How to Train a Yorkshire Terrier to Not Bark

Hello Grace, You have a couple of options here. The first is to potty training him using the "Crate Training" method from the article that I have linked below. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-poop-outside The second option - and the one that sounds most realistic in your situation, is to set up an exercise pen, place a disposable grass pad on one end and a Primopad on the opposite end. Also, give your dog something to do, like a couple of favorite chew toys - such as a food-stuffed Kong, or a treat dispensing device - such as an AutoTrainer, Pet Tutor, Kong wobble, or puzzle toy. I suggest a Primopad from Primopads.com because they are not absorbent so shouldn't encourage him to pee on it like a soft bed or towel would but will still give him a place to rest with a little cushioning. They are also easy to clean so you can keep odors down. I suggest a disposable grass pad because that will encourage peeing on grass and not encourage peeing on carpets like a pee pad could. You could also train him to use a litter box but the grass pad will likely be easiest. To teach Rocky to use the grass pad, check out the article that I have linked below and follow the "Exercise Pen" method. The article talks about litter box training but you can use the same steps with the grass pad. Simply substitute a grass pad for the litter box. https://wagwalking.com/training/litter-box-train-a-chihuahua-puppy Disposable grass pad option: https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Patch-Disposable-Potty-Grass/dp/B005G7S6UI/ref=asc_df_B005G7S6UI/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309763115430&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16186452506555784925&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1015431&hvtargid=pla-568582223506&psc=1 More expensive, nicer option: http://www.porchpotty.com/Default.asp?gclid=Cj0KCQiAr93gBRDSARIsADvHiOqp-lRKnIf0HKsZlJIXmTtvDGiGRQ0O6FTABU7K1cL7tDWLNA5ph9AaAsEsEALw_wcB For the barking I suggest using a high-quality bark collar or Pet Convincer - which is a small canister of pressurized air. Only pick the Pet Convincer if you will use it consistently though and the barking is primarily happening when you are home - otherwise a bark collar is in order. A bark collar may sound harsh, but if you teach him the "Quiet" command before you start using one and reward him with treats when he does not bark for attention (teaching him that being quiet is the way to get your attention), then it is a much better alternative than getting rid of him. Check out the article I have linked below and follow the "Quiet" method. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bark Once he understands what "Quiet means, then when you put him outside or into the exercise pen, tell him "Quiet". If he stays quiet for a couple of minutes, return to him and sprinkle a couple of treats by his feet, then leave again. If he barks, tell him "Ah Ah" - the collar will correct him at the same time, but that way you are also teaching him to respond to your voice. The key is to tell him what he should do first (ie. Be quiet), to reward him when he does it, and for him to be consistently corrected for the barking. If you use a pet Convincer, you will have to go to him when he barks, tell him "Ah Ah" and spray a small puff of air at his side (NOT his face). Do NOT use a citronella collar. They seem gentler but they can actually be very harmful because the smell lingers with a dog for a long time - continuing to correct them for an hour or more sometimes, and dog's noses are VERY sensitive. An unscented air collar is fine but they tend to be less effective than bark collars. Look at the weigh ratings and reviews on bark collars. You will want one that says it can be used for dogs that weigh as little as your dog. https://www.petsmart.com/dog/training-and-behavior/bark-control/petsafe-elite-little-dog-bark-control-5163049.html I suggest asking your vet about the biting and licking. It might be a flea allergy since that is common - in which case I recommend using an exercise pen indoors even more so. You might want to ask your vet about a flea prevention that also repels fleas to decrease bites. If the issue continues after moving him inside, food allergies or a allergy to something else in his environment should be investigated. Food allergies are less common than flea allergies but still common in pets. Also, since there is a smell, he should probably be checked for sores and skin infections - that can cause strong odors in addition to the saliva. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello Janice, I suggest teaching a "Quiet" command by follow the "Quiet" method from the article that I have linked below. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bark Once Mojo understands what "Quiet" means, work on his general self-control and ability to calm himself by adding a lot more structure to his life, including teaching him the "Place" command and teaching him manners in the crate. Dogs with anxiety tend to benefit from a lot of structure and boundaries. In his case, I suggest not comforting him when he is barking. Instead, tell him "Quiet" and redirect him or correct him for the barking. Since he will know the "Quiet" command, the correction is for disobedience and is clear. Next, give him something else to do like go to "Place" and stay there with a chew toy. He needs opportunities to learn how to handle his own emotions and calm down. He needs firmness, calmness, and guidance from you. He should not be too old to learn but it will take work. Check out the video below for general guidelines for calmness How to teach Place: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omg5DVPWIWo How to teach Crate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn5HTiryZN8 If there is something specific that he is barking at, you can also spend time desensitizing him to that specific thing. If the barking is general and everything, teach him "Quiet", correct disobedience when he keeps barking after being told quiet, and give him another job to do like stay on Place or stay in the crate with the door open. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpzvqN9JNUA Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden