Yorkie Puppy Training Schedule Example: A Comprehensive Guide for New Owners

Bringing home a Yorkie puppy is an exciting time, but it’s also essential to establish a strong foundation for training. A well-structured training schedule will help your Yorkie puppy learn essential skills, prevent behavioral issues, and create a harmonious relationship between you and your furry friend. This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about creating an effective Yorkie puppy training schedule, covering everything from basic commands to socialization and potty training.

What is a Yorkie Puppy Training Schedule?

A Yorkie puppy training schedule is a structured plan that outlines daily or weekly training sessions, feeding times, playtime, and rest periods. This schedule helps to create a predictable routine for your puppy, making it easier for them to understand what’s expected. Consistency is key to successful training, so sticking to a schedule as much as possible is vital.

Remember, your Yorkie puppy is still learning and developing. Be patient and understanding, and celebrate their successes, no matter how small. Every step forward is a step in the right direction.

How Often Should I Train My Yorkie Puppy?

The frequency of training sessions will depend on your Yorkie puppy’s age and energy levels. However, aiming for at least two to three short sessions per day is a good starting point. These sessions can be as short as five minutes each, but it’s crucial to be consistent.

Keep in mind that puppies have short attention spans. Break up training sessions into smaller chunks, and always end on a positive note. Reward your puppy for their efforts with treats, praise, or toys.

Here’s a sample training schedule for a typical Yorkie puppy:

• Morning: Potty break, breakfast, 5-minute training session, playtime.
• Afternoon: Potty break, 5-minute training session, naptime.
• Evening: Potty break, dinner, 5-minute training session, quiet playtime.

This is just a general guideline, and you can adjust it based on your puppy’s individual needs and preferences. Be prepared to be flexible, especially during the first few weeks.

What Should I Teach My Yorkie Puppy?

Start with basic commands, such as:

• Sit: Hold a treat near your puppy’s nose and slowly move it up and over their head, encouraging them to sit. Once they sit, reward them with the treat and praise.
• Stay: Once your puppy is sitting, hold your hand out in front of them, palm down, and say “Stay.” If they stay, reward them with a treat and praise.
• Come: Use a happy tone and call your puppy’s name, followed by “Come.” Reward them with a treat and praise when they come to you.
• Down: Hold a treat near your puppy’s nose and slowly move it down to the ground, encouraging them to lie down. Once they lie down, reward them with the treat and praise.
• Leave it: When your puppy tries to grab something they shouldn’t, say “Leave it” in a firm voice. If they drop the item, reward them with a treat and praise.

As your puppy masters these basic commands, you can introduce more advanced skills, such as:

• Heel: Walking by your side with a loose leash.
• Fetch: Retrieving a toy or ball.
• Rollover: Turning over on their back.

When Should I Start Potty Training?

Potty training should start as soon as your Yorkie puppy arrives at their new home. Establish a consistent routine for potty breaks. Take your puppy outside to a designated potty area immediately after they wake up, after meals, and every few hours throughout the day.

Be patient and understand that accidents will happen. Don’t scold your puppy if they have an accident. Instead, clean it up quickly and try to figure out why the accident occurred.

Here are some tips for successful potty training:

• Use a specific word or phrase to indicate potty time, such as “Go potty” or “Outside.”
• Reward your puppy with praise and treats when they eliminate in the correct place.
• Establish a predictable potty routine and stick to it as much as possible.
• Supervise your puppy closely, especially during the initial training stages.

How Can I Socialize My Yorkie Puppy?

Socialization is a crucial aspect of puppy training, and it involves exposing your Yorkie puppy to various people, animals, and environments. This helps them develop confidence and prevents fear and aggression later in life.

Start by introducing your puppy to family members and friends. Then, gradually introduce them to other dogs, cats, and other animals, while always supervising the interactions closely. Visit parks, stores, and other public places where you can safely expose your puppy to different sights, sounds, and smells.

Here are some key tips for successful socialization:

• Start early: Socialization is most effective during the puppyhood period, typically between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks.
• Expose your puppy to positive experiences: Ensure the interactions are positive and rewarding for your puppy. Avoid overwhelming them with too much stimulation.
• Be patient: Socialization takes time, so be patient and consistent with your efforts.

