How to Teach a Yorkshire Terrier to Leave It
Teaching a Yorkshire Terrier to "leave it" is an essential safety skill that addresses their spirited, impulsive nature and feisty temperament. Yorkies are naturally curious and food-motivated, which can lead them to snatch up hazards, dropped food, or forbidden objects before you can react. Given their moderate trainability (3/5) and bold personality, this command requires patience, consistency, and high-value rewards that outcompete their natural drive to grab first and ask questions later. This guide uses only positive-reinforcement methods to build impulse control in a way that respects your Yorkie's energetic, affectionate personality while keeping them safe from household dangers and toxic items.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start with non-food distractions
Begin training in a quiet, low-distraction environment with toys or safe objects your Yorkie can hold, not food yet. Show the object, let them take it, then reward heavily (praise, petting, or a high-value treat) when they release it on your cue "leave it." This builds the foundation without the intensity of food motivation clouding their judgment.
- 2
Introduce low-value food items
Once your Yorkie reliably drops toys, progress to less-appealing food treats on the ground—perhaps a piece of kibble or low-interest treat. Practice "leave it" with the item visible but not yet taken, rewarding calm behavior before they lunge. Yorkies' feisty nature means they may try repeatedly, so reward each moment of restraint.
- 3
Test with high-value treats
Gradually use higher-value rewards (cheese, chicken, peanut butter) to challenge their impulse control realistically. Place the treat just out of reach and practice the command consistently. This mirrors real-world scenarios where dangerous foods (chocolate, grapes, xylitol) might fall within reach.
- 4
Practice during your daily 30-minute exercise routine
Incorporate "leave it" training during walk time or play sessions when your Yorkie's energy is channeled positively. A tired Yorkie is more cooperative, and outdoor training teaches them to ignore hazards in real environments. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes to respect their moderate attention span.
- 5
Proof the command in distracting situations
Gradually train in busier environments—the kitchen during meal prep, or the yard with other toys present. Ask family members to occasionally drop low-value items to rehearse the command unprompted. Yorkies' barking tendency may emerge when excited; stay calm and wait for quiet, focused behavior before rewarding.
- 6
Establish a consistent reward system
Always reward "leave it" with the same marker ("yes!" or a clicker) and immediate, high-value reward—never the forbidden item. Because Yorkies are affectionate and bond-driven, verbal praise paired with treats works best. Never punish or scold if they make a mistake; simply reset and try again.
Pro tips
- Keep training sessions very short (5–10 minutes max) and always end on a positive note—Yorkies have moderate energy and attention, and short, frequent practice beats long, grueling sessions.
- Use their affectionate nature to your advantage: pair food rewards with enthusiastic praise and touch, as Yorkies bond strongly with their owners and respond well to personal attention alongside treats.
- Practice "leave it" proactively during your dog's daily 30-minute exercise routine, since a physically tired Yorkie is calmer and more focused, helping you overcome their natural feisty impulses.
Frequently asked questions
My Yorkie has small-dog syndrome and ignores me when excited. How do I get their attention?+
Use extremely high-value rewards (small pieces of chicken or cheese) that they cannot resist, and practice in low-distraction environments first. Many Yorkies respond well to excited, playful praise and physical affection. Start with easier versions of the command to build confidence and attention before tackling distracting scenarios.
How long does it typically take a Yorkshire Terrier to reliably learn 'leave it'?+
With consistent daily practice, most Yorkies show reliable "leave it" behavior within 4–6 weeks. However, their moderate trainability (3/5) means some individuals progress slower. Expect ongoing proofing in new environments for several months before the behavior becomes truly automatic.
My Yorkie barks constantly when training. Should I stop the session?+
Excessive barking is typical for this breed. Don't reward barking, but don't punish it either. Instead, pause the session if barking escalates, allow them to calm down for a few moments, then resume. Short, frequent 5-minute sessions work better for excitable Yorkies than longer training blocks.
Can I use 'leave it' to prevent my Yorkie from eating non-food hazards like socks or plant leaves?+
Yes, absolutely. Once "leave it" is solid with food, you can generalize it to toys, household items, and outdoor hazards using the same reward-based approach. This is especially important for Yorkies, who may chew inappropriate items due to separation anxiety or boredom during their daily routine.