How to Prepare a Yorkshire Terrier for the Canine Good Citizen Test
The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test is an excellent goal for Yorkshire Terrier owners, but this spirited breed presents unique challenges. Yorkies are famously feisty and brave—qualities that make them charming companions but also prone to excessive barking and small-dog syndrome. Their moderate trainability (3/5) means consistency and patience are essential. This guide addresses the Yorkshire Terrier's specific needs: managing their barking tendency, building focus despite their independent streak, and channeling their energy productively. The CGC test evaluates ten skills from accepting a friendly stranger to behaving calmly around other dogs. By tailoring training to your Yorkie's temperament and using positive reinforcement, you'll prepare them for certification while strengthening your bond.
Step-by-step
- 1
Master Sit, Down, and Stay with High-Value Rewards
Yorkshire Terriers respond best to food motivation and praise. Start with short 5-minute sessions using tiny, soft treats (their small mouths require bite-sized pieces). Teach sit first, then down, then stay—building duration gradually from 3 seconds to 30 seconds. Their moderate trainability means repetition is key; practice daily in low-distraction environments before moving to busier settings.
- 2
Control Excessive Barking Through Redirection
Yorkies have a 5/5 barking tendency, making this a critical CGC skill. Teach a "quiet" command by waiting for a pause in barking, marking it with "yes!" and rewarding immediately. Never yell at your Yorkie to stop barking—this backfires with spirited breeds. Redirect to a toy or task when barking starts, and reward calm behavior consistently. This requires daily practice but dramatically improves test performance.
- 3
Desensitize to Strangers and Other Dogs
Practice "accepting a friendly stranger" by having friends approach slowly while your Yorkie sits. Reward calm behavior, not jumping or barking. For the dog-interaction component, arrange playdates with calm, well-behaved dogs. Keep initial sessions brief (10-15 minutes) since Yorkies can develop small-dog syndrome and become territorial. Gradual, positive exposure builds confidence without fear-based reactions.
- 4
Build Loose-Leash Walking Skills
Yorkshire Terriers are small enough that some owners carry them, but the CGC test requires controlled walking. Use a 6-foot leash and reward walking beside you with treats and praise every few steps. Change direction when your Yorkie pulls to teach that pulling doesn't work. Practice in quiet areas first, then gradually introduce distractions like parks. Most Yorkies master this with 2-3 weeks of consistent practice.
- 5
Practice Calm Behavior in Public Settings
The CGC test includes sitting politely while a evaluator pets your dog and handling sensitivity exercises. Desensitize your Yorkie by having multiple people gently touch their ears, paws, and mouth while rewarding calm responses. Take your dog to coffee shops, pet-friendly stores, and parks in a carrier first so they observe activity without stress. Gradual real-world exposure builds the composure needed for the test.
- 6
Prepare for the Test Environment and Evaluator Interaction
Schedule a mock CGC test with a certified evaluator if possible. This familiarizes your Yorkie with the testing format and someone other than you handling them. The test lasts about 10-15 minutes with multiple components. Given Yorkies' separation anxiety tendency, practice doing exercises without constantly reassuring your dog. Confidence and calm behavior from you will transfer to your spirited companion, making the actual test day less stressful.
Pro tips
- Use a clicker or verbal marker like 'yes!' before every reward to mark the exact behavior you want. Yorkies' shorter attention span (moderate energy, 3/5) means instant feedback bridges the gap between action and reward better than delayed treats.
- Schedule training sessions right after your Yorkie's 30-minute daily exercise. A slightly tired Yorkie is calmer and more focused, making short training bursts far more effective than fighting their spirited energy.
- Never use punishment or frustration with Yorkies—their brave, feisty temperament makes them stubborn when corrected harshly. Stick to positive reinforcement exclusively; a treat-based approach transforms training into a game they want to play.
Frequently asked questions
My Yorkie barks constantly at other dogs and strangers. Will they even pass the CGC test?+
Yes, with dedicated training. Since barking is a breed hallmark (5/5 tendency), judges expect some effort was required. Focus on the "quiet" command and rewarding calm moments. Consistency over 6-8 weeks typically shows dramatic improvement. If your Yorkie can sit calmly for 10+ seconds around distractions, they can pass this component.
How long does CGC training usually take for a Yorkshire Terrier?+
Most Yorkies are ready in 8-12 weeks of daily 15-20 minute sessions. Since their trainability is moderate (3/5), they're slower learners than some breeds but certainly capable. Don't rush; Yorkies benefit from repetition and positive reinforcement. Many owners find training every other day with focused 10-minute bursts works better than long sessions.
My Yorkie has separation anxiety and gets stressed when I'm not right next to them. How do I handle the test?+
Practice sitting calmly 3-5 feet away from you during training, then gradually increase distance. Use treat trails and toys to keep focus on tasks rather than on you. During the test, the evaluator will handle your dog while you're nearby—you won't be far apart. Building your Yorkie's confidence through positive reinforcement reduces anxiety significantly.
Can I use a harness instead of a collar for the walking test?+
Yes, harnesses are allowed and often recommended for toy breeds like Yorkies. A well-fitted harness prevents tracheal damage and gives you better control without choking a small dog. Practice all leash work with your chosen equipment so your Yorkie is comfortable by test day.