Recognizing “Royal Dog Syndrome” in Your Yorkie: 8 Key Signs to Watch Out For
Yorkshire Terriers, affectionately known as Yorkies, are small dogs with big personalities. However, sometimes that larger-than-life attitude can morph into what some owners and veterinarians refer to as “Royal Dog Syndrome”. This behavior, while sometimes endearing, can indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed to ensure your Yorkie stays balanced, happy, and well-behaved. In this article, we’ll walk you through 8 signs your Yorkie might be developing Royal Dog Syndrome, why it happens, and how to manage it effectively.
1. Overprotectiveness
Royal Dog Syndrome often manifests as a deep-seated need to protect their “kingdom,” which is usually you and your home. This overprotectiveness may come across as aggressive barking at strangers, other dogs, or even family members who your Yorkie deems a threat.
- Example: If your Yorkie consistently barks at visitors, especially when they approach you, they might be showing signs of excessive guarding.
Proposed Solution: Gradually desensitize your Yorkie to new people by rewarding calm behavior. Use training techniques that reinforce the idea that guests are not a threat, but a positive presence.
2. Refusal to Follow Commands
Yorkies with Royal Dog Syndrome may start ignoring commands, acting as though they are above the rules. This can look like refusing to sit, stay, or come when called.
- Example: Your Yorkie might pretend not to hear you when you ask them to get off the couch or come to you when called.
Proposed Solution: Re-establish basic obedience training with positive reinforcement. Consistency is key to reminding your Yorkie that commands are not optional.
3. Selective Eating Habits
A Yorkie displaying “royal” tendencies may refuse to eat regular dog food, only accepting high-quality, expensive meals, or even food directly from your plate. Selective eating is a sign they expect to be treated like royalty, above the norms of typical canine behavior.
- Example: Your Yorkie might turn up their nose at dog food but eagerly beg for table scraps or gourmet treats.
Proposed Solution: Create a strict feeding schedule, avoiding giving in to their demands. With time, they will learn that regular dog food is their only option, which can curb the entitled behavior.
4. Claiming Furniture as Their Own
Does your Yorkie behave as though the couch, bed, or any other furniture is exclusively theirs? Yorkies with Royal Dog Syndrome might refuse to share space or even growl when someone else tries to sit or lay down near them.
- Example: Your Yorkie growls at anyone who approaches “their” spot on the bed or couch.
Proposed Solution: Establish boundaries by limiting access to furniture until they can prove that they respect your space. Teach them to understand that certain areas are shared, not owned.
5. Constant Demand for Attention
Another hallmark of Royal Dog Syndrome is the unrelenting need for attention. Yorkies displaying this behavior may interrupt you when you’re working, demand to be petted constantly, or follow you around incessantly, expecting you to be at their beck and call.
- Example: Your Yorkie whines or paws at you whenever your attention isn’t entirely on them, even during meetings or personal time.
Proposed Solution: Encourage independent play and offer rewards when your Yorkie can entertain themselves for short periods. Slowly extend these periods to teach your dog patience and independence.
6. Territorial Barking
Yorkies are known to be vocal, but when barking becomes constant, especially whenever someone approaches your home, they might be signaling a belief that they are in charge of protecting their territory.
- Example: If your Yorkie barks at every person or dog walking by the house, they may be developing an inflated sense of duty over their perceived “kingdom.”
Proposed Solution: Address this with consistent training, using commands like “quiet” and rewarding silence. Ensure your Yorkie understands that barking is acceptable only when it is truly necessary.
7. Preference for Luxuries
If your Yorkie turns their nose up at regular toys, beds, or treats, and instead seeks out plush, high-end items, they may be falling into the trap of Royal Dog Syndrome.
- Example: Your Yorkie ignores standard dog beds in favor of your memory foam pillow or won’t touch simple chew toys, preferring only the most expensive, intricate ones.
Proposed Solution: Limit access to these luxury items and offer positive reinforcement for engaging with more standard options. With time, your Yorkie will become less reliant on special treatment.
8. Expecting to Be Carried Everywhere
Does your Yorkie expect you to carry them constantly, refusing to walk on their own? While it’s tempting to pick up these tiny dogs frequently, this behavior can spiral into a feeling of entitlement.
- Example: If your Yorkie stops walking and demands to be picked up every time they get tired or uncomfortable, they may be developing a sense of entitlement.
Proposed Solution: Encourage your Yorkie to walk more often by gradually increasing the length of walks and rewarding them for staying on their feet. This builds their stamina and reduces their reliance on you for transportation.
Table: Quick Signs of Royal Dog Syndrome
| Sign | Behavior | Proposed Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Overprotectiveness | Aggressive barking at strangers | Desensitize and reward calm behavior |
| Refusal to Follow Commands | Ignoring basic obedience | Reinforce commands with positive reinforcement |
| Selective Eating | Refusing dog food | Establish strict feeding routine |
| Claiming Furniture | Growling over spaces | Limit furniture access until behavior improves |
| Constant Attention | Whining when not center of attention | Encourage independent play |
| Territorial Barking | Barking at anyone near the house | Teach quiet commands and reward silence |
| Preference for Luxuries | Ignoring regular toys/beds | Introduce simpler options gradually |
| Being Carried | Refusing to walk | Increase walk lengths gradually |
Limitations and Future Research
While these tips can help curb Royal Dog Syndrome behaviors in Yorkies, it’s important to recognize that each dog is unique, and some behaviors may have underlying medical causes that require professional veterinary advice. Furthermore, the long-term effects of addressing these behaviors are not yet fully studied, and future research may provide more comprehensive techniques for managing small dog behavior more broadly.
In addition, ongoing research could explore the psychological and social impacts of these behaviors, examining whether “Royal Dog Syndrome” is unique to certain breeds or if it occurs in all small dogs. Additionally, studies on owner influence—such as how humans inadvertently reinforce this behavior—may offer deeper insights into prevention.
Understanding and addressing Royal Dog Syndrome in Yorkies is a dynamic process, one that requires a balance of patience, consistency, and love. By recognizing the signs and implementing these solutions, you can help your Yorkie enjoy a more balanced, happy life while ensuring their royal tendencies don’t rule your household.
