12 Common Yorkie Behavior Problems & Helpful Tips

Yorkie Behavior Problems
Yorkie Behavior Problems

Yorkies are popular dogs and Yorkie lovers always want to know about Yorkie behavior problems, which I will outline and discuss in this post.

After reading this post, you should be able to know what you should expect from owning a Yorkie.

I will also provide common solutions to these behaviors problems, so read through and learn more about Yorkie behavior problems.

Yorkie Behavior Problems

Yorkies are friendly dogs for families with both kids and other pets, however, they are prone to some behavior problems like separation anxiety, barking, play aggression, digging, and are a bit difficult to house train.

Here are the most common Yorkie behavior problems you should know and helpful tips to fix these issues:

1. Excessive barking behavior due to aggression

Yorkies are a naturally non-aggressive little dog breed that, since they were designed to be human companions, have never been known to attack other dogs or children.

Poor socialization, fear, anxiety, possessive behavior, and a lack of training or behavioral instruction on the part of the owner can all lead to aggression in Yorkies.

Yorkies can bark a lot unnecessarily, and one of the best ways to control barking is by properly socializing your Yorkie as early as possible.

Solution or helpful tips

Teach your dog a new behavior to stop barking. Choose a location that is visible from the door.

When you say, “Go to your location,” train them to lie down and stay there. This will keep them quiet and provide them with something to do as they wait to be welcomed.

Invite a friend to the door with a treat, but only open it when your dog is calm. If you do this often enough, they’ll learn to relax if they want that treat.

Read more about Yorkie aggression, reasons, and helpful tips.

2. Prone to separation anxiety

Separation anxiety in Yorkies is a condition that can develop when the dogs are away from their owners for a long period of time or are not left alone unsupervised for an extended period of time.

Biting, nipping, barking, self-isolation, injuries, and chewing can all be symptoms of separation anxiety in Yorkies.

Leaving Yorkies alone at home causes separation anxiety, which may be avoided by providing a friend.

Solution or helpful tips

  • As soon as possible, you should bring in a second pet.
  • Make sure there are lots of fresh plush and amusing toys to keep the puppy entertained.
  • Allow plenty of time for rest and relaxation, as well as exercise.
  • Begin a new, appropriate crate training program for your dog.
  • Make an appointment with a behaviorist for your pet.
  • Consider hiring a dog sitter.
  • Teach them to leave you alone at home and to refrain from following you everywhere.

Read more about Yorkie Separation Anxiety: 9 Signs & 11 Helpful Tips

3. They throw up during car rides

Yorkies are not a big fan of riding in a front seat of a car, they tend to throw up during the car ride.

This makes it difficult to have your Yorkie move around the city with you, especially when they are within 5 to 13 months of age.

This behavior can be very disgusting if you don’t know about it before getting one, but now you know be prepared to see your Yorkie throw up during a car ride.

Solution or helpful tips

One of the simple ways to overcome these Yorkie behavior problems is to keep your Yorkie at the back seat of your car.

Never feed your Yorkie before going on a car ride, also don’t let your Yorkie drink anything before a ride even water.

You can as well put a seat cover in your car to avoid your Yorkie throwing up everywhere in your car.

As they grow older and go on more car rides, they get used to cars and stop throwing up in your car.

4. They are picky eaters

Some Yorkie pups have a good idea of what they like to eat, but they won’t tell you because they can’t communicate.

Revolving taste buds are common in Yorkies, which might cause them to take only a few bites or refuse to eat as all.

The majority of owners are concerned about this, but it is a behavior issue that can be addressed with the proper meal choices.

A Yorkie could be able to sense a lack of protein in a dish and refuse to eat it.

Yorkies are notorious for being picky eaters since they are aware that eating may bring them pain.

Solution or helpful tips

  • Any meal that is proven to be successful should be kept.
  • If necessary, make the dish more appetizing.
  • Consider what you’re putting on the table.
  • Maintain a routine that is suitable for your dog.
  • Switching to a grain-free choice is a good idea.
  • Use the smallest serving sizes possible.
  • If you have any medical concerns, speak with your veterinarian.
  • Stop giving your Yorkie too many different types of food at once.
  • Just stick to what works for you and your Yorkie.

5. They pee more frequently

This is something most small breeds of dog owners experience a lot, this may be due to the size of their bladder.

Even with proper house training, Yorkies tend to pee frequently this can become a problem for most Yorkie owners.

Solution or helpful tips

Make the pee area very much accessible to your Yorkie, also you can control the amount of water you leave in your pup’s water bowl.

You can invest in dog pee pads if you can’t have your Yorkie access the pee area as often as he can.

6. They show a little difficulty in house-training

The act of educating a domesticated animal who lives with its human owners in a house to defecate outside or in a designated indoor spot rather than following its innate behavior of defecating at random within the house is known as house-training.

Yorkies are infamous for being tough to housebreak. Expect to spend one to three months in a crate or house training.

Yorkies can make mistakes even after they’ve finished their potty training.

This is undoubtedly one of the most frequent Yorkie behavior problems.

Solution or helpful tips

  • Be careful not to overfeed your Yorkie when house training him.
  • During the house-training process, don’t keep your Yorkie on a leash when you’re not around.
  • During the house-training process, provide your Yorkie a choice of areas to discharge himself.
  • During the house training process, take your Yorkie to the potty on a regular basis before night.
  • Potty training should start the day your Yorkie is delivered.
  • Do not yell or hit your Yorkie if he commits a mistake.
  • During the house-training process, don’t make any everyday changes to your Yorkie’s routine.
  • During the house training process, feed your Yorkie at the same time and in the same manner.
  • Make the toilet as accessible as feasible during the house training procedure and thereafter.

