As anyone who has tried to rein in a crotch-sniffer will tell you, your
pooch must be able to respond to a handful of basic commands
instantly. Here are a few that might get you out of an
embarrassing (or an emergency) situation:
Off/No Jumping: Back up when you see your pup coming towards you
and say "Off!" or "No jumping!" Reward him when his feet are
planted on the ground.
In Your Kennel: Present your pet with a treat, then put it in
his kennel while saying "Kennel!" (or "Go to bed!"). When he
goes inside, praise him, but don't shut the door yet.
Practice this scenario, then begin closing the door,
rewarding him with a treat through the bars. Gradually
extend the time in the crate. (A word of caution: If he
whimpers, don't let him out, as that rewards the behaviour.)
When you do open the door for good, don't do cartwheels. You
don't want coming out to be better than going in.
Speak: Show the Yorkie Puppy a treat and say "Speak!" (You
may have to actually bark yourself so that he gets the idea.
Do this inside so your neighbors don't think you've gone to
the dogs.) Once he barks, praise him.
Quiet: After Zeus masters barking, really get him going. Then,
suddenly bring your finger to your lips and say "Quiet!" He
will likely be startled and immediately stop barking. Reward
him effusively.
Give: To help avoid unwanted aggression and guarding behaviour,
teach your Yorkie Puppy to hand over his toys and
food. Begin by offering him a toy-for-food trade. Say
"Give!" as you make the exchange.
Get it/leave it: Leash your dog and go for a walk. Toss a treat
in front of him and say "Get it!" Once he masters this
concept, try asking him to "Leave it!" Drop the treat. When
he goes for it, gently bop him on the nose while saying
"Leave it!" Make a game out of "getting" and "leaving".
Sit: Place a treat in front of Zeus then gently move it upwards
over his head. He'll raise his head to follow your hand and,
in the process, lower his rump. Push his hindquarters down
to the ground with your free hand while saying "Sit!"
Lay: Present your pet with a treat then lower it to the ground
while saying "Lay!" Try gently guiding his shoulders to the
floor. Give the reward when he lies down, even if it is only
momentarily.
Stay: Have your pup sit down. Back away from him a few steps
while saying "Stay!" then praise him for doing just that.
After a split second, reward him. Always praise him while he
is still waiting, not after he gets up so that he will
associate the word with the correct action.
Come: Carry treats with you throughout the day and randomly call
to your pup using his name, "Mr. Bean, come!" When he races
to you, reward him.