4 Ways Yorkies Outsmart Their Owners Daily

How Do Yorkies Outsmart Their Owners?

Yorkies, with their adorable size and big personalities, are known for being intelligent dogs. But this intelligence can sometimes be a bit of a challenge for owners, as Yorkies can be quite clever and resourceful in finding ways to get what they want.

One way Yorkies outsmart their owners is by using their cuteness as a weapon. When they want something, they know just how to bat their big eyes, wiggle their little bodies, and give their owners those irresistible puppy dog eyes. It’s hard to resist their charm, and owners often give in to their demands, even if it means spoiling them a bit.

Yorkies are also masters of manipulation. They can learn quickly what behaviors get them the desired outcome, such as whining or barking to get attention or treats. This can be particularly challenging for owners who aren’t firm with their training.

Another way Yorkies outsmart their owners is by using their small size to their advantage. They can squeeze into tight spaces, get into things they shouldn’t, and even steal food right under their owners’ noses. This can be frustrating for owners who want to keep their house tidy and their Yorkies safe.

Finally, Yorkies are notorious for being escape artists. Their small size and agility make it easy for them to slip through gates, climb over fences, and even wriggle out of their collars. This can be a major headache for owners who are worried about their Yorkies getting lost or injured.

While it can be challenging to outsmart a clever Yorkie, it’s all part of the fun of owning this breed. With a bit of patience and understanding, owners can learn to live with their Yorkies’ cunning nature and enjoy their mischievous personalities.

What Are Some Common Yorkie Tricks?

Yorkies are known for their intelligence and ability to learn new tricks. Some of the most common tricks that Yorkies are taught include:

• Sit
• Stay
• Come
• Down
• Shake
• Fetch
• Roll over
• Play dead

Yorkies are also quick learners and can often be trained to perform more complex tricks, such as:

• Retrieving specific objects
• Following commands in different environments
• Performing agility exercises

Teaching a Yorkie tricks can be a fun and rewarding experience for both the dog and the owner. It can help strengthen the bond between them, provide mental stimulation for the dog, and teach them valuable obedience skills.

Are Yorkies Known for Being Stubborn?

Yorkies, despite their intelligence, can be known for their stubborn streak. This is partly due to their strong-willed personalities and their desire to be independent. They may refuse to obey commands or follow rules, especially if they don’t see the benefit for themselves.

Yorkies can also be quite sensitive and easily offended. They may act out or become defiant if they feel their owners are being too harsh or demanding. It’s important to use positive reinforcement methods when training Yorkies, such as praise, treats, and toys, to avoid triggering their stubborn side.

However, it’s important to remember that every Yorkie is an individual, and some are more stubborn than others. With consistent training and patience, owners can usually overcome their Yorkie’s stubbornness and teach them to obey commands and follow rules.

Do Yorkies Need a Lot of Exercise?

Yorkies are small dogs, but they still need a moderate amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are energetic dogs that enjoy playing and running around. However, they don’t need as much exercise as larger breeds.

A daily 30-minute walk or playtime in a fenced-in yard should be sufficient for most Yorkies. They also enjoy interactive games, such as fetch, hide-and-seek, and puzzle toys. It’s important to provide them with opportunities to engage their minds and bodies.

Overexertion can be harmful for Yorkies, as their small joints and bones are susceptible to injury. It’s important to listen to their cues and avoid pushing them too hard.

How Do Yorkies Get Along With Other Pets?

Yorkies can be friendly and social dogs, but their personalities can vary greatly depending on their upbringing and experiences. Some Yorkies are good with other dogs and cats, while others may be more territorial or aggressive.

It’s important to introduce Yorkies to other pets slowly and carefully, allowing them to sniff each other and get used to each other’s presence. It’s also essential to supervise their interactions and intervene if necessary.

Yorkies are often more comfortable around smaller dogs, but they can be socialized to get along with larger breeds as well. With proper training and supervision, Yorkies can learn to live harmoniously with other pets.

If you have other pets in your household, it’s essential to provide each of them with their own space and resources, such as food and water bowls, beds, and toys. This can help reduce the chances of conflict and create a peaceful environment for all.

Are Yorkies Prone to Health Problems?

