Yorkshire Terrier Training Guide That Actually Works

Training a Yorkshire Terrier feels easy until you realize they don’t care about your plans. They’re tiny, cute, and smart, but they also come with a bold personality that makes them act like they own your entire house.

If you treat a Yorkie like a big dog in a small body, you’ll struggle fast. If you treat them like a clever little diva who needs structure, you’ll get an amazing companion who actually listens.

This guide breaks down exactly how to train a Yorkshire Terrier the right way. Not in a strict “dog trainer” way, but in a realistic way that works for normal people with normal patience.

Understanding the Yorkshire Terrier Personality

Yorkies don’t behave like “small dogs,” they behave like confident dogs who just happen to fit in a purse. They have high energy, quick brains, and a stubborn streak that can surprise you the first time you tell them “no.”

The mistake most people make is assuming Yorkies are naturally calm lap dogs. They can be cuddly, sure, but they still need boundaries and training or they’ll turn into little barking tornadoes.

Yorkies also love being the center of attention, and honestly, they’re kind of good at it. If your dog learns that barking, whining, or pawing gets them what they want, they’ll use that strategy every single time.

A Yorkie responds best to consistency and confidence, not force. If you get emotional or frustrated, they’ll either shut down or double down on their stubbornness like a tiny lawyer arguing their case.

Why Yorkies Act “Bossy” Sometimes

Yorkies were originally bred to chase rats and small pests, which means they’re not fragile little ornaments. They have that “I can handle anything” attitude, even when they weigh less than your grocery bag.

That confidence can look like aggression or bossiness, but most of the time it’s just boldness. They don’t want to be bullied, and they don’t want to be ignored either.

A Yorkie wants a clear leader, but they also want respect. If you treat them like a toy, they often develop anxiety and defensive behavior because they don’t feel secure.

What Motivates a Yorkie Most

Food works, obviously, but attention is a close second. Many Yorkies will do ridiculous things just to get you to react, which is both hilarious and exhausting.

They also love routines, even if they pretend they don’t. When they know what’s coming next, they behave better because they feel in control of their environment.

If you want a well-trained Yorkie, you need to make training feel like a fun little game. If it feels like punishment or stress, they’ll mentally quit on you.

Setting Up the Right Training Environment

Before you even teach a single command, you need to set your house up for success. Yorkies learn fast, but they also pick up bad habits fast, and your home environment plays a big role.

If your Yorkie has full freedom from day one, you’ll probably end up chasing them around like a tired parent. A structured environment makes training smoother and prevents accidents, chewing, and constant barking.

I always recommend starting with a small controlled area like a playpen, gated room, or puppy-proofed section of the house. It sounds strict, but it actually reduces stress for both you and your dog.

A Yorkie doesn’t need to explore the whole home immediately. They need to learn the rules in one space first, then slowly earn more freedom like they’re leveling up in a game.

Essential Training Supplies

Training gets easier when you have the right tools ready. You don’t need fancy equipment, but you do need a few basics that make life less chaotic.

Here’s what I recommend having from day one:

• A properly sized crate
• A comfortable harness (not just a collar)
• A lightweight leash
• High-value treats (tiny pieces)
• Puppy pads if you’re pad training
• Chew toys to prevent furniture destruction
• A clicker (optional but helpful)

Treat size matters more than people realize. Yorkies are tiny, so you want small rewards so they don’t fill up after five minutes and lose interest.

How to Puppy-Proof Like You Actually Mean It

Yorkies chew, especially as puppies, and they’re weirdly talented at finding trouble. If there’s a sock under the couch, they will locate it like a treasure hunter.

Remove anything chewable, block off unsafe areas, and don’t assume “they’re too small to reach that.” Yorkies jump higher than you’d expect, and they climb furniture like little mountain goats.

I also recommend picking up loose cords and keeping shoes out of reach. If you don’t, your Yorkie will eventually chew something expensive, and you’ll just stand there wondering how a 6-pound dog did that much damage.

The Importance of a Consistent Daily Routine

Routine makes training faster because it reduces confusion. If your Yorkie eats, walks, and sleeps at random times, they won’t understand what you want from them.

A basic daily schedule should include regular potty breaks, meals at the same time, play sessions, and short training sessions. Yorkies do best with structure, even if they act dramatic about it.

The more predictable your routine is, the less anxiety-driven behavior you’ll see. That includes barking, whining, and clinginess.

