Yorkie Training 101: A Comprehensive Guide to a Well-Behaved Companion
Yorkshire Terriers, affectionately known as Yorkies, are small dogs with big personalities. Their charming looks and affectionate nature make them popular companions. However, their intelligence and inherent terrier stubbornness mean training is essential to ensure they become well-behaved members of the family. Training a Yorkie requires patience, consistency, and a positive approach. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed steps and instructions to successfully train your Yorkie, covering everything from basic obedience to addressing common behavioral issues.
## Understanding the Yorkie Temperament
Before diving into training techniques, it’s crucial to understand the Yorkie temperament. Yorkies are intelligent and eager to please, but they can also be independent and possess a strong will. They were originally bred to hunt rodents, which contributes to their alert and sometimes tenacious nature. Additionally, their small size can sometimes lead owners to inadvertently reinforce undesirable behaviors, like excessive barking, by coddling them. Understanding these traits is the first step in tailoring your training approach.
**Key Yorkie Temperament Traits:**
* **Intelligent:** Yorkies learn quickly, making them relatively easy to train with the right approach.
* **Eager to Please:** They enjoy praise and attention, which can be used as positive reinforcement during training.
* **Independent:** Their independent nature can sometimes translate into stubbornness, requiring patience and consistency.
* **Alert and Tenacious:** Their hunting instincts make them alert and prone to barking, which needs to be addressed through training.
* **Sensitive:** Yorkies are sensitive to harsh corrections, so positive reinforcement methods are crucial.
## Essential Training Supplies
Having the right tools can significantly impact your Yorkie’s training success. Here’s a list of essential supplies:
* **High-Value Treats:** Small, tasty treats are essential for positive reinforcement. Choose treats your Yorkie loves and that are easy to break into small pieces.
* **Collar or Harness:** A comfortable collar or harness is necessary for leash training. Ensure it fits properly and doesn’t irritate your Yorkie’s skin.
* **Leash:** A lightweight leash is ideal for Yorkies. Avoid retractable leashes, as they can hinder training.
* **Clicker (Optional):** A clicker can be a valuable tool for clicker training, which uses a distinct sound to mark desired behaviors.
* **Potty Training Pads:** Essential for indoor potty training, especially for puppies or Yorkies living in apartments.
* **Crate (Optional):** A crate can provide a safe and comfortable den for your Yorkie and can be helpful for potty training and preventing destructive behavior.
* **Toys:** Provide a variety of toys to keep your Yorkie entertained and prevent boredom. Puzzle toys can be particularly beneficial for mental stimulation.
## Foundational Training: Building a Solid Base
Before attempting more complex commands, it’s essential to establish a solid foundation with basic obedience training. This includes:
**1. Socialization:**
* **Early Exposure:** Start socializing your Yorkie puppy as early as possible, ideally between 8 and 16 weeks of age. This is a critical period for developing positive associations with various people, places, and things.
* **Controlled Introductions:** Introduce your Yorkie to new experiences gradually and in a controlled manner. Avoid overwhelming them with too much stimulation at once.
* **Positive Reinforcement:** Reward your Yorkie with treats and praise for calm and confident behavior during socialization. If they seem scared or anxious, remove them from the situation and try again later with a less intense stimulus.
* **Puppy Classes:** Enroll your Yorkie in puppy socialization classes to provide opportunities for interacting with other dogs in a safe and supervised environment. These classes also often cover basic obedience commands.
**2. Potty Training:**
Potty training can be challenging, especially for small breeds like Yorkies. Consistency and patience are key.
* **Establish a Routine:** Take your Yorkie puppy outside to potty first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bedtime. Choose a designated potty spot in your yard.
* **Use a Command:** Use a specific command, like “Go potty” or “Do your business,” when you take your Yorkie to their potty spot. This will help them associate the command with the action.
* **Reward Success:** Immediately reward your Yorkie with praise and a treat when they potty in the designated spot. This reinforces the desired behavior.
