10 Commands Every Yorkie Should Know

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies as they are affectionately known, are beloved for their charming personalities and playful nature. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please, making them excellent candidates for training. While you might not expect a tiny dog to understand intricate commands, teaching your Yorkie a basic set of commands can significantly improve their behavior and deepen your bond.

Training your Yorkie is not only about teaching them to follow instructions, but also about establishing a foundation of communication and understanding. It’s about building trust and respect, creating a happier and more fulfilling life for both you and your furry friend. This article explores 10 essential commands every Yorkie should know, providing insights into the training process and highlighting the benefits for both you and your dog.

Let’s dive into the world of Yorkie training and learn how to empower your little companion with these invaluable commands.

What Are The Best Commands For My Yorkie?

Training your Yorkie is an enriching journey that strengthens your bond and helps them understand the world around them. While every dog is unique, certain commands are universally beneficial, promoting responsible behavior and building a harmonious relationship.

Here are 10 essential commands that form the cornerstone of Yorkie training:

• Come
• Sit
• Stay
• Down
• Leave It
• Off
• Heel
• Drop It
• Quiet
• Go To Your Bed

Mastering these commands opens doors to a well-behaved and happy Yorkie, allowing you to enjoy a more fulfilling life together.

Let’s explore each command in detail, understanding their importance and how to teach them effectively.

How Do I Teach My Yorkie To Come?

The “Come” command is a fundamental aspect of responsible dog ownership. It allows you to recall your Yorkie from any distance, preventing potential danger and ensuring their safety.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to teaching your Yorkie the “Come” command:

1. Start in a calm and quiet environment. Choose a space where your Yorkie is comfortable and free from distractions.
2. Use a cheerful and encouraging tone. Say “Come” while simultaneously extending your hand towards your Yorkie, offering a delicious treat.
3. Reward immediately. As your Yorkie approaches, reward them with praise and the treat. Make sure the reward is something they love, reinforcing their positive association with the command.
4. Increase the distance gradually. Once your Yorkie consistently responds to “Come” from a short distance, gradually increase the distance over several training sessions.
5. Introduce distractions. As your Yorkie progresses, introduce distractions such as toys or other people. This helps ensure their focus on the command even when tempted by other stimuli.
6. Practice regularly. Short, frequent training sessions are key to success. Aim for several 5-10 minute sessions throughout the day, keeping your Yorkie engaged and motivated.

Remember, consistency is key. Always use a clear and consistent tone when issuing the command, and reward your Yorkie promptly for their efforts. Patience and positive reinforcement are essential for successful training.

With practice and encouragement, your Yorkie will master the “Come” command, ensuring their safety and strengthening your bond.

How Do I Teach My Yorkie To Sit?

The “Sit” command is a crucial foundation for any well-behaved Yorkie. It helps with basic obedience, prevents jumping and encourages calm behavior.

Here’s how to teach your Yorkie the “Sit” command:

1. Hold a treat near your Yorkie’s nose. Gently move the treat upwards, encouraging your Yorkie to tilt their head back.
2. Say “Sit” clearly and firmly as your Yorkie starts to sit naturally.
3. Reward immediately. As soon as your Yorkie’s rear touches the ground, reward them with praise and the treat. Make sure the treat is something they love, reinforcing their positive association with the command.
4. Repeat the process. Repeat this sequence several times, each time holding the treat slightly higher to encourage the sitting motion.
5. Start omitting the hand motion. Once your Yorkie understands the command, you can start omitting the hand gesture, relying solely on the verbal cue “Sit.”
6. Practice in different settings. Once your Yorkie consistently sits on command, practice in different environments, introducing distractions to help them generalize their understanding.

Remember, patience and consistency are key. Use a cheerful and encouraging tone, and reward your Yorkie’s efforts promptly. With consistent practice, your Yorkie will learn to sit reliably, enhancing their manners and your enjoyment together.

The “Sit” command is a valuable tool for everyday life, promoting calmness and obedience in your Yorkie.

How Do I Teach My Yorkie To Stay?

