Everyone hopes their Yorkshire Terrier will listen and obey, but many bad habits are not something that disappear on their own. Yorkies often have several typical behavior problems, and training is the main way to correct them.
1. A Yorkie That Even Bites Family Members Has Been Spoiled Into It
Some Yorkshire Terriers, when upset, will even snap at members of the household. This is usually a result of the owner allowing too much. The dog begins to feel that its status is above that of people. For that reason, strict education should begin from the very first day. The Yorkie must clearly understand from the start that people always rank above it.
2. How to Let the Dog Know Which Rooms It Cannot Enter
Some Yorkies repeatedly try to enter rooms such as the kitchen or study even after being stopped. When the dog approaches the forbidden room, a sudden firm closing of the door near the nose can startle it. The sound itself may be enough to teach the dog not to enter that room again. Of course, if the owner does not mind the dog entering, this point can be ignored.
3. Jumping on People
Jumping up is one way a Yorkshire Terrier shows affection, but when there are children in the home, it can lead to scratches or falls. If you want a child and the Yorkie to build a good relationship, let the child touch the dog only while an adult is present. If the dog tries to jump or play roughly, use a quiet "wait" command to stop it. After enough repetition, the dog can learn to stay still when being petted by a child.
4. Correcting Barking at Strangers
Yorkshire Terriers often bark at people passing by or entering the home. This is their way of alerting the family that something is happening. At that moment, the owner should not merely shout from a distance. Instead, go to the dog, observe together what is happening, and teach the dog that there is no need to worry. Some owners gently close the dog's mouth with one hand while soothing it with the other. In time, the dog may stop barking when hearing the stop command and move closer to the owner for reassurance.
5. Chewing Everything in Sight
Some Yorkshire Terriers chew everything, from slippers and newspapers to magazines, tables, and chairs. In reality, this often comes from curiosity. Their ancestors survived by hunting, and the urge to bite and inspect objects is part of the breed's exploratory and predatory instinct.
During the teething stage, a Yorkie puppy may also chew to relieve gum discomfort. Whatever the cause, once chewing of the wrong item is discovered, it should be stopped immediately with a firm voice. The owner can also provide chew toys, dental chews, or grinding snacks as alternatives. If vocal correction alone does not work, some owners give a light physical correction, but once the dog stops chewing the wrong item, timely praise should follow.
If the chewing is due to frustration or emotional neglect, then the owner should reflect on whether the dog is getting enough attention and engagement.
6. Licking and Jumping Too Much
When family members come home, a Yorkshire Terrier may rush over enthusiastically. For the dog, this is a joyful greeting, but it can dirty clothes or even injure someone accidentally. One way to avoid this is to give a "down" or "sit" command before the dog gets close, then squat down to the dog's height and pet it while saying something soothing and affectionate. That lets the dog know the owner is happy too, without turning the greeting into chaos.
Yorkshire Terriers are indeed mischievous when young, but by about one or two years old, many become calmer and more responsive to their owners. Training early helps that transition happen much more smoothly.