Yorkie Behavior Problems: Why They Happen and How to Solve Them

Yorkshire Terriers are adorable little dogs with big personalities, which can sometimes translate into big behavior challenges. First-time Yorkie owners often find that their tiny pup can develop outsized habits like excessive barking, separation anxiety, or even stubborn streaks. In fact, in one owner survey, housebreaking difficulties, separation anxiety, and barking topped the list of Yorkshire Terrier challenges​. The good news is that with patience, training, and understanding, you can address these Yorkie behavior problems and help your furry friend become a well-mannered pet. 

This guide will explain why common Yorkie behavior issues happen and provide practical solutions—from training tips to socialization—tailored for a new dog owner. 

What Are The Most Common Yorkie Behavior Problems?

Barking Issues: Why Yorkies Bark and How to Manage It

Yorkies might be small, but they sure can make a lot of noise. Many Yorkie owners struggle with excessive barking – your pup might bark at the doorbell, other animals, or even seemingly nothing at all. So, why do Yorkies bark so much?

Alertness and Territorial Instinct

Yorkshire Terriers have keen senses and a big sense of self-importance. They make excellent little watchdogs, always ready to sound the alarm at every new sight or sound​. This means your Yorkie is likely barking to alert you or ward off what they perceive as intruders (even if it’s just a squirrel outside).

Attention-Seeking

Some barking is your Yorkie’s way of saying “Look at me!” If your Yorkie learns that barking gets your attention or a response, they may repeat it. This learned behavior can happen accidentally (for example, if you comfort or pick them up each time they bark).

Boredom or Lack of Stimulation

A Yorkie left alone for long periods or not engaged with enough play and exercise might bark out of boredom. Barking can relieve their pent-up energy or simply be something to do.

Anxiety or Excitement: Yorkie barking issues often spike when a dog is anxious (like when you leave the house) or overly excited (like when you come home or there’s a knock at the door). In particular, barking is a common symptom of Yorkie anxiety related to separation (more on that later).

Solutions for Excessive Barking

It’s important to curb nuisance barking early **before it becomes a habit. Here are some practical tips to manage a Yorkie’s barking:

Teach the “Quiet” Command

Training your Yorkie to understand a cue like “quiet” or “enough” can be very effective. Wait for a pause in their barking, then say “Quiet” in a calm, firm voice. The moment they stop barking, praise them and offer a small treat​. With consistency, they’ll associate silence with rewards. 

Don’t Reward Barking

It’s crucial not to inadvertently reward the barking. If your Yorkie barks for attention, do not yell or immediately cuddle them, as this may reinforce the behavior. Instead, calmly ignore the barking until your dog stops, then reward the quiet behavior. They’ll learn that staying calm is what earns your attention.

Provide Enough Exercise and Stimulation

A tired dog is a quieter dog. Make sure your Yorkie gets daily walks and play sessions to burn off energy. Mental stimulation is important too – puzzle toys or short training sessions can keep their busy mind occupied, reducing boredom barking.

Desensitize Triggers

If your Yorkie barks at specific triggers (like the doorbell or passersby), practice gradual exposure. For example, have a friend lightly use the doorbell while you keep your Yorkie calm and reward them for not barking. Over time, they learn that the doorbell doesn’t mean they need to go on high alert.

Stay Patient and Consistent

Barking habits won’t vanish overnight. Stay consistent with training. Everyone in the family should respond to barking the same way (for instance, all agree to ignore demanding barks and reward quiet). Yorkies are smart but also persistent, so with steady positive reinforcement, they will improve.
For more detailed strategies on taming the yapping, check out our guide on how to stop Yorkies from barking. It offers “6 Effective Tips” specifically to manage Yorkie barking bouts.

Separation Anxiety: Helping a Yorkie Handle Alone Time

Does your Yorkie freak out when you leave the house? Do you come home to chewed-up pillows or hear frantic yaps as you close the door? If so, you’re likely dealing with Yorkie separation anxiety. This is a common issue – about 18% of Yorkie owners reported separation anxiety as a challenge​. Yorkshire Terriers form very strong bonds with their owners, so being left alone can be extremely stressful for them.

Why it happens: Yorkies are affectionate “Velcro dogs” who love to stick by your side. Your Yorkie might panic when alone because they feel insecure or scared without you. If they’ve never been taught that being alone is okay, even short absences can trigger anxiety. 

