Don’t be fooled by their tiny frames — Yorkshire Terriers are packed with personality. Equal parts bold and brainy, these small dogs are natural charmers who know exactly how to get their way.

But that same sharp mind can turn training into a battle of wills. With a curious streak and a habit of testing boundaries, Yorkies need more than just basic obedience — they need a training approach that works with their smarts, not against them. From understanding what motivates them to unlocking better focus through diet and consistency, training a Yorkie is all about tapping into what makes them tick.

Read more: Yorkshire Terrier breed insights: care, personality & expert tips

Yorkshire Terrier temperament and trainability

Bred originally for catching rats in textile mills, Yorkies are energetic, brave, and not afraid to speak their minds — often with a bark or a bold dash across the room.

They’re quick learners and love mental stimulation, but their independent streak can make them challenging to train. Yorkies can be a bit bossy if given the chance, so establishing boundaries early is key. Toilet training is one common hurdle — their small size means they need more frequent breaks and may take longer to establish a routine.

But don’t let their spirited nature put you off. With gentle consistency, positive reinforcement, and lots of encouragement, your Yorkie will surprise you with how quickly they can pick things up. Keep training fun and reward-based, and you’ll build a strong bond built on mutual respect.

Health considerations that can affect training

Though small, Yorkshire Terriers can face health issues that affect their training performance:

Dental disease: Dental disease can be a common problem causing inflammation pain, and even tooth loss. Discomfort in the mouth may affect your pup’s mood or motivation to learn.

Keep your dog’s teeth sparkling white with regular brushing with dog-friendly toothpaste. Diets and treats containing kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum) can also help to reduce plaque and tartar that lead to dental disease if left untreated. Lyka meals all contain kelp, so do Lyka Turkey Dental Jerky treats.

Joint conditions: Yorkies can be prone to patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place instead of staying in its groove. Over time, this can lead to joint inflammation and arthritis.

Diets containing bone- and joint-loving ingredients like green-lipped mussel and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA from fish oil) can support your pup’s musculoskeletal health. Lyka’s Mussel Munchies are great treats with health benefits – ideal for training and providing nourishment for your dog’s bones and joints.

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD): This condition is where the mitral valve weakens and allows blood to flow backward, putting extra strain on the heart. Signs may include coughing, reduced stamina, or breathing changes, though many dogs show no symptoms early on. Regular vet checks are important for early detection and management.

While diet can't cure MVD, Lyka's fresh, minimally processed food contains omega-3s from fish oil and highly digestible proteins with amino acid profiles that support heart health. Bioactive real food ingredients in Lyka meals are naturally high in antioxidants and phytonutrients like blueberries, kale, ginger, mushrooms, and turmeric.

If your Yorkie seems unfocused, lethargic, or unusually reactive, a vet check-up may help uncover underlying issues affecting their ability to train or concentrate.

How real food fuels your Yorkshire Terrier’s focus

Just like us, dogs learn best when they’re feeling healthy, balanced and energised. Diet plays a big role in your pup’s ability to focus, stay calm, and retain information.

Yorkshire Terriers benefit from:

• Steady energy sources like butternut squash and purple sweet potato, which have a low glycaemic load and help release energy slowly.

• Essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA (omega-3s from fish, mussels, or fish oil) support brain health and development, memory, and learning.

• Fresh, bioactive nutrients from ingredients, like shiitake mushrooms, support immunity, skin health, and overall wellbeing.

“A fresh food diet packed with brain-boosting nutrients supports your dog’s ability to learn and adapt. Omega-3s, especially DHA, are critical for memory and cognitive function.” 

– Dr Alex England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)   

Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience. 

All Lyka meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to provide complete and balanced nutrition for learning, growth, and everyday health. 

Read more: What do Yorkshire Terriers eat? Breed-specific nutrition tips

Exercise first for improved focus

Yorkshire Terriers are lively and spirited, and that energy needs an outlet. Giving your Yorkie a short burst of exercise before training can help reduce restlessness and improve concentration.

