After all, you taught him that whether he is calm or not, you are going to walk him at a reasonable pace. You also taught him that when he remains calm, he receives a reward. He's learned that it is in his best interest to walk alongside you without barking. And when dogs learn this important lesson, they behave in the way that you wish.
Barking and/or jumping at visitors to the house
- Unless your Yorkie makes a visitor uncomfortable with jumping, this sort of socialization training works best if the dog is not put behind a gate. You will want to start off with a short visit of just 5 minutes, as mentioned above and only add on time as your dog learns to stay composed.
Both you and your visitor should have treats hidden in a pocket.
The idea is to 100% utterly and completely ignore any barking, jumping or inappropriate acts of gaining attention. You may wonder how ignoring something can possibly help to train for it. However, this can have a big impact on a canine's perspective.
Dogs 'need' to belong. They are fully aware that they have a family (their pack) and belonging to this pack is of the utmost importance. To be banned, even temporarily, is never good in the
eyes
of a dog. So, when a dog is ignored, he soon learns that his behavior needs to change.
To do this, you will want to have no eye contact and there should not be any verbal communication of any sort. No shushes or 'no's'. Any time that the Yorkie is quiet, even if it is because he has worn himself out, a treat should be given, but no interaction.
If he remains calm after 1 to 2 more minutes, then another treat, along with a 'good dog' will do. As he has more sessions of longer socialization times with visitors, this can progress to the treat, the treat with affirmation and then finally a treat with pats and more attention.
Depending on how severe a Yorkie's initial reaction is, socialization training for proper behavior with guests to the home can be successful within 10 to 15 sessions.