Puppy · Yorkshire Terrier
How to Crate Train a Yorkshire Terrier
Updated · How we write our guides
Short answer
Crate train your Yorkshire Terrier by using patient positive reinforcement to turn a compact crate into a safe, cozy den. Introduce the space voluntarily with high-value treats and practice gradual, calm departures to prevent this spirited breed's barking and separation anxiety.
Crate training a Yorkshire Terrier requires patience, consistency, and understanding of this breed's spirited, affectionate nature. Yorkies are intelligent but can be stubborn, making a calm, positive approach essential. Their high barking tendency and separation anxiety mean the crate must feel like a safe den, not a punishment space. With their small size and feisty temperament, Yorkies need a compact crate where they feel secure. This guide helps you transform the crate into a voluntary retreat your Yorkie loves, preventing destructive barking, anxiety, and housetraining accidents. Success depends on patience and consistent positive reinforcement—never forcing your Yorkie in or using the crate as discipline. Start slowly, celebrate small wins, and let your brave little companion set the pace.
How to do it
Step-by-step
Tick off each step as you practice it — your progress is saved on this device.
Step 1: Choose the Right Crate Size
Select a small crate (around 18–24 inches) just large enough for your Yorkie to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably—larger crates invite them to potty in one corner. Yorkies are toy-sized dogs and feel secure in snug spaces; an oversized crate can trigger anxiety rather than calm. Ensure the crate has good ventilation and a soft bed to create a cozy den atmosphere.
Step 2: Introduce the Crate Without Pressure
Leave the crate door open in a common living area and let your Yorkie explore it voluntarily. Toss high-value treats inside (small pieces of chicken, cheese) so they create positive associations. Never force your spirited pup inside; let curiosity guide them. Reward any natural interest with praise and treats to build confidence.
Step 3: Create a Calm Bedtime Routine
Before crate time, give your Yorkie their daily 30 minutes of exercise to burn energy and reduce restlessness. Then establish a quiet pre-bed ritual (5–10 minutes of calm interaction, a potty break, then crate entry). A tired Yorkie is less likely to bark excessively or develop separation anxiety in the crate.
Step 4: Practice Short Absences with Rewards
Close the crate door briefly (30 seconds initially) while you're nearby, rewarding calm behavior. Gradually extend duration over days or weeks—never rush. This prevents separation anxiety and teaches your Yorkie that closed-door time means treats and calm, not abandonment. Yorkies' anxiety tendency requires this slow, gentle progression.
Step 5: Use White Noise to Muffle Barking Triggers
Play soft background music, a white-noise machine, or calming dog music during crate time to mask outside sounds that trigger your Yorkie's high barking tendency. This reduces reactive barking and helps them relax. Consider a washable cover over part of the crate to increase the den-like feeling and further dampen noise.
Step 6: Never Use the Crate as Punishment
Always use the crate for rest and safety only, never as a timeout for misbehavior. Your Yorkie must associate it with positive experiences—treats, comfort, and your presence. This is crucial for preventing anxiety and ensuring your spirited pup willingly enters and stays calm, rather than resisting or barking in fear.
For the Yorkshire Terrier
Pro tips
- Exercise first, crate second: Always tire your Yorkie with 20–30 minutes of play or walks before crate time. A spirited, energetic Yorkie left under-exercised will bark relentlessly; a calm, tired one settles much faster.
- Use a crate cover strategically: Yorkies love the security of a den-like space. A lightweight blanket draped over three sides (leaving the door open) reduces visual stimulation and anxiety while they adjust—this is especially helpful for their separation anxiety tendency.
- Pair the crate with a long-lasting treat: Give your Yorkie a Kong, puzzle toy, or bully stick only in the crate to build powerful positive associations. This feisty little dog will start to anticipate crate time as a reward, not a punishment.
Owners ask
Frequently asked questions
My Yorkie barks constantly in the crate at night. How do I manage this?
Excessive barking is typical for Yorkies and usually signals anxiety or boredom. Ensure your pup has had adequate exercise, a potty break, and time outside the crate before bed. Use white noise to mask triggering sounds. If barking persists, resist responding—any attention reinforces the behavior. Stay consistent; this typically improves within 1–2 weeks. If separation anxiety is severe, consult a trainer.
How long can I safely leave my Yorkie in the crate?
Young puppies can hold their bladder roughly 1 hour per month of age (a 3-month-old: 3 hours max). Adult Yorkies can manage 4–6 hours, but shouldn't exceed 8 hours regularly. Remember Yorkies' separation anxiety tendency—prolonged crating without breaks can worsen it. Always provide a potty break before and after crate time, and never use the crate as all-day containment.
My Yorkie has 'small-dog syndrome' and growls at the crate. What do I do?
Never force entry or respond to growling with confrontation, which escalates this feisty behavior. Instead, use treats and praise to lure them in calmly. If growling persists, slow down the process further and consult a positive-reinforcement trainer. Yorkies' spirited temperament means they need respect for their boundaries; patience wins trust and cooperation.
Can I use the crate for housetraining?
Yes! Crate training and housetraining work hand-in-hand. Yorkies naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so the crate becomes a tool for establishing routine. Use it to contain your pup between potty breaks, then immediately reward outdoor elimination. Consistent crate-to-potty cycles reinforce good habits and prevent the housetraining difficulty common in this breed.
Watch
Videos: crate training
EASIEST Crate Training Schedule! Everything you need to know 🙌
Rachel Fusaro · Works for any breed
Spotted a mistake or something out of date? Email us — we review every report, fix the guide and update its date. Our guides are general education, not a substitute for a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