Yorkies, like many purebred dogs, are prone to certain health problems. Some common health issues that Yorkies may face include:

• Hypoglycemia: This is a condition where the blood sugar level drops too low. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including skipping meals, stress, and certain medical conditions.
• Patellar Luxation: This is a condition where the kneecap dislocates. It can cause pain and lameness.
• Dental Problems: Yorkies are prone to dental problems due to their small teeth and crowded mouths.
• Eye Problems: Certain eye problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma, are common in Yorkies.

It’s important to be aware of these potential health issues and to take steps to prevent them. Regular veterinary checkups, a healthy diet, and proper exercise can help keep Yorkies healthy and happy.

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Yorkie?

The average lifespan of a Yorkie is 12-15 years. However, with proper care and attention to their health, some Yorkies can live even longer.

To ensure a long and healthy life for their Yorkies, owners should provide them with:

• A balanced diet
• Regular exercise
• Preventative care, such as vaccinations and parasite control
• Regular veterinary checkups

Owners should also be attentive to any changes in their Yorkie’s behavior or health, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or increased thirst. Early detection and treatment of health problems can greatly improve a Yorkie’s chances of a long and happy life.

How Can I Train My Yorkie to Use a Litter Box?

Yorkies, despite their intelligence, aren’t naturally inclined to use a litter box. However, with patience and consistent training, they can learn to use one effectively.

Here are some tips for training your Yorkie to use a litter box:

1. Choose the right litter box: Look for a litter box that’s the right size for your Yorkie and has low sides that are easy for them to step over. Also, make sure the box is made of a material that’s easy to clean.
2. Introduce the litter box gradually: Place the litter box in a quiet area of your house where your Yorkie feels comfortable. Let them explore it for a few days before attempting to use it.
3. Use positive reinforcement: When your Yorkie uses the litter box successfully, praise them with verbal encouragement and a small treat. This will help them associate using the litter box with positive experiences.
4. Be consistent: It’s important to be consistent with your training routine. Take your Yorkie to the litter box after meals and naps, and immediately after they wake up.
5. Use a scent attractant: If your Yorkie is having trouble figuring out where to go, you can use a scent attractant, such as a dog-specific urine attractant, to help them locate the litter box.
6. Be patient: It may take a few weeks or even months for your Yorkie to learn to use the litter box consistently. Don’t get discouraged if they have accidents. Just keep practicing and be patient.

Is It Okay to Feed My Yorkie Human Food?

While it can be tempting to share your food with your Yorkie, it’s generally not a good idea. Human food is often high in salt, fat, and sugar, which can be harmful to dogs, especially small breeds like Yorkies.

Some foods that are toxic to dogs include:

• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Macadamia nuts
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)

It’s best to stick to a high-quality dog food that’s formulated for small breeds. If you want to give your Yorkie a treat, choose dog-safe options that are low in calories and sugar.

Why Does My Yorkie Bite My Feet?

Yorkies may bite their owners’ feet for a variety of reasons. Some common causes include:

• Playful nipping: Yorkies are often playful and may nip at their owners’ feet as a way of expressing their excitement or desire to play.
• Attention-seeking: Yorkies may bite at their owners’ feet to get attention or to communicate that they want something, such as a treat or a walk.
• Fear or anxiety: If your Yorkie is feeling fearful or anxious, they may bite at your feet as a way of defending themselves.
• Redirected aggression: Yorkies may redirect their aggression onto their owners’ feet if they’re feeling frustrated or stressed.

If your Yorkie is biting your feet, it’s important to address the underlying cause. Try to redirect their attention with a toy or a treat. If they continue to bite, you may need to consult with a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer to help address the behavior.

How Can I Stop My Yorkie From Barking?

Yorkies are known for being vocal dogs, and some can be quite prone to barking. If your Yorkie’s barking is excessive, it can be frustrating for you and your neighbors.

Here are some tips for reducing your Yorkie’s barking:

1. Identify the cause of the barking: Try to figure out what’s triggering your Yorkie’s barking. Is it boredom, anxiety, or a specific stimulus, such as the doorbell or a passing car?
2. Provide mental and physical stimulation: A bored Yorkie is more likely to bark. Make sure your Yorkie gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation through games, toys, and training.
3. Train them to be quiet: Use positive reinforcement to teach your Yorkie to “quiet” or “hush.” When they stop barking, praise them and give them a treat.
4. Ignore barking: If your Yorkie is barking for attention, try ignoring them. This will teach them that barking doesn’t get them what they want.
5. Use a bark collar: Bark collars work by emitting a sound or vibration when a dog barks. This can help to deter barking, but it’s important to use them carefully and to consult with a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer before using one.
6. Desensitize your Yorkie to common triggers: If your Yorkie is barking at specific triggers, such as the doorbell or passing cars, you can try desensitizing them by gradually exposing them to the trigger in a controlled environment.