House Training a Yorkshire Terrier

House training a Yorkie can be either surprisingly easy or unbelievably annoying, depending on how consistent you are. Their small bladders mean they need frequent potty breaks, especially as puppies.

The biggest problem people run into is waiting too long between potty breaks. A Yorkie puppy doesn’t “hold it and wait,” they just go when they feel the urge, and that’s usually right now.

If you want fast results, you need to treat potty training like a schedule-based system, not a guessing game. When you stay consistent, most Yorkies learn quickly because they’re smart and they like routines.

Also, let’s be honest, you can’t “train away” accidents if you’re not supervising. If your puppy wanders off into another room, they’re not looking for a toilet, they’re looking for a hidden corner.

Potty Training Schedule That Actually Works

A good potty training schedule prevents accidents before they happen. You should take your Yorkie out at predictable times, even if they don’t ask.

Here’s the simple rule: take them out after every major activity. That includes:

• After waking up
• After eating
• After drinking water
• After playing
• After training sessions
• Before bedtime

If your Yorkie is under 4 months old, you may need potty breaks every 1–2 hours. Yes, it’s annoying, but it’s temporary, and it works.

Crate Training for Potty Success

Crate training makes potty training easier because dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping space. The key is using the crate correctly, not leaving them in it forever.

The crate should be just big enough for your Yorkie to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. If it’s too large, they may potty in one corner and sleep in the other like it’s a studio apartment.

I like using a crate schedule that alternates between crate time, potty breaks, and supervised playtime. That routine builds good habits fast and reduces accidents dramatically.

Puppy Pads vs Outdoor Training

This is where people get emotional, and I get it. Puppy pads can be helpful, but they can also teach your Yorkie that peeing indoors is acceptable.

If you live in an apartment or deal with bad weather, pads might be necessary. But if you want your Yorkie fully house-trained outdoors, you should focus on outdoor potty trips as the main method.

If you use pads, keep them in one consistent location and slowly transition them closer to the door. Eventually, you can remove them once your Yorkie understands the routine.

What to Do When Accidents Happen

Accidents happen because of timing, not because your Yorkie is “bad.” Yelling won’t help, and honestly, it can make things worse because it creates fear.

If you catch them mid-accident, calmly interrupt with a sound like “ah-ah” and immediately take them outside. Then reward them like they just won an award when they finish outside.

Clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner, not regular spray. If your Yorkie can smell the old spot, they’ll keep using it like it’s their personal restroom.

Teaching Basic Commands (Sit, Stay, Come, Down)

Basic commands aren’t just about obedience. They give your Yorkie a structure for communication, and they make daily life way easier.

Yorkies can learn fast, but they get bored fast too. That means your training sessions should stay short, fun, and consistent, not long and intense like boot camp.

I recommend training for 5–10 minutes at a time, a couple of times per day. That might not sound like much, but it adds up quickly and prevents burnout for both of you.

Also, your Yorkie will test you. They’ll do the command once, then stare at you like, “What’s in it for me?” and honestly, fair question.

How to Teach “Sit”

Sit is usually the easiest command because it feels natural for most dogs. Hold a treat close to your Yorkie’s nose, then slowly move it upward and slightly back.

As their head follows the treat, their butt naturally goes down. The moment their butt touches the floor, say “sit” and reward immediately.

Repeat this several times, then start saying “sit” before you lure them. Over time, reduce the hand motion until they respond to the word alone.

How to Teach “Down”

Down takes more patience because it feels more submissive. Some Yorkies resist at first, especially if they feel unsure or overly excited.

Start from the sit position, then lower the treat down to the floor. Slowly drag it forward so your Yorkie stretches out and lowers their body.

Reward as soon as their elbows hit the ground. Don’t rush it, because if you push too hard, your Yorkie will start avoiding the command.

How to Teach “Stay” Without the Drama

Stay is tricky because Yorkies love movement and attention. They don’t naturally want to pause and wait like polite little angels.

Start small by asking for sit, then say “stay” and hold your hand up like a stop sign. Wait one second, reward, and release with a word like “okay.”

Slowly increase time, then distance, then distractions. If you increase all three at once, your Yorkie will fail, and you’ll both get frustrated.

How to Teach “Come” (The Most Important Command)

Come can save your dog’s life, so don’t treat it casually. Make “come” a happy word that always leads to good things.

Say “come” in a cheerful voice, crouch down, and reward like crazy when they reach you. You want your Yorkie to feel like running to you is the best decision they’ve ever made.

