Yorkie Information Center
Your Subtitle text
Yorkie Behavior
Overview
The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular dogs, not only because of their very cute appearance, but also because of their unique and charming personalities.
While, in general, the Yorkie is a very happy and amusing companion, each dog does have their very own unique personalities. Each Yorkie will have their own little traits and quirks. Let's discuss general known temperament traits and what shapes the personality of this dog breed.
The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular dogs, not only because of their very cute appearance, but also because of their unique and charming personalities.
While, in general, the Yorkie is a very happy and amusing companion, each dog does have their very own unique personalities. Each Yorkie will have their own little traits and quirks. Let's discuss general known temperament traits and what shapes the personality of this dog breed.
The Yorkie breed has one of the most amusing and amazing personalities.
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament in General
The Yorkie is known for their:
Shaping The Yorkie's Personality
The first 3 months of a Yorkie's life greatly influences the dog's personality, temperament and behavior. It is the breeder of the dog who takes a great role in shaping the dog's behavior and if in their new home before 3 months old, their owner will continue the great influence during these first 3 months. Many Yorkie behavioral problems are due to a failure to receive proper care when very young.
What element is the most important in helping to create a happy, friendly, outgoing dog?
Socialization. This is the key to shaping personality and teaching a dog what the world is all about. A Yorkie will be well adjusted when growing up with regular household noises. This will include all that a dog will encounter with their new family, from the TV to the washing machine to the doorbell ringing.
Human voices and touch is vital. The difference between a dog raised in a wire cage with rarely a human touch to a dog raised in the living room with cuddles, kisses and play time is enormous. When a dog is held, bathed, groomed, cuddled and played with during the first 3 months, this creates a puppy who is comfortable wtih people and the world around him or her.
While the Yorkie's personality is most influenced during this very young puppy stage, a dog of just about any age can be shaped by the environment that the dog is in.
What type of Home Encourages a Well Behaved Yorkie?
At any age, there are elements in the home that will help a Yorkshire Terrier be well behaved and happy. The key is to provide an environment which makes the dog feel safe and allows the dog to know where they fall in the "pack".
Let's first discuss the environment. What will encourage a dog to be well balanced?
Having a daily schedule. Dogs are most happy when they know what to expect and when. This offers them security and the feeling of knowing that they are loved. A Yorkie should have each day consist of:
The Yorkshire Terrier breed is known for their independence, but this does not mean that this dog wants to live on it own, even could or would be happy doing so !
All dog breeds have a deep instinct to be in a pack. Long ago, dogs lived in packs and it was always clear who the leader of the pack was. When a dog does not fully understand who the leader is, this can cause great emotional stress to the dog. Each day becomes a struggle of having to test to see who the leader is.
The owner of a Yorkie, to have a well behaved dog, must lovingly show that they are the leader of the home. An owner does this in many ways. When an owner feeds the Yorkie, performs grooming needs, takes the dog for walks (and remains in control of the walk), plays with the dog (when the dog rolls over to expose their belly, they are showing that they understand their human owner is the leader), and, importantly, trains the Yorkie to obey commands...these are all ways of showing the Yorkie that the human in in charge and the dog is a loved and cherished family member.
Some owners unknowingly allow a Yorkie to be the leader. Not assuming that such a small dog would even assume that they would be leader, an owner can allow this to happen by:
Don't begin looking at Yorkie puppies without reading this first, click here
Quirks and Odd Behavior
Many owners are confused about a Yorkie's behavior. Let's discuss in detail the sometimes amusing and sometimes confusing Yorkie behavior issues such as rolling in the grass, being overly shy, hyperventilating and more!
See Quirks and Traits
Digging
The Yorke has a bit of a reputation for being a "Digger". While not all Yorkies love to dig, many do. This has been instilled into the breed since its first days in England. However, with a bit of understanding and simple training techniques, you can train your dog to stop digging.