Sometimes owners unintentionally encourage clinginess by always keeping the dog on their lap or carrying them everywhere. (In fact, constantly babying a Yorkie can lead to a more anxious, trembling dog who barks at every sight or sound​.

Genetics and individual temperament play a role too – some pups are simply more prone to anxiety.

Signs of Yorkie separation anxiety include: excessive barking or whining when left, destructive behavior (chewing doors, scratching at walls), pacing, accidents in the house (despite being potty-trained), or even trembling and drooling. Your Yorkie isn’t being “bad” on purpose; these behaviors are literally panic responses to being alone.

Solutions for Separation Anxiety

Helping your Yorkie feel secure when alone takes practice, but it’s very achievable with consistent, gentle training. Try these steps:

Gradual Alone-Time Training

Start by leaving your Yorkie alone for very short periods and slowly build up. For example, tell your dog to stay in one room while you step into another for a minute. Reward them when you return if they stayed calm. Gradually increase the time you’re out of sight. Then progress to actually leaving the house for a few minutes, then 10 minutes, etc. This desensitization teaches your Yorkie that you always come back and there’s nothing to fear.

No Big Hellos or Goodbyes

As hard as it is, keep your departures and returns low-key. If you make a huge fuss saying goodbye (“Mama will miss you so much, be a good girl!” followed by hugs), your Yorkie will sense something is up and get worked up. Instead, stay calm and casual when leaving. When you get home, wait until your dog is relatively calm to greet them. By keeping interactions calm, you show that departures and returns are no big deal.

Create a Safe Space

Give your Yorkie a comfortable, secure area for alone time. Crate training can be helpful – many dogs learn to love their crate as a “den” where they feel safe. Alternatively, set up a small puppy-proofed room or gated area with your Yorkie’s bed. Include a shirt or blanket with your scent and some favorite toys. Having their own safe zone can reduce anxiety.

Leave Distractions

Before you go out, burn off some energy with a walk or play session. A tired Yorkie will be more likely to relax or nap when you’re gone. Also, provide a special long-lasting treat or chew (like a food-stuffed Kong toy) right as you leave. This gives them something positive to focus on besides your exit. Often, an anxious dog’s peak stress is in the first 15 minutes after you leave, so a yummy distraction can work wonders.

Consider Calming Aids if Needed

Some owners find that dog-appeasing pheromone diffusers, calming collars, or even anxiety vests help soothe an anxious Yorkie. These are optional tools – results vary per dog – but they might be worth a try in combination with training.

Aggression in Yorkies: Small Dog, Big Attitude

Yorkshire Terriers are known for being friendly and spirited, not aggressive by nature​

. However, there are exceptions where a Yorkie may exhibit aggressive behaviors like growling, snapping, or nipping. As a first-time owner, it can be alarming to see your tiny pup acting mean. Understanding the root of Yorkshire Terrier aggression is key to fixing it.

Why it happens?

Aggression in Yorkies is usually a sign of fear, insecurity, or sometimes improper training/socialization. Despite their bold front, many Yorkies are actually fearful of larger dogs or sudden, loud children. If they feel threatened, their response might be a defensive snap or growl. Lack of early socialization can cause a Yorkie to perceive anything unfamiliar as a threat. 

Additionally, if a Yorkie hasn’t been taught boundaries (for instance, if they growl when guarding a toy and the owner always backs off), they may learn that aggression gets them what they want – this is often called resource guarding (protecting food, toys, or even their favorite human). 

Finally, pain or illness can also trigger sudden aggression, so it’s wise to rule out a medical issue if your Yorkie’s temperament changes suddenly.

Yorkies can also develop a “big boss” mentality if allowed. Sometimes jokingly called small dog syndrome, this is when a tiny dog acts dominant or pushy because their humans never corrected bad behavior (often we tend to spoil or excuse a small dog’s antics). 

For example, a Yorkie that growls when you approach their food bowl and is never corrected may start thinking they are in charge of the house.

Solutions for Yorkie Aggression

Handling aggression requires a mix of training, socialization, and management. Here are some tips to turn your feisty Yorkie into a friendlier pup:

Early Socialization

If your Yorkie is a puppy (or even an adult), gradually expose them to new people, gentle dogs, and different environments. Positive experiences are crucial. Take them to a small dog playgroup or invite a calm, dog-friendly bigger dog for a supervised meet-up. When your Yorkie behaves well around others, reward them lavishly. Proper socialization will build their confidence and reduce fear-based aggression​.

