How to Train a Yorkshire Terrier to Come When Called
Yorkshire Terriers are spirited, brave little dogs with bags of personality—but their feisty nature and moderate trainability (3/5) mean recall training requires patience and strategy. Yorkies can be stubborn and are easily distracted by their high barking tendency, making a reliable "come" command essential for their safety. This breed thrives on positive reinforcement and doesn't respond well to harsh corrections, so we'll use high-value rewards and short, engaging sessions to harness their affectionate side. A solid recall prevents your Yorkie from chasing a squirrel into traffic, running off during neighborhood walks, or getting into trouble around other dogs. With consistent practice and tasty rewards, even this independent little terrier can master coming reliably—keeping them safe while respecting their spirited personality.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start in a Low-Distraction Environment
Begin training indoors or in a very quiet, enclosed space—your living room or backyard fence works perfectly. Since Yorkies are easily distracted and have a tendency toward excessive barking, removing potential triggers (other dogs, birds, outdoor noises) helps them focus on you. Practice for just 5–10 minutes per session to match their moderate energy level and keep things engaging.
- 2
Choose High-Value Rewards
Use tiny, soft treats your Yorkie absolutely loves—cheese, chicken, or small training treats work better than kibble for a breed this small. Yorkies are affectionate and food-motivated, so pair each successful recall with enthusiastic praise and a treat immediately. Avoid using the same reward for everything; rotate treats to maintain novelty and excitement.
- 3
Establish a Unique Recall Cue
Pick a distinct, upbeat phrase like "Let's go!" or "Yorkie, come!" and use only that cue every time. Say it once in a cheerful, high-pitched voice—Yorkies respond better to positive, excited tones than stern commands. Never use "come" for something negative (like nail trimming); keep it purely associated with rewards and fun.
- 4
Practice the Recall with Distance and Distractions Gradually
Start by calling your Yorkie from across one room, reward immediately, and celebrate. Once reliable at short distance, slowly increase distance and add mild distractions (a toy on the floor, you moving around). Given their feisty temperament and independence, expect progress to be gradual—Yorkies need extra repetition to internalize commands.
- 5
Introduce Real-World Scenarios
Practice recall during your daily 30-minute exercise routine—in a securely fenced yard or long-line-attached walks. Yorkies have moderate energy but are prone to small-dog syndrome and barking at stimuli, so real-world practice teaches them that "come" works everywhere. Keep sessions positive; if your Yorkie ignores the cue, never chase or scold—simply shorten the distance and try again.
- 6
Maintain and Refresh the Behavior
Continue practicing recall 2–3 times per week even after your Yorkie masters it, using variable rewards (treat every second time, then every third time). Yorkies can be prone to separation anxiety and stubbornness, so consistent reinforcement prevents backsliding. Make it a fun part of your routine rather than a chore—short, frequent sessions beat long, sporadic ones.
Pro tips
- Yorkshire Terriers have a tendency toward small-dog syndrome—avoid letting them think they can ignore commands because of their tiny size. Treat recall training as seriously as you would a larger breed, and reinforce consistently to prevent stubborn behavior.
- Use a long training lead (10–15 feet) in the yard before trusting off-leash recall outdoors. Their feisty nature and moderate trainability mean they're more likely to take off chasing something; the line gives you a safety net while building confidence.
- Keep sessions short and end on a success—Yorkies have moderate energy and can lose focus. Five successful recalls beat ten scattered ones. Their affectionate temperament means they'll remember the fun and look forward to training the next day.
Frequently asked questions
My Yorkshire Terrier ignores the recall cue when distracted or excited. Is this normal?+
Yes—Yorkies have moderate trainability and can be stubborn, especially when stimulated by barking triggers or outdoor excitement. This isn't defiance; they're simply choosing the distraction over the reward. Increase the treat value, reduce distractions, and practice more frequently. Patience is key with this breed's independent spirit.
How do I prevent my Yorkie's excessive barking from derailing recall training?+
Train in calm environments first to build the behavior without competing noise. Once solid indoors, introduce distractions gradually. If your Yorkie barks excessively, pause the session briefly, reset calmly, and try again at shorter distance. Never reward barking, and always reward quiet recalls with extra enthusiasm.
Can separation anxiety make recall training harder for my Yorkie?+
Yes—Yorkies prone to separation anxiety may struggle when you move away to practice recall. Train with your dog closer to you initially, and always return to reward them warmly. This builds confidence that leaving you to come back is positive and safe. Gradually extend distance as their confidence grows.
How long until my Yorkie has a fully reliable recall?+
With consistent practice (2–3 sessions per week), most Yorkies show solid recall indoors within 4–6 weeks and reliably outdoors within 8–12 weeks. However, their moderate trainability means some need longer. Keep practicing even after success—recall is a lifelong safety skill, especially important for a spirited, small breed prone to wandering.