Have you ever been in a position where your Yorkie won’t stop constantly hovering around you? Is your Yorkie behaving like a velcro dog who is literally attached and stuck to you? This must have made you wonder why are Yorkies so clingy?
Though you may not mind it at first, later in time it becomes really annoying as sometimes they may interfere with every task you do. Even though you may be giving him your full attention, your Yorkie is bound to get clingy due to one or the other reason.
So why are Yorkies so clingy? Are there any reasons for the same if so what are they? Let’s explore this question in a little detail.
Why Are Yorkies So Clingy? Top 14 Reasons
Listed below are possible reasons that answer the question of why are Yorkies so clingy?
1. Your Yorkie is Territorial in Nature
Yorkshire terriers are a breed that is extremely house-friendly pets and therefore is very overprotective of the house and the members of the house they are in.
So, don’t be surprised if your little friend acts like a guard dog. This is his way of looking out for you and making sure that his favorite human is safe.
While your Yorkie does this in your best interests, sometimes he can go a bit overboard. And you might feel that he is clingy.
2. Lack of Attention from You
Sometimes your Yorkshire terrier may be clingy because it isn’t receiving enough attention or love from you. This may make them feel left out, unwanted or sad and in extreme cases cause separation anxiety in your little puppy.
This causes them to constantly be around you so that you notice and acknowledge their presence.
3. Lack of Quality Time With You
Dogs are pets that require physical and mental activity done every single day to keep them stimulated and healthy. Maybe you aren’t spending a lot of time due to your work or school.
Thus, whenever you get some free time, make sure you are doing something really fun with your Yorkie like going outdoors, playing fetch, etc. so that they don’t feel ignored.
Even a quick run daily will be a great exercise for your little Yorkie. Check out our complete guide to making your Yorkie walk and run here.
4. Lack of Exercise
Most dogs are extremely sociable and active animals and therefore need to channel their built-up energy through physical activity. Your Yorkie is no different.
Don’t be misled by their nickname i.e Lap Dogs. Your Yorkie will definitely act clingy if he does not get enough exercise and stimulation.
5. Lack of Mentally Stimulating Exercise
Your Yorkshire terrier may be facing boredom due to a lack of activities that keep him mentally active like doing a new dog puzzle, learning new tricks, or looking around in their environment.
This will make him engage in clingy behavior towards you so that you provide them with something to curb this boredom.
If that’s the case with your Yorkie, we recommend that you check out this awesome mentally stimulating puzzle for your little pup.
6. Your Yorkie is Jealous
If you have recently got a new pet, maybe a golden retriever, chihuahua, Shih Tzu, poodle, french bulldog, or a cocker spaniel, then be prepared to handle the extremely clingy behavior of your four-legged friend.
Your Yorkie feels like he isn’t getting enough attention when you spend a lot of time with your new pet. Hence, this will lead to a clingy Yorkie.
7. Your Yorkie Wants His Food or Water
Humans make mistakes, and so can you. Sometimes, you may forget to add food to your Yorkshire terrier’s bowl and due to hunger, he may whine or cling towards you.
Make sure you don’t keep your pet hungry for too long and keep your pet fed. This may decrease his clingy behavior.
To help you out, we have created a list of the best dog foods available. Check it out here.
8. Your Yorkie Might Be Having Vision or Hearing Change
If your Yorkshire terrier is an older dog, somewhere around 8 years or more, he might be going through a developmental change in hearing and vision. This is a new experience for your pet and therefore he may be scared or worried about it.
Due to this new experience, he may have separation anxiety and always cling to you for comfort.
9. Your Yorkie Might Be Bored
Sometimes your Yorkshire terrier must be really bored due to lack of stimulation and therefore cling to you.
Make sure your pet is getting enough stimulation both mentally and physically and has something to keep himself occupied with.
10. Your Yorkie Is Suffering from Separation Anxiety
If your Yorkie is clinging to you to the point out it being out of proportion or excessive it may be due to separation anxiety. This means that your Yorkie will be hyper attached and overly anxious about being away from you.
Separation anxiety in dogs is caused due to some form of trauma or lack of exposure training to things around them. It may cause your dog to whine or cling to you for safety and comfort.
If your Yorkie is experiencing these symptoms, please consult your vet immediately.
11. Your Yorkie is Unwell
Another reason as to why are Yorkies so clingy? maybe because your Yorkshire is experiencing some type of pain or physical discomfort. There is no way he can communicate this pain other than barking or clinging to you. So, your Yorkie will come to you for comfort and warmth.
12. Your Yorkie is Showing His Affection Towards You
Yorkie pups and other terriers are really affectionate and loving. They love cuddling and snuggling with their pet owners. That is why they are famous by the name of “Lap Dogs”.
So, being clingy is one of the many signs of your Yorkie showing his affection towards you. Curious about other ways of Yorkie showing his affection? Check out this blog.
13. Your Yorkie Just Had His Grooming Session
Many times, your Yorkshire terrier may really stressed out or feel traumatized after having a grooming session. This usually happens out of anxiousness as someone else is handling his body.
