How to Train a Yorkie Poo Puppy - In a Few Simple Steps

One of the best, most intensive and rewarding experiences you have as a pet parent is training your little pup. If you happen to have an intelligent puppy like the Yorkie Poo, a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Poodle, it definitely becomes a little easier. The key though, no matter how smart a dog is? Its patience, consistency, and a whole lot of positive reinforcement.

In this guide, we’ll help you get started.

Simple and Effective Tips to Train Your Yorkie Poo Puppy

1. Start Training Early

They say old dogs don’t learn new tricks. Well, news flash, that isn’t true. One can absolutely train a senior dog. However, it is also true that puppies learn quicker as their brains are more plastic. They’re little sponges and they’ll absorb everything they see and hear. So, when you bring your Yorkie Poo pup home, training begins RIGHT NOW!

Start easy with basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” By starting young, you also prevent the development of undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking or chewing. Keep your training sessions short—something around 5-10 minutes. These pups are more like modern humans than we may believe; they’re clever but have short attention spans. Short, frequent sessions will keep them engaged without making them feel overwhelmed.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement

Not just Yorkie Poos, but every dog responds well to positive reinforcement. Again, another area where they’re more like us than we might initially think.

To break it down as simply as possible, positive reinforcement is the act of rewarding your pup when they do something right. Good actions, like listening to a command, result in the puppy getting something they love—be it a treat, toy, or pats. This way, they make the connection that when they perform action xyz, they get a reward and hence they’ll repeat it.

However, the key here is timing and reinforcing the right behavior. For example, if your Yorkie Poo sits when asked, reward them instantly so they’re able to make the connection between action and reward. Many times, parents reinforce negative traits or are too slow and get disappointed when they aren’t seeing the results they had hoped for.

Lastly, another reason why positive reinforcement is preferred is because it builds a trust bond between you and your dog. Punishment only fosters resentment, fear, and anxiety.

3. Be Consistent

Consistency is the key, as we stated in the introduction. Use the same commands and rewards each time. For example, if you always say "sit" when you want your puppy to sit. If you mix up commands or give inconsistent rewards, your Yorkie Poo might get confused and struggle to learn. It can be difficult and, in all honesty, sometimes frustrating, but such is the process of training a pup.

Another aspect of being consistent is maintaining discipline and setting boundaries and sticking to them. What we mean by that is, if you don’t want your puppy on the furniture, they will not be on the furniture from the beginning. Don’t melt and give in to the puppy eyes and let them up one day and then scold them for being on the couch the other day. Puppies thrive when they know what to expect from you, and consistency makes it easier for them to understand the rules.

4. Potty Training – Be Patient

Potty training is often one of the first hurdles for new puppy owners. With a Yorkie Poo, potty training can be a bit tricky, as they have small bladders and need to go outside frequently. However, with patience and consistency, your Yorkie Poo will quickly catch on.

Take your puppy outside every 1-2 hours, as well as after meals and naps. When they do their business outside, give them plenty of praise and a treat. The more you reinforce positive behavior, the quicker they’ll learn. Crate training can also be helpful, as dogs tend to avoid soiling where they sleep. When left in a crate, your Yorkie Poo will learn to hold it until they’re taken outside.

5. Socialization is Key

A dog is a social animal so naturally socialization is a crucial part of their training, and this is no different with Yorkie Poos. When you get your pup, introduce them to different people, places, and other animals, introduce them to senior dogs at an early age so they’re not freaked out at the sight of a Pug or a Persian cat when they grow up. Yorkie Poos can sometimes be a bit shy or anxious around new things, so gradual exposure can prevent behavioural issues later on. Dog parks, inviting friends over, or just going out is a great way to expose them to new situations. However, ensure their safety.

6. Address Behavioral Issues Early

If you notice your Yorkie Poo developing bad habits, such as barking excessively or not stopping their habit of peeing in the crate, you want to address it ASAP. There is no waiting here. The sooner you catch this behaviour, the easier it is to correct. If your puppy is barking for attention, ignore them until they stop, then reward them when they’re quiet. For chewing, provide plenty of chew toys to redirect their attention. However, as we stated earlier, make sure not to reinforce negative behaviour.

Also, punishment like yelling or physical correction is never a good idea, and the latter is a crime. Yorkie Poos, like many dogs, respond better to positive reinforcement than to negative reactions.

7. Exercise and Mental Stimulation

While Yorkie Poos are small, they have a lot of energy. Regular exercise is essential to keep them happy and healthy. A daily walk, some playtime, or a game of fetch will help burn off excess energy. Additionally, mental stimulation is just as important. Puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive games will keep your puppy’s mind sharp and prevent boredom.

Conclusion

Training a Yorkie Poo puppy is all about building a relationship based on trust and respect. With a bit of patience, consistency, and plenty of rewards, you’ll have a well-behaved puppy in no time. Keep the sessions fun and engaging, and your Yorkie Poo will be ready to show off their new skills!