Why is my Yorkie so hyper is a question that I had to ask myself multiple times when I first adopted my little Yorkie.
This was not what I had thought would happen when I adopted thinking of him as a lap dog. I was extremely tired of the incessant barking, biting, nipping and hyper activities of my puppy. It worried me so much that I had to look up reasons as to why is my Yorkie so hyper.
That’s when I found out that it’s not just my Yorkie, and I was a little relieved. But, there’s a lot that you need to know if your Yorkie is hyper as well. So let me tell you what I found about why is my Yorkie so hyper.
Why Is My Yorkie So Hyper? Top 12 Reasons
When I was finding the reasons behind why is my Yorkie so hyper, these are the top 13 reasons that I came across.
1. Your Yorkie Is Not Getting Enough Exercise
Have you ever wondered about the amount of exercise that you make your Yorkie do? If no, then it’s time that you think about it.
Yorkies, when they are in their younger years, till the age of 7 or 8, have a lot of energy that they need to release. In the absence of proper or enough exercising, your Yorkie might start taking out its energy by doing hyperactive things like barking, biting, running here and there all the time.
Want to know how age can impact your Yorkie? Check out our detailed findings here.
2. Your Yorkie Is Not Getting Enough Attention
I get so cranky when I don’t receive attention and I’m pretty sure that happens with you too. It is also precisely what happens with your four-legged friend.
The amount of attention you provide to your dog will have a major impact on your dog’s behavior.
When you ignore your Yorkie, he might get frustrated and become hyperactive. To gain your attention, he will start barking and biting and do all sorts of agile things.
3. Your Yorkie Is Eating All the Wrong Types of Food
Do you give your Yorkie too many treats? Or is he eating anything at any time?
Too many treats without proper exercising can create excessive energy in your furry friend and he will start exhibiting hyperactive behavior.
Always make sure that your Yorkie is having the proper amount of food at appropriate times. Not too much, not too less.
Take a look at some of the most nutritious and healthy foods out there for your little Yorkie here.
4. There Is a Sudden Change in Your Yorkie’s Diet
A sudden change in the diet of a small dog like Yorkie can also lead to him having a different level of energy.
It might take time for him to settle in with the new diet and he might stop being overactive. If it takes too much time, you should consider going to a vet and getting a proper diet chart for your terrier.
5. Your Yorkie Is Teething
During his initial months, your Yorkie will be teething, which can make him feel extreme discomfort. He might start excessive barking and biting in the duration of these few months.
Take a look at this teething toy for your little friend.
This period is difficult for him, so it would be great to be gentle to him even though he is being hyper. But, you should note that too much of any bad behavior or aggressive behavior should not be tolerated.
6. Your Yorkie Might Be Under Heat
If your Yorkie is unneutered and is in heat, he might get all agitated. In such a phase, you can expect your four-footed friend to be hyper.
7. Your Yorkie Might Be Hyperventilating
It might be scary for you as a dog owner when your pup starts hyperventilating. It might happen because they are too happy or overexcited and, in bad cases, because of stress or fear.
8. Your Yorkie Is Facing Separation Anxiety
Does your doggo love you too much? But do you leave him alone for too long? If yes, then your Yorkie might be having separation anxiety.
He is scared that he will be left alone entirely and this is why when you come back home, he becomes hyper out of joy. This might lead to your dog’s hyperactivity.
9. Your Yorkie Is Unable to Sleep Properly Due to Poor Sleeping Environment
Remember how you behaved that one time when you couldn’t sleep properly? It was terrible, wasn’t it?
The same can be the reason for your Yorkshire terrier’s hyperactive behavior. Always provide your doggo with a good sleeping environment.
Never forget the importance of a good night’s sleep!
10. You Are Using Negative Reinforcement Techniques With Your Yorkie
Sit down and think. Are you too harsh with your pet while trying to make him do what you want him to?
Rude behavior or harsh training techniques can lead to negative reinforcement, which negatively impacts your dog’s behavior.
11. Your Yorkie Might Be Injured
Your tiny Yorkie could have hurt himself while playing or running around.
Because of the pain, he might become hyper when you touch him or go near him. Always keep a check on your dog’s physical well-being.
Never leave your Yorkie alone when he is playing outside!
12. There Might Be Unknown Visitors at Your Place
Yorkshire Terriers are not exactly the dog breed that is comfortable with unknown people.
Try and notice if your Yorkie starts acting strangely when you have new visitors at home. If yes, then there you go. You can expect hyperactivity in your dog because of the strangers that he is seeing.
You can deal with this by socializing your Yorkie from an early age.
6 Ways To Deal With A Hyper Yorkie
1. Provide Proper Exercise to Your Yorkie
I cannot emphasize enough the need of giving proper exercise to your doggo.
