Yorkshire Terriers might be small, but they have big personalities and even bigger opinions. Training a Yorkie takes patience, consistency, and a good understanding of what makes this breed tick.
The good news is that Yorkies are intelligent, eager to bond with their owners, and highly food-motivated. With the right approach, you can train your Yorkshire Terrier to be a well-mannered, confident companion. This guide covers everything from basic obedience and toilet training to socialisation and common Yorkie-specific challenges.
Understanding the Yorkie Temperament
Before you start training, it helps to understand what you are working with. Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred as ratters in English textile mills, which means they are bold, tenacious, and surprisingly independent for their size.
Confident and Bold
Yorkies do not know they are small. They will happily stand up to much larger dogs and can be territorial if not properly socialised. This confidence is an asset in training, but it needs to be channelled.
Intelligent but Stubborn
Yorkies learn quickly, but they also decide quickly whether a task is worth their effort. If training is boring or repetitive, they will lose interest. Keep sessions short, varied, and rewarding.
Highly Attached to Their People
This breed bonds deeply with their owner, which makes them responsive to praise and attention. It also means they can develop separation anxiety if not taught to be comfortable alone from an early age.
Vocal and Alert
Yorkies are natural watchdogs and will bark at anything they find suspicious. Barking is one of the most common training challenges with this breed, and it needs to be addressed early and consistently.
Essential Training Tools for Your Yorkie
Having the right gear makes training smoother and more effective. Here are the tools we recommend for Yorkshire Terrier training. See our full guide to puppy training tools.
EzyDog Command Clicker
A reliable clicker for marking desired behaviours the instant they happen. The consistent click sound helps your Yorkie understand exactly what earned the reward.
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EzyDog SnakPak Pro Treat Pouch
Keep training treats within easy reach so you can reward your Yorkie instantly. The magnetic closure means one-handed access without fumbling.
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Best Training Treats for Yorkies
Yorkies are highly food-motivated, which makes treats your most powerful training tool. Choose small, soft treats that your Yorkie can eat quickly without breaking focus. Learn how to use treats effectively for positive reinforcement.
Bocce's Quack Quack Quack Training Bites
Small, soft duck-based training bites that are easy to break into even smaller pieces for tiny Yorkie mouths. Low calorie and perfect for repetitive training sessions.
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Bocce's Bac'n Nutty Training Bites
Bacon and peanut butter flavoured training bites that most dogs find irresistible. Soft texture makes them ideal for quick reward delivery during training.
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Love'Em Liver Puppy Treats
Soft liver treats made in Australia with a strong aroma that captures your Yorkie's attention. Great for puppies and adult dogs alike, and easy to break into small pieces.
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Black Hawk Chicken Jerky Bites Puppy Treats
Small, bite-sized chicken jerky pieces that are naturally high in protein. A great option for Yorkies who prefer a slightly firmer texture.
Shop NowTreat Tip for Yorkies
Because Yorkies are so small, it is easy to overfeed during training. Break treats into pea-sized pieces and account for training treats in your Yorkie's daily calorie intake. Treats should make up no more than 10% of their total diet.
Basic Obedience Commands Every Yorkie Should Know
Start with these five foundation commands. Keep sessions to 5 minutes at a time (Yorkies have short attention spans) and always end on a positive note. See our full guide to basic puppy training commands.
Sit
Hold a treat above your Yorkie's nose and slowly move it back over their head. As their bottom touches the ground, say "sit", click, and reward. Most Yorkies pick this up within a few sessions.
Stay
Ask your Yorkie to sit, then hold your palm out and say "stay". Take one step back. If they hold position, click and reward. Gradually increase the distance and duration over multiple sessions.
Come
Start in a small, enclosed space. Say your Yorkie's name followed by "come" in an upbeat tone. When they reach you, reward generously. A long training line is helpful for practising this outdoors.
Leave It
Place a treat in your closed fist. When your Yorkie stops trying to get it, say "leave it", click, and reward with a different treat from your other hand. This command is essential for a breed that loves to investigate everything.
Down
From a sit position, hold a treat at your Yorkie's nose and slowly lower it to the ground. As they follow it into a lying position, say "down", click, and reward. Be patient as this can take longer for small dogs.
Quiet
When your Yorkie barks, wait for a natural pause. The moment they stop, say "quiet", click, and reward. Over time, they will learn that silence earns treats. Never shout over barking as this reinforces the behaviour.
Toilet Training Your Yorkshire Terrier
Toilet training is often the biggest challenge with Yorkies. Their small bladders mean more frequent toilet breaks, and their stubborn streak can make the process slower than with larger breeds. Consistency is everything. Read our step-by-step puppy toilet training guide.
Key Toilet Training Tips for Yorkies
- Take them out frequently - every 1 to 2 hours for puppies, and always after meals, naps, and play sessions
- Use a consistent spot - take your Yorkie to the same area every time so they associate the location with toileting
- Reward immediately - the moment they finish, praise and treat. Yorkies need to connect the reward directly to the action
- Never punish accidents - scolding after the fact does not work and will only make your Yorkie anxious about toileting in front of you
- Use training pads for apartments - if you live in an apartment or high-rise, indoor training pads can be a practical solution for a small breed like a Yorkie
Yours Droolly Training Pads
Super-absorbent training pads with a built-in attractant to encourage your Yorkie to use them. Available in multiple pack sizes for ongoing use.
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Socialisation: The Most Important Training You Will Do
Yorkies that are not properly socialised can become fearful, snappy, or excessively barky around new people, dogs, and environments. Early and ongoing socialisation is critical for this breed.
