Teaching a Yorkie to perform tricks is really quite easy since they are such intuitive and intelligent dogs. It doesn't take more than a few minutes of repetition over a couple of lessons for them to get an idea of what you want them to do, and learn to do it.
The only thing that is really necessary is for you, the trainer, to be calm patient, loving and consistent, to get a Yorkshire Terrier to do your bidding.
I repeat earlier warnings I gave, in previous posts, about beginning with things that come naturally to a dog--like chasing a ball--and then reaffirming behavior that you want your dog to repeat by either offering treats or praise, or both.
To get your Yorkshire to shake paws(hands) is a neat trick and easy to teach. :-
- Set the Yorkie in front of you in a calm, non-distracting environment.
- Have treats suitable for your Yorkie in your pocket or close at hand. Let your Yorkie know you have treats by giving him/her a little bite.
- Tickle your dog's front paw, gently, just behind and above the nails. Say 'Shake', look your dog in the eyes then pick up the paw and shake it. Repeat the word 'Shake', say 'Good Dog', hand the dog a treat using your free hand then set the paw back on the ground. Repeat this 4 or five times.
- After a few repetitions helping your dog through the action, attempt to get a reaction simply by tickling the paw and repeating the word 'Shake'. If the dog makes the slightest of paw movements give rich praise and a treat.
- Repeat the entire process.
- Do not over-extend lesson time. 15 - 20 minutes is enough for a dog's short concentration span, rather give repeated quick lessons with breaks in between-- your dog will love the attention.
- Never shout at the dog, or smack the puppy if he/she is not a fast learner, the dog will never learn to perform the trick willingly if you do. Patience and praise are the keys to clever, responsive, happy dogs.
- Yorkies have sensitive tummies, do not use cheese as a treat, try cooked chicken pieces (carefully remove bones) or biltong (beef jerky).
