[Kirby's Dad]

Are Yorkies hard to train???

In my opinion, no, I've heard that too, but I've only had Kirby for about two weeks and your dogs sound like him when I first got him. He wasn't hoase broken and didn't mind, whined in the crate, chewed on things he wasnt supposed, etc...

Now, only 2 weeks later and he is house broken, he sleeps in the crate without whining, doesn't chew on things he's not supposed too, he knows what toys are his and can chew on, he knows, sit, stay, laydown (and shake sort of) also, I had problems with him jumping on the couch whenever he wanted too, know he comes up to the couch and sits down and looks at me for persimssion and if I say know and show him my palm, he just lays down by my feet. if i say "okay, up" he loves that and jumps into my lap and kisses my face and snuggles into my chest, I think that is his favorite thing in the world.

Anyway, I am a true beleiver in the 'alpha' role, he knows I'm in charge and training has been a piece of cake. It sounds like your dogs think they are in the alpha role. And also, consistency has been very important in training Kirby, you HAVE to be consistent for them to understand what you are trying to teach them, consistent in your commands, rewards, scolding etc... for example if you want them to learn to stay and they break before you told them too, don't just say "oh well okay here's the treat anyway", this sends the wrong message and they never learn what they're supposed to do. Say, no, pick them up put them back where they were and say Stay, and start all over agin and they will learn very quickly if you are consistent.

Anyway, I think crate training is the best way to potty train, Kirby would go in at bed time and come out in the morning and we would go directly outside and he would do his business and get lavish praise, it only took a couple accidents in the house for him to make the connection, "oh outside-Good" "Inside-I get in trouble", but again, consistency is absolutely key.

Your dogs may howl at first but it will probalby only take one or two nights before they learn to accept it and then they will learn that the crate is a safe place, their private space and will learn to like the crate.

Hope this helps.

Oh, yeah, Kirby is the same age, about 7 months I think.