Yorkshire Terrier Training. Yorkshire Terrier Training at Home. Videos and Photos

Training a Yorkshire Terrier at Home

Just like any other dog, a Yorkshire Terrier needs training and education to be a well-rounded member of society. These pets are usually kept in urban areas and are often walked on the streets among crowds of people and other animals. Training a Yorkie is an essential part of the learning process and can be done almost imperceptibly for the dog.

Training a Yorkshire Terrier at home allows you to solve many tasks. One of the main goals is to establish proper behavior with people and other dogs. It also creates additional barriers of protection, for example, teaching them not to eat things off the ground can prevent poisonings and reduce the risk of catching dangerous diseases.

Yorkie training can be done in the following ways:

• By the owner;
• With a specialist in a group setting or individually;
• Combined method (the most effective).

Training a Yorkshire Terrier at Home

It is challenging to independently teach a pet behavior norms if there is no experience and understanding with the dog. Before teaching Yorkshire Terriers commands, it is necessary to establish a connection with them. It is best if the dog constantly seeks eye contact with the owner, making it easier to attract their attention and get a response. It may be helpful to attend a few sessions with an experienced trainer who understands the breed and teaches the owner how to interact with the terrier. Ideally, completing a basic obedience course is recommended.

If this is not possible, then you should gather thematic literature, watch videos, and be patient. Not all commands are remembered and executed after the first session. A young Yorkshire Terrier will need time to memorize and understand what the owner wants from them.

Positive reinforcement with treats or praise is an ideal and proven method. Many wonder: can you hit a Yorkie? No, physical force should not be used in this context. It will cause fear during training and may only anger some animals and distance them from the owner.

Where to start Yorkie training? When starting training, it is important to carefully study the pet's behavior and reward them for good deeds. For example, if the puppy goes to the bathroom outside, give them a treat and praise them enthusiastically. This creates a vivid memory, and after a few days, the Yorkie will automatically perform the required actions. In more complex cases where this method is not effective, other methods are used. For instance, a mechanical method for the "sit" command and similar ones. The Yorkie is gently and forcibly seated (or laid down for "lie down") by applying slight pressure on the hindquarters. After holding this position for about a minute, reward them. Treats are gradually replaced with praise, sometimes a favorite toy is more effective than a treat.

What You Need for Yorkshire Terrier Training?

Prepare not only the dog but also various tools and equipment for training. It is advisable to try different methods to make the training more effective. For training, prepare or find:

• Treats - dried low-salt cheese, dry food pieces, dried light chicken meat.
• Clicker - a special tool for quick training and habit formation.
• Collar and long leash - for practicing commands outdoors or in the presence of distractions, for "mechanical" training.
• Toys, balls, a dog sports area - for object search, agility training, and obstacle courses.
• Bedding - useful for training in cold or rainy weather outdoors, especially when building endurance.

Basic Commands for Yorkshire Terrier Training

Basic commands for a Yorkie are sufficient for an urban companion dog. Some of them are useful not only during walks or at home but also for simplifying care, medical, and grooming procedures. The standard set includes:

• "Sit" - it is easy to catch the dog in this position and reinforce the command by giving a treat and saying "sit."

• "Down" - a similar method.

• "Come" - a fairly complex command, but initially, you act as described above. Or gently tug the Yorkie on a long leash and slowly bring them to you, then reinforce.

• "Stay" - from a lying position, gently lift the dog while supporting their belly with your hand and give the command. Once they stand up, reinforce.

• "Heel" - catch the moment when the pet walks by your left leg and praise them, saying "heel." You can lower a treat in front of their nose on the leash and hold it while the Yorkie walks at the right pace by your side. Reward them.

Yorkshire Terrier Training by Months:

Training a Yorkshire Terrier at 1-2 Months

At such a tender age, Yorkshire Terrier puppies are gently educated. The mother and interaction with littermates play a significant role in this. The puppy learns to communicate, play, attack, and defend. You can praise them for going to the toilet on a pee pad.

Training a Yorkshire Terrier at 2-3 Months

This is the time when Yorkies start settling into their new homes. Training is not conducted in its pure form but rather focuses on education. Reinforcing reflexes, good behavior, and toilet training. Quarantine measures are still in place, but it is appropriate to get the pet used to equipment. Initially, put a collar on for 20-30 minutes over 2-3 days, then attach a leash and walk around the house for 10-20 minutes.

Training a Yorkshire Terrier at 3-4 Months

This is a suitable period for more serious training and the first Yorkshire Terrier training. Teach them commands like "sit," "come," and "heel" on a long leash in a quiet place and at home. It is advisable to find a secluded street or area where there are no people or other animals that could distract from memorization and training.

Training a Yorkshire Terrier at 4-5 Months

You can now seek help from a specialist or continue independent training in the presence of distractions. This could be a busy street, a park, or a yard away from traffic. Commands are practiced on a leash.

Training a Yorkshire Terrier at 5-6 Months

You can start removing the leash or collar. However, it is best to ensure that the terrier is not distracted by barking, car noises, or passing people. Only then is the training considered truly successful, which is very useful for walks and visits to the vet, pet store, or grooming salon.

If future exhibitions are planned, it is time to start attending them. Additionally, teach them to calmly show their teeth (gently lifting the lips and gums with fingers and squeezing the jaw), and allow examination of the testicles (for males).

Training a Yorkshire Terrier at 7-8 Months

Advanced skills are added to the basic ones. Previously acquired knowledge is periodically practiced during walks using familiar training techniques.

Tips for Yorkshire Terrier Training

Simple rules will help you better understand how to train an adult Yorkshire Terrier or a puppy:

• Conduct training on an empty stomach between main meals.
• Alternate command practice with rest and change their sequence.
• Before a walk, you can give a small skills test to reinforce the effect with pleasant emotions.
• It is useful to teach Yorkies gestures instead of vocal commands.
• Training can be done at any age, and it is necessary to periodically review the material already covered.

Mistakes in Yorkshire Terrier Training

Mistakes in training are made by both professionals and beginners. Here are the most common ones:

• Repeating the command multiple times (the dog stops "hearing" and thinks that execution is not necessary).
• Not waiting for the command to be executed and giving treats for no reason (lack of reinforcement).
• Overworking the dog during training (excessive stress does not contribute to memorization and reflex formation).
• Hitting the dog (unacceptable behavior that only leads to negative attitudes towards training).

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): Question: Why is a Yorkie puppy difficult to train? Answer: It depends on the puppy's age. If the puppy is too young, training should be done through play, clearly pronouncing commands, and ideally, each command should have a specific gesture that the puppy will remember. Training should be conducted regularly, and the puppy should not be scolded if they get distracted by other objects.

Question: Where to start training a Yorkie? Answer: Training should start with play to let the puppy loosen up a bit, then you can start teaching commands, always remember to praise and reward with treats after each successful execution.

Question: Is it okay to hit a Yorkie for training purposes? Answer: No. This will cause negative emotions in the Yorkie. The puppy may refuse to follow commands and only be afraid of training sessions.