Yorkshire Terriers — affectionately called “Yorkies” — are intelligent, spirited little dogs with big personalities packed into tiny bodies. Training them can be both rewarding and challenging, but with the right approach, you can enjoy a well‑behaved canine companion that listens to commands, thrives in social settings, and knows how to behave around family and friends.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down practical training methods, common challenges, and effective solutions that actually work for Yorkies — whether you’re training a new puppy or continuing with an older dog.
📌 Pro tip: Yorkies are smart but have short attention spans, so gentle, positive, and consistent training works far better than force or long sessions. mawoopets.com+1
Table of Contents
-
Understanding Your Yorkie’s Personality
-
Yorkie Training Basics
-
Housebreaking & Potty Training Tips
-
Basic Obedience Commands
-
Crate Training
-
Leash & Walk Training
-
Socialization — Why It Matters
-
Handling Common Behaviors (Barking, Nipping, Anxiety)
-
Advanced Tips & Tricks
-
FAQs – Common Yorkie Training Questions
-
Final Thoughts
1. Understanding Your Yorkie’s Personality
Before diving into how to train, it’s crucial to understand who you’re training.
Yorkies are:
-
Intelligent — They learn fast but can get bored easily.
-
Stubborn — Their independent streak means they sometimes choose when to listen.
-
Sensitive — Harsh corrections discourage them; they respond best to kindness and consistency.
-
Energetic — Regular mental and physical stimulation helps them focus.
Experts affirm that short, upbeat, positive reinforcement sessions are far more effective than harsh training or long command drills. lyka.com.au
2. Yorkie Training Basics
Positive Reinforcement Is Key
Positive reinforcement means rewarding the behaviors you want to see repeated, rather than punishing unwanted behavior. Reward methods include treats, praise, toys, or play. mawoopets.com
Here’s how to do it right:
-
Mark the behavior instantly: Use a clicker or a consistent verbal cue like “Yes!” at the exact moment your Yorkie performs the desired action.
-
Reward immediately after — Timing matters more than you think.
-
Vary rewards over time to keep motivation high. Yorkies and Terriers
👉 Positive reinforcement builds trust, strengthens your bond, and encourages your Yorkie to think about good behavior rather than fear punishment. lyka.com.au
3. Housebreaking & Potty Training Tips
Potty training a Yorkie can feel frustrating — especially since their bladders are small.
Create a Consistent Schedule
-
First thing in the morning
-
After meals
-
After naps
-
Before bedtime
-
Every 1–2 hours for young puppies
Experts recommend waiting 15 minutes after a meal to take your Yorkie outside so they have time to find the right spot. yorkieinfocenter.com
If You’re Using Pads
-
Place them consistently in one area.
-
Reward your Yorkie every time they go in the right spot.
-
Gradually move pads closer to an outside door if transitioning from indoor to outdoor training.
Watch for Signals
Restlessness, sniffing the floor, circling, or whining can mean “potty time.” As soon as you see signs, take them out immediately. yorkieinfocenter.com
4. Basic Obedience Commands
Here are foundational commands every Yorkie should learn:
Sit
-
Hold a treat above their nose and slowly lift it upward.
-
Say “Sit,” wait for compliance, then reward. Jason R. Sykes
Stay
-
Teach sit first.
-
Add the “Stay” cue with a hand gesture and a short pause.
-
Increase duration gradually. Jason R. Sykes
Come
-
Use a happy tone and your dog’s name.
-
Reward them when they respond quickly.
Short sessions (5–10 minutes) repeated throughout the day keep your Yorkie attentive and less distracted. mawoopets.com
5. Crate Training
A crate isn’t a punishment — it’s a safe space for your Yorkie.
How to Crate Train
-
Introduce the crate with soft bedding and treats.
-
Feed meals inside initially.
-
Keep the crate open at first so they explore.
-
Close the door for short periods, then gradually increase time.
By associating the crate with good things (treats, comfort), your Yorkie learns that the crate is safe and relaxing.
🌟 Tip: Never use the crate for punishment — that creates fear, not trust.
6. Leash & Walk Training
Yorkies are tiny but mighty on walks. Leash training helps curb pulling and ensures enjoyable walks.
Tools
-
Use a lightweight harness instead of a collar — Yorkies have delicate tracheas. mawoopets.com
Training Steps
-
Let your Yorkie wear the harness indoors for short periods.
-
Begin on loose leash training: stop walking when they pull; praise when they walk beside you.
-
Reward good walking with treats and praise.
With patience and consistency, leash skills become second nature.
7. Socialization — Why It Matters
Socialization is one of the most under‑used but most powerful parts of training.
Expose your Yorkie early to:
-
Different people
-
Other dogs
-
Noises
-
New environments
Positive early experiences help reduce fear, aggression, and anxiety later. mawoopets.com
8. Handling Common Behaviors
A. Excessive Barking
Yorkies are natural watchdogs, but uncontrolled barking can be annoying.
-
Teach the “Quiet” cue using treats and calm praise.
-
Reward silence, not barking.
-
Reduce visual triggers like street movement. mawoopets.com
B. Nipping & Biting
Redirect nipping toward toys. If your Yorkie mouths your hand, calmly withdraw attention after making a soft “ouch” sound, then offer a toy instead.
Consistent training reduces these habits over time.
C. Separation Anxiety
Yorkies bond deeply and often become anxious when alone.
-
Start with short departures, then slowly extend time apart.
-
Give interactive toys or safe puzzles to occupy their minds.
With practice, time alone becomes less stressful.
9. Advanced Tips & Tricks
Short Sessions Win
Yorkies lose focus quickly. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and frequent. Yorkie Guide
Use Hand Signals
Yorkies respond well to visual cues along with verbal ones. Let\’s Learn Slang
Watch Body Language
Pay attention to signs of stress or fatigue — and give breaks when needed. lyka.com.au
Fun Trick Training
Once your Yorkie masters basic commands, you can move on to fun tricks like “shake,” “spin,” or “roll over.” Teaching tricks strengthens your bond and keeps their mind sharp. Wet Nose Escapades
10. FAQs – Common Yorkie Training Questions
Are Yorkies hard to train?
Not inherently — they’re bright and eager to learn! Their stubbornness just means training must be consistent and positive. mawoopets.com
How long does house training take?
Consistently following a schedule often leads to housebreaking progress in weeks, though individual pacing varies. yorkieinfocenter.com
Should I use treats every time?
Start with treats, then gradually move to praise or play as the reward — this prevents dependency on treats. Dog Breeds Expert
11. Final Thoughts
Training a Yorkie does take time, patience, and consistency — but it’s an investment that pays off in a loving, obedient, and confident companion. Remember:
✔ Be kind — never harsh.
✔ Be consistent — use the same cues and rewards.
✔ Be patient — every Yorkie learns at their own pace.
With the tips above — backed by expert sources — you can build a fulfilling training experience that works for you and your Yorkie.
Sources & Recommended Reading
For deeper reading and step‑by‑step guides:
-
Yorkie training success techniques: Yorkshire Terrier Training Tips (yorkiesandterriers.com) Yorkies and Terriers
-
Portable training essentials and behavior solutions: Training Your Yorkshire Terrier (mawoopets.com) mawoopets.com
-
Routine and positive reinforcement basics: How to Train a Yorkshire Terrier (Lyka Blog) lyka.com.au
-
Housebreaking strategies: Top Yorkie Training Tips (YorkieInfoCenter) yorkieinfocenter.com
-
Gentle and patient handling advice: Gentle Handling Tips (Dog Breeds Expert) Dog Breeds Expert