* **Clean Up Accidents Thoroughly:** If your Yorkie has an accident indoors, clean it up immediately with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent and prevent them from repeating the behavior in the same spot.
* **Crate Training (Optional):** Crate training can be a helpful tool for potty training. Yorkies generally won’t soil their crate if they can help it, so taking them out immediately after they come out of the crate encourages them to potty outside.
* **Potty Pads (Indoor Option):** If you live in an apartment or have limited access to the outdoors, you can train your Yorkie to use potty pads indoors. Place the pads in a designated area and follow the same principles of routine, command, and reward.
**3. Crate Training (Optional):**
Crate training provides a safe and secure den for your Yorkie and can also be helpful for potty training and preventing destructive behavior.
* **Introduce the Crate Gradually:** Make the crate a positive experience by placing treats and toys inside. Encourage your Yorkie to enter the crate voluntarily.
* **Feed Meals in the Crate:** Feed your Yorkie their meals in the crate to create a positive association. Start by leaving the door open and gradually close it as they become more comfortable.
* **Short Crate Sessions:** Start with short crate sessions and gradually increase the duration as your Yorkie becomes more comfortable. Never use the crate as punishment.
* **Comfortable Bedding:** Provide comfortable bedding inside the crate to make it a cozy and inviting space.
**4. Name Recognition:**
Teaching your Yorkie to recognize their name is the foundation for all other training commands.
* **Say Their Name Frequently:** Use your Yorkie’s name frequently throughout the day, especially when interacting with them positively.
* **Pair Their Name with Rewards:** Say your Yorkie’s name and immediately reward them with a treat or praise. This will help them associate their name with positive experiences.
* **Use Their Name to Get Their Attention:** Use their name to get their attention before giving a command. This will help them focus on you and understand what you’re asking them to do.
**5. Basic Commands: Sit, Stay, Come, Down**
These commands are the cornerstone of obedience training. Use positive reinforcement and short, consistent training sessions.
* **Sit:**
* Hold a treat in front of your Yorkie’s nose.
* Move the treat up and over their head, encouraging them to sit.
* As their rear touches the ground, say “Sit” and give them the treat.
* Repeat this process several times a day, gradually fading out the lure of the treat.
* **Stay:**
* Have your Yorkie sit.
* Say “Stay” in a firm but gentle voice.
* Hold your hand up in a stop gesture.
* Start with short stays (a few seconds) and gradually increase the duration.
* Reward your Yorkie for staying with praise and a treat.
* If they break the stay, gently reposition them and start again.
* **Come:**
* Use a cheerful and encouraging tone of voice.
* Say “Come” and pat your leg.
* When your Yorkie comes to you, reward them with enthusiastic praise and a treat.
* Practice this command in a safe, enclosed area initially and gradually increase the distance.
* **Down:**
* Hold a treat in front of your Yorkie’s nose.
* Lower the treat to the ground, encouraging them to follow it.
* As they lie down, say “Down” and give them the treat.
* If they don’t lie down completely, gently guide them into the down position.
* Reward them for lying down with praise and a treat.
## Addressing Common Yorkie Behavioral Issues
Yorkies, like all dogs, can develop certain behavioral issues. Here’s how to address some common problems:
**1. Excessive Barking:**
Yorkies are known for being vocal. While some barking is normal, excessive barking can be disruptive. Address this issue with:
* **Identify the Trigger:** Determine what’s causing your Yorkie to bark. Is it strangers, other dogs, or boredom?
* **Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning:** Gradually expose your Yorkie to the trigger at a low intensity and reward them for remaining calm. This helps them associate the trigger with positive experiences.
* **”Quiet” Command:** Teach your Yorkie the “Quiet” command. When they start barking, say “Quiet” in a firm voice. If they stop barking, even for a moment, reward them with praise and a treat.
* **Ignore Attention-Seeking Barking:** If your Yorkie is barking for attention, ignore them. Don’t give them any eye contact, talk to them, or touch them. Only give them attention when they are quiet.
