How to Teach a Yorkshire Terrier Tricks
Yorkshire Terriers are spirited, intelligent companions with an abundance of confidence packed into a tiny frame. Their bold, affectionate temperament makes them eager to engage with their owners, but their moderate trainability (3/5) means they respond best to short, consistent, fun sessions rather than lengthy drills. While they excel at learning tricks when properly motivated, their high barking tendency (5/5) and propensity for "small-dog syndrome" mean trick training also serves an important behavioral purpose—channeling their energy and building confidence constructively. This guide focuses on advancing beyond basics, teaching engaging tricks from shake and roll-over to trick chains, while leveraging positive reinforcement to keep your Yorkie focused and happy during the 30 minutes of daily activity they need.
Step-by-step
- 1
Establish a high-value reward system tailored to your Yorkie's motivation
Yorkshire Terriers are food-motivated but easily bored, so identify treats they find genuinely exciting—tiny, soft pieces of chicken, cheese, or commercial training treats work best. Rotate rewards every few days to maintain novelty and keep your Yorkie engaged, since their moderate trainability means they lose interest in monotonous routines quickly.
- 2
Master the foundation: shake and basic sit variations
Begin with 'shake' (paw offering) since Yorkies naturally use their paws and find this gesture rewarding. Use a closed fist to lure, mark success with 'yes!' and immediately reward. Once shake is solid, layer in sit-and-shake combinations, building the foundation for trick chains without overwhelming your spirited but moderately trainable pup.
- 3
Teach roll-over using a lure-and-shaping method
Start with your Yorkie in a down position, then use a treat to lure their nose toward their hindquarters in a rolling motion. Reward small rotations incrementally—don't expect a full roll on day one. Keep sessions brief (5 minutes max) since their energy level is moderate and they lose focus; short wins prevent frustration and barking outbursts.
- 4
Build trick chains using existing cues, starting with two-trick sequences
Chain tricks your Yorkie already knows fluently (e.g., sit → shake → treat). Gradually add a third behavior once the pair flows smoothly. This leverages their affectionate, eager-to-please nature while managing their moderate trainability—progressive complexity keeps them mentally stimulated without triggering frustration-barking.
- 5
Manage barking and maintain focus during training sessions
Yorkies have an outsized barking tendency (5/5), so train in a calm, low-distraction environment. If your dog barks excessively during a session, pause, reset with a few easy, previously-mastered tricks to rebuild confidence, then resume. Never reward barking; redirect to tricks instead, which channels their spirited energy positively.
- 6
Practice consistency and celebrate small progress daily
Yorkies thrive on routine and your presence, so train at the same time daily—ideally during their 30-minute exercise window. End every session on a success (an easy trick they nail) to reinforce confidence. This consistency combats their separation anxiety by creating predictable bonding time and prevents frustration-driven behavioral issues.
Pro tips
- Use their feisty, brave temperament to your advantage: Yorkies love the 'performance' aspect of tricks, so make training feel like a game where they're the star. Enthusiastic praise and playful energy during sessions will keep them engaged far better than flat, formal instruction.
- Combat separation anxiety and small-dog syndrome by making training sessions a consistent, predictable bonding ritual. Train at the same time daily, end on success, and keep your tone upbeat—this builds their confidence and reduces destructive behaviors rooted in anxiety.
- Leverage their affectionate nature by training during your naturally interactive time together. A 5-minute trick session mid-morning or before dinner feels like playtime to your Yorkie, not work, and fits seamlessly into their 30-minute daily exercise without adding burden to your schedule.
Frequently asked questions
My Yorkie barks constantly during training. How do I get them to focus?+
Barking is a core trait of the breed (5/5 tendency), so expect it. Train in a quiet, familiar space to minimize triggers, keep sessions short (5 minutes), and immediately reward any quiet moment or successful trick attempt. Never scold barking—instead, redirect to a trick and reward focus. This positively channels their spirited energy rather than punishing their nature.
How long should each training session be for a Yorkshire Terrier?+
Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes maximum. Yorkies have moderate energy (3/5) and trainability (3/5), so they lose focus and become frustrated in longer drills. Two or three short sessions daily, incorporated into their recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise, work far better than one long session.
My Yorkie knows 'shake' but won't chain it with other tricks. What's wrong?+
Your Yorkie may need more practice with the second trick independently before combining. Practice each behavior separately until they're rock-solid, then introduce chaining very gradually—reward just the first two tricks chained together for several sessions before adding a third. Moderate trainability means they need extra time to make these connections.
Should I use the same treat throughout all training, or switch them up?+
Switch treats every few days. Yorkies bore easily due to moderate trainability, so rotating between chicken, cheese, and commercial training treats keeps motivation high. If your Yorkie starts ignoring a treat they loved, it's a sign they've lost novelty—move to the next reward and circle back in a week.