How to train your yorkie

According to figures released in January by the American Kennel Club, the Yorkshire Terrier is the second most popular breed in the country, surpassed by the Labrador Retriever. “But being number two is not the natural disposition of a Yorkie,” says dog trainer Rick Bell. Bell says Yorkies can be “tiny dictators” if a pet owner allows them to rule the house.

Bell suggests that Yorkie owners take a couple of simple steps so that the fur pellet understands who the boss really is. “First of all, do not carry your Yorkie unless it is in an area where it is impossible for him to walk,” says Bell. “If you treat your puppy like a prince or princess, he will develop a pampered attitude.”

“Second, walk your Yorkie every day, with you leading and he or she following you. Walking is what canines do in the wild, all day long, and leaders always lead. As the saying goes for a dog sled team, be the leader, the view is better. “

“Third, don’t paper train a Yorkie to get away. They are difficult enough to do without adding an extra step. If you ignore this advice, you may end up leaving paper for the next 15 years.”

“Fourth, be calm, assertive, and consistent in enforcing the rules you set. With Yorkies, you will also need to add a lot of patience. As a breed, they are brave, stubborn, and tenacious. Due to these tendencies, it would also be wise to avoid the tug of war as a game activity. Why? Because you will be bored before the dog and off the field. With that action, you will teach them that they can get what they want to want simply by being persistent.

Bell says it’s important to remember his last words of advice: “They never follow kind leaders and they never follow righteous leaders. They only follow dominant leaders. If you want to avoid being the follower, then be dominant.”