Exercising has loads of benefits. It creates a routine in the terrier’s life. You can make him do more exercises like heeling or obstacle courses rather than just running or walking.
This is the most prominent and effective way of dealing calming your hyperactive puppy. Running is a great exercise. Take a look at all the important information before taking your Yorkie out for a run here.
Along with physical exercise, we also recommend that you provide puzzles and dog games to your Yorkie for proper mental stimulation. Take a look at this interactive puzzle toy / which would help in maintaining your Yorkie’s calm behavior.
2. Impart Him With Crate Training
If your Yorkie is acting hyper because of separation anxiety, crate training might just be what you are looking for.
Before making your Yorkie sit inside the crate, make sure that it has comfortable bedding and attractive chew toys. Also, reward him with treats when he behaves well and make use of positive reinforcement techniques.
Take a look at this comfortable bed for your Yorkie.
It is beneficial if your Yorkie is trained in this when you have to leave him alone for a few hours or even days.
3. Socialize with Other Dogs
Does your Yorkie start acting hyper when he meets pets from other dog breeds?
It is best to start socializing your tiny dog from when he is a puppy, as it is easier to teach them before they become adults. They know when and how to behave properly and get good with certain basic commands.
Meeting and playing with other pet dogs will refresh his mood and keep him happy. Socializing holds as much importance as dog training.
4. Obedience Training
Start using basic commands as soon as you bring your pet friend home.
Once he is well versed with your commands, he will know what behavior is acceptable and what is not. When he is being hyperactive, you can use these commands to bring him under control.
I know it is tough to be strict with this toy breed but never let your Yorkie get away with bad habits just because he is cute!
5. Give Him Your Attention
All of us love attention. So does your puppy!
If your doggo is being hyperactive because of lack of attention, you might want to make him feel loved before the situation worsens into separation anxiety and fear.
Keep showering him with love and attention and make him feel wanted. You will definitely receive the love back.
6. Give Him Proper Diet
Giving your Yorkie the proper diet is very very essential. You need to make sure he is physically fit.
The by-products of wheat-based food help in calming your Yorkie down. Warm milk is also a good meal to relieve him of his stress. You can also give your terrier healthy snacks to nibble on daily.
Never overfeed your dog or give him an excessive amount of treats.
At What Age Will My Yorkie Calm Down?
Yorkshire Terriers have more energy for the first two years. They usually calm down after that.
As they were bred for catching and hunting mice, they inherently have the agility of a larger dog even though they are so small in size. However, it also depends on each individual terrier.
You can do many things to calm your pet friend down like playing fetching games with him, being consistent with his routine, using positive reinforcement techniques, giving treats when he behaves well, and taking him out for walks daily.
In fact, you can use music to calm your Yorkie down. Check this video out for some soothing music for your pet.
Is Neutering Helpful To Calm Down My Yorkie?
As a matter of fact, neutering affects the hormones of dogs but it does not change their genetic make-up.
Neutering will not necessarily calm your Yorkie down. Its impacts might just be restricted to lesser mounting, lesser roaming, dulling of territorial instincts, and a reduction in marking territories.
However, it might not be as effective in lowering the excitement of your terrier or soothing his anxiety. His habit of barking, jumping, biting, and chewing on everything will remain even after neutering.
FAQs On Why Is My Yorkie So hyper?
1. How Do You Discipline a Yorkie?
It just takes a little effort in disciplining your Yorkie. Here are some things you can do to discipline your hyperactive dog.
- Take him out for walks daily.
- Make him follow a proper routine. Fix breakfast and dinner time.
- Play fetching games with him.
- Be consistent in using commands so that he learns them quickly.
- Provide obedience training.
- Avoid using negative reinforcement techniques.
- Reward him adequately when he behaves well.
2. Why Do Yorkies Not Listen?
Despite their small size, Yorkies have enough aggressiveness to make them not listen to you.
Or it can also be because they are mad at you. Did you not give them enough attention? Or were you harsh with them? Think about it.
Your Yorkie will definitely listen to you if it is well trained and nicely taken care of!
3. What Can I Give My Yorkie for Anxiety?
Regular training and a set routine will help in soothing your Yorkie’s anxiety. You can also refer to the YouTube video I mentioned above if you want to try easing your doggo’s anxiety by using music.
Check this link out for the medicines that you can give your pet for anxiety.
Apart from that, lots of love and snuggles should do the trick!
Conclusion
So now you know the reasons behind why is my Yorkie hyper. I hope they gave you an idea about why your Yorkie is acting strange.
All these cute tiny creatures need is a bit of training and loads of love. Make sure you give them that. After all, it’s not much effort, right?
Now that you know what you need to do in order to calm your Yorkie, what are you waiting for? Go try them all and you will definitely see the results.
