5 Common Mistakes Yorkie Owners: The Yorkshire Terrier is a bundle of charm, sass, and silky hair all wrapped up in a tiny package. It’s no wonder they consistently rank as one of the world’s most popular dog breeds! Their loving nature and portable size make them fantastic companions for a wide variety of homes.
However, their unique combination of small stature and a big terrier personality can lead to some common challenges. Many well-intentioned owners accidentally make mistakes that can lead to behavioral or health problems down the road.
Are you giving your Yorkie the best life possible? Here are 5 common mistakes to avoid.
1. Mistake: Forgetting They Are Terriers
The Problem: Owners see a tiny, adorable lap dog and forget the “terrier” in their name. Terriers were bred to be feisty, tenacious, and independent hunters. This translates to modern Yorkies being brave, vocal, and sometimes very stubborn. Forgetting this heritage can lead to frustration when your little angel insists on barking at every passerby or digging in the couch cushions.
The Fix: Embrace their inner terrier! Provide them with plenty of mental stimulation like puzzle toys and interactive games. Keep training sessions short, fun, and positive. Acknowledge their watchdog nature by teaching a “quiet” command, but understand that alerting you to things is part of their DNA.
2. Mistake: Neglecting Dental Health
The Problem: A Yorkie’s mouth is very small, which often leads to overcrowded teeth. This makes them highly susceptible to plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay, which can cause pain and lead to more serious health issues.
The Fix: Be proactive about dental care from day one. This is non-negotiable for a Yorkie owner.
- Brush their teeth several times a week (daily is best!) with a dog-specific toothpaste.
- Provide safe dental chews or toys.
- Schedule regular professional cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian.
3. Mistake: Inconsistent Potty Training
The Problem: Yorkies have a reputation for being difficult to house-train. Their small bladders mean they need frequent potty breaks, and their stubborn streak means they’ll test the rules. Many owners get discouraged and give up too soon, leading to a dog that has accidents in the house for life.
The Fix: Patience and absolute consistency are key.
- Take them out frequently—first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and after every meal, nap, and play session.
- Use a crate as a safe den and a valuable training tool.
- Lavish them with praise and a high-value treat the second they go potty in the right spot. Never punish them for an accident; simply clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner and resolve to be more vigilant.
4. Mistake: Always Using a Collar for Walks
The Problem: This is a critical safety issue. Yorkies are prone to a condition called tracheal collapse, where the cartilage rings in their windpipe weaken and can collapse, causing severe breathing problems. Pulling on a collar, even gently, puts direct pressure on this delicate area.
The Fix: This is an easy one! Always use a well-fitting harness for walks. A harness distributes pressure across the chest and shoulders, protecting their fragile neck and trachea from injury. Collars are fine for holding ID tags at home, but for leashes, a harness is a must.
5. Mistake: Treating Them Like a Helpless Baby
The Problem: It’s so tempting to scoop up your tiny Yorkie and carry them everywhere. While this comes from a place of love, it can create an anxious and poorly socialized dog. This is often called “Small Dog Syndrome.” If a dog isn’t allowed to walk on its own, meet other dogs on its own terms, and navigate the world, it can become fearful or even aggressive.
The Fix: Let them be dogs! Encourage their confidence by allowing them to walk on their own four paws. Sign them up for puppy socialization classes. Let them interact (safely) with friendly dogs of all sizes. Building their confidence when they are young will create a well-adjusted, happy adult dog, not a fearful one.
Conclusion
Being a Yorkie parent is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you aren’t just preventing problems—you’re actively building a foundation of health, confidence, and trust that will last a lifetime.
