Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are known for their lively personalities and fierce loyalty. While their small size makes them a popular choice for families, especially in urban settings, their energetic nature can sometimes feel overwhelming around children.

If you’re introducing a Yorkie into a home with kids or already have one, knowing how to train a Yorkie to be calm around children is essential for creating a peaceful environment. Children naturally bring a lot of energy into a household, which your Yorkie may react to. With the right approach, though, you can help your Yorkie feel comfortable and calm, even in the most energetic environments. 

Start With Early Socialization 

Introducing your Yorkie to children at an early age can greatly influence how they interact with kids later on. If you’ve recently brought home yorkie puppies NYC to your new Manhattan apartment, for instance, starting the socialization process right away will make training much smoother.

Allowing your Yorkie to experience a range of situations, including interactions with children, helps your Yorkie adjust and reduces any anxiety or nervousness. Socialization should always be gradual, not overwhelming. Begin by introducing your Yorkie to calm children in short, controlled interactions.

Over time, slowly increase the length of these meetings, ensuring that your Yorkshire terrier remains comfortable throughout. This teaches your Yorkie to associate children with positive experiences. Even if direct contact isn’t always possible, observing children from a distance in places like parks or during family gatherings can help.  

Teach Basic Commands for Calm Behavior 

Basic obedience training is crucial in helping your Yorkie stay calm around kids. Commands like ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘leave it’ give you control during interactions, making it easier for your Yorkie to remain composed in exciting situations. These basic obedience commands can completely transform how your Yorkie behaves around children.

Start with ‘sit,’ a foundational command that teaches your Yorkie when calm behavior is needed. Use small treats or gentle praise to reinforce this action. Practice it in various settings, including around children, so your Yorkie gets used to following the command in different situations.

Once ‘sit’ is mastered, introduce ‘stay.’ This command is invaluable when kids are running or playing nearby, as it teaches your Yorkie to remain still instead of chasing after the excitement. Gradually increase the distance between you and your Yorkie during training sessions to strengthen their ability to stay calm, even with distractions. 

Set Boundaries To Manage Excitement 

Yorkies are naturally energetic and curious, which can lead to overexcitement around children. While this enthusiasm can be charming, it’s important to set boundaries to keep interactions controlled and safe. By establishing clear rules for how and when your Yorkie interacts with children, you’ll create a calmer atmosphere for everyone.

A great way to manage excitement is by designating specific spaces for your Yorkie. Creating a ‘safe zone,’ like a crate or a quiet room, provides your Yorkie a space to retreat when overwhelmed. Encourage your Yorkie to go to this space when they show signs of nervousness or hyperactivity around children. This helps them calm down and reinforces that it’s okay to take a break. 

Use Positive Reinforcement To Encourage Calm Behavior 

Positive reinforcement is an excellent method for teaching your Yorkie to remain calm around kids. Rather than focusing on punishment, this approach rewards good behavior, encouraging your Yorkie to repeat it. Yorkies respond well to treats, praise, and affection, making this method highly effective.

Whenever your Yorkie stays calm during interactions with children, reward them with a treat or verbal praise right away. Over time, your dog will associate calmness with positive outcomes, making it easier for them to remain composed in different situations. Consistency is key. Regularly reward calm behavior so the message becomes clear.

Redirecting behavior is also part of positive reinforcement. If your Yorkie gets too excited or jumpy around children, use a favorite toy or a familiar command, like ‘sit,’ to refocus their attention. Once your Yorkie puppy calms down, offer praise to reinforce the desired behavior. 

Practice Patience and Consistency 

Training a new dog to be calm around children is a process that takes time, so it’s important to practice patience and consistency. Progress can be gradual. There may be moments when it feels like little improvement is being made. Understanding that each step is part of the journey helps set realistic expectations for both you and your dog.

Consistency in dog training is crucial. Use the same commands and routines and ensure everyone in your household follows the same methods. This unified approach helps your Yorkie learn faster, as they won’t be confused by different expectations or rules. 

Conclusion 

Knowing how to train a Yorkie to be calm around kids requires commitment and patience, but the rewards are invaluable. Through early socialization, basic commands, setting boundaries, positive reinforcement training, and maintaining a consistent routine, you can create a harmonious environment where both your Yorkie and children feel comfortable. With time and dedication, your Yorkie will learn how to navigate the energy of children and become a calm, well-behaved companion in any family setting.