The “Stay” command is a crucial aspect of training, enabling you to maintain control of your Yorkie in various situations. It encourages patience, preventing impulsive actions and ensuring their safety.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to teaching your Yorkie the “Stay” command:

1. Start with a simple “Sit”. Have your Yorkie sit reliably before introducing the “Stay” command.
2. Hold your hand in a “Stop” gesture, palm facing your Yorkie, while saying “Stay” clearly and firmly.
3. Start with short durations. Initially, hold the “Stay” for just a few seconds, gradually increasing the time as your Yorkie improves.
4. Reward patiently. When your Yorkie stays, reward them with praise and a treat, slowly stepping back to encourage their focus on the command.
5. Introduce distractions. Gradually introduce distractions, such as toys or other people, to test your Yorkie’s focus and reinforce their understanding.
6. Practice in different locations. Once your Yorkie reliably stays in one area, practice in various settings to generalize their understanding of the command.

Remember, positive reinforcement and consistency are key. Use a calm and encouraging tone, and reward your Yorkie promptly for their efforts. With practice and patience, your Yorkie will learn to stay on command, improving their manners and ensuring their safety.

The “Stay” command teaches your Yorkie to be patient and focused, strengthening their obedience and creating a more harmonious environment.

How Do I Teach My Yorkie To Down?

The “Down” command is an essential tool for training, promoting relaxation and preventing unwanted behavior. Teaching your Yorkie to lie down on command can improve their focus and create a more calm environment.

Here’s how to teach your Yorkie the “Down” command:

1. Start with a treat in hand. Hold the treat close to your Yorkie’s nose and slowly move it towards the floor, encouraging them to follow.
2. Say “Down” clearly and firmly as your Yorkie’s body lowers towards the ground.
3. Reward immediately. As your Yorkie’s chest touches the floor, reward them with praise and the treat. Make sure the treat is something they love, reinforcing their positive association with the command.
4. Repeat the process. Repeat this sequence several times, each time moving the treat slightly lower to encourage the downward motion.
5. Start omitting the hand motion. Once your Yorkie understands the command, you can start omitting the hand gesture, relying solely on the verbal cue “Down.”
6. Practice in different settings. Once your Yorkie consistently lies down on command, practice in different environments, introducing distractions to help them generalize their understanding.

Remember, patience and consistency are key. Use a cheerful and encouraging tone, and reward your Yorkie’s efforts promptly. With consistent practice, your Yorkie will learn to lie down reliably, enhancing their manners and your enjoyment together.

The “Down” command teaches your Yorkie to relax and obey, creating a more peaceful and controlled environment.

How Do I Teach My Yorkie To Leave It?

The “Leave It” command is vital for a well-behaved Yorkie, preventing them from picking up dropped food or potentially harmful objects. It teaches self-control and prevents accidental ingestion.

Here’s how to teach your Yorkie the “Leave It” command:

1. Place a treat on the floor. Hold a more desirable treat in your hand and say “Leave It” as you place the less desirable treat on the floor.
2. Reward immediately. If your Yorkie leaves the treat on the floor, reward them with praise and the more desirable treat from your hand.
3. Repeat the process. Repeat this sequence several times, gradually increasing the duration of time your Yorkie stays away from the treat on the floor.
4. Introduce distractions. Gradually introduce distractions, such as toys or other people, to test your Yorkie’s focus and reinforce their understanding.
5. Practice with different items. Once your Yorkie consistently leaves the treat, practice with different items, such as toys or food scraps.

Remember, consistency and positive reinforcement are crucial. Use a calm and encouraging tone, and reward your Yorkie promptly for their efforts. With practice, your Yorkie will learn to leave items on command, promoting safety and preventing accidental ingestion.

The “Leave It” command is a valuable tool for preventing accidental ingestion and promoting self-control in your Yorkie.

How Do I Teach My Yorkie To Off?

The “Off” command is essential for teaching your Yorkie appropriate behavior around furniture and other surfaces. It prevents them from jumping on counters or tables, ensuring a clean and safe environment.

Here’s how to teach your Yorkie the “Off” command:

1. Place a treat on a surface your Yorkie likes to jump on. You can use a table, counter, or even a chair.
2. Lure your Yorkie towards the surface with the treat, saying “Off” as they approach.
3. Reward immediately. As your Yorkie steps off the surface, reward them with praise and the treat. Make sure the treat is something they love, reinforcing their positive association with the command.
4. Repeat the process. Repeat this sequence several times, gradually increasing the distance from the surface to encourage them to step off quickly.
5. Introduce distractions. Once your Yorkie consistently steps off the surface, introduce distractions such as toys or other people, to test their focus and reinforce their understanding.
6. Practice in different locations. Practice the “Off” command in various settings, such as on the sofa, chairs, and beds, to generalize their understanding of the command.

Remember, consistency and positive reinforcement are key. Use a cheerful and encouraging tone, and reward your Yorkie promptly for their efforts. With practice, your Yorkie will learn to step off surfaces on command, promoting a clean and safe environment for both you and your furry friend.

The “Off” command teaches your Yorkie to respect boundaries and promotes a clean and safe environment for both you and your furry friend.

How Do I Teach My Yorkie To Heel?

The “Heel” command is a valuable training tool for promoting responsible behavior on walks. It encourages your Yorkie to walk calmly by your side, preventing them from pulling on the leash and ensuring their safety.

Here’s how to teach your Yorkie the “Heel” command:

1. Start with a short leash. Attach a short leash to your Yorkie’s collar and have a treat in hand.
2. Hold the treat by your side, at your knee level, and say “Heel” in a clear and encouraging tone.
3. Reward immediately. As your Yorkie walks beside you, reward them with praise and the treat. Make sure the treat is something they love, reinforcing their positive association with the command.
4. Gradually increase the distance. Once your Yorkie understands the command, gradually increase the distance you walk together, keeping the treat by your side.
5. Introduce distractions. As your Yorkie progresses, introduce distractions such as other people or dogs, to test their focus and reinforce their understanding of the “Heel” command.
6. Practice regularly. Short, frequent walks with the “Heel” command are essential. Aim for several 10-15 minute sessions throughout the day, keeping your Yorkie engaged and motivated.

Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are key. Use a cheerful and encouraging tone, and reward your Yorkie promptly for their efforts. With consistent practice, your Yorkie will learn to walk by your side on command, enhancing their manners and ensuring their safety on walks.

The “Heel” command teaches your Yorkie to walk responsibly by your side, enhancing their manners and ensuring their safety on walks.

How Do I Teach My Yorkie To Drop It?

The “Drop It” command is a valuable tool for teaching your Yorkie to release objects they have in their mouth. This is essential for safety and prevents them from swallowing harmful items.

Here’s how to teach your Yorkie the “Drop It” command:

1. Place a treat in your Yorkie’s mouth. Make sure the treat is something they love and is easily held.
2. Say “Drop It” clearly and firmly. As you say the command, hold your hand open with your palm facing upwards, encouraging your Yorkie to release the treat.
3. Reward immediately. As soon as your Yorkie drops the treat, reward them with praise and a new treat from your hand. Make sure the reward is something they love, reinforcing their positive association with the command.
4. Repeat the process. Repeat this sequence several times, gradually increasing the duration of time your Yorkie holds the treat before releasing it.
5. Introduce distractions. Once your Yorkie consistently drops the treat, introduce distractions such as toys or other people to test their focus and reinforce their understanding of the command.
6. Practice with different items. Once your Yorkie consistently drops the treat, practice with different items such as toys or food scraps.

Remember, consistency and positive reinforcement are key. Use a calm and encouraging tone, and reward your Yorkie promptly for their efforts. With practice, your Yorkie will learn to drop items on command, promoting safety and preventing accidental ingestion.

The “Drop It” command teaches your Yorkie to release objects on command, promoting safety and preventing accidental ingestion.

How Do I Teach My Yorkie To Quiet?

The “Quiet” command is essential for teaching your Yorkie to control their barking. It promotes calmness and prevents them from barking excessively, creating a more peaceful environment.

Here’s how to teach your Yorkie the “Quiet” command:

1. Wait for your Yorkie to bark. As soon as they start barking, say “Quiet” in a clear and firm voice.
2. Reward immediately. If your Yorkie stops barking, reward them with praise and a treat. Make sure the treat is something they love, reinforcing their positive association with the command.
3. Repeat the process. Repeat this sequence several times, gradually increasing the duration of time your Yorkie stays quiet.
4. Introduce distractions. Once your Yorkie consistently quiets on command, introduce distractions such as toys or other people to test their focus and reinforce their understanding of the command.
5. Practice regularly. Short, frequent training sessions are key to success. Aim for several 5-10 minute sessions throughout the day, keeping your Yorkie engaged and motivated.

Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are key. Use a calm and encouraging tone, and reward your Yorkie promptly for their efforts. With practice, your Yorkie will learn to quiet on command, promoting a more peaceful environment for both you and your furry friend.

The “Quiet” command teaches your Yorkie to control their barking, promoting a more peaceful environment for both you and your furry friend.

How Do I Teach My Yorkie To Go To Their Bed?

