One of the scariest things a Yorkshire terrier owner can experience is their Yorkie getting out the front door without a leash on and attempting to run away. Yet, many owners struggle daily with Yorkies that attempt to do just that. And because Yorkies are not like cats and have no desire to go anywhere without us, why do they so eagerly burst through the front door whenever it is opened? It is important to not only understand why they do it, but specifically how to stop it to keep your little friend safe and to maintain your peace of mind.

Why Yorkshire Terriers Run out the Door

Yorkshire terriers run out the door because they don't understand the danger out there. When that door opens, they smell a whole new world - one reminiscent of walks and other animals and a whole number of ways to have fun. It is impossible to tell your Yorkie that if they go out there, they'll be subject to cars, other animals, your neighbours, and any number of other possible problems that could cause them harm. And, once a Yorkie has escaped out the door the first time, they'll try repeatedly to do it again - hoping to get that taste of freedom once more.

Setting Household Rules

Before you do anything else, you need to establish clearly stated household rules that will keep your Yorkshire terrier from running out the door before you can properly train them. First, make sure anyone living in the house knows not to open that door until they know where the Yorkie is and that they are safely beyond range of getting in or out. If someone must hold your Yorkie until it is possible to safely get in or out, do so.

Second, make sure to communicate these rules to visitors. Other dog owners without this problem will often assume your Yorkie won't attempt an escape while non-dog owners simply don't think about it.

Training Your Yorkshire Terrier to Stay Indoors

Before you start your training it is highly recommended to gain basic Yorkshire terrier info on obedience training. Start with the basic commands - sit, stay, and down. These commands are incredibly important for getting and holding your Yorkshire terrier's attention long enough to maintain their position in a single place without running out the door. It will not solve the problem immediately, but to even start the training process, they need to know these commands. As you progress, you'll be teaching your Yorkie that the door is your territory and that it cannot go near without your specific permission.

Maintaining Position

While teaching a Yorkshire terrier to sit and stay is important, it should go a little further when taking control of the door. Here are some tips to follow:

1. Introduce a Hand Signal - Along with the "Sit" verbal command, teach your Yorkshire terrier to obey a hand signal, such as an upheld hand, like a crossing guard.

2. Creating Distance - Choose a line beyond which you don't want your Yorkie going when you open the door. Have them sit and stay there and then walk toward the door. If they get up at any time, have them sit again before moving.

3. Holding the Position - If your Yorkshire terrier comes toward the door at all, do not simply have them sit again. Return them to the original position and start from scratch. They need to learn that there is a barrier that they cannot cross and you need to hold steady to it.

4. Practise -You will need to practise this command repeatedly and enforce it whenever the door is opened. It can be distracting to make guests wait when training your Yorkshire terrier, but it is important to teach the Yorkie that they need to wait patiently away from the door whenever it is opened. A clicker can help in this process making your practise sessions more effective. And surprisingly to learn how to train a Yorkie with a clicker is easy, so everyone can do it.

Make sure, when you are practising to reward your Yorkie that they perform the action correctly. If they move forward at all, start over again. But, if you can get to the door, turn the knob and open the door without them reacting, reward them for following your commands.

For those who would like to learn about Yorkshire terriers more and how to train a Yorkie with a clicker go to http://www.yorkshireterriertraininginfo.com/how-to-train-a-yorkie-with-a-clicker/