See Yorkie Digging Behavior
The Yorkie is known for their:
- Intelligence - Above average for canines
- Courage
- Independence
- Energy - most are up for exercise or play time any time!
Shaping The Yorkie's Personality
The first 3 months of a Yorkie's life greatly influences the dog's personality, temperament and behavior. It is the breeder of the dog who takes a great role in shaping the dog's behavior and if in their new home before 3 months old, their owner will continue the great influence during these first 3 months. Many Yorkie behavioral problems are due to a failure to receive proper care when very young.
What element is the most important in helping to create a happy, friendly, outgoing dog?
Socialization. This is the key to shaping personality and teaching a dog what the world is all about. A Yorkie will be well adjusted when growing up with regular household noises. This will include all that a dog will encounter with their new family, from the TV to the washing machine to the doorbell ringing.
Human voices and touch is vital. The difference between a dog raised in a wire cage with rarely a human touch to a dog raised in the living room with cuddles, kisses and play time is enormous. When a dog is held, bathed, groomed, cuddled and played with during the first 3 months, this creates a puppy who is comfortable wtih people and the world around him or her.
While the Yorkie's personality is most influenced during this very young puppy stage, a dog of just about any age can be shaped by the environment that the dog is in.
What type of Home Encourages a Well Behaved Yorkie?
At any age, there are elements in the home that will help a Yorkshire Terrier be well behaved and happy. The key is to provide an environment which makes the dog feel safe and allows the dog to know where they fall in the "pack".
Let's first discuss the environment. What will encourage a dog to be well balanced?
Having a daily schedule. Dogs are most happy when they know what to expect and when. This offers them security and the feeling of knowing that they are loved. A Yorkie should have each day consist of:
- A Waking time (A day runs smoother when your dog wakes at the same time as you do)
- Feeding times (Following proper feeding schedules keeps a dog happy and establishes you as the leader)
- Grooming times (for brushings, baths, dental care and nail care)
- Exercise times (for robust bursts of exercise)
- Walking times (for lighter exercise and to have the opportunity to explore the neighborhood with you)
- Play times (both independent with their dog toys and interaction play time with you and other family members)
- Quiet time (for naps and to relax after exercising, etc)
- Bed time (knowing what time they are expected to relax and retreat to their bed helps to keep everyone happy)
The Yorkshire Terrier breed is known for their independence, but this does not mean that this dog wants to live on it own, even could or would be happy doing so !
All dog breeds have a deep instinct to be in a pack. Long ago, dogs lived in packs and it was always clear who the leader of the pack was. When a dog does not fully understand who the leader is, this can cause great emotional stress to the dog. Each day becomes a struggle of having to test to see who the leader is.
The owner of a Yorkie, to have a well behaved dog, must lovingly show that they are the leader of the home. An owner does this in many ways. When an owner feeds the Yorkie, performs grooming needs, takes the dog for walks (and remains in control of the walk), plays with the dog (when the dog rolls over to expose their belly, they are showing that they understand their human owner is the leader), and, importantly, trains the Yorkie to obey commands...these are all ways of showing the Yorkie that the human in in charge and the dog is a loved and cherished family member.
Some owners unknowingly allow a Yorkie to be the leader. Not assuming that such a small dog would even assume that they would be leader, an owner can allow this to happen by:
- Not teaching commands
- Giving in to begging
- Not standing firm when they require the dog to listen
Don't begin looking at Yorkie puppies without reading this first, click here
Quirks and Odd Behavior
Many owners are confused about a Yorkie's behavior. Let's discuss in detail the sometimes amusing and sometimes confusing Yorkie behavior issues such as rolling in the grass, being overly shy, hyperventilating and more!
See Quirks and Traits
Digging
The Yorke has a bit of a reputation for being a "Digger". While not all Yorkies love to dig, many do. This has been instilled into the breed since its first days in England. However, with a bit of understanding and simple training techniques, you can train your dog to stop digging.
See Yorkie Digging Behavior
Already Have a Yorkie? You Will Need This:
