13 Reasons Why Are Yorkies So Clingy (& How to Fix)

Updated: 02/17/22 • 
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9 min read
yorkshire terrier sitting outside sp

Yorkies are very affectionate dogs. They are also highly intelligent and can learn new tricks very quickly.

They love to be around their owners and will follow them all around the house.

This means that they can become very needy, especially if they are not given constant attention.

But why do they behave this way?

Whether you’re looking for an answer or just scratching your head wondering why your pup is a complete clingy mess, there are many reasons as to why dogs act the way they do.

Here are the top reasons why Yorkshire Terriers are so clingy.

1. Your Yorkie is Showing Affection

If you have a Yorkie, you know just how clingy they can be.

Sometimes, your pup might jump onto your laps and nuzzle against your hands or neck in order to express their love.

It’s not uncommon for them to want to sleep next to your feet or jump in your lap when you’re sitting on the couch.

They are always eager to get affection from their owner and often crave your company.

There is nothing more comforting for them than when you pat, cuddle, or talk with them while they sleep on the couch next to you.

Dogs are pack animals, and it’s a natural instinct to want to be part of the family.

2. Your Yorkie Has a Fear of Abandonment

Dogs that are clingy may be caused by a previous experience in which the dog was abandoned.

They may also be more dependent on their owners and may be more prone to separation anxiety.

If your dog is clingy, it is important to be patient and understanding and to take steps to help your dog feel more secure.

You can do this by providing plenty of exercise and stimulation and by making sure that your pup always has access to food, water, and shelter.

You should also make sure that you provide plenty of attention and affection and that you remain a constant presence in your dog’s life.

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3. Your Yorkie Is Lonely

When left alone most of the day while you’re at work all week long, this can be difficult on any animal – even one as sweet-natured like a Yorkshire Terrier!

But no matter what the reason, you should never punish your pet for being clingy.

To avoid some of these unwanted behaviors from happening during those times that your dog is feeling particularly isolated and frustrated, make sure to give your pup lots of attention and take them out for walks every day if possible.

4. Your Yorkie Is Exhibiting Normal Lap-Dog Behavior

This might be your fur baby’s natural behavior, and it just means they just like snuggling with you.

Dogs communicate through body language, and they use different gestures to show us that they love us.

It might not seem like a big deal to us or even an annoyance, but for a dog, it’s a way of saying, “I love you.”

It can be hard to tell what our dogs are trying to say, but one thing is for sure: they’re trying to show us affection and feels safe and secure in your presence.

Curious Yorkie
Curious Yorkie

5. Your Yorkie Is Bored and Needs Mental Stimulation

Yorkshire Terriers are usually very energetic and full of life; they’re also natural-born problem solvers and extremely quick learners.

However, sometimes they can become bored with their environment, which is quite common for these little dogs.

A way to prevent this from happening is by giving your pup extra attention when possible such as playing fetch or taking them on walks more frequently.

They love to have fun and play any game, whether it be playing with a ball, chasing after something thrown at them or running around the house.

6. Your Yorkie Is Hungry or Thirsty

Dogs are very intuitive, and they will let you know when they need something. If your dog is acting extra clingy, it’s a good indication that they’re hungry.

You can also look out for other signs that your dog is hungry or thirsty, such as pawing at their food bowl or licking their lips a lot.

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7. Your Yorkie Is in Pain

When your dog is in pain or discomfort, there will usually be some obvious signs.

They might try to communicate with you by sticking to you and exhibiting clingy behavior, staring at you or standing still.

They may also stop eating or drinking, and they may start whining or whimpering more than usual.

If you notice that your dog is exhibiting any of these signs, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible.

8. Your Yorkie Needs Attention

It is not uncommon for dogs to be clingy, especially if they lack attention.

Dogs are pack animals and need companionship, and if they are not given enough attention, they may act out in order to get the attention they need.

Your furry friend may also become clingy if they are not well-socialized.

If a dog is not exposed to a variety of people and animals, they may become fearful and clingy around new people and animals.

9. Your Yorkie Has a Fear of Loud Noises

Dogs that are clingy may do so because they are afraid of loud noises. For some dogs, fireworks and thunderstorms can be incredibly frightening.

If your dog is particularly clingy around these kinds of noises, it may be because they are scared.

If your dog is clingy for this reason, you can try to help them feel more comfortable by doing things like distracting them with a toy or turning on a fan or soft music to create white noise.

You may also want to try training your dog to associate these noises with good things, like treats or petting.

Yorkie laying down
Anxious Yorkie

10. Your Yorkie Has Separation Anxiety

Most people think that dogs are clingy because they are needy and want constant attention.

While this may be true for some dogs, many times your pup is clingy because of separation anxiety.

Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety often become extremely anxious and stressed when their owners leave them alone.

This can result in a dog that is constantly following their owner around, whining, and even barking.

There are a number of things that can contribute to separation anxiety in dogs.

Often, it is a result of a lack of trust or security.

If a dog has a history of being abandoned or rehomed, they may be more prone to developing separation anxiety.

11. Your Yorkshire Terrier May Be in Heat

When female Yorkies are in heat, they tend to be extra clingy.

If you notice your pup is acting out of character, check for signs like a swollen vulva and bleeding from the vaginal area.

It is important to make sure that your Yorkie gets plenty of exercise, daily walks as well as interaction with other people.

If your dog is getting too much attention from you, try giving it a little bit of time away from you on some days each week for it to have fun with other people or just for it to have some space.

It is important that you do not leave your dog alone for a long period of time though, as this could lead to signs of separation anxiety which can make your dog feel lonely and upset when you are gone.

12. Your Yorkie is Lacking Social Skills

Another reason why your dog might be clingy is that they may not have received enough early socialization.

Dogs that are not properly socialized often become clingy because they are constantly seeking attention from their owners.

Without a solid foundation of socialization, these dogs can become anxious and clingy around people.

13. Your Yorkie is Insecure

A possible reason why your four-legged best friend clings to you is because they are insecure and lacks confidence.

Dogs that are insecure tend to cling to their owners more as a way of seeking reassurance.

If this is the case, you might need to work on building your dog’s confidence by providing plenty of positive reinforcement.

You can do this by gradually exposing your dog to new experiences and playing games to boost confidence.

How to Deal With a Clingy Dog

It’s normal for dogs to want to be close to their owners, but some dogs take it too far. A clingy dog follows their owner around constantly and can’t let them out of their sight.

This can be frustrating and overwhelming for the owner.

First, it’s important to understand that your dog is not trying to be a bother.

A clingy dog can be a big annoyance, but with a little bit of patience and understanding, you can help them overcome their clinginess.

Clingy dogs are often just seeking love and attention.

If your Yorkie just can’t seem to leave you alone, here are a few tips for how to deal with them:

Dogs who are clingy can be a handful for their owners. They often need more attention and can be harder to train.

However, with patience and consistency, you can help your dog become more independent.


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