This trauma may cause your dog to be nervous and anxious and may develop into separation anxiety. This is another reason for your Yorkie to cling to you.
14. Female Yorkie Might Just Be In The Heating Season
Female Yorkshire terriers are often clingy when they are ready to breed. This causes their vulva to be swollen and she may bleed from her vagina. Thus when your pet is going to breed or in the process of it, she may start being clingy.
Now that we have looked at why are Yorkies so clingy? It is important to know how to react to this clingy behavior of your dog.
How To React When Your Yorkie Is Clingy?
1. Give Your Yorkie a Tour of the House Often
When you newly bring a puppy, you have to take care and teach them everything. These little pups are dogs who have been in the company of other dogs and may have never been in a home-like environment. Thus, everything around them seems new.
This might be a potential reason for your new Yorkie to cling to you. You can teach this new scared puppy about everything in the house, his new puppy spot, the toys, outdoors, etc.
This will make him more familiar with his environment. With his newfound confidence, you can be at ease knowing that your little friend will start exploring his new house.
2. Make Sure Sound Levels at Home Are Kept to a Minimal
Many times your new Yorkie puppy may be afraid of the loud television noise, noises of the utensils in the kitchen, or car horns outside the house. These noises may scare him.
Thus, try to control the noise levels by shutting the windows, lowering the volume of the TV, and other things that are in your control.
3. Take Your Yorkie Outside and Expose Him to New Environments
Taking your puppy to the park, your friend’s house, or events will expose your Yorkie to other dogs, places, objects and thus teach him new coping ways. This will help your dear Yorkie be less clingy.
4. Make Sure You Spend Enough Time With Your Yorkie
The Yorkshire terrier breed is known to be very sociable and hence bonds quickly. Thus, it is easy for you to bond with this dog breed and you should take advantage of this.
Make sure you spend quality time with your Yorkie which will stimulate him and make him less clingy.
5. Create a Space for Your Yorkie at Home
Having a spot at home where you keep all of the Yorkie toys will make your Yorkie go to that place and play with them. You can train your dog using the command “Go to your space” and then reward them after they do so.
This will help make him more involved in playing with their toys rather than following you around the house.
Looking out for some tips and trips to training your Yorkie? We have got you all covered here.
3 Ways To Help Your Yorkie Be Less Clingy
1. Go for Regular 20 Minute Walks
Your Yorkie requires physical movement to stay fit and active. Once your little friend has had a good share of his physical activity, he will get all tired. This in turn will make him go to his rest spot and hence he won’t bother you as much.
Taking walks outdoors will also help fulfill your Yorkie’s physical stimulation needs like exercise, pooping, smelling and seeing things around. This will greatly reduce his need to be clingy to you.
2. Train Regularly With Your Yorkie
Using different training methods with your Yorkie can help you to control his clingy behavior. Using the “stay” command with your dog really helps in training him to not be clingy.
If your Yorkie is following you to the other room or bathroom, you can use the command “stay” and teach your Yorkie to stand or sit in the place he is. After your Yorkie obeys your command, you can give him a treat or praise.
This will help your Yorkie understand the connection between obeying your command and receiving the treat. This is a positive reinforcement technique, and it will help your little friend to be less clingy.
Looking out for some nice Yorkie treats? Check out this delicious yet healthy treat, that we totally recommend.
Here’s a fun video of teaching your Yorkie to obey the command “stay”
3. Engage in Mentally Stimulating Games With Your Yorkie
Your Yorkie may be clinging to you out of boredom. You can use dog puzzles, play hide and seek, fetch, let your Yorkie play with toys, or teach your Yorkie some tricks to keep him mentally stimulated.
We love these fun dog toys mentally stimulate your puppy.
Check out this adorable video of a Yorkie playing hide and seek with its owner
FAQs On Why Are Yorkies So Clingy?
1. Are Yorkshire Terriers Needy?
Yorkshire Terriers are extremely human friendly dogs. Because of how cute they are, they are often pampered by their dog owners which causes them to be extremely attention needy.
2. Do Yorkies Sleep In Your Bed?
Your Terrier will learn quickly that your bed is probably the most comfortable spot to be in. So, expect a lot of cuddles when you are sleeping in your bed.
But, you should not encourage this behavior. It is important that you place your Yorkie in his own bed, and train him to sleep in his bed only.
3. Why Do Yorkies Like To Cuddle?
Yorkshire terriers are dogs that are extremely loyal, cute, full of energy, and playful. They really like getting attention from their owners and other people at home as it makes them feel wanted and loved. This makes them always come to you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there can be several answers to Why are Yorkies so clingy? The reasons for it range from not so serious problems to actual concerns and mental health issues that may be causing distress to both yourself and your Yorkie.
You can control this behavior by using adequate training techniques, being consistent and patient with your little friend. If the clingy behavior is excessive, please visit your vet as it can be a sign of some serious health issues.
