Common Yorkie Training Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Why Is My Yorkie Not Listening to Me?

It’s frustrating when your Yorkie ignores your commands, especially after you’ve put in the effort to train them. There are a few common reasons why your Yorkie may not be listening, and understanding these reasons can help you address the problem effectively.

Lack of Consistent Training: Consistency is key when training a Yorkie. If you only train them sporadically, they may not understand what you expect of them. Make sure you are training them regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.

Unclear Commands: Your Yorkie needs to understand what you’re asking of them. Make sure you’re using clear, concise commands and avoid using multiple words for the same command. For example, use “Sit” instead of “Sit down, please.”

Poor Timing: Positive reinforcement works best when it’s given immediately after the desired behavior. If you wait too long, your Yorkie may not understand what they’re being rewarded for.

Distractions: Yorkies can be easily distracted, especially by other animals, people, or interesting smells. If you’re training them in a busy environment, try to find a quieter spot or use distractions as part of your training.

Over-Reliance on Treats: While treats can be helpful in training, relying on them too much can lead to a situation where your Yorkie only performs the desired behavior for a reward. Start phasing out treats as your Yorkie becomes more proficient in the command and instead use praise and petting as a reward.

Lack of Patience: Yorkie training takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your Yorkie doesn’t get it right away. Keep practicing and you will eventually see progress.

Inappropriate Training Methods: Some training methods, such as punishment, can actually make your Yorkie less likely to listen. Stick to positive reinforcement methods that focus on rewarding the desired behavior.

Underlying Medical Issues: Sometimes, a Yorkie’s lack of responsiveness could be due to underlying medical issues. If you’ve ruled out other reasons, consider consulting a veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions.

Lack of Socialization: A well-socialized Yorkie is more likely to be confident and responsive to training. Early socialization with people and other dogs can help your Yorkie develop a strong foundation for good behavior.

Age: Puppies are more easily trained than older dogs, but it’s never too late to start training. An older Yorkie may take longer to learn new commands, but with patience and consistency, they can still learn.

How Can I Stop My Yorkie From Biting?

Yorkie biting can be a common issue, especially during puppyhood. While it can be alarming, it’s important to understand that biting is often a normal behavior for puppies and young dogs as they explore their world and test boundaries. Addressing the issue promptly and consistently is key to preventing it from escalating.

Early Socialization: Exposing your Yorkie to various people, dogs, and environments from a young age can significantly reduce biting tendencies. A well-socialized Yorkie is more likely to understand acceptable social interaction and less likely to resort to biting.

Teething: Puppy biting can be a way for them to relieve discomfort during teething. Providing safe chew toys can redirect their biting energy and satisfy their chewing needs.

Attention Seeking: Sometimes, Yorkies bite for attention. If you respond to their biting by giving them attention, even negative attention, it can reinforce the behavior. Instead, calmly ignore biting and redirect their attention to a positive behavior.

Fear or Anxiety: Biting can be a sign of fear or anxiety. If your Yorkie is fearful or anxious, it’s important to address the underlying cause and work with a professional trainer or behaviorist to develop coping mechanisms.

Playful Biting: Puppies often engage in playful biting, but it’s important to establish boundaries early on. If your Yorkie bites too hard during play, immediately stop the game and give them a time-out.

Redirecting Behavior: If your Yorkie bites, calmly remove your hand or foot and offer them a chew toy instead. This redirects their biting behavior towards an appropriate object.

Consistency and Patience: It’s crucial to be consistent with your training and avoid sending mixed signals. Be patient and persistent, as it may take time for your Yorkie to learn and modify their biting behavior.

Professional Help: If biting persists or escalates, it’s essential to seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide customized training strategies and address any underlying behavioral issues.

Avoiding Punishment: Punishing your Yorkie for biting will likely worsen the behavior. Punishment can create fear and anxiety, leading to further biting. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement methods that reward good behavior.

Remember, every dog is different, and what works for one Yorkie might not work for another. Observe your Yorkie’s behavior, identify the root causes of biting, and implement appropriate training strategies for best results.

Why Does My Yorkie Bark So Much?

Yorkies are known for their big personalities, and that often includes a tendency to bark. While barking is a natural form of communication for dogs, excessive barking can be disruptive and even stressful. Understanding the reasons behind your Yorkie’s barking is the first step to managing it effectively.

Boredom: Like any other breed, Yorkies can become bored and restless if they lack sufficient mental and physical stimulation. Providing them with engaging toys, puzzles, and exercise can help reduce boredom-related barking.

