Yorkie Training Tips

Housebreaking

• If a Yorkie is going to be kept in a full show coat, it unfortunately will be prone to sticking to the dog's body waste. It is much better for a pet Yorkie to be kept in a short puppy clip. According to Michelle Welton, author of YourPurebredPuppy.com, Yorkies are one of the hardest breeds of dog to house train and some Yorkies even have potty accidents all of their lives. Part of the reason is that Yorkies have small bladders and need to go more frequently than larger dogs. But Yorkies are very intelligent and like to be clean. If you see a Yorkie walking around in circles, sniffing or pawing the floor, he needs to urinate or defecate. Place the dog immediately where you want it to toilet. Never hit a Yorkie for having an accident or rub its nose in the waste; this will make the Yorkie aggressive. They also are physically more fragile than other dogs and can be easily injured by rough handling.

Grooming

• Yorkshire terriers have long, silky coats that need to be brushed every day. Introduce the Yorkie to grooming as soon as possible. Many Yorkies love the attention of grooming and will sit still for it. If not, use a special toy or food treat that is only given after grooming time. A good chew toy can sometimes act as a distraction while clipping claws. Yorkies will need to go to a groomer several times a year if kept in a puppy clip, so get the Yorkie used to going to the groomers as soon as possible. One way to help a Yorkie look forward to going to a groomer or vet is to take a trip to the office, have a member of the staff give a treat or affection and then go right back home.

Aggression

• According to "The Everything Yorkshire Terrier Book," one of the most common behavioral problems in Yorkies is aggression. For example, the dog will not let you take away any toys or may attack if you touch the food bowl while it is eating. If the aggression occurs suddenly, it could mean the dog is in pain, such as arthritis. Handling can hurt an arthritic dog. Take it to the vet to be sure the aggression isn't a physical cause.
  With possessiveness or food aggression, use a stick to touch the toys or food bowl and praise the dog when it tolerates the stick. Work then with petting the dog, touching the objects while you are wearing thick gloves and then picking up the object.