Yorkies are highly energetic, intelligent dogs. Left unchecked, these characteristics could lead the Yorkie charging down the wrong behavioral path. Properly channeled, these same traits can help produce a well-mannered, enthusiastic, reliable companion.
When he is quite young, a dog learns his first lessons on manners from his mother. The mother is the undisputed leader and maintains her position by swift discipline whenever a puppy gets out of line. Imagine a Yorkie mother that admonishes her young by using a progression of techniques, starting with low, guttural growls, then – if needed – a swat of the paw, and a quick shake of the offender’s neck. This is true of many dogs and about Yorkies’ primal instincts, when aroused.
Rarely is any further action required. The mother reacts fairly, unemotionally, and consistently, and the puppies respect her authority. She is the boss – the ‘alpha figure’. (Again, this fact isn’t solely about Yorkies – this about all canines for you to have better understanding of who they really are as dogs – like any other breed.)
This pattern of discipline traces back to earliest times when dogs roamed in packs. From the pack, one leader emerged; all other pack members then assumed various ranks behind the leader. The leader’s authority would occasionally be challenged by the underlings, many of whom competed for independence and power.
Even today, every Yorkie (and other dogs) assumes it is ‘top dog’ until proven otherwise. A leader must clearly show any upstart by swift reprimand that its place is not at the head of the pack. Once all pack members submit to the leader’s authority, they follow and cooperate fully.
This heritage of pack behavior is still significant today and must be dealt with in your Yorkie’s training. You must take over the leadership position vacated by the puppy’s mother by becoming the new alpha figure.
Your Yorkie must also be taught to be respectful of all humans, not only the alpha. While this might sound harsh, it really isn’t. The owner must simply learn to discipline the dog in a manner it understands and respects. Screaming, brutalizing, whining or pleading will not make your Yorkie feel compelled to respond – a worthy leader does not act that way.
A leader corrects every misdeed immediately, firmly, fairly, and consistently. Letting some misdeeds go uncorrected will undermine a leader’s authority.