How Do I Deal with Chewing?

Yorkie puppies are known for being curious chewers, and it’s important to redirect their chewing behavior to appropriate items. Provide your puppy with plenty of chew toys, and supervise them closely, especially when they are unsupervised.

When you catch your puppy chewing on something they shouldn’t, redirect them to their chew toy and praise them for chewing on the appropriate item. Be consistent with this behavior correction, and your puppy will learn what’s acceptable.

Here are some additional tips to discourage chewing:

• Keep tempting items out of reach. This includes electrical cords, furniture legs, and anything else that could be dangerous or damaged.
• Use bitter apple spray on items you don’t want your puppy to chew. The bitter taste will deter them from chewing on those items.
• Provide your puppy with plenty of mental stimulation. This will help to redirect their chewing energy into more positive activities.

How Can I Crate Train My Yorkie Puppy?

Crate training can be a valuable tool for potty training, preventing destructive behavior, and providing a safe and secure space for your puppy. Start by introducing your puppy to their crate gradually and positively.

Place the crate in a quiet and comfortable area of your home, and encourage your puppy to enter the crate by tossing treats inside. Never force your puppy into the crate.

Once your puppy is comfortable in their crate, you can start leaving them in the crate for short periods. Gradually increase the length of time they spend in the crate. Always supervise your puppy when they are in their crate, and never use it as punishment.

Here are some additional tips for successful crate training:

• Choose the right size crate. The crate should be large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can have an accident in one corner.
• Line the crate with a comfortable bed or blanket. This will make the crate more inviting for your puppy.
• Feed your puppy their meals in their crate. This will help them associate the crate with positive experiences.

What are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Training a Yorkie Puppy?

It’s important to avoid common mistakes that can hinder your Yorkie puppy’s training progress. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Don’t use punishment. Punishment can make your puppy fearful and anxious, and it can damage your relationship.
• Be consistent with your commands and routines. Inconsistency will confuse your puppy and make it harder for them to learn.
• Don’t give up too easily. Training takes time and patience. Keep practicing, and celebrate your puppy’s progress.

How Can I Find a Qualified Yorkie Puppy Trainer?

If you’re struggling to train your Yorkie puppy on your own, consider enlisting the help of a qualified professional trainer. Look for a trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods and has experience training Yorkie puppies.

You can ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or search online for qualified trainers in your area. When choosing a trainer, be sure to interview them and ask about their experience, training methods, and fees.

Yorkie Puppy Training Schedule Example: Summary

FAQ

Is it ever too late to train a Yorkie puppy?

While it is ideal to start training as early as possible, it’s never too late to teach your Yorkie puppy new skills. With patience and consistency, you can train your puppy at any age, even if they are older.

How can I make training more fun for my Yorkie puppy?

Keep training sessions short and rewarding. Use treats, praise, and toys to motivate your puppy and make learning enjoyable. Be enthusiastic and positive, and your puppy will be more likely to engage in the training process.

What if my Yorkie puppy isn’t interested in training?

If your puppy isn’t interested in training, try to make it more appealing. Use high-value treats, make the training sessions more interactive, and consider incorporating play into the training process.

What should I do if my Yorkie puppy starts to regress in training?

If your puppy starts to regress in training, go back to the basics and review the fundamentals. Be patient and consistent with your commands and routines, and don’t get discouraged.

How long does it take to train a Yorkie puppy?

There is no set timeframe for training a Yorkie puppy. The time it takes will depend on your puppy’s age, personality, and your training methods. Be patient and consistent, and your puppy will eventually learn the desired skills.

What are some common behavioral problems in Yorkie puppies?

Some common behavioral problems in Yorkie puppies include barking, chewing, digging, and jumping. These behaviors can be addressed through proper training, socialization, and environmental enrichment.

What should I do if my Yorkie puppy is aggressive towards other dogs?

If your Yorkie puppy is aggressive towards other dogs, it’s important to seek professional help from a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist. They can assess the situation and develop a training plan to address the aggression.