11 Ways to Stop a Yorkie From Barking

Sharing is caring!

Hey there, Yorkie lovers! So, you’ve got one of these cute, little Yorkshire terriers who can’t seem to stop barking at all hours? Well, you’ve landed at the right spot. Let’s dive in and explore some fun and simple techniques to get your beloved Yorkie to tone down the decibels a bit.

Why do Yorkies bark so much, anyway? There are tons of reasons! Your pup could be over the moon excited to see you, trying to give you a heads up about someone knocking at the door, or they might just be bored out of their tiny mind.

Sometimes, they just can’t resist the urge to chase a squirrel, get impatient, or have a case of the “I miss you too much” blues (aka separation anxiety).

So, how can we keep your Yorkie’s chatter to a reasonable level? Here are some techniques to help you out:

1. Keep them Busy!

Yorkies, like us, need to burn off some energy. Just because they’re small doesn’t mean they don’t need their exercise. Try out a good 20-minute walk or play session every day.

If you’re going to be out for a few hours, tire your Yorkie out before you leave. Trust me, a tired Yorkie is a quiet Yorkie!

2. Consider a Citronella Collar

I am somewhat hesitant to mention this as though it’s not painful, it is uncomfortable but I do know in extreme cases, using a citronella collar may be an option.

I remember a reader of my Chihuahua site told me that when she left for work, her Chihuahua would bark non-stop the entire time she was gone. She lived in an apartment building and people were complaining so much that the management told her to stop the dog’s barking or they would be kicked out.

She tried a lot of things but the citronella collar was the only thing that worked. After a while, she was able to stop using the collar and the dog never went back to the constant barking.

The collars release a little citronella spray when your Yorkie decides to get a bit vocal. Just remember, Yorkies are small and sensitive, so use these gadgets responsibly.

3. Music is the Answer

Everyone loves a bit of soothing music, right? Try playing some calming dog-friendly tunes when you’re not around. It might just keep your Yorkie relaxed and less likely to howl at the top of their lungs.

A great resource for it is YouTube. Just do a search on there for calming music for dogs and you will find lots of long-playing videos to help your pup relax.

4. The Magic of ‘Quiet’ Command

There’s this neat trick you can teach your Yorkie. It’s a simple command called ‘quiet.’ The trick is to gently correct the barking and reward the silence. You can use a gentle tap on the kennel or a soft verbal correction. Just remember to praise them when they stop barking.

5. Speak and Quiet: The Dynamic Duo

You might think it’s a bit weird, but teaching your Yorkie to ‘speak’ on command can help them learn ‘quiet.’ It’s about teaching them when it’s okay to bark and when it’s not. It’s a bit like teaching your dog when to shake hands but for their vocal cords.

6. The World is a Playground

Get your Yorkie used to new people, places, and sounds. The more they see and experience, the less they’ll feel the need to bark at everything. Give them a treat or a pat when they stay quiet in new situations. They’ll soon catch on!

7. Food for Thought

You are what you eat, and it’s the same for Yorkies. A good diet can make a world of difference to your dog’s mood and behavior. If you think their food might be causing some of the issues, have a chat with your vet.

8. Try a Training Class

If all else fails, maybe consider enrolling your Yorkie in an obedience class or hire a professional trainer. They’ll have loads of strategies to help you out.

9. Chew Toys for the Win

Yorkies love to chew, and it’s a great stress buster. Give them a variety of chew toys, especially when you’re not around.

10. Understand their Triggers

Try to figure out what sets your Yorkie off. It could be the doorbell, strangers, separation anxiety, or other dogs. Once you know the trigger, you can work on desensitizing your dog to it.

11. What if it’s Separation Anxiety?

If your Yorkie can’t seem to stop barking when you’re away, it might be more than boredom. They could have separation anxiety. This needs a more in-depth treatment plan, and you might need to bring in a professional.

So there you have it, folks! Loads of tips and tricks to help your Yorkie keep their comments to themselves a bit more. Just remember, every dog is unique, and it may take a little time to find the method that works best for you and your pup. Happy training!