How to Train a Morkie: Tips from Dr. Georgie

Training a morkie is one of the most rewarding things you can do — and also, occasionally, one of the most humbling. These are intelligent dogs who are absolutely capable of learning. They just want to make sure training was their idea.

Dr. Georgie has been through the curriculum. Here’s what works.

Understanding the Morkie Mind

Before you start training, know who you’re working with:

• Smart: Morkies pick up new cues quickly — often within a few repetitions
• Treat-motivated: Food is their primary currency, which makes positive reinforcement highly effective
• Stubborn: If they don’t feel like it, they will stare at you with the blankness of someone who has never heard the word “sit”
• Sensitive: Harsh corrections shut them down — they do not respond well to frustration or raised voices

The approach that works best: short, positive, treat-heavy sessions that end on success. Keep it fun. Stay patient. Never, ever repeat a command 15 times in a row (you’re teaching them they can ignore you 14 times).

Essential Supplies for Training

• Small, high-value training treats — Zuke’s Mini Naturals are ideal
• A clicker (optional but powerful for marking the exact moment of correct behavior)
• A quiet space with minimal distractions for early sessions
• A treat pouch to keep rewards accessible without fumbling in your pocket

Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats

Karen Pryor i-Click Dog Training Clicker

PetSafe Treat Pouch for Dog Training

Potty Training: The First (and Hardest) Battle

Morkies are famously difficult to potty train. Small bladder, stubborn streak, and the Yorkie tendency to think “outside is for other dogs” all conspire against you. Here’s the proven approach:

• Take them out constantly: After waking up, after eating, after playing, every 1–2 hours. No exceptions early on.
• Reward immediately: The moment they go outside, praise and treat within 2 seconds. That window is critical.
• Same spot, same command: Take them to the same place and say the same word every time (“go potty,” “outside,” whatever works). Consistency builds association.
• Never punish accidents: Rubbing their nose in it doesn’t work and damages trust. Just clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner and try again.
• Supervise closely indoors: Use a crate or exercise pen when you can’t watch them — accidents only happen when you’re not paying attention

Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Cleaner for Pet Stains

Expect potty training to take 4–6 months with consistent effort. Some morkies take longer. Take a deep breath. You’ll get there.

Basic Commands: Start Here

Sit

Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose, then slowly move your hand up — their bottom will naturally lower as their head follows. The moment their rear hits the floor, say “sit,” give the treat, and celebrate. Repeat 5–10 times per session.

Stay

Ask for a sit, then hold your palm out and say “stay.” Take one step back, pause, return, and reward. Gradually increase distance and duration. This one takes time — don’t rush it.

Come

This is the most important command for safety. Start close: say your dog’s name, then “come!” in an excited, happy voice. Crouch down, open your arms. When they come to you, make it a celebration. Never call them to you for something unpleasant (baths, nail trims) — that poisons the recall.

Leave It

Put a treat on the floor, cover it with your hand. When your dog stops trying to get it and looks at you instead, reward with a different treat. This command saves lives — and living room items.

Down

From a sit, hold a treat at your dog’s nose and slowly lower it to the floor between their front paws. As they follow it down, say “down.” Reward the moment their elbows hit the floor.

Managing the Stubborn Phase

Every morkie owner hits a wall where their dog suddenly seems to forget everything they’ve learned. This is normal. Here’s what to do:

• Keep sessions to 3–5 minutes max — short and sweet beats long and frustrating
• End every session on a success — even if it’s just asking for something they already know well
• Increase treat value for harder behaviors — sometimes you need the big guns (small pieces of chicken, cheese)
• Train before meals, not after — a slightly hungry morkie is a motivated morkie

Socialization: Train Them to Be Citizens

Socialization isn’t separate from training — it IS training. Expose your morkie puppy to as many people, dogs, sounds, and environments as possible before 16 weeks. Well-socialized morkies are:

• Less reactive to strangers and other dogs
• Less likely to develop anxiety
• More adaptable to new situations
• Generally more pleasant to be around (for everyone)

Dr. Georgie’s Golden Rule

Training is communication. Your morkie isn’t being bad — they’re being a dog who hasn’t learned the human rulebook yet. Stay consistent, stay positive, and remember: the stubborn moments are temporary. The trained, confident, well-mannered morkie at the other end of this process is forever.

Dr. Georgie approves this message. He learned “sit” in two days and “stay” in… a while. Progress takes time. 🐾