How to Train a Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier training. Tips for their moderate energy toy breed temperament.
Training Approach
Yorkies are terriers first and lap dogs second. That terrier stubbornness means they will test boundaries constantly, but they are also clever and food-motivated enough to learn quickly when the payoff is right. Use tiny, soft treats -- their small stomachs fill up fast, and you do not want training calories adding up.
The biggest training pitfall with Yorkies is inconsistency. Because they are small and cute, owners laugh off behaviors that would be unacceptable in a larger dog. A Yorkie that growls when you move them off the couch is practicing the same resource guarding as a German Shepherd doing it -- the consequences just seem less serious until someone gets bitten.
Known Health Risks: Genetic screening data shows Yorkshire Terriers have elevated rates of dental disease, luxating patella, collapsed trachea. Rates vary across individuals, and plenty of animals never develop the conditions associated with their breed. The real value of breed-aware veterinary care is earlier screening and faster recognition when something does appear.
Yorkshire Terrier Training Challenges
Yorkies can develop "small dog syndrome" when owners carry them everywhere and shield them from normal experiences. This produces a dog that barks, snaps, and trembles at anything unfamiliar. The fix is treating them like a dog, not an accessory.
- Size: small (4-7 lbs)
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Shedding: Minimal
- Common Health Issues: Dental Disease, Luxating Patella, Collapsed Trachea
- Lifespan: 11-15 yrs
Socialization
Start socializing a Yorkie puppy early, and do not skip it because they are small enough to carry away from any situation. Let them walk on their own four feet, meet friendly dogs of various sizes, and experience different surfaces and sounds. Use a harness instead of a collar -- Yorkies are prone to collapsed trachea, and collar pressure makes it worse.
For adult Yorkies who missed socialization, go at the dog's pace. Pair new experiences with high-value treats, and let the dog retreat when it needs to. Forced exposure backfires with terrier breeds -- they dig in harder.
Obedience Commands
Prioritize "come," "leave it," and "quiet." Recall is essential for a tiny dog that could be grabbed by a hawk or cornered by a larger dog. "Leave it" prevents them from eating dangerous objects. "Quiet" addresses the barking that Yorkie owners universally deal with.
Keep training sessions to three to five minutes. Yorkies lose interest quickly, and pushing past their attention span just teaches them that ignoring you is acceptable. End on a success so training stays positive.
- Provide 30–60 minutes of daily exercise appropriate to their energy level
- Feed a high-quality diet formulated for small breed dogs (400–800 calories/day)
- Maintain an occasional grooming routine
- Schedule breed-appropriate health screenings for dental disease
- Consider pet insurance while your pet is young and healthy — premiums are lower and pre-existing conditions aren't an issue
Advanced Training
Yorkies were rat catchers, so they respond well to games that mimic pursuit and capture. Flirt poles (toy on a string you drag on the ground), hide-and-seek with treats, and small puzzle toys tap into their hunting drive.
Trick training is perfect for Yorkies. They enjoy performing and learn sequences like "spin, sit, shake" surprisingly fast when treats are involved. This also helps build impulse control -- the dog learns to think through a series of steps rather than just reacting.
Cooperative grooming training is worth the investment. Teach your Yorkie to accept brushing, tooth brushing, and nail trimming through gradual desensitization and food rewards. Given their high-maintenance coat and dental issues, a dog that cooperates with grooming saves you significant stress over a 12-15 year lifespan.
Common Behavior Issues
Excessive barking tops the list. Yorkies bark at doorbells, passersby, other dogs, and often just for attention. Teach "quiet" by waiting for a pause in barking, marking it with "yes" or a clicker, and rewarding. Yelling "no" does not work -- to a Yorkie, it sounds like you are barking along with them.
Housetraining remains a lifelong project for some Yorkies. Their small bladders and strong opinions about weather mean accidents can happen even in trained adult dogs. Keep enzymatic cleaner stocked and maintain a consistent outdoor schedule. Many owners successfully use indoor potty options as a permanent complement to outdoor trips.
Yorkies settle into routines beautifully once established. Consistent feeding, walking, and rest times help curb anxious behaviors like demand barking and following you from room to room. When a Yorkie knows the schedule, it stops trying to manage yours.
Veterinary Care Schedule for Yorkshire Terriers
A regular vet schedule based on your How to Train a Yorkshire Terrier's age and breed-specific risks is the best health investment you can make. Your vet may modify this depending on your pet's history.
| Life Stage | Visit Frequency | Key Screenings |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (0-1 year) | Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then at 6 and 12 months | Vaccinations, deworming, spay/neuter (consult AVMA guidelines on optimal timing) consultation |
| Adult (1-7 years) | Annually | Physical exam, dental check, heartworm test, vaccination boosters |
| Senior (7+ years) | Every 6 months | Blood work, urinalysis, Dental Disease screening, Luxating Patella screening, Collapsed Trachea screening |
Yorkshire Terriers should receive breed-specific screening for dental disease starting at 3-5 years of age or earlier if symptoms appear. Most breed-related conditions respond better to early intervention.
Cost of Yorkshire Terrier Ownership
Articles can describe the shape of a good pet diet; only a veterinarian can tune it to the animal at home.
- Annual food costs: $250–$500 for high-quality dog food
- Veterinary care: $300–$700 annually for routine visits, plus potential emergency costs
- Grooming: $30–50 per professional session (occasional home grooming recommended)
- Pet insurance: $25–40/month for comprehensive coverage
- Supplies and toys: $200–$500 annually for bedding, toys, leashes, and other essentials
More Yorkshire Terrier Guides
Explore related topics for Yorkshire Terrier ownership.
- Yorkshire Terrier Diet & Nutrition Guide
- Yorkshire Terrier Pet Insurance Cost
- Yorkshire Terrier Grooming Guide
- Yorkshire Terrier Health Issues
- Yorkshire Terrier Temperament & Personality
- Yorkshire Terrier Exercise Needs
- Yorkshire Terrier Cost of Ownership
- Adopt a Yorkshire Terrier
Common Questions
A modest investment in understanding this aspect of How To Train A Yorkshire Terrier care pays back in calmer decisions during the inevitable odd day. Watch your individual pet for feedback signals, and tune routines to the patterns you actually see.
What are the most important considerations for how to train a yorkshire terrier?
Ask your vet which of the risks listed above actually apply to your individual animal. A lot of blanket advice doesn’t hold once you factor in age, weight, and health history.