What to Expose Your Yorkie To
- Different people - adults, children, people wearing hats, uniforms, and sunglasses
- Other dogs - both small and large breeds, in controlled settings
- Environments - busy streets, parks, cafes, car rides, and different floor surfaces
- Sounds - traffic, vacuum cleaners, doorbells, thunder recordings, and fireworks recordings
- Handling - touching paws, ears, mouth, and tail to prepare for grooming and vet visits
Socialisation Tip
Always let your Yorkie approach new experiences at their own pace. Forcing interactions can create fear rather than confidence. Reward calm, curious behaviour with treats and praise. The goal is positive associations, not flooding.
Crate Training Your Yorkie
A crate gives your Yorkie a safe, den-like space of their own and is invaluable for toilet training, travel, and managing separation anxiety. See our step-by-step crate training guide.
How to Crate Train a Yorkshire Terrier
- Choose the right size - your Yorkie should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Too large and they may toilet in one corner
- Make it inviting - add a soft blanket and a safe chew toy. Feed meals inside the crate to build positive associations
- Start slowly - begin with the door open and treats inside. Gradually close the door for short periods, then build up duration
- Never use the crate as punishment - it should always be a positive, safe space
- Limit crate time - puppies should not be crated for more than 2 to 3 hours at a time (except overnight)
Common Yorkie Training Challenges
Every breed has its quirks, and Yorkies are no exception. Here are the most common training challenges and how to handle them. Read about common puppy training mistakes to avoid.
Excessive Barking
Yorkies bark at everything: doorbells, passing dogs, leaves blowing in the wind. Teach the "quiet" command early, reward silence, and avoid inadvertently reinforcing barking by giving attention when they bark. Desensitisation to common triggers also helps.
Small Dog Syndrome
Because Yorkies are small, owners often let behaviours slide that they would never accept from a larger dog: jumping up, nipping, demanding barking. Apply the same rules and boundaries you would for any dog, regardless of size.
Separation Anxiety
Yorkies bond intensely and can struggle when left alone. Build independence gradually by practising short absences, providing enrichment toys when you leave, and avoiding dramatic departures and arrivals.
Stubbornness and Selective Hearing
If your Yorkie ignores a command, they are not being defiant. They are either not motivated enough, distracted, or the behaviour has not been reinforced consistently. Increase the value of your rewards and reduce distractions.
Mental Stimulation and Enrichment
A bored Yorkie is a destructive Yorkie. Mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise for this intelligent breed. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys keep their minds busy and can help reduce problem behaviours like barking and chewing. See our top toys for Yorkshire Terrier mental stimulation.
Nina Ottosson Puzzle Twister
A multi-level puzzle toy that challenges your Yorkie to slide, twist, and flip compartments to find hidden treats. Great for building problem-solving skills and keeping them occupied.
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Pup & Purr Treat Spinner
A durable treat-dispensing toy that rewards your Yorkie for batting and spinning it. Adjustable difficulty keeps the challenge fresh as they get better at it.
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Yorkie Training Timeline
Here is a rough guide to what you should be working on at each stage of your Yorkie's life. See our full puppy training milestone guide.
Foundation Phase
Focus on name recognition, crate introduction, toilet training basics, gentle handling, and early socialisation with people and safe environments. Keep everything positive and pressure-free.
Basic Commands
Introduce sit, stay, come, and down. Begin leash training (Yorkies can be resistant to the lead at first). Continue socialisation with other vaccinated dogs and new environments.
Adolescence
Expect some regression and boundary-testing. Stay consistent with commands and reinforce toilet training. Work on "quiet" and "leave it". Increase the difficulty of enrichment activities.
Ongoing Refinement
Continue reinforcing all commands in different environments. Work on off-lead recall if safe to do so. Introduce new tricks to keep your Yorkie mentally engaged. Training is a lifelong activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Yorkshire Terriers easy to train?
Yorkies are intelligent and learn quickly, but their independent streak can make them seem stubborn. They respond best to short, positive training sessions with high-value treats. With consistency and patience, they are very trainable.
How long does it take to toilet train a Yorkie?
Toilet training a Yorkie typically takes longer than larger breeds, often 4 to 6 months for full reliability. Their small bladders mean more frequent toilet breaks, and some Yorkies take up to a year to be completely accident-free. Consistency and patience are key.
How do I stop my Yorkie from barking at everything?
Teach the "quiet" command by rewarding moments of silence. Desensitise your Yorkie to common triggers by exposing them gradually at a low intensity and rewarding calm behaviour. Avoid shouting or giving attention when they bark, as this reinforces the behaviour.
What age should I start training my Yorkie?
Start as soon as you bring your Yorkie home, typically around 8 weeks old. Early training focuses on name recognition, gentle handling, crate introduction, and socialisation. Formal obedience commands can begin from around 8 to 12 weeks.
Should I use a harness or collar for my Yorkie?
A harness is generally recommended for Yorkies. Their small, delicate tracheas can be damaged by pulling on a collar. A well-fitted harness distributes pressure across the chest and is safer for leash training.
How do I stop my Yorkie from nipping?
When your Yorkie nips, immediately stop play and turn away. Resume interaction only when they are calm. Redirect nipping onto appropriate chew toys. Never use your hands as play toys, and be consistent. All family members need to follow the same approach.
Set Your Yorkie Up for Success
From training treats by Bocce's and Love'Em to clickers, training lines, and puzzle toys, Petdirect has everything you need to train your Yorkshire Terrier.
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