verbal cue with a physical action, establishing a clear communication channel between you and your pup.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to teaching the “sit” command:

1. Hold a treat in your hand, close to your Yorkie’s nose. The enticing scent will naturally draw their attention.
2. Slowly move your hand upward, guiding their head upward. This encourages them to lift their nose and naturally assume a sitting position.
3. As they begin to sit, say “Sit” in a clear, firm voice. This establishes the verbal association with the action.
4. Immediately give them the treat and praise them with “Good sit!” or “Yes!” This positive reinforcement strengthens the desired behavior.
5. Repeat this process several times during a short training session. Keep sessions brief and engaging to maintain your Yorkie’s interest.
6. Gradually decrease the use of treats and increase verbal praise as your Yorkie begins to understand the command.
7. Practice the “sit” command in different locations and situations to help your Yorkie generalize the behavior.

Remember, patience and consistency are key. Your Yorkie may take time to grasp the concept, but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, they’ll learn to sit on cue with enthusiasm.

How do I Teach My Yorkie to “Stay”?

The “stay” command builds upon the “sit” command, teaching your Yorkie to hold a position and maintain composure. It’s essential for safety and obedience, allowing you to control their movement in various situations.

Here’s how to teach the “stay” command:

1. Have your Yorkie sit in front of you. Ensure they are calm and focused.
2. Hold a treat in your hand, close to your Yorkie’s nose, and say “Stay.” Maintain a calm and assertive tone.
3. Take a small step backward while maintaining eye contact. This teaches them to remain in position.
4. If your Yorkie stays, immediately praise them with “Good stay!” or “Yes!” and give them the treat. This reinforces their obedience.
5. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the “stay” command. Start with short periods and slowly lengthen them as your Yorkie progresses.
6. Introduce distractions gradually, such as toys or other people, to help your Yorkie learn to maintain their position even in challenging situations.

Remember, consistency and patience are key. Your Yorkie may need time to grasp the concept of “stay,” but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, they’ll learn to hold their position with confidence.

How do I Teach My Yorkie to “Come”?

Teaching your Yorkie the “come” command is crucial for their safety and well-being. It ensures that they will return to you when called, especially in potentially dangerous situations.

Here’s how to teach the “come” command:

1. Start in a controlled environment, such as your living room or backyard. This minimizes distractions and makes training easier.
2. Hold a treat in your hand, close to your Yorkie’s nose, and say “Come” in a cheerful and inviting voice. The treat and tone will motivate them to move toward you.
3. As your Yorkie starts moving towards you, gently encourage them with a happy “Good come!” or “Yes!” Praise and treats reinforce the desired behavior.
4. Gradually increase the distance and distractions as your Yorkie becomes more proficient. Practice in different environments and with increasing levels of distractions to help them generalize the command.
5. Never punish your Yorkie if they hesitate to come. Instead, use positive reinforcement and make the “come” command a positive experience.
6. Use a leash during training sessions to ensure your Yorkie’s safety. This also helps you control their movement and maintain a safe distance.

Remember, the “come” command is a life-saving skill. By training your Yorkie to come when called, you’re ensuring their safety and strengthening your bond.

How do I Teach My Yorkie to “Down”?

Teaching your Yorkie to “down” is a crucial command that promotes calmness and control. It allows your pup to relax, lie down, and remain in a submissive position. This command can be especially helpful in situations where you want them to stay still, such as during vet visits or when visitors are present.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on teaching the “down” command:

1. Start with your Yorkie in a sitting position. This provides a foundation for the “down” command.
2. Hold a treat in your hand, close to their nose, and slowly move it down towards the floor, guiding their head downward. This encourages them to lower their body.
3. As they start to lower themselves, say “Down” in a clear and firm voice. This establishes the verbal association with the action.
4. Once your Yorkie is lying down, immediately give them the treat and praise them with “Good down!” or “Yes!” Positive reinforcement strengthens their understanding.
5. Repeat this process multiple times during a short training session. Keep sessions brief and engaging to maintain their interest.
6. Gradually decrease the use of treats and increase verbal praise as your Yorkie begins to understand the command.
7. Practice the “down” command in different locations and situations. This helps them generalize the behavior and respond to the command consistently.

Remember, patience and consistency are key. Your Yorkie may take time to grasp the concept of “down,” but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, they’ll learn to lie down on cue with ease.

How do I Teach My Yorkie to “Leave it”?

The “leave it” command is vital for preventing your Yorkie from ingesting potentially harmful objects or substances. It teaches them to ignore tempting items, preventing accidents and ensuring their safety.

