Yorkshire Terriers — or “Yorkies” — are vibrant, intelligent, and affectionate little dogs with big personalities. Their small size belies their energy, confidence, and sometimes challenging behavior. While Yorkies are beloved companions, many owners struggle with common issues like barking, separation anxiety, stubbornness, housebreaking challenges, and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most frequent behavior problems Yorkies display, why they happen, and proven methods to fix them — complete with links to credible sources for deeper reading. This article is written to be both AdSense‑friendly and helpful for everyday dog owners.
Table of Contents
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Understanding Yorkie Behavior
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Why Behavior Problems Happen
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Excessive Barking
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Separation Anxiety
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Aggression and Reactivity
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Housebreaking Struggles
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Stubbornness and Training Resistance
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Chewing & Destructive Behavior
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Attention‑Seeking & Jealous Behaviors
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Socialization Issues
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Exercise & Mental Stimulation Needs
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When to Seek Professional Help
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Final Thoughts & Tips
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Sources
1. Understanding Yorkie Behavior
Yorkies are known for being lively, bold, and intelligent. Their terrier heritage gives them a naturally strong will and high curiosity. These traits make training rewarding but sometimes challenging — especially for first‑time dog owners. Yorkies may react strongly to stress, changes in routine, or lack of stimulation, which can manifest as behavior problems. mawoopets.com
Understanding why your Yorkie behaves the way it does is the first step toward helping them become a well‑adjusted companion.
2. Why Behavior Problems Happen
Before diving into specific behavior problems, it’s important to understand the common factors that contribute:
Lack of Training or Inconsistent Training
Yorkies are intelligent but can become confused or frustrated if different family members use different commands or rules. Consistency is essential. PetPress
Insufficient Socialization
Without early, positive exposure to people, pets, and environments, Yorkies may develop fear, anxiety, or aggression. BooGee Small World Yorkshire Terriers
Unmet Mental and Physical Stimulation
A bored Yorkie may engage in unwanted behaviors simply because they need a task or outlet for energy. PetPress
Anxiety & Emotional Sensitivity
Yorkies often become closely bonded with their owners and may struggle when left alone or when routines change. mawoopets.com
Knowing these root causes helps you approach solutions that fix the behavior at its origin, not just treat the symptom.
3. Excessive Barking
Why Yorkies Bark So Much
Barking is a natural form of communication for dogs, and Yorkies are particularly vocal. They might bark to alert you about strangers, to seek attention, out of boredom, or when they feel anxious. If not addressed early, excessive barking can become a habit that’s hard to break. DOGS & CATS HQ
How to Fix Excessive Barking
1. Teach a “Quiet” Command
Train your dog to understand a cue like “quiet” when they stop barking. Say the command when they pause, then praise and reward with a treat. Over time, your Yorkie will associate silence with reward. Yorkies Gram
2. Identify Triggers
Notice what sets off barking — a doorbell, outside noises, strangers on the street — and work on gradual desensitization. Practicing triggers in controlled settings helps them learn the bark isn’t necessary each time. Pack Love
3. Avoid Rewarding Barking
If your dog barks for attention, don’t give in right away. Reward calm behavior instead of responding directly to barking. This teaches that silence earns attention, not noise. Yorkies Gram
4. Provide Mental & Physical Stimulation
A tired and mentally stimulated Yorkie is far less likely to bark out of boredom. Daily play, walks, and interaction help reduce demand‑barking. mawoopets.com
Barking is a challenge many owners face, but with calm persistence and the right methods, it’s absolutely manageable.
4. Separation Anxiety
Understanding Separation Anxiety
Yorkies often form strong attachments to their owners and may resist being alone. Separation anxiety can lead to:
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Excessive barking or whining
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Destructive chewing
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House training regression
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Pacing, restlessness, or anxiety‑driven behaviors
Signs of anxiety often worsen just before departure or immediately after you leave. DOGS & CATS HQ
How to Help Your Yorkie Feel Secure
1. Gradual Departures
Start with short separations — even 30 seconds — and gradually lengthen the time you’re away. This helps build confidence that you always come back. Pack Love
2. Provide Comfort Tools
A safe crate, favorite toy, familiar blanket, or calming pheromone products can help your Yorkie feel secure when alone. DOGS & CATS HQ
3. Keep Goodbyes Low‑Drama
Avoid emotional send‑offs or long goodbyes. Calm reassure them, then leave. High energy goodbyes can add to stress. Pack Love
Separation anxiety can take time to reduce, but patient, consistent work makes a big difference.
5. Aggression & Reactivity
Types of Aggression
Yorkies may display different aggressive behaviors — not always outward hostility, but:
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Resource guarding (protecting toys or food)
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Territorial barking or lunging
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Fear‑based aggression toward strangers or dogs DOGS & CATS HQ
Aggression often stems from fear, lack of socialization, or previous experiences.
How to Manage & Reduce Aggression
1. Early Socialization
Expose your Yorkie to people, pets, and new places in controlled, positive ways to reduce fear responses. BooGee Small World Yorkshire Terriers
2. Reward Calm Behavior
Instead of reacting to every furrowed brow or growl, reward calm and relaxed behavior. Positive reinforcement teaches them what you expect. Puppypedia
3. Avoid Punishment
Punishing aggression often makes fear or defensive responses worse. Instead, redirect with commands and rewards. DOGS & CATS HQ
4. Professional Training
If aggression persists, consider a certified trainer or behaviorist who can develop a tailored plan for your Yorkie’s needs.
