Yorkshire terriers are so cute that owners sometimes forget that they are still terriers, bred to kill rodents and protect territory. Because of this, they have a significant amount of energy and a mischievous spirit. If not properly trained, they can be a handful! Crate training is an important step because it gives your Yorkie a place to calm down and it assists with potty training. To properly crate train your Yorkie, buy an appropriately sized crate, make it comfortable and use positive reinforcement.
Things You'll Need
- Small airline or wire crate
- Comfortable blanket
- Old shirt that smells like you
- Treats
- Bone or interactive toy
Instructions
Crate Training Your Yorkie
Place a blanket inside a small crate, just big enough for your Yorkie to stand up and turn around in. Add a shirt or other item that smells like you to make the crate comfortable.
Show your Yorkie that you have yummy treats and toss a handful in the crate. Praise him for entering. Repeat this several times until your Yorkie is comfortably running inside to wait for the treats.
Show your Yorkie a delicious bone or toy stuffed with peanut butter or cream cheese. It should be your dog's favorite treat. Toss the bone inside the crate and close the door with your Yorkie on the outside. Allow him to scratch at the crate, bark and whine. You want him to be very excited to run in the crate. After a few minutes, let him in the crate and close the door while he chews on the bone. Let him out when he's done. Repeat this a few times until he is seeking out his crate.