Why Do Yorkies Shake Their Bodies?

Yorkies may shake their bodies for a variety of reasons. Some common causes include:

• Excitement: Yorkies often shake their bodies when they are excited or happy, such as when they see their owner or when they’re about to go for a walk.
• Cold: Yorkies can get cold easily, especially in the winter. They may shake their bodies if they are feeling chilly.
• Stress or anxiety: Yorkies may shake their bodies when they are feeling stressed or anxious, such as when they are in a new environment or when they are being punished.
• Pain or discomfort: Yorkies may shake their bodies if they are experiencing pain or discomfort, such as from an injury or a medical condition.
• Grooming: Yorkies often shake their bodies after they’ve been bathed or groomed, to help dry their fur.

If your Yorkie is shaking excessively or if you notice other unusual symptoms, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or vomiting, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Table Summary

Topic	Information
Intelligence and Outsmarting Owners	Yorkies are intelligent but can be tricky to train, often using their cuteness to their advantage.
Common Tricks	Yorkies learn tricks quickly, from basic commands to more complex tasks.
Stubbornness	Yorkies can be stubborn, requiring positive reinforcement and patience in training.
Exercise Needs	Despite their small size, Yorkies need moderate exercise, including walks and playtime.
Compatibility with Other Pets	Yorkies can get along with other pets, but proper introduction and supervision are crucial.
Health Concerns	Yorkies are prone to certain health issues, such as hypoglycemia and patellar luxation.
Lifespan	The average Yorkie lifespan is 12-15 years, but proper care can extend this.
Litter Box Training	Yorkies can be trained to use a litter box with patience and consistency.
Human Food	Human food is often harmful to Yorkies, so stick to a high-quality dog food.
Biting Feet	Yorkies may bite feet for play, attention, fear, or aggression; address the underlying cause.
Barking	Reduce excessive barking by identifying the cause and addressing it with training and stimulation.
Shaking	Yorkies shake for various reasons, including excitement, cold, stress, pain, and grooming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to socialize my Yorkie?

Socialization is crucial for Yorkies, especially with their tendency to be territorial or anxious. Start early, exposing them to different people, dogs, and environments. Keep interactions positive, rewarding them for good behavior and avoiding punishment. Join puppy classes, take them to dog parks, and arrange playdates with friendly dogs.

Can Yorkies be left alone for long periods?

Yorkies are social dogs and can get anxious when left alone for extended periods. Try to limit time alone, gradually increase tolerance with short separations, and provide mental and physical stimulation to keep them busy. Consider a dog walker, a pet sitter, or a doggy daycare if long periods of solitude are unavoidable.

Are Yorkies hypoallergenic?

Yorkies are often marketed as hypoallergenic because they don’t shed as much as other breeds. However, all dogs produce allergens, and some people are more sensitive than others. It’s best to spend time with a Yorkie to see if you have a reaction.

Do Yorkies need to be groomed professionally?

Yorkies require regular grooming to prevent matting, which can be painful and difficult to remove. You can groom them at home with proper tools and techniques. However, professional grooming is recommended for tasks like trimming, brushing, and bath time, especially for beginners.

What are some good Yorkie toys?

Choose toys that are safe, durable, and engaging for your Yorkie. Puzzle toys, chew toys, plush toys, and interactive toys are all great options. Remember to supervise playtime and rotate toys to keep things interesting.

Why does my Yorkie eat grass?

Many dogs eat grass, and the reasons are not always clear. It could be a natural instinct, a way to stimulate digestion, or a way to get nutrients missing from their diet. If your Yorkie is eating grass excessively, consult your veterinarian to rule out any health problems.

What should I do if my Yorkie is sick?

Monitor your Yorkie’s behavior and health closely. If you notice any unusual symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Prompt treatment is essential for maintaining your Yorkie’s well-being.