Essential Commands Every Yorkshire Terrier Should Learn

Training your Yorkshire Terrier is key to developing a well-behaved, happy dog. Whether you’re a new Yorkie owner or an experienced trainer, focusing on a few essential commands can make a world of difference. In this guide, we’ll cover the most important commands every Yorkshire Terrier should learn to ensure their safety, obedience, and overall well-being.

Why Training is Important for Your Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their lively, playful personalities, but without proper training, their independence can turn into stubbornness. Teaching your Yorkie basic commands will help manage their behavior, prevent accidents, and make your life together smoother and more enjoyable.

Starting early with obedience training allows your Yorkie to develop good habits that will last a lifetime. Even small dogs like Yorkies benefit greatly from structure and routine.

1. Sit: The Foundation Command

The "sit" command is one of the most basic yet essential commands every dog should know. Teaching your Yorkshire Terrier to sit on command helps them stay calm and focused, making it easier to manage their behavior, especially in distracting environments.

How to Teach It:

• Hold a treat close to your Yorkie’s nose.

• Slowly raise the treat above their head so they follow it with their eyes.

• As their head tilts up, their bottom will naturally lower to the floor.

• As soon as they sit, say “sit” and reward them with the treat.

Pro Tip: Keep training sessions short and positive. Yorkies respond best to positive reinforcement.

2. Stay: Teaching Self-Control

Once your Yorkie has mastered the "sit" command, the next step is teaching them to "stay." This command is crucial for keeping your dog safe in various situations, such as near traffic or when opening doors.

How to Teach It:

• Ask your Yorkie to sit.

• Open your hand in front of them, palm facing forward, and say “stay.”

• Take a step back, and if they remain in place, reward them with a treat and praise.

• Gradually increase the distance and time before offering the reward.

3. Come: The Recall Command

Teaching your Yorkshire Terrier to come when called is essential for their safety, especially when off-leash. A reliable recall command can prevent accidents and give you peace of mind during walks or playtime.

How to Teach It:

• Start in a low-distraction area like your home or backyard.

• Say your Yorkie’s name followed by “come” in a cheerful tone.

• When they come to you, reward them with a treat and praise.

• Practice this regularly, gradually adding more distractions as they improve.

4. Leave It: Preventing Unwanted Behavior

The "leave it" command is important for preventing your Yorkie from picking up harmful or unwanted items. Whether it’s something dangerous on the ground or a tempting shoe, teaching your dog to "leave it" can save you from trouble.

How to Teach It:

• Hold a treat in both hands.

• Show your Yorkie one hand with a treat, but don’t give it to them.

• Say “leave it” and wait until they lose interest in the treat.

• Once they stop trying to get it, reward them with the treat from the other hand.

This command requires patience but is highly effective in preventing unwanted behaviors.

5. Down: Encouraging Calm Behavior

The "down" command helps encourage calm behavior and can be particularly useful when you want your Yorkie to relax. This command is also a stepping stone for teaching more advanced tricks.

How to Teach It:

• Start with your Yorkie in a sitting position.

• Hold a treat in your hand and slowly lower it to the ground, encouraging your Yorkie to follow.

• As soon as they lie down, say “down” and reward them with the treat.

Keep the training consistent, and don’t rush it. Some Yorkies may take longer to understand this command, but persistence pays off.

Additional Tips for Training Your Yorkshire Terrier

• Be Consistent: Yorkshire Terriers respond well to routine. Make sure to use the same commands and gestures every time you train them.

• Use Positive Reinforcement: Always reward your Yorkie with treats, praise, or toys for good behavior. This encourages them to repeat the actions you want.

• Keep Sessions Short: Yorkies have short attention spans, so limit training sessions to about 10-15 minutes to keep them engaged.

If you’re looking for professional assistance, Essence of Grace Yorkies offers optional training services tailored to your puppy’s needs. From basic obedience to advanced commands, we’re here to help you raise a well-behaved Yorkshire Terrier.

