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How to Train a Yorkie Terrier

Contributor
By Cassandra Cochrun
eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

Yorkshire terriers are one of the most popular companion dogs today because of their small size and bright, fun personalities. Yorkies can be easy to train, but they tend to be stubborn if owners do not continue to work with them. Anytime you teach your Yorkie a command or a trick, you'll need to establish that your Yorkie needs to obey you, not the other way around.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Treats
  1. Step 1

    Set a training schedule. Work with your Yorkie every day at specific times. Yorkies are very smart and will quickly learn a training schedule.

  2. Step 2

    Give the command. For example, if you want to train your Yorkie to sit down, say "sit." Keep your voice firm so that the Yorkie knows you're asking her to do something. She may not know what she's supposed to do at first, but with practice, she'll respond to your voice.

  3. Step 3

    Gesture along with your verbal commands. If you're teaching your Yorkie to shake, extend your hand to meet his paw. Since Yorkies are so small, you'll probably need to get down on their level for many commands, but maintain your authoritative posture. Keep your face above your dog's.

  4. Step 4

    Show the dog what you want. For example, if you want your Yorkie to lie down, you may have to physically lay her down the first few times you practice the trick. Give the command and the gesture (perhaps a downward-facing hand), and then place your dog's front legs on the floor so that he has to lay down. Always be very gentle during this step.

  5. Step 5

    When your Yorkie successfully obeys a command, reward her. Accompany treats with lots of praise because Yorkies love attention. If you lavish your Yorkie with praise, you may be able to wean her off of treats slowly.

Tips & Warnings
  • Yorkies are notoriously stubborn, so you'll want to establish immediately that you're the authority. Think of yourself as the pack leader, not the parent, from the minute you bring your Yorkie home.
  • Yorkies are very tiny. Never, ever hit your Yorkie to discipline her. You may hurt her, and she will be much more likely to obey if you simply use stern words when she makes a mistake.
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