Common Problems Yorkie Terriers Have With Training And How To Fix Them

Why Is My Yorkie So Stubborn?

Yorkies are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, but they can also be quite stubborn. This stubborn streak can be frustrating for owners, especially when trying to train their Yorkie. Here are some reasons why your Yorkie might be stubborn, and how to overcome this:

1. Lack of Motivation: Yorkies need to be motivated to learn, and if they don’t see the benefit of learning a new command, they may be less likely to comply. Make sure your Yorkie is getting positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and playtime, for good behavior.
2. Lack of Consistency: Training a Yorkie requires consistency. If you are inconsistent with your commands, your Yorkie will not understand what you expect of them. Be sure to use the same words and hand signals every time you give a command.
3. Lack of Confidence: Some Yorkies may be stubborn because they lack confidence in their abilities. To build confidence, start with simple commands and gradually introduce more challenging ones. Praise your Yorkie for every success, no matter how small.
4. Overexcitement: Yorkies are small but mighty, and they can easily get overexcited. When a Yorkie is overexcited, they may not be able to focus on training. It’s important to keep training sessions short and sweet.
5. Health Problems: In some cases, stubbornness may be a symptom of a health problem. If you’re concerned about your Yorkie’s behavior, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.
6. Genetics: Yorkies, like all breeds, have individual personalities. Some Yorkies are naturally more independent and stubborn than others.

How To Overcome Stubbornness

Here are some tips for overcoming stubbornness in your Yorkie:

1. Start with the Basics: Begin with simple commands like “sit” and “stay.” Reward your Yorkie for following your instructions with positive reinforcement.
2. Make It Fun: Training should be enjoyable for both you and your Yorkie. Use a variety of training methods to keep your Yorkie engaged and motivated.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement: When your Yorkie obeys a command, immediately reward them with a treat, praise, or playtime. This will help them associate good behavior with positive outcomes.
4. Be Patient: It takes time to train a dog, especially a Yorkie. Don’t get discouraged if your Yorkie doesn’t get it right away. Be patient and consistent with your training.
5. Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling to train your Yorkie on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a certified dog trainer. A professional can provide you with personalized training advice and guidance.

It’s important to remember that training a Yorkie, or any dog for that matter, takes patience and consistency. With the right approach, you can teach your Yorkie to be well-behaved and obedient.

Why Does My Yorkie Bark So Much?

Yorkies are known for their big personalities and even bigger voices. While a little barking is normal, excessive barking can be a sign of a problem. Here are some common reasons why Yorkies bark excessively, and what you can do to address it:

1. Anxiety: Yorkies are known for their sensitive nature, and they can easily become anxious in unfamiliar situations. Barking can be a way for them to express their anxiety and discomfort.
2. Boredom: Yorkies are intelligent and need mental stimulation. If they are bored, they may resort to barking to entertain themselves.
3. Attention-Seeking: Some Yorkies bark to get attention from their owners. If you consistently respond to your Yorkie’s barking, they may learn that barking is the way to get what they want.
4. Territoriality: Yorkies can be very territorial and may bark to protect their home, belongings, or even their owner.
5. Health Problems: In some cases, excessive barking may be a sign of a health problem. If you’re concerned about your Yorkie’s barking, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.

How To Reduce Excessive Barking

Here are some tips for reducing excessive barking in your Yorkie:

1. Identify The Cause: Before you can address excessive barking, you need to identify the cause. Observe your Yorkie and try to determine what triggers their barking. Once you know the cause, you can begin to address it.
2. Provide Mental Stimulation: Give your Yorkie plenty of mental stimulation to keep them engaged and entertained. This could include interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and training sessions.
3. Train The “Quiet” Command: Teach your Yorkie the “quiet” command. When your Yorkie starts to bark, say “quiet” in a calm and assertive voice, and reward them with a treat when they stop.
4. Ignore Attention-Seeking Barking: If you think your Yorkie is barking for attention, try to ignore them. Don’t respond to their barking, and don’t give them any attention until they quiet down.
5. Desensitization: If your Yorkie is barking due to anxiety, you can try to desensitize them to the trigger. For example, if they are anxious about strangers, gradually introduce them to new people in a safe and controlled environment.
6. Consult A Professional: If you’re struggling to reduce your Yorkie’s barking, don’t hesitate to consult with a certified dog trainer or behaviorist. A professional can provide you with personalized advice and guidance.

How Can I Stop My Yorkie From Biting?

Yorkies are small but they can have big teeth. Biting is a natural behavior for puppies, but it’s important to train them out of it early on. Here are some tips on how to stop your Yorkie from biting:

1. Start Early: The earlier you start training your Yorkie to not bite, the easier it will be. As soon as your puppy starts to teeth on your hands, teach them the “ouch” command.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement: When your Yorkie stops biting, immediately reward them with a treat, praise, or a toy. This will help them associate good behavior with positive outcomes.

