When Will My Yorkie Calm Down?

A calm Yorkshire Terrier resting peacefully

A well-rested Yorkie is a happy Yorkie.

Yorkshire Terriers are bundles of energy, but they do settle down. Learn the timeline, what to expect at each age, and how to help your Yorkie through their hyperactive phases.

Author: Marcus

Medical Disclaimer: The information on YorkshireTerrier.dog is for educational purposes only. We are not veterinarians. Always consult a professional before making health decisions for your pet.

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Quick Answer

Most Yorkshire Terriers begin to calm down noticeably between 2-3 years old(24-36 months). The highest energy phase is from birth to 12 months, with adolescent hyperactivity continuing until about 18-24 months. By age 2-3, Yorkies develop better impulse control and can settle more easily, though they remain playful throughout their lives. Spaying/neutering can contribute to calmer behavior.

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The Yorkshire Terrier Energy Timeline

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their feisty, energetic personalities. While this makes them entertaining companions, it can also be exhausting for owners wondering when their tiny tornado will finally settle down.

The truth is that Yorkies don't have an "off switch" that suddenly activates. Instead, they gradually mature and develop better self-control over several years. Understanding this timeline helps set realistic expectations.

Birth to 6 Months: The Puppy Chaos Phase

This is peak energy time. Yorkie puppies are:

•Constantly exploring their environment
•Unable to settle for more than a few minutes
•Learning through play (which means non-stop play)
•Teething and chewing everything
•Testing boundaries and learning rules

Energy Level: 90-100%

Important: Puppies actually NEED this high energy for proper development. Don't try to suppress it - just manage and direct it appropriately.

6-12 Months: Adolescent Wildness

The teenage phase brings its own challenges:

•Increased independence and stubbornness
•Selective hearing when called
•Boundary testing
•Sexual maturity hormones (if not spayed/neutered)
•Possible increase in territorial behaviors

Energy Level: 80-90%

Many owners find this the most frustrating phase because their Yorkie seems to "forget" everything they learned as a puppy. This is normal adolescent development.

12-24 Months: Young Adult Phase

This is when you'll start seeing real progress:

•Better impulse control developing
•Can focus for longer training sessions
•Beginning to self-settle after exercise
•More predictable energy patterns
•Responds better to commands

Energy Level: 60-75%

By 18 months, most Yorkies show noticeable improvement. They're still playful and energetic, but manageable.

24-36 Months: The Settling Point

This is the golden period most owners wait for:

•Reliable calm behavior indoors
•Settles quickly after walks or play
•Excellent training response
•Predictable routine
•Balance between playful and calm

Energy Level: 40-60%

Most Yorkies reach maturity between 2-3 years old. At this point, they've developed the brain maturity for impulse control and can regulate their own energy levels.

Factors That Affect When Your Yorkie Calms Down

1. Spaying or Neutering

Spaying/neutering typically reduces hyperactive behavior by:

•Eliminating hormone-driven behaviors
•Reducing roaming urges
•Decreasing territorial aggression
•Lowering general anxiety levels

Most veterinarians recommend spaying/neutering between 6-12 months. You may notice calming effects within 2-8 weeks after the procedure.

Note: Spaying/neutering helps but isn't a magic solution. A neutered adolescent Yorkie is still an adolescent Yorkie with typical teenage energy.

2. Individual Personality

Just like people, Yorkies have different temperaments:

•High-energy Yorkies: May not fully calm until 3-4 years old
•Moderate-energy Yorkies: Typical 2-3 year timeline
•Naturally calm Yorkies: May settle as early as 18-24 months

Genetics play a significant role. If both parents were high-energy dogs, your Yorkie likely inherited this trait.

3. Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Yorkies who receive appropriate exercise and mental challenges typically calm down more successfully:

Well-Exercised Yorkie

•30-60 minutes daily activity
•Mental games and puzzles
•Training sessions
•Socialization opportunities
•Result: Calmer, more settled

Under-Exercised Yorkie

•Minimal daily activity
•No mental challenges
•Boredom and frustration
•Destructive behaviors
•Result: Hyperactive, anxious

4. Training and Consistency

Yorkies who receive consistent training from puppyhood learn to regulate their behavior more effectively:

•Understand "calm" commands and expectations
•Develop better impulse control
•Learn appropriate outlets for energy
•Build confidence and reduce anxiety

5. Health Status

Sometimes excessive energy isn't age-related but health-related:

•Hyperthyroidism: Can cause hyperactivity
•Anxiety disorders: Manifest as inability to settle
•Pain: Can make dogs restless and unable to relax
•Dietary issues: Food sensitivities can affect behavior

If your Yorkie over 3 years old still can't settle, consult your veterinarian to rule out medical causes.

