How to Train a Yorkie
If you have become the proud new owner of a Yorkie, one of the first things you will need to do as a responsible Yorkie owner is to start training your puppy. This is something that you do not want to put off—Yorkies should get trained as soon as possible (around 10 weeks of age).
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You may be wondering how you should train a Yorkie.
If you know anything about Yorkies, they are notoriously strong-willed, independent, smart, and often stubborn. These characteristics make great little personalities, but only if your Yorkie has been properly trained. Otherwise, a Yorkie without training will have a combination of personality traits that will not only drive you crazy, but perhaps also lead to destruction in your home.
Here is a basic tutorial of how to train a Yorkie.
Training Tip #1: Use Crate Training
Crate training is a proven method found to be very successful in training Yorkies. By using a crate, you will be able to help your Yorkie become housebroken, which can be something that is difficult for Yorkies to master. The basic premise is this: whenever you are not available to personally supervise your Yorkie, the puppy should be locked in the crate. When they are younger, they should be take out of their crates every hour or so to be taken outside to go to the bathroom. Dogs instinctually know to keep their sleeping quarters clean, so they will likely hold themselves as long as possible. When you take the dog outside, take it to the same spot.
Training Tip #2: Practice Coming and Going from the House
Whenever you come home or leave, there are a few things to keep in mind for the benefit of your Yorkie. First, you do not want to praise them, talk to them, or give them attention in any way. Let’s say for example every time you go to work in the morning you pet your Yorkie and talk to him/her. What you are actually doing, whether you know it or not, is teaching your Yorkie to feel anxious about your impending departure. This anxiety can manifest itself into destructive behaviors around the house while you are gone, like chewing up a shoe or having an accident on your carpet. It is good practice to say and do nothing in regard to addressing your dog whenever you come home or leave the house.
Training Tip #3: Become the Alpha Pack Leader
You absolutely must establish yourself as the alpha pack leader in your home. If you do not, your Yorkie will assume this role and there will be significant consequences in terms of their behavior. For example, your Yorkie may excessively bark because he or she thinks they are the alpha pack leader, and it is their responsibility to protect the family. If you establish yourself as the leader, the Yorkie will not assume that they are in charge. This will require that you work with your Yorkie on understanding and responding to basic commands, and doing actions only when you request them to do it (like sit, stay, etc).
You should use a leash with your Yorkie whenever you are outside of the home. They can have a propensity to bolt and since they are such a bold breed, they often underestimate danger. A leash will ensure that your Yorkie is properly protected.