Hey, Jackson doesn't generally run away. We own 3 acres and while a lot of times I will walk him on a retractable leash because IF he happens to see a bunny rabbit or something, he
will run after it, but 98% of the time he won't go far. I don't think "running away" is necessarily a breed thing but I guess certain breeds who have those hunting instincts will go after a squirrel, rabbit, etc. So ya just gotta be careful with that. Yorkies were bred to kill vermin. I pretty much trust him though if he were to get off leash by accident, etc that he would come back to me, which is nice.
Anyways, I would first start with practicing "STAY" at the front door. Practice over and over until he gets it. Maybe buy some sort of an ex-pen to put outside of your front door just for training so you don't risk him running off for real. But leave your door wide open and make him stay at the door. If he already knows stay, you're ahead there. Give him a treat every time he stays and doesn't run out the door. Gradually increase the stay time as he gets better.
Also, maybe get a long retractable leash or rope to attach him to in your neighborhood so he gets a ton of space to roam (as if he were off leash) and practice the "come" command over and over again. Every time he comes to you, give him a yummy treat. Find the yummiest treat possible! So he knows... Oh, if I go to her, I'm going to get a treat and lots of praise! After catching him from running away, never be like "BAD dog!" or anything negative because it will make him not want to come back to you.
I hope this helps a little and I hope someone else can give you more tips!
Here's a previous thread I started on off-leash training:
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/tra...-training.html