1. Can yorkies really understand what you're saying ?
Loki can, Sammy can't.
2. if so, how ?
Loki has a HUGE vocabulary. He probably understands over 100 words and he can understand phrases. I can say "your dinner is downstairs" and he will look at me and RUN downstairs. If I say "your ball is downstairs" he won't care. I can tell him "we are going outside then you need to go in your crate" he will remember to go to his crate when he comes inside. This is from taking classes as a puppy, positive reinforcement training, and repetition. You must use the same words for each thing. You can't say "go to your bed" "in your bed" "go lay on your bed" We say "target bed" but it doesn't matter if you say "watermelon" as long you always use the same words. Loki will also do anything for a treat, so he pays attention. He is constantly waiting for a command so he can get a treat.
3. if not, can you teach them to understand? how?
It helps if you start as a puppy. I haven't learned how to communicate well with Sammy yet. Loki and I can practically read each other's minds. I am continuing to be repetitive with her. She got a late start, but she is learning the important words like "dinner" and "outside".
4. how do you get your yorkie to sit there and look you in the eye, listen to you, and not move?
Food. And the command "watch me" Teach them that you give a command, they do the command, and they get a treat. They will constantly be watching you for cues. It also helps to use words they already know to keep their attention. |