Yorkie Training Tips: Building Positive Behaviors

At SA Yorkie Rescue, we understand the importance of training and nurturing well-behaved Yorkies. Whether you're a seasoned Yorkie owner or a new enthusiast, our unique approach to dog behavior will help you establish a strong bond with your furry companion. Our training methods emphasize positive reinforcement, ensuring a happy and well-mannered Yorkie.

Essential Guidelines for Yorkie Behavior:

    1. Paws on the Ground:

Encourage your Yorkie to keep all four paws on the ground. Avoid jumping up on people or furniture, and reward your pet only when they exhibit grounded behavior. Cuddle time on the couch is permitted, but only when invited by an adult human, and once the cuddle session is over, it's back to all four paws on the ground.

    1. Earning Rewards:

At SA Yorkie Rescue, we believe in earning rewards through good behavior. Teach your Yorkie that polite behavior leads to pleasant experiences. Whether it's mealtime, walks, or cuddles, ensure your Yorkie behaves calmly and patiently before receiving their well-deserved rewards.

Key Commands for Your Yorkie:

Reward your Yorkie as soon as their bum touches the ground after the "sit" command.

Celebrate your Yorkie's successes when their belly and bum touch the ground after the "down" command. Be patient and create a joyful atmosphere to reinforce this behavior.

Encourage direct eye contact with your Yorkie while they are in a sitting position, rewarding them promptly for meeting your gaze.

Teach your Yorkie to nose-touch your hand when you hold it out within easy reach. Gradually increase the distance to challenge them in a positive way.

Train your Yorkie to resist temptation. Hold treats on your flat hand and use the command "leave it." Reward them only when they make eye contact or choose to look away from the treat.

Consistency for Success:

During the initial 10 days to 2 weeks, consistency is crucial. Reward your Yorkie promptly for following commands to reinforce positive behaviors and strengthen your bond. Consistent positive reinforcement will ensure that your Yorkie willingly works with you in the future.

Feeding Your Yorkie at SA Yorkie Rescue:

We prioritize the health and well-being of our Yorkies by offering them a balanced diet. Our primary choice is Royal Canin dog food, while those with specific needs, such as joint and skin issues, receive Orijen and Acana. For Yorkies with Auto Immune Disease, we provide cooked food and tailored supplements. Adult dogs are fed twice a day, while puppies enjoy three meals daily.

Playtime and Toys:

At SA Yorkie Rescue, we ensure that playtime is both enjoyable and safe for our furry friends. We thoughtfully select toys, avoiding plastic ones that can be chewed and ingested. Squeaky toys are kept to a minimum, as they may stimulate unwanted instincts. Our interactive play includes tug o' war, hide and go seek, and fun races.

No Kennel Philosophy:

We strongly believe that Yorkies, being social and gregarious, should never be confined to cages. At our Sanctuaries and Yorkie Old Age Home, our Yorkies spend their days exploring gardens, engaging in supervised swimming, and playing. During the night, they snuggle up in their own beds or in community beds, accompanied by cozy blankets during colder evenings.

If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to contact us at SA Yorkie Rescue. We are committed to providing a loving and nurturing environment for our adorable Yorkies.