* **Provide Mental Stimulation:** Boredom can lead to excessive barking. Provide your Yorkie with plenty of toys, puzzle toys, and opportunities for exercise to keep them mentally stimulated.
**2. Separation Anxiety:**
Yorkies can be prone to separation anxiety, which manifests as destructive behavior, excessive barking, or house soiling when left alone.
* **Gradual Desensitization:** Start by leaving your Yorkie alone for short periods and gradually increase the duration. This helps them get used to being alone.
* **Create a Safe Space:** Provide your Yorkie with a safe and comfortable space, such as their crate or bed, when you leave. Include familiar toys and a comfortable blanket.
* **Avoid Making a Fuss:** Don’t make a big deal out of leaving or returning. This can increase your Yorkie’s anxiety.
* **Provide Mental Stimulation:** Before leaving, give your Yorkie a puzzle toy or engage them in a play session to tire them out.
* **Consider Medication:** In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend medication to help manage your Yorkie’s separation anxiety.
**3. Leash Reactivity:**
Some Yorkies become reactive on leash, barking, lunging, or pulling when they see other dogs or people.
* **Identify the Trigger:** Determine what’s triggering your Yorkie’s reactivity. Is it other dogs, people, or specific types of vehicles?
* **Maintain Distance:** Avoid situations where your Yorkie is likely to react. Maintain a safe distance from the trigger.
* **Counter-Conditioning:** When you see the trigger, redirect your Yorkie’s attention to you with a treat or toy. Reward them for remaining calm.
* **Positive Reinforcement:** Use positive reinforcement to reward your Yorkie for calm and relaxed behavior around the trigger.
* **Consult a Professional:** If your Yorkie’s leash reactivity is severe, consult a certified professional dog trainer or behaviorist for guidance.
**4. Resource Guarding:**
Resource guarding is when a dog becomes possessive of food, toys, or other objects and becomes aggressive when someone approaches.
* **Manage the Environment:** Prevent resource guarding by managing your Yorkie’s environment. Don’t leave food or toys lying around where they can be guarded.
* **Trade-Up Game:** Teach your Yorkie to associate people approaching their resources with positive things. Approach them while they’re eating and offer them a higher-value treat in exchange for their food.
* **Hand Feeding:** Hand feed your Yorkie some of their meals to build trust and association of your hand with a positive experience.
* **Consult a Professional:** If your Yorkie’s resource guarding is severe, consult a certified professional dog trainer or behaviorist for guidance.
## Advanced Training: Taking it to the Next Level
Once your Yorkie has mastered basic obedience, you can move on to more advanced training, such as:
* **Trick Training:** Teaching your Yorkie tricks like “shake,” “roll over,” or “play dead” is a fun and engaging way to strengthen your bond and provide mental stimulation.
* **Agility Training:** Agility training involves navigating an obstacle course and can be a great way to exercise your Yorkie’s body and mind.
* **Therapy Dog Training:** If your Yorkie has a calm and gentle temperament, you may consider training them to become a therapy dog, providing comfort and support to people in hospitals, nursing homes, or schools.
## Tips for Success
* **Be Patient and Consistent:** Training takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your Yorkie doesn’t learn a command immediately. Be consistent with your training methods and practice regularly.
* **Use Positive Reinforcement:** Positive reinforcement is the most effective training method. Reward your Yorkie with praise, treats, and toys for desired behaviors.
* **Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun:** Yorkies have short attention spans, so keep training sessions short and engaging. End each session on a positive note.
* **Avoid Punishment:** Punishment can damage your relationship with your Yorkie and can lead to fear and anxiety. Focus on rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing undesirable ones.
* **Seek Professional Help:** If you’re struggling with training your Yorkie, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist.
## Conclusion
Training a Yorkie requires patience, consistency, and a positive approach. By understanding their temperament, using effective training methods, and addressing common behavioral issues, you can help your Yorkie become a well-behaved and loving companion. Remember to be patient and consistent, and always focus on positive reinforcement. With dedication and perseverance, you can unlock your Yorkie’s full potential and enjoy a happy and fulfilling relationship for many years to come.