Final Thoughts on Training Your Yorkie

Training your Yorkshire Terrier with essential commands is crucial for building a strong bond and ensuring their safety. By focusing on key commands like "sit," "stay," and "come," you’ll set the foundation for a well-behaved and obedient dog. Remember to stay patient and consistent, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.

At Essence of Grace Yorkies, we offer additional resources and training services to support you in raising a happy, well-mannered Yorkie. Whether you need help with basic commands or want to explore advanced training options, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Leash Training Your Yorkie: Building Good Habits Early On

Leash training is a crucial part of ensuring your Yorkshire Terrier is well-behaved during walks. Starting early is key to building good habits that will last a lifetime. In this post, we'll guide you through the steps to successfully leash train your Yorkie, helping you and your dog enjoy safe, enjoyable walks together.

Why Leash Training is Important for Your Yorkie

Yorkshire Terriers, like all small dogs, have energetic personalities, and proper leash training is vital for keeping them under control. Without the right leash skills, your Yorkie may tug, bark excessively, or become easily distracted by their surroundings. Early leash training will help instill good behavior and ensure your walks are peaceful and enjoyable.

Leash training is also important for your Yorkie's safety, preventing them from running into dangerous situations such as traffic or aggressive dogs.

Step 1: Introduce the Collar and Leash

Before beginning leash training, allow your Yorkie to get used to wearing a collar or harness. Let them wear it around the house for short periods and gradually increase the time as they grow comfortable.

Once your Yorkshire Terrier is used to the collar or harness, clip the leash onto it and let them drag it around for a bit. This helps them adjust to the feel of the leash without the pressure of walking.

Pro Tip: Use a lightweight leash and collar to prevent discomfort for your small Yorkie puppy.

Step 2: Start Indoors

Begin your leash training indoors, where there are fewer distractions. With the leash attached, practice walking short distances around your home. Encourage your Yorkie to follow you by calling their name or offering treats.

If your Yorkie puppy pulls on the leash, stop walking and stand still. This teaches them that pulling won’t get them anywhere. Once they stop pulling, reward them and continue walking.

Step 3: Practice Walking Outside

After successful training sessions indoors, it’s time to take your Yorkshire Terrier outside. Begin in a quiet area with minimal distractions to make the transition easier for your puppy.

Continue using the same techniques from indoor training—keep the leash short but not tight, and stop whenever your Yorkie starts to pull. Offer treats and praise for good behavior.

Pro Tip: Keep your walks short and positive, especially in the beginning, to avoid overwhelming your puppy.

Step 4: Reward Positive Behavior

Positive reinforcement is essential when leash training your Yorkie. Every time your puppy walks calmly by your side or follows your lead without pulling, reward them with a treat or praise. This reinforces the behavior you want to see.

Avoid punishing your Yorkie for bad behavior, such as pulling or barking on the leash. Instead, stay patient and consistent with your training.

Step 5: Be Consistent with Training

Consistency is the key to successful leash training. Practice for short periods every day to reinforce the habits you want to develop. Over time, your Yorkie will learn that good behavior on the leash leads to rewarding walks.

If you experience setbacks, return to basic indoor training before trying again outside. Patience and regular practice will ensure your Yorkie puppy becomes a well-behaved walking companion.

Common Leash Training Challenges

• Pulling on the leash: If your Yorkie pulls during walks, stop walking immediately. Resume only when your puppy relaxes.

• Barking at distractions: If your Yorkie barks at other dogs or people during walks, try redirecting their attention with treats or toys.

• Refusing to walk: Some Yorkies may freeze or refuse to move when they first start walking on a leash. Offer gentle encouragement and give them time to adjust.

Optional Leash Training Support

At Essence of Grace Yorkies, we offer optional leash training as a premium service for new puppy owners. This service helps establish good leash habits early on, ensuring a smooth transition into your home. Whether you're a first-time Yorkie owner or simply want professional assistance, this optional service is tailored to meet your puppy's training needs.

Final Thoughts on Leash Training Your Yorkie

Leash training your Yorkshire Terrier is essential for safe and enjoyable walks. By starting early, being consistent, and using positive reinforcement, you’ll help your puppy develop good walking habits that will last a lifetime. Remember, every Yorkie learns at their own pace, so be patient and enjoy the journey!

