Are Yorkies easy to train? Everything you need to know!
When it comes to small dogs, you can’t go wrong with Yorkies. They may seem like fragile little divas at first glance, but these teeny tiny pups are actually highly intelligent. If you are looking into getting a small dog that is easily trained, then a Yorkie is probably your best bet.
It’s hard not to fall in love with a Yorkie at first sight. Their adorable brown eyes hook you in every time. These dogs may be feisty, but they can form an emotional bond with their owners like no other. There are so many reasons why Yorkies are the ideal small dog and being easy to train is just one of them.
Why Are Yorkies Easy To Train?
When compared to other small dogs, Yorkies are one of the easiest breeds to train. Of course, there are some issues with temperament and behavior that owners should be prepared for before bringing home a Yorkie. However, once you’re aware of what to expect, training these dogs can be a breeze.
The reason that these dogs can seem temperamental at times is that they are known to become very protective of their owners. If they feel like someone is approaching their owner the wrong way they are likely to start acting aggressive. This doesn’t mean they don’t like other people. It’s quite the opposite actually, they love meeting new people. They just want to make sure you are safe.
Fun fact about Yorkies: they were originally bred to keep mice out of factories and coal mines. Their swift learning skills and remarkable talent were widely recognized by many. Today they are viewed as one of the easiest breeds of dogs to train because of how easily they comprehend instructions from a human.
Actually, Yorkies prefer consistency because it helps them learn quicker. If you stay consistent with your training methods then your Yorkie may not take very long to fully train. One of the great things about Yorkies is that they can easily adjust to a new environment, as long as it isn’t threatening.
Are Yorkies Easy To Potty Train?
Smaller dog breeds are often more difficult to potty train. The good news is that Yorkies are one of the easier breeds of small dogs to potty train. One thing to know about Yorkies before you begin potty training them is that Yorkie puppies don’t have full control over their bladders.
Since Yorkie puppies are more prone to accidents, it’s a good idea to have the proper supplies at home to make the process easier for both you and the puppy. Keep puppy pads out at all times so the puppy has somewhere close by to relieve themselves. We recommend using Hartz Home Protection Odor Eliminating Pads (link to Amazon). They’re very absorbent and the lavender scent adds a nice touch.
Every Yorkie has a different experience, but most of them catch on to potty training as long as their owner is consistent in the training methods. When letting the Yorkie outdoors to do their duties, it’s best to accompany them. If you supervise them it will be easier for them to learn where they should and shouldn’t go.
Since Yorkies are all about learning with consistency, you’ll have better luck potty training your Yorkie if you set out a designated bathroom area. Whether you’re training them to use the bathroom outdoors or indoors, this is one of the best steps you can take. When they know where to go, everything gets easier from here.
How Long Does It Take To Train A Yorkie?
When it comes to house training a Yorkie, potty training will be the most time-consuming. Yorkies are very smart dogs but due to the fact that they aren’t able to control their bladders for the first few months of their life potty training may take some time. The average Yorkie takes 4 months of consistent training to fully understand the concept of potty training.
However, don’t expect your home to be accident-free just yet. Even though a Yorkie may fully understand what they are supposed to do it’s still going to take a few months for their bladder to mature. It may take an additional 4 months for the Yorkie to stop having accidents.
Are Yorkies Good With Other Dogs?
Yorkies are a great breed because they are very affectionate and loving. However, they can get jealous which may cause them to act aggressively towards other dogs. Each Yorkie is different from one another, and if trained right they can be very loving animals. This love isn’t just for their owners either, many well-trained Yorkies are happily living with other dogs and cats.
Since these dogs were bred to hunt small vermin, their energetic spirit may be intimidating to other pets in the house. It is recommended that they get 20 minutes of physical activity a day (source). If you make sure your Yorkie gets out all of that energy they are likely to be calmer around the other pets, making it easier for everyone to get along.
Final Thoughts: Are Yorkies Easy To Train?
Yorkies are one of the easiest breeds of small canines to train. Some people believe that Yorkies are difficult to house train, but if you’re patient, you will see that isn’t true at all. These dogs may take a little bit longer to potty train, but that is only because they don’t have full control of their bladder until they are more mature.
Many dog breeders have found that Yorkies are much easier to train because they understand direction better than other breeds they have worked with. They may be tiny, but their brains are mighty!
To ensure that you are fully prepared for a Yorkie, we recommend getting a Yorkie training guide. Yorkies: The Ultimate Yorkie Dog Manual (link to Amazon) has all the information you need to be prepared to train a Yorkie. With a little bit of patience, you can train one of the most loyal sidekicks.
Recommended Reading:
