Common Yorkie Behavior Problems — A Complete Guide
Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent, spirited little dogs, but they can develop behaviour problems just like any other breed. Understanding why these behaviours happen — and how to address them — is the key to a happy, well-adjusted Yorkie.
Why Do Behaviour Problems Develop?
Most behaviour problems in Yorkies stem from one of three causes: lack of clear leadership, inconsistent rules, or unmet needs (exercise, mental stimulation, or socialisation). Yorkies are clever dogs that thrive on structure — when they do not get it, they invent their own rules, which often leads to unwanted behaviours.
Setting firm but gentle boundaries from day one is the single best way to prevent most behaviour problems from developing in the first place.
Begging for Food and Attention
Unless they are trained not to do so, most dogs will form the natural habit of begging for both attention and food. Some owners find this cute, but it quickly becomes annoying and can lead to obesity if you give in too often.
How to Stop Begging
- Never feed from the table — even once teaches your Yorkie that begging sometimes works
- Use a designated spot — teach your Yorkie to go to their bed or crate during mealtimes and reward them for staying there
- Ignore the behaviour — do not make eye contact, speak, or push them away. Any attention (even negative) reinforces the behaviour
- Provide a distraction — give them a stuffed Kong or chew toy while you eat
- Be consistent — every family member must follow the same rules, or your Yorkie will learn who the soft touch is
With consistency, most Yorkies stop begging within 1–2 weeks.
Destructive Chewing
All puppies, including Yorkies, can be very persistent chewers — especially during teething (around 4–6 months). But destructive chewing in adult Yorkies is usually a sign of boredom, anxiety, or excess energy.
How to Stop Destructive Chewing
- Provide appropriate chews — offer a variety of safe chew toys, dental chews, and stuffed Kongs. Rotate them so they stay interesting
- Puppy-proof your home — keep shoes, cables, and valuable items out of reach
- Increase exercise and mental stimulation — a tired Yorkie is a well-behaved Yorkie. Add an extra walk, a training session, or a puzzle toy to their daily routine
- Use bitter apple spray — apply to furniture legs, baseboards, and other items you want to protect
- Never punish after the fact — your Yorkie will not connect the punishment to the chewing. Instead, redirect to an appropriate toy the moment you catch them
If your adult Yorkie suddenly starts destructive chewing, check for signs of separation anxiety — this is a common cause and needs a different approach.
Growling and Aggression
Growling is a communication tool, not a sign of a bad dog. Your Yorkie is telling you they are uncomfortable. Punishing a growl teaches them to skip the warning and go straight to biting.
What to Do When Your Yorkie Growls
- Stop what you are doing — respect the warning. Your Yorkie is telling you they need space
- Identify the trigger — is it a specific person, situation, or action (like staring, reaching for their food, or touching a sore spot)?
- Address the underlying cause — if growling happens when you stare, avoid prolonged eye contact (dogs find this threatening). If it happens around food, practice resource guarding exercises
- Consult a vet — sudden growling, especially when touched, can indicate pain or illness
For adult dogs with a history of growling, work with a professional positive-reinforcement trainer. The behaviour can be managed, but it takes patience and consistency.
Lack of Rules and Discipline
Dogs are like children — they need leadership and guidance to feel secure. When a Yorkie does not have clear rules and boundaries, they become anxious and may develop a range of behaviour problems.
Establishing Good Leadership
- Set clear rules — decide what is and is not allowed (jumping on furniture, going through doors first, etc.) and enforce them consistently
- Use positive reinforcement — reward the behaviours you want to see rather than punishing the ones you do not
- Be calm and assertive — Yorkies respond best to a confident, consistent leader. Avoid shouting or losing your temper
- Schedule structure — regular feeding times, walk times, and training sessions give your Yorkie a sense of security
A well-led Yorkie is a happy, confident dog that rarely develops serious behaviour problems.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your Yorkie’s behaviour problems are severe — involving biting, extreme fear, or aggression toward people or other dogs — consult a professional positive-reinforcement trainer or a veterinary behaviourist. Some issues, particularly those rooted in fear or anxiety, benefit from professional guidance.
Remember: most behaviour problems are fixable with patience, consistency, and the right approach. Your Yorkie wants to please you — they just need you to show them how.
Related Reading
- Yorkshire Terrier Training Tips — Complete training guide
- Your Yorkshire Terrier’s Health — Common health issues and wellness tips
- Dog Fleas in Yorkies — Prevention and treatment guide
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