Do Shorkies Bark a Lot? (Triggers + Training Guide)

When looking for a new furry friend to join the family, you will have many questions. And if you’re not keen on barking or live in an apartment building where your neighbors will surely not appreciate the noise, you need to know whether or not your potential pal is a notorious barker. With that in mind, do Shorkies bark a lot?

Shorkies are well-known conversationalists. They bark at anything and everything, from the mailman walking by to the running vacuum cleaner. While the Shorkie is prone to incessant barking, there are ways to minimize the amount of barking using proper training methods.

If you’re dreaming about an adorable lap dog that loves to snuggle, the Shorkie is an excellent choice. However, remember that while these lap dogs are oh-so-cuddly, they’re also quite feisty, stubborn, and noisy. This article shares why Shorkies bark so much and how you can tone them down a notch.

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Are Shorkies Yappy?

Yes, Shorkies are incessant yappers. They are well-known for being quite the miniature conversationalists. But your Shorkie won’t be giving a world-renowned speech anytime soon. Instead, they’ll bark until their heart is content – which could be never.

Why is the Shorkie such a noisy hound? It’s all thanks to the parent breeds – the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier. Since both parent breeds are notable barkers, it’s unsurprising that the Shorkie designer breed is a perpetual barker, too. Essentially, the Shorkie got a double dose of the “barking trait,” making them very yappy little fellas.

Why Do Shorkies Bark?

Shorkies will bark at anything, everything, and nothing at all. That’s because the Shorkie is a tenacious big dog trapped in a small body. They have the personality of the Hulk with a cutesy, snuggly stature.

While the Shorkie is a notorious barker, here are some of the top reasons why they’ll start baking repetitively:

1. Feeling Territorial

Did you know that the Shorkie designer breed is impossibly loyal to its owner? If another dog, animal, or person tries to get near their beloved owner, they will likely start barking to warn the mammal to back away.

2. Scared/Alerting You of Something

Did someone just ring the doorbell? Did you just turn on the vacuum cleaner? These loud, sudden noises can scare your Shorkie, and they will want to alert you of what’s happening – even though you may be the one making the loud noise.

3. Boredom

One of the perks of owning a Shorkie is that they don’t need much exercise or entertainment. That doesn’t mean they won’t get bored, though. Shorkies are known for being quite intelligent. As such, they are prone to boredom with their day-to-day routine and toy selection.

4. Greeting

Did you just come home from a long day at work? Since Shorkies are incredibly loyal, they will be impeccably happy that you’ve returned home. This is a happy bark and likely won’t last for too long – especially once they climb into the comfort of your arms!

5. Separation Anxiety

Again, Shorkies are very loyal. They do not like to be away from their owner for extended periods (more than six to eight hours at a time). If you leave your Shorkie alone too often and for too long, they may develop a noisy barking habit related to separation anxiety. Other harmful habits may also form.

At What Age Do They Start Barking?

It doesn’t take long for the Shorkie to start communicating. In fact, Shorkies start barking as young as two or three weeks old – around the same time their eyes begin to open.

How Do You Train Shorkies Not to Bark?

Barking is a form of communication. Your Shorkie shouldn’t cease barking altogether. However, if your Shorkie has gotten into the habit of barking nonstop for minutes or hours, you need to do something about it. Luckily, the Shorkie isn’t too difficult to train. Although they’re slightly stubborn, their high intelligence means they will quickly pick up on commands.

Here’s how to train your Shorkie not to bark.

When your Shorkie starts barking, get their attention with a loud noise or spray of water. Most people use a clap or a bottle filled with pennies.

Pick your Shorkie up. This will give them a sense of security.

Firmly say the command. “Quiet” or “Hush” are two commands commonly used. Use a firm tone rather than yelling at your Shorkie. Make eye contact when saying the command.

When your Shorkie has quieted down, offer praise and a treat. Shorkies love positive affirmations, so this will work like a charm.

Continue until your Shorkie understands the command without needing a treat.

Tips for Success

The good news is that the Shorkie designer breed is intelligent and relatively easy to train. However, their stubborn streak can pose a problem. Here are a few essential tips to ensure your training method is successful.

1. Always Be The “Alpha”

Establishing dominance – especially at an early age – is essential to success. Dogs are pack animals and will obey the one in charge – which should be you. Establish that you are the alpha by being stern and consistent, not intimidating or physical.

2. Don’t Use Bark Collars

Many people opt to use bark collars for training purposes, but these can and will do more harm than good to your small-sized Shorkie. Shorkies may become fearful or more aggressive with the use of a bark collar, even those that don’t utilize shocks.

3. Start When They’re Young

When it comes to training (and socialization, for that matter), the sooner, the better. Shorkies can begin training at about eight weeks old. They’re best suited for short and quick training periods rather than hour-long sessions; this will indeed bore your Shorkie, who will then refuse to be trained.

4. Provide Lots of Exercise and Toys

Your Shorkie may be barking out of boredom. If so, it’s imperative to allot enough time for exercise. As the phrase goes, “A tired dog is a quiet dog,” and it’s true for the Shorkie. They will need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.

Curve their boredom – especially when you’re out of the home – by providing them with intricate toys. When shopping for toys for your Shorkie, look for these things:

Toys that provide physical exercise. For example, a ball that they can push around and play with.

Toys that provide them with a special treat. Some toys are designed like particular “games” where the dog will need to figure out how to find the treat inside. This is wonderful for the smart Shorkie!

Toys that they can snuggle with. Shorkies love snuggly, cuddly stuffies to hug, especially when their owner is away from home.

Toys that improve and support dental health. “Teething toys” are great for keeping your Shorkie’s mouth in tip-top shape.

5. Be Positive

Shorkies thrive on positive affirmations rather than negative ones. You should avoid yelling and shouting at your Shorkie at all costs. This will only serve to anger and scare your hound, who will, in turn, not be willing to be trained.

Instead, focus on positivity. Praise and small treats are the best ways to go. Just make sure your Shorkie follows through on the command fully before offering praise and treats. Otherwise, they won’t learn a thing – just that they can manipulate you into giving them exactly what they want!

6. Alleviate Separation Anxiety

If you notice that your Shorkie is barking predominantly when you’re away from the home, they may be suffering from separation anxiety. The best thing to do is to avoid leaving your Shorkie alone for long periods. Most Shorkies start to get upset after the six-hour mark.

While you’re away from home, you should leave the TV on for some background noise to accompany your furry friend. Your Shorkie should have plenty of toys, especially those that require a good deal of time and patience to “solve.” If you’re able, come home during your lunch break to go for a walk and give your Shorkie some love.

You can always opt for a dog sitter or doggy daycare as a last resort. This way, your Shorkie will have plenty of social interaction, so it does not become upset by being alone.

7. Get Professional Help

Your Shorkie shouldn’t need professional help. After all, they’re pretty easy to train with the proper techniques. However, if you’ve been trying to stop your Shorkie from its incessant barking habit with no luck, don’t hesitate to seek out professional help. Expert trainers know exactly how to prevent your Shorkie from repetitive barking, and they will be able to give you tips and tricks for success.

Wrap Up – Shorkies Are Notorious Barkers, But They Can Be Easily Trained

The small-sized Shorkie is known for being sweet, snuggly, and loyal, but they’re also big conversationalists. They’ll bark at just about anything, and it can be hard to get them to stop. If you notice your Shorkie is developing a barking problem, proper and consistent training is the best solution.