Here’s how to teach the “leave it” command:

1. Hold a treat in your closed hand. This will create a tempting situation for your Yorkie.
2. Place the treat on the floor and let your Yorkie sniff it. They will naturally be drawn to the scent of the treat.
3. As your Yorkie attempts to grab the treat, say “Leave it” in a firm voice, simultaneously covering the treat with your other hand. This prevents them from accessing it.
4. Immediately give them a different treat and praise them with “Good leave it!” or “Yes!” This positive reinforcement rewards their obedience and discourages them from grabbing the forbidden treat.
5. Repeat this process multiple times, gradually increasing the duration and complexity of the “leave it” command. Introduce different objects and distractions to test their ability to ignore them.
6. Use a leash during training sessions to ensure your Yorkie’s safety. This allows you to control their movements and prevent them from potentially ingesting harmful objects.

Remember, patience and consistency are key. Your Yorkie may take time to grasp the concept of “leave it,” but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, they’ll learn to avoid unwanted items with confidence.

How do I Teach My Yorkie to “Heel”?

Teaching your Yorkie to “heel” is essential for promoting good leash manners and control during walks. It ensures they walk calmly by your side, preventing them from pulling or getting into trouble.

Here’s how to teach the “heel” command:

1. Attach a leash to your Yorkie’s collar. Ensure it’s a comfortable fit and not too tight.
2. Hold the leash in your left hand and use your right hand to hold a treat near their nose. This encourages them to walk by your side.
3. Say “Heel” in a clear and firm voice, and start walking forward. Your Yorkie should naturally follow you, drawn by the treat.
4. As your Yorkie walks by your side, give them the treat and praise them with “Good heel!” or “Yes!” This reinforces the desired behavior.
5. Repeat this process multiple times during a short training session. Keep sessions brief and engaging to maintain their interest.
6. Gradually decrease the use of treats and increase verbal praise as your Yorkie begins to understand the command.
7. Practice the “heel” command in different environments and with varying levels of distractions to help them generalize the behavior and respond consistently.

Remember, consistency and patience are key. Your Yorkie may take time to grasp the concept of “heel,” but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, they’ll learn to walk calmly by your side with confidence.

How do I Teach My Yorkie to “Quiet”?

Teaching your Yorkie to “quiet” is essential for curbing excessive barking and maintaining peace and harmony in your home. It helps them learn to control their vocalizations, making them more agreeable companions.

Here’s how to teach the “quiet” command:

1. Start by identifying the triggers that cause your Yorkie to bark excessively. This could be strangers, other dogs, or specific noises.
2. When your Yorkie starts barking, say “Quiet” in a firm but calm voice. Don’t yell or scold them, as this may escalate the barking.
3. If they stop barking, immediately praise them with “Good quiet!” or “Yes!” and give them a treat. This positive reinforcement rewards their silence.
4. Gradually increase the duration of the “quiet” command. Start with brief periods of silence and gradually increase the time they must remain quiet.
5. Practice the “quiet” command in various situations, including when they are barking at the door or other dogs. This helps them generalize the behavior and respond consistently.

Remember, patience and consistency are key. Your Yorkie may take time to grasp the concept of “quiet,” but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, they’ll learn to control their barking with confidence.

How do I Teach My Yorkie to “Drop it”?

The “drop it” command encourages your Yorkie to release an item they are holding, teaching them to comply with your instructions and promoting good manners. It’s especially helpful when they are chewing on inappropriate items or when you need to retrieve a toy from their grasp.

Here’s how to teach the “drop it” command:

1. Start with a toy your Yorkie enjoys. This will make them more receptive to the training.
2. Let your Yorkie hold the toy and say “Drop it” in a clear and firm voice. Simultaneously, offer them a more enticing treat.
3. As soon as your Yorkie drops the toy, immediately praise them with “Good drop it!” or “Yes!” and give them the treat. This positive reinforcement rewards their obedience and makes them more likely to drop items in the future.
4. Repeat this process multiple times during a short training session. Keep sessions brief and engaging to maintain their interest.
5. Gradually increase the duration and complexity of the “drop it” command. Introduce different toys and situations to help them generalize the behavior.
6. Use a leash during training sessions to ensure your Yorkie’s safety. This allows you to control their movements and prevent them from potentially chewing on harmful objects.

Remember, patience and consistency are key. Your Yorkie may take time to grasp the concept of “drop it,” but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, they’ll learn to release items on cue with ease.

