How to Make Yorkies More Social

Many owners of Yorkshire Terriers don̵7;t encounter a problem with how social their dog is. As a breed, Yorkshire Terriers tend to be a social animal by nature. However, some dogs have specific social problems, such as excessive barking or nervousness around strangers. Like other breeds, proper socialization in a Yorkshire Terrier̵7;s youth is required for a well-adjusted dog.

  1. Early Socialization

    • While Yorkshire Terriers as a breed are predisposed to more sociable habits than some types of dog, it̵7;s essential nonetheless that they̵7;re allowed plenty of time when young to get accustomed to social situations. This means other dogs in addition to human beings as well as the general sensory experiences they̵7;ll encounter when on walks. Yorkshire Terriers that aren̵7;t socialized properly while in their younger years can become as nervous and fearful as other breeds. The key is to expose your Yorkshire Terrier to stimuli while it̵7;s a puppy. One method of doing so is by hosting a puppy party, where you can introduce your dog to other animals of the same age in a controlled environment.

    Regular Social Interactions

    • The sociable nature of the Yorkshire Terrier breed and its various crossbreeds can sometimes cause these dogs to suffer problems if they̵7;re not allowed to socialize. Many Yorkshire Terriers crave company and if socially neglected -- such as by being left alone for extended periods of time -- may display unsociable behavior. This unsociable behavior could include excessive barking. The key to a well-adjusted Yorkshire Terrier then is ensuring that, where possible, your dog isn̵7;t excluded and enjoys regular social interactions.

    Barking Issues

    • A common socialization issue for Yorkshire Terriers is excessive barking. Since Yorkshire Terriers are curious and often exuberant animals, their desire to communicate and interact can result in loud and persistent barking. This is especially likely to happen if your dog is bored and becomes frustrated; your pet is essentially trying to stave off boredom by barking repeatedly. While you won̵7;t be able to remove barking entirely -- nor is it especially healthy to try -- you can help avert the worst by keeping your dog active. Play with your dog often and allow it to explore new places and meet people.

    Around Strange Dogs

    • Despite their nature, some Yorkshire Terriers can become fearful or over-exuberant when faced with dogs they don̵7;t know. This distress or excitement can leads to difficult situations as you try to keep your pet under control. Avoid buying a prong collar to try to manage these situations as this will just make matters worse. Instead, respond positively to your dog̵7;s behavior and reward it when it remains calm. Over time, your dog should respond better when encountering strange dogs.