Anxiety: Yorkies are sensitive dogs and can become anxious in certain situations. Separation anxiety, fear of strangers, or noise phobias can all trigger excessive barking.

Attention Seeking: Some Yorkies may bark to get your attention. If you typically respond to their barking, they might learn that barking is a way to get what they want. It’s essential to ignore barking when it’s used to get attention and reward positive behavior.

Territoriality: Yorkies can be territorial, especially towards strangers, other dogs, or perceived threats to their home. They may bark to alert you to something they consider a danger.

Alertness: Yorkies are naturally alert dogs and may bark at any unusual sounds or movements. This can be a good thing as it serves as a watchdog function, but it can also be annoying if it’s excessive.

Medical Conditions: Sometimes, excessive barking can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as pain, hearing loss, or cognitive decline. If you suspect a medical issue, consult a veterinarian for a check-up.

Training: You can teach your Yorkie to bark less by using positive reinforcement methods. Rewarding quiet behavior and ignoring barking will help them understand what you want.

Desensitization: If your Yorkie is anxious or fearful, you can help them become more comfortable by gradually desensitizing them to the triggers that cause their barking. This can involve exposing them to the triggers in small, controlled doses.

Professional Help: If you’re struggling to manage your Yorkie’s barking on your own, seeking professional help from a dog trainer or behaviorist can be beneficial. They can provide tailored training strategies and address any underlying behavioral issues.

Remember, excessive barking is a common problem, but it’s manageable. By understanding the reasons behind your Yorkie’s barking and using appropriate training methods, you can help them learn to bark less and live a more peaceful life.

Why Is My Yorkie Always Trying to Escape?

It’s not uncommon for Yorkies to try to escape, whether it’s through an open door, a hole in the fence, or even by jumping over obstacles. This can be a frustrating and worrying experience for dog owners, but understanding the reasons behind this behavior can help you address it effectively.

Boredom: Like other breeds, Yorkies need mental and physical stimulation. If they’re bored, they may seek out ways to entertain themselves, including trying to escape.

Lack of Exercise: Yorkies are relatively active dogs and require regular exercise to burn off excess energy. If they don’t get enough exercise, they may become restless and seek an escape.

Curiosity: Yorkies are naturally curious and may try to escape to explore new areas or investigate interesting smells.

Fear or Anxiety: If your Yorkie is fearful or anxious, they may try to escape to get away from the source of their fear. This could be due to separation anxiety, fear of strangers, or other triggers.

Territoriality: Some Yorkies are territorial and may try to escape to protect their territory from perceived threats.

Training: If your Yorkie has learned that escaping leads to positive outcomes, such as getting to chase squirrels or explore the neighborhood, they may continue to do so.

Medical Issues: Sometimes, escape attempts can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as a urinary tract infection or cognitive decline.

Environmental Factors: If there are escape routes available, such as a gap in the fence or an open door, your Yorkie may be more likely to try to escape.

Secure Your Home: Make sure your home is escape-proof by fixing any holes in fences, keeping doors and windows closed, and using secure gates or barriers to prevent your Yorkie from escaping.

Provide Exercise: Give your Yorkie plenty of exercise to help them burn off energy and reduce the urge to escape.

Mental Stimulation: Engage your Yorkie’s mind with interactive toys, puzzles, and training sessions to keep them mentally stimulated and less likely to seek an escape.

Address Anxiety: If your Yorkie’s escape attempts are related to fear or anxiety, work with a professional trainer or behaviorist to address the underlying issues.

Positive Reinforcement: Reward your Yorkie for staying within the boundaries of your home using positive reinforcement methods.

By addressing the root causes of your Yorkie’s escape attempts and taking steps to secure your home, you can help them feel safe and content within their surroundings.

What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make When Training Yorkies?

Training a Yorkie can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can hinder the process. Here are some of the most frequent errors people make when training Yorkies:

Inconsistency: Training a Yorkie requires consistency. If you only train them sporadically, they won’t learn the commands effectively. Establish a regular training schedule, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.

Lack of Positive Reinforcement: Yorkies respond best to positive reinforcement. Instead of using punishment, reward them for good behavior with treats, praise, or play.

Too Many Commands at Once: Start with a few basic commands and gradually introduce new ones as your Yorkie masters them. Overwhelming them with too many commands at once can make them confused.

Lack of Patience: Training takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your Yorkie doesn’t learn a command immediately. Be patient, persistent, and use positive reinforcement.

Using Harsh Methods: Punishment and yelling can be counterproductive and can even damage your relationship with your Yorkie. Stick to positive reinforcement methods and create a positive and supportive learning environment.