How do I Teach My Yorkie to “Wait”?

Teaching your Yorkie to “wait” is essential for promoting patience, especially in situations where they might be tempted to rush or jump, such as when approaching doors, entering vehicles, or during meal times.

Here’s how to teach the “wait” command:

1. Start by having your Yorkie sit in front of you. This establishes a controlled position.
2. Hold a treat in your hand, close to their nose, and say “Wait” in a calm and assertive voice. This establishes the verbal cue.
3. Take a small step backward, keeping your hand with the treat near their nose. This encourages them to hold their position.
4. If your Yorkie stays, immediately praise them with “Good wait!” or “Yes!” and give them the treat. This positive reinforcement rewards their patience.
5. Gradually increase the duration of the “wait” command. Start with brief periods and slowly lengthen them as your Yorkie progresses.
6. Introduce distractions gradually, such as toys or other people. This helps them learn to wait even in challenging situations.

Remember, consistency and patience are key. Your Yorkie may need time to grasp the concept of “wait,” but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, they’ll learn to hold their position with confidence.

How do I Teach My Yorkie to “Touch”?

Teaching your Yorkie to “touch” promotes positive interaction by encouraging them to touch their nose to your hand. It’s a fun and engaging command that fosters a playful bond and strengthens your connection.

Here’s how to teach the “touch” command:

1. Hold your hand out in front of your Yorkie, palm facing them. This presents a clear target.
2. Say “Touch” in a clear and inviting voice. This establishes the verbal cue.
3. As your Yorkie touches their nose to your hand, immediately praise them with “Good touch!” or “Yes!” and give them a treat. This positive reinforcement rewards their action and makes them more likely to repeat it.
4. Repeat this process multiple times during a short training session. Keep sessions brief and engaging to maintain their interest.
5. Gradually increase the duration and complexity of the “touch” command. Introduce different variations, such as touching your knee, shoulder, or other objects.

Remember, patience and consistency are key. Your Yorkie may take time to grasp the concept of “touch,” but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, they’ll learn to touch your hand on cue with enthusiasm.

Table summarizing the 10 Basic Yorkie Commands:

Command	Description	Benefits
Sit	To stay still and focus on you	Foundation for other commands, control, focus
Stay	To hold a position, remain in place	Patience, control, safety
Come	To return to you when called	Safety, obedience, recall
Down	To lie down, relax, be submissive	Calmness, control, compliance
Leave it	To ignore unwanted items, avoid ingesting	Safety, obedience, discipline
Heel	To walk calmly beside you on a leash	Leash manners, control, safety
Quiet	To stop barking, control vocalizations	Peace and harmony, control
Drop it	To release an item they are holding	Manners, obedience, safety
Wait	To hold a position and be patient	Patience, control, safety
Touch	To touch their nose to your hand	Positive interaction, bonding, obedience

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I train my Yorkie?

It’s best to train your Yorkie in short, frequent sessions. Aim for two or three sessions per day, each lasting 5-10 minutes. This approach keeps your Yorkie engaged and helps them absorb the information more effectively.

What if my Yorkie doesn’t understand a command?

If your Yorkie is struggling to understand a command, don’t get discouraged. Break down the command into smaller steps and use positive reinforcement to guide them. Consistency and patience are key to success.

Is it okay to use treats during training?

Using treats during training is a highly effective way to reinforce positive behavior. Offer a small treat immediately after your Yorkie performs the desired action. Gradually decrease the use of treats as they learn the command.

What if my Yorkie is stubborn and refuses to cooperate?

If your Yorkie seems stubborn, try changing your training approach. Consider using different methods of positive reinforcement, such as praise, toys, or a combination of both. Consult with a professional dog trainer for personalized guidance.

How do I know if my Yorkie is ready for the next command?

Your Yorkie is ready for the next command when they consistently perform the previous command with accuracy and enthusiasm. Once they have mastered a command, they are ready to learn new behaviors.

Can I train my Yorkie myself, or do I need a professional trainer?

While you can certainly train your Yorkie yourself, a professional dog trainer can provide valuable guidance, customized training plans, and support. Consider seeking professional help if you encounter challenges or want to ensure a successful training journey.

What are some common mistakes to avoid during Yorkie training?

Some common mistakes to avoid during Yorkie training include:

• Using punishment or harsh methods
• Inconsistent training schedules
• Over-training your Yorkie
• Ignoring signs of stress or frustration

Remember to focus on positive reinforcement and create a fun and encouraging learning environment for your Yorkie.