Never call your Yorkie to punish them. If “come” leads to nail trimming or yelling, they’ll stop coming, and you’ll end up chasing them around like a sitcom character.

Socializing a Yorkshire Terrier the Right Way

Yorkies need socialization more than people realize. Without it, they can become yappy, nervous, and reactive, especially around strangers or bigger dogs.

Socialization doesn’t mean letting everyone pick them up and overwhelm them. It means teaching your Yorkie that the world is safe, predictable, and not something to bark at nonstop.

The best socialization happens early, but you can still improve things with an adult Yorkie. You just need patience and smart exposure instead of throwing them into chaos.

If your Yorkie barks at everything, don’t assume they’re “mean.” Many Yorkies bark because they feel insecure, and barking makes them feel powerful.

Socialization Checklist for Yorkies

A well-socialized Yorkie should experience a variety of people, sounds, and environments. You want calm exposure, not stressful overload.

Here are good socialization experiences to include:

• Meeting adults and kids calmly
• Seeing people wearing hats or sunglasses
• Hearing traffic sounds and vacuum cleaners
• Walking on grass, pavement, tile, and sand
• Visiting pet-friendly stores
• Being handled gently (paws, ears, mouth)
• Meeting calm dogs of different sizes

Keep sessions short and positive. Yorkies can get overstimulated quickly, and once they get overwhelmed, they start barking like they’re announcing the end of the world.

Preventing Small Dog Syndrome

Small dog syndrome happens when people excuse bad behavior because the dog is tiny. That’s how you end up with a Yorkie who growls, snaps, and rules the house like a tiny dictator.

Your Yorkie needs the same rules as a bigger dog. No biting, no constant barking, no guarding toys, and no aggressive lunging at strangers.

I always tell people this: your Yorkie doesn’t need harsher discipline, they need clearer boundaries. When they understand rules, they relax because they don’t feel like they have to control everything.

Handling Fearful Behavior

Some Yorkies act nervous in new situations, especially if they missed early socialization. The goal isn’t forcing them into scary situations, it’s building confidence slowly.

Start with distance, reward calm behavior, and let them observe. Over time, reduce the distance as they become more comfortable.

If your Yorkie trembles or hides, don’t mock them or force interaction. Comfort them calmly, then redirect with treats and a confident attitude.

Leash Training and Walking a Yorkie

Walking a Yorkie sounds simple until you actually try it. Many Yorkies pull, stop constantly, bark at everything, or act like they’ve never seen a sidewalk before.

Leash training matters because it builds discipline and reduces anxiety. A dog that walks calmly feels more secure, and you feel more in control too.

Yorkies also have that terrier instinct, so they love chasing movement. Birds, leaves, bugs, random plastic bags blowing in the wind, everything becomes a “target.”

I personally think leash training is one of the best ways to train a Yorkie’s brain. It teaches focus, patience, and trust without needing complicated tricks.

Harness vs Collar (Don’t Overthink It)

Yorkies should wear a harness for walks, not a collar. Their necks are delicate, and collars can cause trachea issues, especially if they pull.

A good harness distributes pressure across the chest and makes walking safer. Choose one that fits snugly but doesn’t restrict movement.

A collar works fine for ID tags, but I wouldn’t rely on it for leash training unless you enjoy stressing out your dog for no reason.

Teaching Loose-Leash Walking

Loose-leash walking means your Yorkie walks beside you without dragging you like they’re walking their human. This takes patience, but it’s completely doable.

Start in a quiet area with minimal distractions. Every time your Yorkie pulls, stop walking immediately and wait until the leash relaxes.

The moment they return toward you or loosen the leash, reward and continue walking. It feels slow at first, but it teaches them that pulling doesn’t get them anywhere.

Dealing With Stopping and Refusing to Walk

Some Yorkies stop walking because they get distracted, stubborn, or nervous. They may just freeze and stare like they’re protesting.

Don’t drag them. Instead, use a cheerful voice, encourage them forward, and reward movement. If they refuse repeatedly, they may feel overwhelmed or tired.

Sometimes Yorkies stop because the ground feels hot or uncomfortable. Always check the pavement temperature because Yorkies stand close to the ground and feel it more.

Stopping Excessive Barking

Yorkies bark. It’s part of the breed package, like fluff and attitude. But constant barking isn’t cute, and it usually means something is off.

Most excessive barking comes from boredom, anxiety, attention-seeking, or territorial behavior. Yorkies love feeling like watchdogs, and they take the job seriously.

