Title

Yorkie Biting

by Suzanne G
(Adelphi, MD)

Question

My Yorkie is 4 months old and bites my daughter mostly and sometimes my husband.

What is the best way to stop my yorkie from biting?

We have tried many things I understand she is a puppy I am okay with her chewing on anything, except people.

Answer

It is very common for yorkies to do this when they are puppies.

They normally just grow out of it when they get older and start getting interested in other things.

However it is much better to train your yorkie now so that it does not get out of hand.

Whenever your yorkie bites, say in a very calm but serious voice 'No Bite' and then turn away from her. Once she has calmed down then go back to her and give her attention. If she bites again, repeat this. Do this every time and she will realise that whenever she bites she will get no attention and no play.

If you have been playing with your yorkie before the biting do exactly the same and do not go back to play with her until she has calmed down.

Once she is calm and playing nicely give her lots of praise and possibly even a treat.

She will soon associate the acceptable behaviour with praise and the bad behaviour with you just turning away.

She will realise that biting is not playing and that you will not allow it.

There is a very good e-book on dog training which covers every aspect, including puppy biting. You can get a copy of this here.

However do try the tips I have given above first. Please remember that this will take a lot of patience and time.

If anyone else has any other yorkie biting tips please share them with us...