3. Redirect Their Biting: If your Yorkie starts to bite, try to redirect their biting to a toy. Give them a toy to chew on and praise them for chewing on the toy instead of your hand.

4. Socialization: Socializing your Yorkie with other dogs and people is important to help them learn appropriate social behaviors. Expose your Yorkie to a variety of people, dogs, and environments to help them learn how to interact with others in a positive way.

5. Manage Their Excitement: When your Yorkie is overexcited, they are more likely to bite. If you know your Yorkie gets overexcited, try to manage their excitement by keeping training sessions short and sweet.

6. Be Consistent: Consistency is key when training your Yorkie to stop biting. Be patient and don’t give up, and your Yorkie will eventually learn that biting is not acceptable behavior.

How Do I Potty Train My Yorkie?

Potty training a Yorkie can be a challenge, but it’s definitely achievable with patience and consistency. Here are some tips for potty training your Yorkie:

1. Establish a Routine: Yorkies are creatures of habit, so establishing a regular routine can help them learn when to go to the bathroom. Take your Yorkie out to the bathroom area at the same time each day, such as first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime.

2. Use a Crate: A crate can be a helpful tool for potty training. When your Yorkie is crated, they are less likely to have accidents. When you take your Yorkie out of the crate, immediately take them to the bathroom area.

3. Positive Reinforcement: When your Yorkie goes to the bathroom in the designated area, immediately reward them with a treat, praise, and playtime. This will help them associate going to the bathroom in the right spot with positive outcomes.

4. Clean Up Accidents Properly: If your Yorkie has an accident, clean it up properly using an enzymatic cleaner. These cleaners break down the odor and make it less likely that your Yorkie will go to the bathroom in the same spot again.

5. Be Patient: Potty training takes time and consistency. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if your Yorkie has accidents. Continue to follow a consistent routine and reward them for good behavior, and eventually they will learn to go to the bathroom in the right place.

How Can I Stop My Yorkie From Jumping?

Jumping can be a frustrating behavior for Yorkie owners. It can be dangerous, especially for small children, and it can also be embarrassing in public. Here are some tips on how to stop your Yorkie from jumping:

1. Ignore The Jumping: When your Yorkie jumps, try to ignore them. Don’t give them any attention, and don’t pet them. This will teach them that jumping doesn’t get them what they want.

2. Turn Away: If your Yorkie jumps, turn your back on them and walk away. This will show them that you are not interested in interacting with them when they are jumping.

3. Use a “Down” Command: Train your Yorkie to lie down. When they jump, give the “down” command and reward them with a treat when they comply.

4. Manage Their Excitement: When your Yorkie is excited, they are more likely to jump. Try to manage their excitement by keeping training sessions short and sweet, and by not rewarding them with attention when they are jumping.

5. Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling to stop your Yorkie from jumping, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist. A professional can provide you with personalized training advice and guidance.

Why Doesn’t My Yorkie Come When I Call?

Yorkies are known for their intelligence, but they can also be easily distracted. If your Yorkie doesn’t come when you call, it could be because they are not motivated, they are distracted, or they haven’t learned the command properly. Here are some tips on how to teach your Yorkie to come when you call:

1. Start Early: Start teaching your Yorkie the “come” command early on, and make it a fun experience.

2. Use a Reliable Recall Word: Choose a simple and consistent word to use for the “come” command, such as “here” or “come.”

3. Positive Reinforcement: When your Yorkie comes when you call, immediately reward them with a treat, praise, and playtime. This will help them associate coming to you with positive outcomes.

4. Practice in Different Environments: Practice the “come” command in different environments, such as your home, backyard, and at the park. This will help your Yorkie learn to come to you even when they are distracted.

5. Keep Training Sessions Short: Keep training sessions short and sweet, and end on a positive note. This will help your Yorkie stay motivated and engaged.

Why Is My Yorkie So Aggressive Towards Other Dogs?

While Yorkies are known for their playful and affectionate nature, some Yorkies can develop aggression towards other dogs. This can be due to a variety of factors, including lack of socialization, fear, and territoriality. Here are some tips on how to deal with aggression in your Yorkie:

1. Socialization: Socialization is crucial for all dogs, but especially for small breeds like Yorkies. Expose your Yorkie to a variety of dogs in a safe and controlled environment from a young age. This will help them learn to interact with other dogs in a positive way.

2. Identify The Cause: Try to identify the cause of your Yorkie’s aggression. Is it fear-based, territorial, or something else?

3. Avoid Triggers: Once you’ve identified the cause of your Yorkie’s aggression, try to avoid the triggers. For example, if your Yorkie is fearful of large dogs, avoid situations where they will encounter large dogs.