If your Yorkie barks at every noise, they probably think they’re protecting you from invisible danger. They’re basically a tiny security alarm with legs.

You don’t fix barking by yelling “stop barking.” That’s like trying to stop fire by screaming at it. You fix barking by teaching calm behavior and giving your dog a better outlet.

Identify the Type of Barking

Different barking needs different solutions. A Yorkie barking at the door isn’t the same as a Yorkie barking because they want snacks.

Common barking types include:

• Alert barking (door, strangers, noises)
• Attention barking (wanting interaction)
• Anxiety barking (left alone)
• Excitement barking (playtime, visitors)
• Reactive barking (other dogs, bikes, people)

Once you identify the type, training becomes way more effective. Otherwise, you’re just guessing and hoping the barking magically stops.

Training the “Quiet” Command

Quiet training works best when you teach barking first, which sounds ridiculous but it works. Encourage one or two barks, then say “quiet” and show a treat.

Most Yorkies pause barking to sniff the treat. The moment they stop, reward and praise. Repeat until they understand that silence earns rewards.

Over time, increase the time they stay quiet before rewarding. This builds real control, not just temporary bribery.

Mental Stimulation to Reduce Barking

Yorkies bark more when they’re bored. A bored Yorkie becomes a loud Yorkie, and that’s just the truth.

Add puzzle toys, sniff games, and short training sessions throughout the day. Even five minutes of brain work can calm them down.

If you want my honest opinion, mental stimulation matters more than long walks for Yorkies. Their brains get restless faster than their legs do.

Preventing Biting and Nipping

Yorkie puppies love using their mouths, and their tiny teeth feel like needles. If you don’t address nipping early, it becomes a bad habit that sticks around.

Most nipping comes from play excitement or teething, not aggression. Still, you should take it seriously because a dog that bites can become a problem, even if they’re small.

I’ve seen people laugh at Yorkie nipping because it’s “cute.” Then the dog grows up and bites visitors, and suddenly nobody thinks it’s funny anymore.

You don’t need harsh punishment. You need consistent boundaries and better alternatives.

How to Stop Play Biting

When your Yorkie bites during play, immediately stop interaction. Don’t yell, don’t chase, don’t wave your hands around like you’re auditioning for a drama show.

Say “ouch” in a firm voice, stand up, and walk away for 10–15 seconds. This teaches your Yorkie that biting ends the fun.

Then redirect with a chew toy and praise them when they chew the right thing. This is simple, but it works if you stay consistent.

Teething Solutions That Actually Help

Teething can make Yorkie puppies cranky and mouthy. They need safe things to chew or they’ll choose furniture, hands, and random objects.

Give them chilled chew toys, soft rubber toys, or safe puppy teething rings. Frozen washcloths can also work, as long as your dog doesn’t shred and swallow fabric.

Avoid giving them old shoes. That “cute idea” teaches them that shoes are chew toys, and your future self will hate you for it.

Teaching Bite Inhibition

Bite inhibition means teaching your dog to control the force of their bite. Even if your Yorkie nips, they should learn to keep it gentle.

Play with them, and if they bite too hard, stop the game immediately. Over time, your Yorkie learns to control their mouth pressure if they want playtime to continue.

This training takes patience, but it builds a safer, more polite dog. It also keeps your hands from looking like you fought a cactus.

Training Your Yorkie to Be Alone (Separation Anxiety Help)

Yorkies bond hard with their people. They love being close, and they often act like your shadow, which sounds sweet until you can’t leave the room without them crying.

Separation anxiety happens when a Yorkie feels unsafe alone. They may bark, whine, destroy things, or even potty indoors out of stress.

The worst thing you can do is make a big emotional goodbye every time you leave. That teaches your Yorkie that leaving is a major event, and they should panic about it.

Instead, you want leaving and returning to feel normal and boring. That’s the goal, even if it feels cold at first.

Gradual Alone-Time Training

Start by leaving your Yorkie alone for tiny amounts of time. Walk into another room, close the door for 30 seconds, then return calmly.

Slowly increase the time over days and weeks. This builds confidence without overwhelming your dog.

If your Yorkie starts barking or whining, wait for a moment of silence before returning. Otherwise, they learn that noise brings you back.

Using the Crate to Reduce Anxiety

Crate training can help with separation anxiety because it creates a safe “den” feeling. The crate should never feel like punishment.

Feed meals in the crate, give treats inside, and let your Yorkie nap there voluntarily. If the crate becomes their comfort zone, alone time becomes much easier.