The “Go To Your Bed” command is a valuable tool for teaching your Yorkie to settle down in their designated space. It promotes calmness, reduces anxiety and creates a more peaceful environment.

Here’s how to teach your Yorkie the “Go To Your Bed” command:

1. Choose a comfortable bed. Select a bed that is the right size for your Yorkie and place it in a quiet spot in your home.
2. Lure your Yorkie to their bed with a treat in hand. As they approach the bed, say “Go To Your Bed” in a clear and encouraging tone.
3. Reward immediately. Once your Yorkie is settled on their bed, reward them with praise and the treat. Make sure the treat is something they love, reinforcing their positive association with the command.
4. Repeat the process. Repeat this sequence several times, gradually increasing the duration of time your Yorkie stays on their bed. You can also start omitting the hand gesture and relying solely on the verbal cue.
5. Introduce distractions. Once your Yorkie consistently goes to their bed on command, introduce distractions such as toys or other people to test their focus and reinforce their understanding of the command.
6. Practice regularly. Short, frequent training sessions are key to success. Aim for several 5-10 minute sessions throughout the day, keeping your Yorkie engaged and motivated.

Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are key. Use a calm and encouraging tone, and reward your Yorkie promptly for their efforts. With practice, your Yorkie will learn to go to their bed on command, creating a more peaceful environment for both you and your furry friend.

The “Go To Your Bed” command teaches your Yorkie to settle down in their designated space, promoting calmness and creating a more peaceful environment.

Table: Summary of Yorkie Commands

Command	Benefit	How To Teach
Come	Safety, recall	Lure with treat, reward immediately, gradually increase distance, introduce distractions
Sit	Obedience, calmness	Hold treat above nose, reward immediately, repeat process, omit hand motion
Stay	Patience, control	Start with “Sit”, use “Stop” gesture, reward patiently, introduce distractions
Down	Relaxation, focus	Lure with treat, reward immediately, repeat process, omit hand motion
Leave It	Self-control, safety	Place treat on floor, reward immediately, increase duration, practice with different items
Off	Respect boundaries, safety	Lure with treat, reward immediately, increase distance, practice in different locations
Heel	Responsible walking, safety	Hold treat by side, reward immediately, increase distance, introduce distractions
Drop It	Release objects, safety	Place treat in mouth, reward immediately, increase duration, practice with different items
Quiet	Control barking, calmness	Wait for bark, reward immediately, increase duration, practice regularly
Go To Your Bed	Calmness, settling down	Lure with treat, reward immediately, increase duration, introduce distractions

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about training your Yorkie:

What if my Yorkie doesn’t want to cooperate?

It’s important to be patient and persistent, using positive reinforcement and making training fun for your Yorkie. If they seem reluctant, try breaking down the command into smaller steps and rewarding each successful attempt. You can also consult a professional dog trainer for additional guidance.

How long does it take to train a Yorkie?

The time it takes to train a Yorkie varies depending on their age, temperament, and your consistency with training. It’s important to be patient and consistent with your training. With regular practice and positive reinforcement, your Yorkie will learn quickly and enjoy the process.

What if my Yorkie is distracted during training?

Distractions are common, especially with small, energetic dogs like Yorkies. You can try training in quieter environments, limiting distractions, and using high-value treats to keep your Yorkie engaged. Practice with distractions, gradually increasing the intensity of the distractions as your Yorkie progresses.

What if I don’t have time for formal training sessions?

Even short, informal training sessions can make a difference. Try incorporating commands into your daily routine, such as asking your Yorkie to sit before meals or come to you when you’re calling them. You can also use positive reinforcement for good behavior throughout the day, such as praising them for walking calmly on a leash or staying off the furniture.

How can I make training fun for my Yorkie?

Use high-value treats that your Yorkie loves and keep training sessions short and engaging. Vary the locations and introduce toys or other distractions to keep your Yorkie interested. Remember, training should be a positive experience for both you and your furry friend.

What are some tips for training a stubborn Yorkie?

For stubborn Yorkies, consistency and patience are key. Use positive reinforcement and make training sessions fun and rewarding. Consider working with a professional dog trainer for additional guidance and strategies tailored to your Yorkie’s personality.

What if my Yorkie has anxiety or fear during training?

If your Yorkie is anxious or fearful during training, consult with a veterinarian or certified dog trainer. They can help identify the cause of the anxiety and recommend appropriate training techniques and interventions. Remember, patience and understanding are essential when working with anxious dogs.