4. Professional Help: If you’re struggling to manage your Yorkie’s aggression, it’s essential to seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist. A professional can assess your Yorkie’s behavior and provide you with personalized advice and guidance.

How Can I Teach My Yorkie To Be Less Fearful?

Yorkies are known for their sensitive nature, and they can be easily frightened by loud noises, unfamiliar people, and new environments. Here are some tips on how to teach your Yorkie to be less fearful:

1. Positive Reinforcement: When your Yorkie is in a new or challenging situation, try to use positive reinforcement to help them feel more comfortable. Praise them for calm behavior, and reward them with treats or toys for staying relaxed.

2. Desensitization: Gradually introduce your Yorkie to the things they fear. For example, if they are afraid of loud noises, start by playing a recording of a noise at a low volume, and gradually increase the volume as they become more accustomed to the noise.

3. Counterconditioning: Associate the things your Yorkie fears with positive experiences. For example, if your Yorkie is afraid of strangers, give them treats and praise when they encounter strangers, so that they associate strangers with positive outcomes.

4. Be Patient: Teaching your Yorkie to be less fearful takes time and patience. Be patient and consistent with your training, and eventually they will become more confident and comfortable in new situations.

Why Is My Yorkie So Difficult To Train?

While Yorkies are known for their intelligence, they can also be quite stubborn. Here are some reasons why your Yorkie might be difficult to train, and how to overcome these challenges:

1. Lack Of Motivation: Yorkies need to be motivated to learn, and if they don’t see the benefit of learning a new command, they may be less likely to comply. Make sure your Yorkie is getting positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and playtime, for good behavior.

2. Lack of Consistency: Training a Yorkie requires consistency. If you are inconsistent with your commands, your Yorkie will not understand what you expect of them. Be sure to use the same words and hand signals every time you give a command.

3. Distractibility: Yorkies can be easily distracted, especially by other dogs, people, and noises. Choose quiet training environments, and keep training sessions short and sweet.

4. Overexcitement: Yorkies are small but mighty, and they can easily get overexcited. When a Yorkie is overexcited, they may not be able to focus on training. It’s important to keep training sessions short and sweet.

5. Health Problems: In some cases, difficulty training may be a symptom of a health problem. If you’re concerned about your Yorkie’s behavior, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.

How Can I Stop My Yorkie From Pulling On The Leash?

Pulling on the leash is a common problem for Yorkie owners. It can be frustrating, and it can even be dangerous if your Yorkie pulls you into traffic. Here are some tips on how to stop your Yorkie from pulling on the leash:

1. Start Early: Start training your Yorkie to walk nicely on a leash early on, before they develop bad habits.

2. Use a Harness: A harness can help to distribute the pressure more evenly across your Yorkie’s body, making it more comfortable for them to walk on a leash.

3. Use a Gentle Leader: A gentle leader can help to redirect your Yorkie’s attention and prevent them from pulling.

4. Positive Reinforcement: When your Yorkie walks nicely on a leash, immediately reward them with a treat, praise, and playtime. This will help them associate walking nicely with positive outcomes.

5. Be Patient: It takes time and consistency to train your Yorkie to walk nicely on a leash. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if your Yorkie pulls occasionally. Just keep working with them, and eventually they will learn to walk nicely by your side.

Table of Contents

This article discusses common training problems Yorkie owners face and provides solutions.

Problem	Solution
Stubbornness	Start with the basics, make training fun, use positive reinforcement, be patient, seek professional help
Excessive Barking	Identify the cause, provide mental stimulation, train the “quiet” command, ignore attention-seeking barking, desensitization, consult a professional
Biting	Start early, use positive reinforcement, redirect biting, socialization, manage excitement, be consistent
Potty Training	Establish a routine, use a crate, positive reinforcement, clean up accidents properly, be patient
Jumping	Ignore the jumping, turn away, use a “down” command, manage excitement, seek professional help
Not Coming When Called	Start early, use a reliable recall word, positive reinforcement, practice in different environments, keep training sessions short
Aggression Towards Other Dogs	Socialization, identify the cause, avoid triggers, professional help
Fearfulness	Positive reinforcement, desensitization, counterconditioning, be patient
Difficulty Training	Lack of motivation, lack of consistency, distractibility, overexcitement, health problems
Pulling on the Leash	Start early, use a harness, use a gentle leader, positive reinforcement, be patient

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about training Yorkie terriers:

1. Q: How old should my Yorkie be before I start training them?
2. Q: What kind of treats should I use to train my Yorkie?
3. Q: How long should my training sessions be?
4. Q: What if my Yorkie doesn’t seem to be learning?
5. Q: Should I use a clicker for training my Yorkie?
6. Q: Can I train my Yorkie on my own, or should I hire a professional trainer?
7. Q: How do I get my Yorkie to focus during training?