Ignoring Early Warning Signs: Pay attention to your Yorkie’s behavior. If they show signs of fear, anxiety, or stress during training, take a step back and adjust your approach.

Not Enough Exercise: Yorkies need regular exercise to help them focus and learn effectively. Make sure you’re providing them with enough physical and mental stimulation.

Giving Up Too Soon: It’s important to be consistent with your training and not give up too soon. If you see progress, keep at it and celebrate your Yorkie’s successes.

Not Seeking Professional Help: If you’re struggling to train your Yorkie, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide tailored training strategies and address any underlying behavioral issues.

Remember, training a Yorkie should be a positive and enjoyable experience for both of you. Avoid these common mistakes and focus on using positive reinforcement methods, consistency, and patience to help your Yorkie learn and grow.

What Can I Do If My Yorkie Is Pulling on the Leash?

A Yorkie pulling on the leash can be a frustrating experience for both you and your dog. It can make walks uncomfortable, difficult to control, and even dangerous if your Yorkie pulls you into traffic or other hazards.

Start With Basic Obedience: Before you start working on leash training, make sure your Yorkie has a solid foundation in basic obedience commands such as “Sit”, “Stay”, and “Come.”

Use a Gentle Leader or Head Halter: These devices gently redirect your Yorkie’s head and prevent them from pulling. However, it’s essential to introduce them gradually and use positive reinforcement to make the experience positive for your dog.

Harness Instead of Collar: A harness distributes pressure more evenly than a collar, which can be more comfortable for your Yorkie and reduce pulling.

Stop and Go: If your Yorkie starts pulling, immediately stop walking and stand still. Once they stop pulling, give them a treat and continue walking.

Positive Reinforcement: Reward your Yorkie for walking calmly by your side with treats, praise, or a favorite toy.

Short Walks: Start with short walks and gradually increase the distance as your Yorkie becomes more comfortable walking calmly by your side.

Avoid Distractions: Initially, train your Yorkie in areas with fewer distractions.

Don’t Fight the Pull: If your Yorkie pulls, don’t try to pull them back in the opposite direction. This will only create a tug-of-war and make them more likely to pull.

Professional Help: If you’re struggling to train your Yorkie to walk on a leash, consider seeking professional help from a certified dog trainer. They can provide personalized training strategies and help you overcome any challenges.

Remember, leash training takes time and patience. Be consistent with your training and use positive reinforcement methods to help your Yorkie learn to walk calmly by your side.

How Can I Teach My Yorkie to Potty Train?

Potty training a Yorkie can be a challenge, but it’s an essential part of bringing them into your home. Here are some tips to help you successfully potty train your Yorkie:

Establish a Routine: Yorkies thrive on routine. Take your Yorkie out to their designated potty spot on a regular schedule, such as first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime.

Choose a Potty Spot: Pick a specific outdoor spot where you want your Yorkie to go to the bathroom.

Positive Reinforcement: When your Yorkie eliminates in the designated spot, reward them with praise, treats, or a favorite toy.

Watch for Signs: Yorkies often exhibit certain behaviors when they need to go to the bathroom, such as sniffing, circling, or squatting.

Don’t Punish Accidents: Punishing your Yorkie for accidents will only create fear and anxiety, which can hinder the training process.

Clean Up Accidents Thoroughly: If your Yorkie has an accident indoors, clean it up immediately using an enzymatic cleaner that removes the odor and prevents them from wanting to go in the same spot again.

Consider a Crate: A crate can help potty train your Yorkie by limiting their space and encouraging them to hold their bladder and bowels. However, never use a crate as punishment.

Patience and Consistency: Potty training takes time and patience. Be consistent with your routine and positive reinforcement, and you’ll eventually see success.

Professional Help: If you’re having trouble potty training your Yorkie, consider seeking professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist.

Remember, every Yorkie is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Observe your Yorkie’s behavior, adjust your training approach as needed, and stay patient and positive.

How Can I Prevent My Yorkie From Jumping Up on People?

Yorkies are often enthusiastic greeters, and jumping up on people is a common behavior. While it may seem cute, jumping can be disruptive, annoying, and even dangerous, especially if your Yorkie jumps on someone who’s fragile or allergic to dogs.

Teach a “Sit” Command: Start by teaching your Yorkie to sit before they greet anyone.

Ignore Jumping: When your Yorkie jumps, immediately turn your back and ignore them.

Reward “Sit”: When your Yorkie sits, give them praise, treats, or a favorite toy.