Aggression isn’t something to ignore — early intervention prevents escalation.
6. Housebreaking Struggles
Why Yorkies Can Be Hard to Potty Train
Because Yorkies are tiny, they have small bladders and need frequent breaks. Inconsistent training or lack of routine also makes accidents more likely. PetPress
Proven Housebreaking Strategies
1. Establish a Regular Schedule
Take them out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bedtime. Predictability makes success more likely. PetPress
2. Use Rewards
Praise and treat immediately after your Yorkie eliminates in the right place. Dogs learn through association — make outside the good place! PetPress
3. Potty Pads (If Needed)
If outdoor training isn’t always an option, place pads in one consistent location until habits form. PetPress
4. Clean Accidents Properly
Enzymatic cleaners remove scent traces that can encourage repeat accidents. PetPress
Potty training takes patience, but with consistency and routine, results come.
7. Stubbornness & Training Resistance
Why Yorkies Can Be Stubborn
Yorkies are bright but also strong‑willed. They may tune out commands when bored or distracted. This doesn’t mean they’re untrainable — it means the training must be engaging, consistent, and rewarding. Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips
Training Tips to Beat Stubbornness
1. Short, Fun Sessions
Yorkies have short attention spans. Keep sessions to 5‑10 minutes and make them fun. Bazoef Petfood
2. Use High‑Value Rewards
Special treats, toys, or praise motivate your Yorkie to cooperate. Bazoef Petfood
3. Redirect Instead of Force
If your dog refuses one command, try another easy one, reward success, and revisit later. Yorkies and Terriers
4. Consistency Across Family
All family members must use the same commands and expectations. Mixed signals create confusion. PetPress
With a positive mindset and clear rules, even a stubborn Yorkie becomes responsive.
8. Chewing & Destructive Behavior
Why Chewing Happens
Chewing is natural, especially in puppies, but it can become a problem when driven by boredom, anxiety, or lack of appropriate outlets. Pack Love
How to Stop Destructive Chewing
1. Provide Chew Toys
Give a variety of safe toys and rotate them to maintain interest. Pack Love
2. Exercise First
A mentally and physically tired dog won’t chew out of boredom. Pack Love
3. Gentle Redirection
When you catch inappropriate chewing, gently redirect to a toy and reward when they chew the right item. Pack Love
4. Puppy Proof
Keep valuables and dangerous objects out of reach — prevention is half the solution. Pack Love
Chewing declines when your Yorkie has better outlets for their drive and energy.
9. Attention‑Seeking & Jealous Behaviors
Some Yorkies become demanding, especially when they learn that certain behaviors get a reaction. It’s common for Yorkies to bark, paw, or insistently bring a toy for attention. PetPress
Managing Attention‑Seeking
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Teach “Wait” or “Place” Commands: Reward calm waiting before attention or treats.
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Ignore Bad Behaviors: Don’t respond to barking or pawing — attention should be given for calmness.
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Structured Routines: Rituals like feeding, walks, and play at consistent times reduce anxiety and attention obsession. PetPress
Consistency and calm leadership help your Yorkie understand how and when attention is earned.
10. Socialization Issues
Lack of proper socialization can lead to nervousness, reactivity, or fear around people, children, or other dogs. Small dogs like Yorkies may feel vulnerable without confidence‑building experiences. BooGee Small World Yorkshire Terriers
Socialization Tips
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Start social exposure early — puppy classes, walks in busy areas, supervised playdates.
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Use positive reinforcement whenever your Yorkie interacts calmly with new people or dogs.
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Keep early encounters short and positive. BooGee Small World Yorkshire Terriers
Socialization should continue throughout life — it’s not only for puppies.
11. Exercise & Mental Stimulation Needs
Yorkies may be small, but they are energetic and clever. Lack of physical and mental challenge often leads to unwanted behaviors like barking, digging, or zoomies. PetPress
Provide Both Kinds of Stimulation
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Short walks or play sessions spread throughout the day
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Puzzle toys and sniffing games
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Training tricks to challenge their minds
A happy Yorkie is a tired — but content — Yorkie.
12. When to Seek Professional Help
Despite your best efforts, some Yorkies may struggle with ongoing anxiety, fear‑based aggression, or chronic misbehavior. In these cases:
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Consult a certified dog trainer or behaviorist
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Discuss with a veterinarian if the behavior could be linked to health issues
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Consider structured behavior modification programs
Professional guidance often unlocks breakthroughs where home methods fall short. Puppypedia
13. Final Thoughts & Tips
Yorkies are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal companions, but like all breeds, they have their quirks. The key to addressing behavior problems is a mix of:
✔ Patience and Consistency
✔ Positive Reinforcement
✔ Routine and Structure
✔ Mental and Physical Stimulation
✔ Early and Ongoing Socialization
Remember that behavior challenges don’t define your dog — with the right approach, you can help your Yorkie thrive.
Sources & Further Reading
Here are the sources used in this article where you can explore more about specific behaviors and solutions:
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Comprehensive Yorkie behavior issues guide, causes & solutions — Petpress.net PetPress
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Managing Yorkie behavior and training challenges — MawooPets.com mawoopets.com
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Yorkie behavior insights & training tips — Roll over pet behavior articles DOGS & CATS HQ
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Yorkie socialization & training fundamentals — BoogeeSmallWorld.com BooGee Small World Yorkshire Terriers
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Positive reinforcement & behavior modification tips — Belavous.com Puppypedia
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Breed temperament & Barking tendencies — PackLove.com Pack Love