Their small size means they don’t require intense workouts, but aim for:

• Indoor fetch or tug-of-war sessions

• A short walk with plenty of sniffing opportunities

• Puzzle toys to provide mental stimulation

Burning off some steam beforehand can help your Yorkie focus on the task at hand — rather than darting after every leaf or sound.

Training tips for Yorkshire Terriers

Training a Yorkie can feel like negotiating with a tiny, furry lawyer — but it’s a rewarding experience when done with patience and positivity.

Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of positive vibes. Here’s what works best:

Positive reinforcement

This is the gold standard for training. Marking good behaviour with rewards like praise, affection, treats, or continued interaction, teaches your pup how to behave and supports a strong and positive relationship.

Double up on rewards to mark excellent responses from your Yorkie, like praise and a pat, or praise and a treat.

Find their favourite motivator

Discovering your pup’s hierarchy of high-value rewards is a great way to keep your terrier motivated. Is it a nibble of roast chicken, their favourite squeaky toy, or playtime with you?

Lyka’s Piggy Training Perks are a high-value, low-calorie treat that’s designed to keep your pup motivated and rewarded during training.

Train at the right time

Sometimes dogs don’t have the energy or desire to learn, especially if they’re too tired, too full, or hot and bothered.

Mental enrichment through training can be tiring for dogs, so find the right time to train and stop if you notice your pup starting to lose focus or fatigue.

Stay consistent

Consistency is key to training. Not just in setting your expectations, but in using the same verbal and non-verbal cues.

Be playful and engaging

Dogs are sensitive souls that can pick up on your mood. Keep your sessions fun and your positive energy will be contagious.

Watch their body language

If your pup starts to show signs of stress or tiredness, give them a break. If they’ve reached saturation point, it can be counterproductive to persevere. You can always come back to the training at another time.

Training your Yorkshire Terrier puppy

Yorkie puppies are bundles of boldness and curiosity — and they often think they run the household. House training and early obedience are essential to create good habits before their sass takes over.

What works?

• A regular toilet routine

• Positive crate training for safe sleep and downtime

• Early and controlled socialisation with people, dogs, sounds, places and situations

Yorkies are especially sensitive to harsh corrections, so stick with force-free methods that build trust and confidence.

Training your adult Yorkshire Terrier

Just because your Yorkie’s out of puppyhood doesn’t mean the training stops. In fact, ongoing mental stimulation is essential to keep their mind sharp and behaviour balanced.

This might look like:

• Reinforcing polite greetings at the door

• Learning new tricks or games

• Adjusting to life changes, like moving house

• Training for mobility support, like using a ramp in senior years

Dogs have neuroplasticity, meaning their brains adapt and change, making them lifelong learners. Keep training light and engaging, and celebrate progress — no matter how small.

Read more: Training adult dogs: expert tips to boost learning, brain health & bonding

When to call in a Trainer or Behaviourist

Not sure if your Yorkshire Terrier’s quirks are just stubbornness — or something deeper?

A trainer is your go-to for obedience, manners, and routine behaviours. A qualified behaviourist, on the other hand, is best for issues like:

• Reactivity

• Anxiety or phobias

• Aggression

• Resource guarding

They work closely with your vet to address underlying causes and create a tailored plan. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to create lasting change.

“If training your dog is very challenging, it may be worth considering a trainer or a behaviourist. A trainer can help you identify what may be triggering their behaviour and show you how to help your dog cope in those situations. The solution may be as simple as reframing what we expect from our dogs and our behaviours around them.”

• Laura V, qualified dog behaviourist

New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together

Training your Yorkshire Terrier is a journey — one that requires consistency, creativity, and compassion. Whether you’re navigating house training with a stubborn puppy or teaching your senior dog new routines, every small win is a step toward a calmer, more connected life together.

And remember, a well-fed brain is a trainable brain. Supporting your Yorkshire Terrier’s learning with fresh, real food meals helps unlock their full potential.

Lyka nourishes hundreds of Yorkshire Terriers across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.