Do Yorkies Like To Be Held?

Yorkshire Terriers or Yorkies as the breed is affectionately known are adorable dogs you want to hug and cuddle. But do Yorkies want or like to be held?

Yorkies do like to be held. The breed is playful and energetic, but the small dogs are also extremely affectionate. Some may growl or let out a short yip when they are picked up, but overall these dogs are happiest when they are held.

The breed is strong-willed, but Yorkies are also loyal and crave attention. Your pup may run around playing, expelling some of their boundless energy, but the dogs come back to their owners looking for affection.

If you want a dog that loves to be held and snuggle on your lap, a Yorkshire terrier is a great breed for you.

How Often Should I Hold My Yorkie Dog? 

Your Yorkie may come with plenty of attitude, but they balance their strong personalities with an affectionate nature.

When it comes to how often you hold your Yorkie, there aren’t any set rules. Every dog and pet owner is different. Yours may constantly crave attention and need plenty of holding, while other Yorkies may only want to cuddle on their terms.

As you get to know your Yorkie, you’ll be able to figure out how often you should hold your dog.

Yorkies usually don’t need to get used to being held by their owners. The breed quickly establishes a strong bond with its owners. They can easily become one-person dogs, and this can be a problem when there are other people in your household.

You can minimize or prevent your Yorkie from only letting you hold it by letting others cuddle with your pet. It’s best to start training as a puppy. These dogs often become more strong-willed as they get older.

It’s also a good idea to introduce your puppy to other dogs as soon as possible. It teaches your pup social skills and helps them learn how to interact with other people.

If you have kids in the house, let them hold the puppy. Remember to take the introductions slowly, you don’t want to overwhelm your dog. It’s also a good idea to remind kids to stay calm. When they get excited it can agitate your Yorkie.

How to Bond with Your Yorkie 

Your Yorkie wants to bond with you, but you can take steps to strengthen it:

• Taking training classes together comes with several benefits. Your dog will learn valuable social skills, and you can get some control over your Yorkie’s strong personality. Even though Yorkies are small in size, they can be hard to control without training.
• Yorkies are naturally energetic and need daily exercise. Going for short daily walks will strengthen your bond and get rid of some of the dog’s excessive energy (studies say once per day can be enough but twice is welcome)
• Whether you keep your Yorkie’s coat short or long, the dogs need regular grooming. Daily brushings will keep their fur soft and shiny, and it’s also a great way for you to spend time together. (Learn how to cut a Yorkie coat)

Don’t forget playtime! Even with daily walks, Yorkies are still full of energy. Spending some time playing burns energy and reinforces your bond. Even if you are tossing a ball from the couch, your Yorkie will still love playtime.

Help! Why Doesn’t My Yorkie Dog Want to be Held? 

Does your Yorkie shy away from being held? Do you get growls and barks every time you try to pick your pet up?

Some Yorkies, no matter how affectionate, prefer keeping their paws on the ground. In some cases, it is a personality trait, but other dogs may have experienced a traumatic event.

Being held too tightly or picked up roughly as a puppy may cause your Yorkie to associate the bad event with being held.

Your Yorkie may also only avoid certain people like adult men or children. When you notice this behavior, it is probably associated with a prior bad experience with another child or adult.

A Yorkie may display one or more of the following signs:

• Growling
• Short, sharp barks
• Hiding or shying away
• Exhibiting bad behavior like chewing or soiling the house.

What Can I Do If My Yorkie Dog Doesn’t Want to be Held? 

You can slowly train your Yorkie to accept being held, and these tips will help you get started.

Respect Your Dog’s Space 

Your Yorkie has emotions and feelings, and you want to respect them. When you see your dog avoiding touches, it’s time to back away. Respect your dog’s need for space. You can hurt a dog’s feelings!

Giving your Yorkie some time helps build trust and strengthens your growing bond. In time, you will be able to hold your Yorkie.

Keep an Eye on Kids 

Yorkies are affectionate, but the small dogs aren’t afraid to stand up for themselves. They can nip at fingers when they’re annoyed.

Never leave your Yorkie alone with children as a puppy or adult. Kids often don’t realize their strength when they’re holding a small dog. Showing children how to gently pet and hold your Yorkie will keep the interactions fun for everyone.

Reward Your Yorkie for Snuggling 

Rewarding your Yorkie for snuggling reinforces good behavior. It is also a helpful training tool. If your Yorkie doesn’t like being held because of a bad experience, you will need to re-train your dog.

It will take time, and you want to go slowly. Start by holding your dog for a few seconds at a time and reward your pup with a treat. Giving your dog the treat while being held will also make it easier the next time.

Gradually, you can hold your Yorkie for longer periods.

Do Yorkies Like to be Held?

Yorkies do enjoy being held. It’s one of the most affectionate breeds, but not every dog wants or likes being held.

It can be the dog’s personality, but a traumatic event is usually responsible. With patience and some re-training, you can hold your Yorkie without any problems.