7. Yorkies can be shy

Shyness affects Yorkshire terriers as well. It is necessary to examine the Yorkie’s ears in order to determine whether the dog is shy.

The ears will lean back against the head of the dog who is shy.

Excessive panting in the dog when surrounded by new people is another indicator of timidity, as is pupil dilation.

It is critical to teach the dog that there is nothing to be shy about in order for him to lose his shyness.

Solution or helpful tips

Never pay attention to a dog’s timidity, and never console a shy dog. 

When the dog achieves something new and daring, lavish praise and attention on him.

Take the Yorkie to different areas and socialize it with people and animals to ensure that it becomes acclimated to new people and environments.

This socializing will undoubtedly assist the dog in overcoming his or her timidity.

8. Digging when bored

Separation anxiety, play aggressiveness, a lot of energy, loneliness, trying to get away, and finding a cool area to relax are all reasons Yorkies dig.

You must figure out why your Yorkie is digging and take action as soon as possible.

Keep your Yorkie busy at all times and never leave him outside for an extended period of time.

Dogs have an innate desire to dig for a number of reasons, none of which include cruelty.

Solution or helpful tips

  • Always attempt to link digging with a bad habit.
  • Organize a variety of mental-stimulating activities.
  • Distract the person from their conduct.
  • Make the digging areas unappealing.
  • Getting rid of rodents is a difficult task.
  • Create a daily regimen.
  • More chewing toys should be available.
  • Allow your Yorkie to be entertained at all times.

9. Chewing when bored

Chewing is a natural tendency for all dogs, but if the dog chews on items that aren’t supposed to be eaten, such as shoes, furniture, or electrical wires, chewing may rapidly become a problem.

To keep your dog busy and encourage healthy chewing, provide plenty of toys and chews.

Objects that you don’t want chewed can be removed or sprayed with Bitter Apple, a material that leaves a bad taste in their mouth.

Yorkies chew a lot when they’re bored or lonely.

Solution or helpful tips

  • Purchase a huge quantity of chewing toys.
  • Spraying furniture is a good idea.
  • There is a need for more mental stimulation.
  • Give your Yorkie more exercise chances.
  • It’s a good idea to puppy-proof your home.
  • Never let your Yorkie stay alone for too long.

10. Begging for food

As the owner, it might be difficult to resist Yorkie’s tempting grins, which encourage begging.

Begging is a nasty habit to have, yet many dog owners encourage it by feeding their pets while they eat.

Weight gain, digestive issues, and even recurrent diarrhea are all possible outcomes.

The most fundamental technique for avoiding this unpleasant behavior is to never support it in the first place.

Solution or helpful tips

  • When the Yorkie is begging, don’t stare at him.
  • When the Yorkie is begging, don’t talk to him.
  • If he attempts to pounce on you, twist and turn away.
  • At the same time, feed your Yorkie and consume your own meal.
  • Instead of sitting at the table and begging for food, teach your dog to do something else.
  • While you eat, put your Yorkie in his box or room.
  • When it’s time to dine, place the bowl near the table, so your dog believes he’s dining with you.

11. Prone to play aggression

One of the most common and well-known types of Yorkie behavior issues is this.

Yorkies’ play aggression manifests itself in a variety of ways, including growling, snarling, flashing fangs, lunging, and biting.

It’s fairly common among Yorkies since their owners always tolerate or encourage it because it’s the right thing to do.

Play aggression in Yorkies develops over time and, if not addressed, may cause severe issues with both your children and your dog.

Solution or helpful tips

  • Begin by playing quietly with your dog.
  • The socialization of your dog should begin at a young age.
  • Arrange for play dates with other pups and well-behaved adult dogs who can teach your puppy proper manners.
  • Hormone-driven aggressiveness can be reduced by neutering or spaying your dog.
  • Praise your dog when he or she engages in friendly play.
  • Include a toy in the equation and when a line is crossed, always stop your Yorkie from playing by distracting him.
  • If you have a loud Yorkie, stay off the floor.
  • Encourage your Yorkie to avoid begging for attention in an aggressive manner.
  • Teach compliance strategies and expectations.
  • The only way to go is to use positive reinforcement.

12 Growling at kids

Growling can be an indication of fear or aggression in little dogs like Yorkies, especially with kids.

A Yorkie will most likely exhibit both of these traits, prompting them to snarl at anybody in their vicinity.

Reduce their growling to make them more approachable, pleasant, and less likely to do harm to humans.

It may appear charming or fun at first, especially with little dogs like Yorkies, but it can irritate neighbors and cause problems.

It’s not a good idea to encourage dogs to howl. Keep a close check on your dog to make sure he’s as quiet as possible.

Solution or helpful tips

  • The importance of early and proper socialization with children cannot be overstated.
  • Teach your children how to pick up and handle Yorkies.
  • Developing and maintaining a daily routine.
  • Any and all sources of worry should be eliminated.
  • Allow your dog to be alone when he or she desires it.
  • Please instill in your children the importance of not mistreating your Yorkie.
  • There is a need for more mental stimulation.
  • Consult your Yorkie’s veterinarian for medical examinations.
  • Never leave your children alone with adult Yorkies.

I completely hope that your concern about Yorkie behavior problems was answered to your understanding!

Categorized as Dogs

By Jackson Duke

I'm Jackson Duke the founder of allpetspot. I grew up with lots of pets with 15 years of experience living with pets. My love for pets made me start allpetspot, am here to share his experiences with pets.

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