Some Yorkies even start walking into the crate on their own when they feel tired or overwhelmed. That’s when you know you’re doing it right.

Keeping Them Busy While You’re Gone

A bored Yorkie becomes an anxious Yorkie. Give them something safe to focus on when you leave, like a stuffed Kong or puzzle toy.

You can also leave calming background noise like soft music. It won’t solve anxiety by itself, but it helps reduce sudden sounds that trigger barking.

If your Yorkie panics severely, talk to a vet or professional trainer. Some cases need extra help, and there’s no shame in that.

Advanced Training Tricks That Yorkies Love

Once your Yorkie learns basic obedience, you can move into fun tricks. Yorkies love showing off, and trick training builds confidence while strengthening your bond.

I honestly think Yorkies thrive when they have “jobs,” even silly ones. Teaching tricks gives them mental stimulation and reduces bad behaviors like barking or chewing.

Tricks also help your Yorkie focus on you instead of distractions. That’s useful when you walk them in public or introduce them to new people.

Keep trick training short and fun. If your Yorkie gets frustrated, stop and try again later. They’re smart, but they’re also dramatic about failure.

Easy Tricks to Teach First

Start with tricks that feel natural and don’t require intense coordination. These are great beginner tricks for Yorkies:

• Shake paw
• Spin in a circle
• High five
• Sit pretty (beg position)
• Roll over
• Touch (nose to hand)

Touch is one of my favorites because it becomes useful in daily life. You can use it to redirect barking or guide your Yorkie away from something they want to chase.

How to Teach “Touch”

Hold your hand out and let your Yorkie sniff it. The moment their nose touches your palm, say “touch” and reward.

Repeat this until they start doing it intentionally. Then increase distance so they walk toward your hand to touch it.

This trick becomes a powerful training tool. You can use it to regain attention in distracting environments, and it works like magic when your Yorkie gets stubborn.

Teaching “Place” for Calm Behavior

Place means your Yorkie goes to a bed or mat and stays there calmly. This is great for visitors, mealtimes, and stopping attention-seeking chaos.

Guide them to the bed, say “place,” and reward when they step on it. Then reward again when they stay there for a few seconds.

Over time, your Yorkie learns that calm behavior earns rewards. It’s basically teaching them how to chill out without acting like a tiny boss.

Common Yorkie Training Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Yorkies don’t fail training because they’re dumb. They fail training because humans send mixed signals and then act surprised when the dog gets confused.

Most training issues come from inconsistency, giving in too easily, or expecting too much too fast. Yorkies are smart, but they still need repetition and clear rules.

If your Yorkie ignores commands, don’t assume they’re being disrespectful. They probably learned that listening is optional because sometimes you enforce rules and sometimes you don’t.

I’m not judging, by the way. Every dog owner does this at some point, especially when the dog is cute and gives you those innocent eyes.

Giving Too Much Freedom Too Soon

If you let your Yorkie roam the house unsupervised before they’re trained, you’ll get accidents, chewing, and barking. It’s almost guaranteed.

Freedom should be earned gradually. Start with one controlled area, then expand slowly as your Yorkie proves they can handle it.

This approach feels strict at first, but it prevents so many problems. It’s like childproofing, except the “child” runs faster and bites furniture.

Inconsistent Commands and Rules

If one person says “down” and another person says “off,” your Yorkie will get confused. Dogs don’t automatically understand synonyms.

Everyone in the household should use the same command words and enforce the same rules. If one person allows begging and the other doesn’t, your Yorkie will become a professional manipulator.

Consistency matters more than intensity. Yorkies don’t need harshness, they need clarity.

Overtraining and Expecting Too Much

Yorkies can learn quickly, but they also burn out quickly. Long training sessions can lead to frustration, boredom, and stubborn behavior.

Stick to short sessions and end on a win. Even if progress feels slow, consistency builds strong habits over time.

If your Yorkie struggles with a command, break it down into smaller steps. Training should feel like progress, not like punishment.

Conclusion

Training a Yorkshire Terrier takes patience, consistency, and a little sense of humor because they love testing boundaries. If you focus on routines, clear rules, and short training sessions, your Yorkie will learn faster than you expect.

House training, barking control, and leash manners matter the most in daily life, so don’t rush those steps. Once your Yorkie understands structure, you’ll start seeing that loyal, confident personality shine in the best way.

A trained Yorkie isn’t just easier to live with, they’re honestly more relaxed and happier too. And yes, they’ll still act like royalty, but at least they’ll listen when you call them.