How to Help Your Yorkie Calm Down Faster

While you can't force maturity, you can create conditions that encourage calmer behavior:

1. Establish a Consistent Routine

Yorkies thrive on predictability:

•Same wake/sleep times daily
•Regular meal schedule
•Consistent walk times
•Predictable play sessions

Routine reduces anxiety and helps Yorkies learn when it's time to be active vs. calm.

2. Provide Adequate Exercise

Age-Appropriate Exercise Guidelines:

2-6 months5 min walks, 2-3x daily + supervised play
6-12 months15-20 min walks, 2x daily + play sessions
12-24 months20-30 min walks, 2x daily + active play
2+ years30-45 min daily exercise (can split into sessions)

3. Mental Stimulation Activities

A tired brain leads to a calm dog:

•Puzzle toys: Hide treats in puzzle feeders
•Training sessions: 5-10 minutes of trick training
•Scent games: Hide treats around house for seeking
•New experiences: Visit new places (safely)
•Interactive play: Fetch, tug, hide-and-seek

15 minutes of mental work can tire a Yorkie as much as 30 minutes of physical exercise.

4. Teach "Settle" Command

Training your Yorkie to settle on cue:

1.Wait for a moment of calm (even just sitting quietly)
2.Say "settle" and immediately reward with treat
3.Gradually extend the duration before treating
4.Practice multiple times daily in short sessions
5.Use the command before naturally calm times (after walks)

5. Create a Calm Environment

Your home environment affects your Yorkie's energy:

•Designate a quiet rest area
•Use calming music or white noise
•Maintain comfortable temperature
•Reduce household chaos when possible
•Provide comfortable bed/crate for downtime

6. Avoid Common Mistakes

Don't Do These:

❌Punishing hyperactive behavior (increases anxiety)
❌Skipping exercise hoping they'll be calmer (opposite effect)
❌Constantly engaging with excited behavior (reinforces it)
❌Inconsistent rules (creates confusion and stress)
❌Over-stimulating before bedtime

When to Be Concerned About Hyperactivity

While Yorkies are naturally energetic, extreme hyperactivity can indicate problems:

Warning Signs of Excessive Hyperactivity:

•Cannot settle even after extensive exercise
•Destructive behavior despite adequate stimulation
•Obsessive behaviors (spinning, tail chasing, pacing)
•Aggression when asked to calm down
•Sleep disturbances or inability to sleep
•Self-harm from excessive licking, chewing
•Over 3 years old with no improvement in behavior

These symptoms may indicate:

•Anxiety disorder
•ADHD-like condition
•Thyroid problems
•Neurological issues
•Chronic pain

Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist if your Yorkie shows these signs.

The Role of Genetics and Breeding

Temperament is partially inherited. Yorkies from calmer, well-bred parents tend to:

•Have more moderate energy levels
•Develop better impulse control earlier
•Respond better to training
•Experience less anxiety

Responsible breeders select for temperament alongside health and conformation. If you're considering adding a Yorkie to your family, choosing a puppy from parents with stable temperaments gives you a head start.

Find Vetted Yorkie Breeders Who Prioritize Temperament

Our directory connects you with responsible Yorkshire Terrier breeders nationwide who focus on producing puppies with:

•Stable, manageable temperaments
•Proper early socialization
•Health testing and genetic screening
•Lifetime support and guidance

Browse Vetted Breeders

Common Questions About Yorkie Behavior

Do female Yorkies calm down faster than males?

Generally, no significant difference exists between males and females regarding when they calm down. Individual personality, training, and genetics matter more than sex. However, spayed females and neutered males both tend to be calmer than intact dogs.

Will my Yorkie ever completely calm down?

Yorkshire Terriers are an energetic breed by nature. Even mature adults remain playful and alert. "Calming down" means developing the ability to settle and relax when appropriate, not becoming couch potatoes. A healthy adult Yorkie should still enjoy play and walks but can also relax quietly indoors.

Can medication help a hyperactive Yorkie?

In cases of diagnosed anxiety disorders or ADHD-like conditions, medication prescribed by a veterinarian can help. However, medication should never replace proper exercise, training, and mental stimulation. Always try behavior modification first and use medication only under veterinary guidance for severe cases.

Is it normal for my 4-year-old Yorkie to still be very energetic?

While most Yorkies calm significantly by 2-3 years, some high-energy individuals remain very active throughout their lives. If your 4-year-old is healthy, well-exercised, and can settle when needed, this is just their personality. If they cannot settle despite adequate exercise, consult a veterinarian.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Yorkshire Terrier behavior. Individual dogs vary, and behavioral concerns should be discussed with a qualified veterinarian or certified dog behaviorist.