Q&A for How to Train a Yorkie

Go back to basics, as if potty training a puppy. This means watching the dog indoors all the time, and putting him outside at the first sign of wanting to toilet. When you can't be there, keep the dog confined in a crate, and then take him outside straight away upon your return. Stay with the dog outside, and praise when they go toilet in the potty spot. Deodorize previous indoor accidents so they don't draw the dog back.

Start potty training right away (8 weeks and above). At 10 weeks, you can start teaching puppies good things happen when they do what you ask (for example, they get a treat when you say "Sit"). A very young puppy like this has a short attention span and won't retain information for long, but it is a good age to start getting them accustomed to focusing on you.

There are different techniques but teaching the "Quiet" command can put silence on cue. Other tactics include blocking the dog's view of the street if they bark at people walking past, or giving the dog a task to do instead of barking (such as going to their mat or fetching a toy).

Yorkies respond well to training. They are an intelligent breed and enjoy the mental challenge of training. However, the 'terrier' part of the Yorkie can sometimes show through as strong self-will which makes them deaf to commands if something more interesting catches their attention. Also, they are physically small, so it's a good idea to get down on floor level, rather than standing towering above the dog, so that they can see and interact with you better

The same rules apply to Yorkies as to other dog breeds. An adult Yorkie should have one or two meals a day, as per the owner's preference. Teacup Yorkies are a bit more vulnerable to low blood sugar, so two to three meals a day is best for them.