Positive Reinforcement Training

Teach your Yorkie that good things happen when they remain calm. For instance, if your Yorkie typically growls when someone comes near while they have a chew toy, practice a trade: approach with a high-value treat, ask them to “drop it” or gently take the toy, then reward them with the treat and praise for letting you have the item. This way they learn people near their possessions is not a threat. 

Similarly, use treats and praise to reinforce non-aggressive responses to triggers (like calmly seeing another dog). Never hit or yell at your Yorkie for growling or snapping – punishment often backfires by increasing fear. Instead, stay calm and use a firm “no” or interruption, then redirect to a positive behavior and reward that.

Consistency and Boundaries

Ensure everyone in the household enforces the same rules. If you’ve decided the dog isn’t allowed to snap when being picked up, make sure no family member “gives in” to tantrums either. For example, if your Yorkie growls when being moved off the couch, don’t let that behavior succeed. 

Gently but firmly follow through (use a treat to lure them down, if needed, rather than retreating). Over time the dog learns that growling doesn’t get them their way. Consistency is key to teaching a Yorkie they are not the boss in a loving but firm manner.

Avoid Triggers and Manage Encounters

While training is in progress, manage situations to prevent rehearsing bad behavior. If your Yorkie is reactive on walks (barking/lunging at others), use distance: cross the street or turn away before the other dog gets too close. 

If they guard food from other pets, feed them separately to avoid conflict. By controlling triggers, you set your dog up for success and can work on training gradually without constant setbacks.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

If your Yorkie’s aggression is serious (e.g., biting that breaks skin, or constant fierce reactivity), consider enlisting a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. It’s not a failure on your part—some dogs benefit from expert guidance. 

A professional can assess whether it’s fear aggression, territorial aggression, etc., and tailor a behavior modification plan. Early intervention can prevent aggressive habits from worsening.

For more on curbing nipping and biting (common aggressive behaviors in young Yorkies), read our post onhow to stop Yorkie biting and nipping. It provides 8 pro tips to teach your Yorkie gentle manners and prevent little nips from turning into bigger problems.

Housebreaking Difficulties: Potty Training a Yorkie

Potty training is one area where Yorkie owners often throw up their hands in frustration. The Yorkshire Terrier has a reputation for being difficult to housebreak​. In that owner survey, housebreaking was the number one issue (22% of owners listed it as a challenge​. Don’t panic – it’s not that Yorkies can’t be potty trained; they absolutely can. But compared to some breeds, it might take a bit more time and a ton of consistency. Here’s why potty training a Yorkie can be tricky:

Tiny Bladder, Tiny Tolerance

Yorkies are small dogs, and physically, small dogs have smaller bladders and faster metabolisms. This means they need to relieve themselves more frequently than a larger dog. A young Yorkie puppy might simply not hold it very long. Even adult Yorkies may need more frequent bathroom breaks, especially when they get excited.

Dislike of Bad Weather

Many Yorkies hate the cold and rain​. Can you blame them? Their small size means they lose body heat quickly, and no one likes getting their paws wet. If you live in a colder climate or it’s stormy outside, a Yorkie might resist going potty outdoors. This can lead to accidents inside because they’ll “hold it” until they can’t anymore, or seek an alternative spot (like your rug). An expert even ranked Yorkies among the top 5 hardest breeds to housebreak, especially in cold or rainy weather​.

Inconsistent Training or Pad Confusion

Sometimes owners of small dogs alternate between indoor pee pads and outdoor training, which can confuse the dog. Yorkies are smart but if the rules keep changing (indoors is okay sometimes, but not other times), they may not catch on quickly. Inconsistency or lack of routine will definitely set back housebreaking progress.

Owner Mistakes

It’s easy to miss a tiny Yorkie puppy sneaking behind the couch to pee. If accidents aren’t caught and the area thoroughly cleaned, the pup might form a habit of using a certain spot. Additionally, harsh punishment for accidents can make things worse—your Yorkie might become afraid to potty in front of you (so they hide and do it where you can’t see).

Solutions for Potty Training Your Yorkie

Despite the challenges, you can potty train your Yorkie with the right approach. It requires vigilance and positive reinforcement. Try the following strategies:

Stick to a Schedule

Consistency is the golden rule of housebreaking and dealing with such yorkie behavior problems. Take your Yorkie out (or to their designated potty spot) first thing in the morning, after every meal, after play sessions, and before bedtime without fail. During puppyhood, this might mean every 2 hours or so. Set a timer if you have to. Regular opportunities prevent accidents and teach your dog where they should go. Their small bladder can’t hold it much longer at first, so frequent potty breaks set them up for success.

Use Crate Training

Dogs naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. A properly-sized crate (just big enough for your Yorkie to stand up and turn around) can be an excellent housebreaking tool. Keep your pup in the crate for short periods when you can’t supervise closely, then immediately take them outside upon release. 

They will try to hold it in the crate, and you’ll be right there to reward them for doing it in the right place once outside. Never leave them too long in the crate, though – we don’t want them forced to have an accident in there.

Reward Every Success

This is critical. The moment your Yorkie potties in the correct spot, praise enthusiastically and give a high-value treat. Become a bit goofy with your praise – make it super clear that you’re thrilled they did their business outside (or on the pad). 

This positive reinforcement makes a lasting impression on a Yorkie. They love to please, and if they figure out that pottying outside = yummy treat and happy owner, they’ll be motivated to repeat that behavior.

Supervise and Confine

Until your Yorkie is reliably trained, don’t give full run of the house. Keep them in the same room as you so you can watch for signs (circling, sniffing, sneaking off). If you see those, whisk them to the potty spot immediately. Some owners even keep the pup on a lightweight leash by their side indoors to monitor them. When you can’t supervise (busy around the house), that’s when using the crate or a gated puppy-proof area with a pee pad is helpful. Preventing accidents is much easier than trying to break a habit later.

Provide a Covered Potty Area

Since Yorkies often dislike bad weather, you can accommodate their needs by creating a more appealing potty area. If possible, set up a small covered area outside where the ground stays dry (even an overhang or a big patio umbrella can help). This way, rain or snow won’t deter them as much. Alternatively, some owners use an indoor dog litter box or grass pad for times of inclement weather. This can be a backup solution so the Yorkie doesn’t learn to just go on carpets when the weather is bad. Ideally, they know either “outside is for potty” or “pad is for potty” – whichever method you choose, stick to it consistently.

Never Punish Accidents

It’s important to stay patient when dealing with all sort of yorkie behavior problems. If your Yorkie has an accident inside, do not scold by rubbing their nose in it or yelling. They won’t understand that this is connected to the mess on the floor – they’ll just become afraid of you or afraid to potty in your presence. Instead, calmly clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner (to remove the smell) and resolve to supervise more closely. 

If you catch them mid-accident, you can clap or say “Uh-oh!” to interrupt, then immediately carry them to the right spot and praise if they finish there. Remember that setbacks will happen. Patience and consistency will win out in the end.

Housebreaking a Yorkie might take a few weeks or a few months depending on the dog, but they will get it if you remain diligent. Many Yorkies are fully potty trained by 6-7 months old, though occasional slip-ups can happen under stress or if their routine changes. Keep reinforcing good behavior long-term. 

Need a comprehensive potty plan? Read our Yorkies potty training guide for a step-by-step approach to housebreaking, including how to handle apartment living and teaching your Yorkie to signal when it’s time to go out.

Stubbornness: Dealing with a Headstrong Yorkie

Yorkshire Terriers may be small, but they often have a big dog attitude. This breed is famously confident and can also be quite stubborn or strong-willed. In other words, sometimes a Yorkie will try to do things their way, not yours! 

As a new owner, you might notice your Yorkie “refusing to listen” on occasion (about 7% of owners in one survey cited this as an issue​. Don’t be too surprised if your Yorkie decides to ignore a command because they find something else more interesting – it’s not that they aren’t smart (they’re very smart), but they do have a mind of their own.

Why is this one of the most common Yorkie behavior problems?

Several factors contribute to the Yorkie stubborn streak. Yorkies are terriers at heart – bred as little hunters – which means they have an independent spirit. They weren’t bred to be 100% obedient retrievers; they were bred to chase rodents and think on their feet. 

This independence can translate to a dog that asks, “Hmm, what’s in it for me if I obey?” Additionally, if a Yorkie senses that they can get away with ignoring commands (perhaps because we tend to baby them), they will push those boundaries. 

For example, if you always give in when your Yorkie begs or if you never enforce a sit command, the dog learns that listening is optional. Consistency is often the cure to stubbornness – which we’ll get to in a moment. Lastly, some Yorkies get a bit snappy or defiant if not trained properly​; it’s their way of testing leadership in the household.

The good news is that Yorkies love to please their owners once they understand what you want. They are also food-motivated little gluttons (usually), which is great for training. So even if your Yorkie acts a bit bossy or aloof now, you can definitely turn that around with the right techniques.

Solutions for Stubborn Behavior

Tackling stubbornness is all about firm but loving consistency. You want to set boundaries for your Yorkie and stick to them. Here’s how to encourage your Yorkie to cooperate:

Be Consistent with Commands

If you use a command like “come” or “off”, use it consistently and expect compliance once your Yorkie has learned it. Don’t sometimes say “come” and other times say “here, puppy!” – choose one and stick with it so as not to confuse your dog. 

Moreover, if you give a command, try to ensure the dog follows through (with gentle guidance) instead of letting them ignore you. For instance, if you say “come” and the Yorkie looks at you then wanders away, go get their attention and encourage them to come, then reward them. They should learn that a command given is not optional. Consistency like this helps a Yorkie understand the rules.

Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun

Yorkies have short attention spans so this could be one more of yorkie behavior problems. They’ll get bored with long, repetitive training. Aim for 5-10 minute training sessions, and end on a positive note. Use happy tones, make it a game, and use yummy treats. If your Yorkie realizes that doing what you ask leads to tasty rewards and a fun time, their “what’s in it for me?” attitude will be satisfied. For example, practice “sit” or “stay” with a treat, and when they do it right, break into praise and give the treat. Over time you can phase treats out intermittently, but always praise good behavior.

Positive Reinforcement Works Best

Harsh discipline doesn’t work well with Yorkies (or most dogs). Yelling or physical punishment can make a Yorkie more defiant or even fearful. 

Instead, reward the behaviors you want to see. If your stubborn pup finally comes when called, make it worth their while! If they’re quietly lying down instead of begging at the table, give them a little treat or petting. Catch them being good. This positive reinforcement encourages repeat good behavior far more effectively than scolding does for bad behavior.

Don’t Indulge Bad Habits

As cute as Yorkies are, avoid letting them become spoiled divas. If your Yorkie refuses to walk on the leash and you always end up carrying them, they learn that pulling or sitting means “I get carried.” Instead, encourage them to walk a few steps before picking them up, so they know stubborn balking won’t immediately get them their way. 

Similarly, if they demand table scraps by whining, do not give in. Ignoring unwanted demands is tough, but giving in even once teaches the Yorkie that being stubborn or pushy works. Stand firm and they’ll eventually stop the behavior when it’s not rewarded.

Establish Routine and Leadership

Dogs, even independent ones, thrive on knowing a routine and who is in charge. Set a daily routine for feeding, walks, play, and training. This structure helps a headstrong Yorkie know what to expect and reduces testing of boundaries. 

Additionally, kind leadership on your part will help. This means you calmly enforce rules all the time. For example, if the rule is no jumping on guests, you stop or redirect the jump every time. Being a leader doesn’t mean being a bully; it means being a reliable guide. Yorkies can get stressed if they feel no one is in charge. They might try to take over. Showing your pup that you have things under control will help them feel more relaxed. This will make them more willing to follow your cues.

Above all, patience + consistency = success with a stubbornness and such yorkie behavior problems. They might test you, but if you don’t waver, they will come around. Many owners report that their Yorkies become very well-behaved with maturity and training. The stubborn puppy that once ignored you can grow into a responsive little dog who knows the household rules. Keep training fun and part of daily life—ask for a “sit” before meals, or a “stay” before going out the door. These little moments reinforce your leadership and your Yorkie’s manners.

Dealing With Yorkie Behavior Problems: Conclusion

As a first-time owner, encountering Yorkie behavior problems can be frustrating – but remember, you’re not alone and these issues are fixable. Yorkies can be loud and need a lot of attention. They can also be a bit stubborn. However, you can manage these traits with the right approach. The keys to success are patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.

By understanding why your Yorkie behaves a certain way, you can address the root cause: give them leadership and training for their stubbornness, socialization for their fear or aggression, structure for their anxiety, and ample praise for getting it right. Over time, your Yorkie will learn what’s expected and you’ll see improvements in their behavior.

Celebrate the small wins – the first time your pup stays quiet on command, or sleeps calmly when you leave the room, or goes a week without an indoor accident. Each success builds on the last. In no time, that little furball will show you what big heart and loyalty they have, minus the troublesome behaviors. You’ll be left with a wonderful, well-behaved Yorkie companion who brightens your life every day.