🐾 Training Tips for Yorkies: What Worked for Gabby and Maci

 

🐾 Training Tips for Yorkies: What Worked for Gabby and Maci

Posted May 7 | Yorkie Tales Blog – Setareh Yorkies

If you’ve ever trained a Yorkie, you know they come with two things in abundance: personality and stubbornness. These pint-sized pups are brilliant—but they also like things their way. The good news? With consistency, patience, and the right approach, Yorkies can become incredibly well-trained, loyal companions.

Today, I’m sharing what’s worked for us with Gabby and Maci—and how positive reinforcement made all the difference.

---

🎀 Meet the “Students”

Gabby is smart, intuitive, and independent. She learns quickly—but only if she’s in the mood. 🙃

Maci is eager to please and full of puppy energy. She’s sassy, silly, and super responsive when the training feels fun.

Different personalities, different styles—but the same approach helped both thrive.

---

🌟 1. Positive Reinforcement is Key

The number one rule in our house: Reward what you want to see more of.

We use:

• Tiny high-value treats

• Tons of verbal praise

• Gentle touch or pets

• Playtime as a reward

This helped both girls connect good behavior with happy outcomes—and it made training feel more like a game than a chore.

---

🐾 2. Keep Sessions Short + Sweet

Yorkies don’t have long attention spans. (Honestly, do any of us these days?)

We keep training sessions to about 5–10 minutes, a few times a day. Any longer, and they lose interest—or get too wiggly to focus.

Short bursts with clear goals keep everyone engaged and successful.

---

🧠 3. Use Their Intelligence

Yorkies are smart. They love mental challenges!

Gabby thrived with puzzle toys and command-based games like “find it” and “touch.”

Maci learned best through repetition and reward-based trick training (her favorite is spinning in a circle!).

Giving their minds something to do keeps them from getting bored—and boredom is the root of most “bad” behavior.

---

🧘‍♀️ 4. Stay Calm + Consistent

Training with frustration or inconsistency only confuses your pup. Yorkies are sensitive and feed off your energy—so when we’re calm, they’re more likely to stay focused and responsive.

We always try to end on a win—even if it’s just a simple “sit” followed by a treat and a celebration.

---

🐶 5. Socialization = Confidence

One of the best forms of “training” we’ve done is simply introducing our pups to new people, sounds, and safe environments.

From car rides to vet visits, short walks to greeting visitors—socialization builds confidence and cuts down on anxiety-based behavior.

Maci, especially, has blossomed with gentle exposure and positive associations!

---

💛 Final Thoughts: Make It About Bonding

At the end of the day, training your Yorkie isn’t just about obedience—it’s about building trust and deepening your bond.

Gabby and Maci aren’t perfectly trained—but they are responsive, connected, and full of trust. And to me, that’s what matters most.

Every pup is different, and every training journey is unique. But with patience, love, and a whole lot of treats, your Yorkie can become the well-mannered (yet still totally sassy) companion of your dreams.

---

Have a training win—or challenge—you want to share? I’d love to hear it! Leave a comment or tag us on Instagram @SetarehYorkies 💬🐾

Written with love by Heather, proud owner of Setareh Yorkies. 🐶💖

For more adorable Yorkie updates, tips, and everything in between, visit us at Setareh Yorkies and be sure to follow our Yorkie adventures on Instagram @setarehyorkies. We can't wait to connect with you and share our love for these sweet pups!