Tips for Yorkie Puppy Owners

Owning a Yorkshire terrier is definitely fun, but it can be challenging. Yorkies are lively, energetic and clever dogs, which sometimes makes training difficult. Because Yorkies are a small dog breed, they have a tendency to develop "small dog syndrome," a trait that makes them act bigger than they are. Without proper correction, this may lead to undesirable behaviors as you struggle for control. With patience and consistency, you will enjoy training your Yorkie.

  1. Treats &Rewards

    • Use treats during training to keep your Yorkie's attention.

      Using treats is one of the most effective training techniques. Yorkies love being rewarded for good behavior, so offer a treat every time your dog behaves well. Your little long-haired buddy is also eager to please you, so be generous with praise. During training, give enthusiastic praise whenever it does something right. Use caution so you don't overuse treats -- one is enough for each good behavior.

    Consistency

    • If you let your Yorkie think it's a princess as a puppy, it will expect to be treated like a queen when it grows up.

      Your little Yorkie may be the cutest thing you've ever seen, but don't let that deter you from proper training. Tiny nibbles on your finger may not be much of an issue when it's a puppy, but you certainly don't want an adult dog who thinks biting is okay. Whatever behaviors you allow as a puppy will be hard to change when your puppy grows up. If you let it sleep on your bed even one night, it will expect to do so every night. Consistency is key for training, so be clear and firm with what is acceptable behavior and what isn't.

    Socialization

    • Socialize your puppy early to promote healthy interactions with other dogs.

      It's important to socialize your dog early to get it used to other dogs. Yorkies tend to be territorial, especially if they haven't been socialized. To avoid having a dog who snaps or barks at other animals, correct him each time he does so -- even as a puppy. Take it to dog parks or arrange "play dates" with other small dogs. Keep your Yorkie away from aggressive dogs and don't let it get into any scuffles.

    Housebreaking

    • Be patient and loving when training your Yorkie.

      The first three weeks are the most important for housebreaking, so begin training immediately. Take your puppy outside every hour, after it eats or drinks, whenever it plays extensively or trains, before it goes to bed and as soon as it wakes in the morning. Take it to a designated spot and praise enthusiastically every time it goes.