Practice in Different Situations: Practice this exercise in various situations with different people to help your Yorkie generalize the behavior.

Use a Leash: When you’re meeting new people, keep your Yorkie on a leash to control their behavior.

Teach a “Leave It” Command: This command can be helpful for teaching your Yorkie to avoid jumping on furniture or other objects.

Don’t Encourage Jumping: Avoid encouraging jumping by petting your Yorkie when they jump up.

Be Consistent: Be consistent with your training and avoid sending mixed signals.

Professional Help: If you’re struggling to teach your Yorkie to avoid jumping, consider seeking professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist.

With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can teach your Yorkie to greet people politely and avoid jumping on them.

Is It Okay to Discipline My Yorkie?

While it might be tempting to use discipline when your Yorkie is behaving poorly, it’s crucial to approach this topic with sensitivity and a deep understanding of dog behavior.

Positive Reinforcement: The most effective and humane method for training Yorkies is through positive reinforcement. This involves rewarding good behavior and ignoring or redirecting undesirable actions.

Understanding Fear and Anxiety: Yorkies are known to be sensitive and easily frightened. Discipline can trigger fear and anxiety, leading to unwanted behavior.

The Importance of Trust: Discipline can erode the trust between you and your Yorkie. A strong, trusting bond is essential for effective training and a harmonious relationship.

Alternatives to Discipline: Instead of disciplining, consider redirecting your Yorkie’s attention to a more acceptable activity or using time-outs.

Professional Guidance: If you’re struggling with your Yorkie’s behavior, seeking help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist can be highly beneficial. They can provide tailored training strategies that are appropriate for your dog’s personality and needs.

Remember, training should be a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your Yorkie. Focus on building a strong bond, using positive reinforcement methods, and providing a safe and supportive learning environment.

Table Summarizing Yorkie Training Mistakes and Solutions

Mistake	Solution
Inconsistent Training	Establish a regular training schedule and be consistent with commands and rewards.
Lack of Positive Reinforcement	Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or toys. Avoid punishment.
Too Many Commands at Once	Start with a few basic commands and gradually introduce new ones.
Lack of Patience	Training takes time. Be patient, persistent, and use positive reinforcement.
Using Harsh Methods	Avoid punishment and yelling. Stick to positive reinforcement methods.
Ignoring Early Warning Signs	Pay attention to your Yorkie’s behavior. If they show signs of fear or anxiety, adjust your approach.
Not Enough Exercise	Provide your Yorkie with regular exercise to help them focus and learn.
Giving Up Too Soon	Be consistent with your training. Don’t give up too soon.
Not Seeking Professional Help	If you’re struggling to train your Yorkie, consult a certified dog trainer or behaviorist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Yorkie training:

How Long Does It Take to Train a Yorkie?

Training a Yorkie takes time and consistency. It can vary depending on the dog’s age, personality, and your training approach. Some Yorkies may learn basic commands quickly, while others may take longer. It’s important to be patient and consistent with your training.

What Are the Best Treats to Use for Yorkie Training?

Small, high-value treats are ideal for Yorkie training. Choose treats that your Yorkie finds irresistible but are low in calories and digestible. Some popular choices include small pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or commercially available training treats.

How Do I Know If My Yorkie Is Stressed During Training?

Pay attention to your Yorkie’s body language for signs of stress, such as:

• Yawning
• Lip licking
• Panting
• Whale eye
• Tail tucked
• Shaking
• Excessive barking or whining
• Avoiding eye contact
• Trying to escape

If you notice any of these signs, take a break and let your Yorkie relax before continuing training.

Is it Okay to Use a Collar for Training?

While collars are often used for training, a harness is generally a better option for Yorkies, especially for leash training. Harnesses distribute pressure more evenly, making them more comfortable and less likely to cause neck strain or injury.

Should I Train My Yorkie Puppy or Wait Until They Are Older?

It’s best to start training your Yorkie puppy as early as possible. Puppies are more eager to learn and can be easily molded into well-behaved dogs. Early socialization and training can set a strong foundation for their development.

What If My Yorkie is Not Interested in Treats?

If your Yorkie isn’t interested in treats, try using other forms of positive reinforcement, such as praise, petting, or playtime. You can also experiment with different treats to find something they find irresistible.

What Should I Do If My Yorkie Is Having Behavior Problems?

If your Yorkie is exhibiting significant behavior problems that you can’t manage on your own, seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist. They can assess your dog’s behavior, identify the underlying causes, and develop a tailored training plan to address the issues.