If you're looking for professional help with leash training, consider our optional premium services at Essence of Grace Yorkies. We're here to support you in raising a happy, well-trained Yorkie puppy.

Housebreaking Your Yorkshire Terrier: A Step-by-Step Guide

Housebreaking a Yorkshire Terrier can seem like a challenge, but with patience, consistency, and the right techniques, you can quickly train your Yorkie puppy to be reliable indoors. In this guide, we’ll cover a step-by-step process for housebreaking your Yorkie, along with useful tips to make the training smoother.

Why Housebreaking Your Yorkie Is Important

Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs with delicate digestive systems, meaning they may need more frequent potty breaks than larger breeds. Teaching your Yorkie proper housebreaking early on prevents accidents in the house and sets a foundation for long-term cleanliness.

Housebreaking is more than a training tool—it helps create a trusting and structured relationship with your puppy. A well-housebroken Yorkie is happier and more comfortable in your home.

Step 1: Establish a Potty Routine

Consistency is key to housebreaking. Set up a regular feeding and potty schedule to teach your Yorkshire Terrier puppy when and where they can relieve themselves. Take your puppy outside:

• First thing in the morning

• After meals

• After naps or playtime

• Before bed

Pro Tip: Praise your Yorkie immediately after they go to the bathroom outside to reinforce the behavior.

Step 2: Choose a Potty Spot

Designate a specific potty area outside and take your Yorkie there every time. Using the same spot reinforces the scent and location, helping your Yorkshire Terrier learn faster.

Be patient. Puppies may need time to understand what’s expected of them, but consistency will help them associate the potty spot with the act of relieving themselves.

Step 3: Use Crate Training to Assist Housebreaking

Crate training is an excellent way to assist in housebreaking your Yorkie puppy. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping areas, and using a crate for short periods can help your puppy learn to control their bladder.

Make sure the crate is appropriately sized—just big enough for your Yorkie to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Too much space can encourage accidents inside the crate.

Step 4: Monitor and Supervise Your Puppy Indoors

Until your Yorkie is fully housebroken, supervision is crucial. Keep an eye on your puppy indoors to watch for signs that they need to go, such as sniffing, circling, or squatting. If you catch your Yorkie starting to have an accident, gently interrupt and immediately take them outside to their potty spot.

Step 5: Be Consistent with Positive Reinforcement

Whenever your Yorkshire Terrier puppy goes to the bathroom in the right place, give immediate praise and a small treat. Positive reinforcement encourages your puppy to repeat the desired behavior.

Avoid scolding or punishing your Yorkie for accidents, as this can lead to fear or anxiety. Instead, clean up accidents calmly and stick to your routine.

Common Housebreaking Challenges

1. Frequent Accidents Indoors

   • Solution: If accidents are common, consider increasing the frequency of potty breaks. Puppies have small bladders and may need more frequent opportunities to relieve themselves.

2. Refusing to Go Outside

   • Solution: If your Yorkie is hesitant to potty outside, stay with them in the designated spot and offer gentle encouragement. Some puppies may be sensitive to weather changes, so consider a covered area if needed.

3. Regression

   • Solution: It's normal for puppies to have setbacks. Go back to basics—reestablish a consistent routine, use the crate as needed, and increase positive reinforcement.

Optional Housebreaking Support

At Essence of Grace Yorkies, we understand that housebreaking can be time-consuming. That’s why we offer optional extended stay services that can include crate training and housebreaking support. While this service is completely optional, it’s available for new puppy owners who prefer professional assistance in establishing the right routines for their Yorkshire Terrier.

Final Thoughts: Patience Is Key

Housebreaking your Yorkshire Terrier requires time, patience, and consistency, but the effort will pay off. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll set your Yorkie up for success, making life easier for both you and your puppy.

Remember that each dog is different—some may catch on quickly, while others may take a little longer. Stick to the routine, and soon enough, your Yorkshire Terrier will be fully housebroken and thriving in their new home.