, however if done consistently even an older dog that believes that he is the one in charge can learn a new hierarchy in a household.
1) Feeding Rules
-
To canines, the most important element in the world is food. Even with Yorkshire Terriers that may seem to be finicky eaters, all dogs have a keen sense that food equals survival. One of the best methods to teach a Yorkie to listen well is to show that you are the one who provides the food. Filling up the bowl and placing it down does not fully explain this to a pet… and even worse is preparing the food, placing it down and then calling the dog in.
When you make it exceedingly clear that you are 100% in charge of whether or not a dog eats, this quickly establishes both respect and obedience.
The following training rules should be implemented by every human in the household, even children that are old enough to do so. Turns can be taken so that this lesson is taught regarding everyone and so that a Yorkie doesn't learn to just listen to one particular person and ignore the others.
1.
Prepare the food bowl.
It does not matter if your dog sees you doing this, since the most important step will come next. Once it is done, place it up on a counter above your dog's eating area.
2. Call your Yorkie in to eat.
Even with dogs that don't listen, most will come when they smell the food. If your dog needs visual affirmation, you can show him the bowl but then place it out of reach as he approaches.
3.
Leaders eat first.
If you are going to enjoy a meal at the same time, you will want to have your food on the table. If you are going to have a snack, place this on your table as well. While you do not need to dine at the same time as your Yorkshire Terrier, it is best if this can be coordinated to occur at least a few times per week.
For the times that this does happen, you will want to sit down and take a few bites.
Don't be surprised if your Yorkie gets really riled up and frustrated, particularly if he is used to chowing down before or at the same time that you do. Only a few bites are needed; the goal is simply to make sure that your dog is very aware that you ate some food before he did. Ignore any
barks
or calls for attention.
4.
If you did the above, rise to complete this next step. If you did not need to do the above (because you were not eating), this step comes after the bowl is placed on the counter.
The Yorkie must sit before any food is given.
This goes for any snacks or rewards as well, except of course for treats left when the puppy or dog is home alone. This needs to be a full 'Sit' in which the dog's rear end is touching the floor. A super hyper dog that is raring to eat may have a difficult time focusing and a Yorkie that is not used to having to listen may put up a bit of a fuss. However, you can hold up the bowl and make it clear that you expect the dog to sit if he is to get what he wants.
Whether it takes 2 tries or 20, at some point the Yorkie will listen to the command. Praise this by saying 'Good, Sit' and then set the dish down.