How to Train Yorkie Puppies

Yorkshire terrier pups are rambunctious, but highly trainable.

One of the most popular dogs is the Yorkshire terrier. Nicknamed the "Yorkie," these cute little animals are so small that they may look like a puppy their whole life. Just because they are small does not make it easy to train them, though, because training a Yorkie takes a lot of time and patience.

Instructions

1. Show them who the boss is. Yorkies are commonly known for their "better than you" attitude and while they can easily be carried, they may have the mindset that they are the size of a German shepherd. Do not let them get away with anything they are not supposed to.

2. Train Yorkies to go outside right away. Teaching them to use a puppy pad or newspaper may be convenient at first, but then you will have to untrain them on that and by that time the puppy may never be housebroken.

3. Crate train Yorkies to help them adjust to being alone. The crate will eventually be a place of comfort where they have a nice dog bed, some toys and water. Food can also be placed in the crate as few dogs will urinate or poop in the same place they eat and drink. However, in young puppies, food and water should not be left in the crate.

4. Take time with your puppy. Simply ignoring it or letting it get away with bad behavior will allow it to slowly gain control of the house and do what it wants. If you do not have the time or patience, then your Yorkie may never change or become fully trained.

5. Walk your dog. Go around a fenced yard and lead the way to show the dog you are the leader and then eventually leash it for a walk around the block when it knows who is in charge. Make it do as much walking on its own so that it does not get used to being catered.

6. Use a stern voice when it has done something wrong. The puppy can easily sense your disappointment; no physical or further punishment is needed to get the point across. Yorkies can be very hyper dogs, so training them to relax may take months.

Resources

• Dog Breed Info Center: Yorkie Information