Obedience · Yorkshire Terrier
How to Leash Train a Yorkshire Terrier
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Short answer
Leash train a Yorkshire Terrier by using positive reinforcement with high-value treats and stopping immediately whenever they pull. Short, consistent indoor practice—starting with leash desensitization and the 'Look at Me' command—helps manage this spirited breed's stubbornness, barking, and excitement before heading outdoors.
Leash training a Yorkshire Terrier requires patience and understanding of their spirited, feisty temperament. Despite their toy size, Yorkies are brave and independent—traits that often manifest as pulling, stubbornness, and excitement during walks. With moderate trainability (3/5) and energy levels, they need consistent, positive reinforcement to learn calm walking habits. This guide focuses on teaching your Yorkie to walk politely without pulling, while managing their tendency toward excessive barking and "small-dog syndrome." Success depends on short, frequent training sessions paired with their 30 minutes of daily exercise. Positive reinforcement through treats, praise, and patience will help your spirited companion become a pleasant walking partner.
How to do it
Step-by-step
Tick off each step as you practice it — your progress is saved on this device.
Step 1: Start Indoors with Leash Desensitization
Let your Yorkie wear the leash around the house for short periods without going outside, so they become comfortable with the sensation. Reward calm behavior with treats and praise, preventing the negative association many small dogs develop with restraint. This foundational step is especially important for Yorkies, who can be stubborn about new equipment.
Step 2: Teach the 'Look at Me' Command
Before outdoor walks, train your Yorkie to focus on you by saying their name and rewarding eye contact with a treat. This command is vital for managing their high barking tendency and preventing leash-pulling when they spot other dogs or distractions. Practice indoors for 2-3 minutes daily until it becomes reliable.
Step 3: Establish the Correct Walking Position
Keep your Yorkie on a short leash (4-6 feet) with them walking at or slightly ahead of your ankle. Use positive reinforcement whenever they maintain this position, rewarding every few steps initially. This prevents pulling and gives you better control of this feisty breed without harsh corrections.
Step 4: Use High-Value Treats and Rewards
Carry small, tasty treats (cheese, chicken, or commercial training treats) to reward calm walking, focus, and loose-leash behavior. Yorkies respond well to positive reinforcement when the reward is worthwhile; low-value treats won't motivate this spirited, independent breed. Vary your rewards to maintain interest during practice sessions.
Step 5: Practice Stopping When Pulling Occurs
When your Yorkie pulls, immediately stop walking and wait for slack in the leash before moving forward. Don't pull back or scold—simply withdraw attention, as Yorkies respond poorly to punishment. Reward the moment they ease tension, reinforcing that loose leash behavior earns forward movement.
Step 6: Gradually Increase Walk Duration and Distractions
Start with 5-10 minute walks in quiet areas, then gradually extend time and introduce busier environments as your Yorkie improves. Their moderate energy level means 30 minutes daily is usually sufficient, but consistency is key for this trainable-but-stubborn breed. Celebrate small wins to maintain motivation for both of you.
For the Yorkshire Terrier
Pro tips
- Keep training sessions short (10-15 minutes) because Yorkies lose focus quickly due to their moderate trainability—multiple short sessions beat one long one.
- Pre-exercise your Yorkie indoors (play, fetch) before walks to burn energy and reduce pulling; a slightly tired Yorkie is a more focused learner.
- Prevent small-dog syndrome by treating leash training seriously—don't let their toy size make you overlook training, or they'll exploit their independence and stubbornness.
Owners ask
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Yorkie pull so much when they're so small?
Small-dog syndrome is extremely common in Yorkies—their fearlessness and spirited temperament make them think they're much larger than they are. They don't perceive pulling as misbehavior; instead, they're following their brave, independent nature. Consistent leash training with positive reinforcement gradually teaches them that polite walking gets rewards.
My Yorkie barks constantly on walks. How do I address this?
Yorkies have a high barking tendency, so expect this during walks, especially at other dogs or people. Use the 'Look at Me' command to redirect attention before barking escalates, then reward focus with treats. Keep walks during quieter times initially, and never reward barking with attention—only reward calm behavior and successful focus redirects.
How often should I practice leash training?
Train 4-5 times per week for 10-15 minute sessions, combined with regular walks. Yorkies have moderate trainability, so frequent, short sessions work better than long ones. Since they need about 30 minutes of daily exercise, use that time to practice alongside regular training sessions.
Should I use a harness or a collar for leash training?
A front-clip harness is ideal for Yorkies because it prevents neck strain and gives you better control without encouraging pulling. Many trainers recommend starting with a harness, then transitioning to a collar once loose-leash behavior is reliable. Either way, always use positive reinforcement rather than corrections.
Watch
Videos: leash training
How to Stop Pulling: Don’t Fall for the Leash Training Lie
Zak George · 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.
