The Best Way To Potty Train Your Yorkie

Yorkshire Terriers, commonly known as Yorkies, are beloved for their tiny size, big personalities, and playful nature. However, potty training these small dogs can be challenging for new owners. This comprehensive guide will answer the most common questions about Yorkie potty training, providing you with the necessary knowledge and tools to successfully navigate this process.

How to Potty Train a Yorkie Puppy

Potty training a Yorkie puppy can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure success:

1. Establish a Routine:

Consistency is key when potty training. Set a regular schedule for feeding, playing, and bathroom breaks. Puppies generally need to eliminate every 1-2 hours, especially after waking up and meals.

2. Crate Training:

Crate training is a valuable tool for potty training. Yorkies are naturally den animals, and a crate provides a safe and confined space. Puppies are less likely to soil their crate, promoting cleanliness.

3. Take Your Puppy Outside Immediately:

Upon waking up or after a meal, immediately take your Yorkie puppy outside to their designated potty spot. Use a leash to ensure they don’t wander off.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement:

When your Yorkie puppy eliminates outside, reward them with praise, treats, and playful interaction. This reinforces positive behavior.

5. Choose a Designated Potty Spot:

Select a consistent area for potty training. This could be a patch of grass, a designated spot in your yard, or even a designated area on a pee pad indoors.

6. Be Patient and Persistent:

Potty training takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if accidents happen. Stick to the routine and use positive reinforcement consistently.

How Often Should I Take My Yorkie Outside to Potty?

The frequency of bathroom breaks for your Yorkie will depend on their age, diet, and overall health. Here’s a general guideline:

Puppies (8-12 weeks old): Every 1-2 hours, especially after waking up, eating, and playing.

Puppies (3-6 months old): Every 2-3 hours, with additional breaks after meals and playtime.

Adult Yorkies: Generally 3-4 times a day, with additional breaks after meals and playtime.

It’s important to monitor your Yorkie’s behavior and adjust the frequency of potty breaks as needed. Signs your Yorkie needs to go outside include:

• Restlessness
• Whining or barking
• Sniffing around the house
• Circling

Can I Potty Train My Yorkie in an Apartment?

Yes, it is possible to potty train a Yorkie in an apartment. While limited space can be a challenge, it’s manageable with consistency and effort. Here are some tips:

1. Designate a Potty Area: Choose a specific spot in your apartment, preferably near an outside door or window, for your Yorkie to eliminate. You can use a pee pad or a designated area on the floor.

2. Create a Routine: Establish a regular schedule for potty breaks, taking your Yorkie outside or to their designated potty area at least every 2-3 hours.

3. Crate Training: Crate training is particularly beneficial for apartment living as it provides a safe and confined space for your Yorkie, reducing the chance of accidents.

4. Use a Leash: When taking your Yorkie outside for potty breaks, use a leash to prevent them from wandering off and potentially getting into trouble.

5. Positive Reinforcement: As always, reward your Yorkie with praise, treats, and playtime when they eliminate appropriately.

6. Clean Accidents Promptly: If accidents happen, clean them up thoroughly using an enzymatic cleaner to remove any lingering scent that may encourage your Yorkie to use the same spot again.

How Long Does it Take to Potty Train a Yorkie?

The time it takes to potty train a Yorkie can vary depending on factors like age, temperament, and consistency in training. Generally, most Yorkies can be potty trained within a few weeks, with some puppies taking longer.

It’s crucial to remain patient and consistent with training. Every puppy learns at their own pace.

What to Do If My Yorkie Has an Accident

Accidents happen during potty training. It’s essential to remain calm and respond appropriately. Here’s how to handle accidents:

1. Clean Up the Mess: Use an enzymatic cleaner to thoroughly remove any urine or feces. These cleaners break down odor molecules, preventing your Yorkie from re-using the spot.

2. Avoid Punishment: Punishing your Yorkie for accidents is counterproductive. It can create fear and anxiety, making potty training more difficult.

3. Review Your Routine: If accidents are frequent, re-evaluate your potty training routine. Are you taking your Yorkie out often enough? Are you using positive reinforcement consistently?

4. Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling to potty train your Yorkie, don’t hesitate to consult a professional dog trainer or veterinarian for advice.

Tips for Potty Training a Yorkie

Here are some additional tips to make potty training a success:

• Provide a Quiet and Calm Environment: A stressful environment can make it difficult for your Yorkie to focus on potty training.
• Limit Playtime Before Potty Breaks: Avoid excessive play before taking your Yorkie outside. This can make them overly excited and distracted.
• Use a Doggy Door: A doggy door can be a valuable tool, allowing your Yorkie easy access to an outdoor potty area.
• Don’t Use Harsh Cleaning Products: Avoid using harsh cleaners that can irritate your Yorkie’s nose and paws. Stick to enzymatic cleaners designed for pet accidents.
• Be Consistent: Consistency is key to potty training. Stick to a schedule, use positive reinforcement, and be patient.

How to Stop a Yorkie From Peeing in the House

If your Yorkie is peeing in the house despite your potty training efforts, there might be underlying medical reasons. Consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues that could be causing the accidents.

Here are some common reasons for house-training regressions:

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs can cause frequent urination and accidents.
• Kidney Problems: Kidney disease can lead to increased thirst and urination, making it difficult for your Yorkie to hold it.
• Stress or Anxiety: Changes in routine, new environments, or other stressors can cause your Yorkie to regress in their potty training.
• Marking Behavior: Yorkies, especially males, may engage in marking behavior, spraying urine to mark their territory.

What Age Can You Potty Train a Yorkie?

You can start potty training a Yorkie puppy as early as 8 weeks old. However, younger puppies have limited bladder control and will need more frequent potty breaks. As they mature, their bladder capacity increases, and they will be able to hold it longer.

It’s important to start potty training early and be consistent with the process.

Why is My Yorkie Peeing on the Bed?

If your Yorkie is peeing on the bed, there could be several reasons:

• Medical Issues: As mentioned earlier, UTIs or kidney problems can cause increased urination and accidents.
• Lack of Potty Training: If your Yorkie isn’t fully potty trained, they may not understand the appropriate place to eliminate.
• Stress or Anxiety: Changes in routine, new environments, or other stressors can lead to bed-wetting.
• Lack of Access to Potty Area: Ensure your Yorkie has easy and safe access to their designated potty area, especially at night.

What to Do When Your Yorkie Has an Accident on the Bed

If your Yorkie has an accident on the bed, it’s important to handle it calmly and appropriately. Here’s what to do:

• Clean Up the Mess: Immediately clean the bedding using an enzymatic cleaner to remove any lingering scent.
• Avoid Punishment: Don’t punish your Yorkie for the accident. It’s likely an involuntary behavior caused by medical or behavioral issues.
• Consult Your Veterinarian: Take your Yorkie to the vet to rule out any medical causes for the bed-wetting.
• Address Stress or Anxiety: Identify any potential stressors and work on reducing them. Provide a safe and calming environment for your Yorkie.

What Should I Do if My Yorkie Is Not Potty Trained?

If your Yorkie isn’t potty trained, it’s never too late to start. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to establish a potty training routine. Be patient, consistent, and use positive reinforcement. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance from a dog trainer or veterinarian.

How to Potty Train a Yorkie in a Crate

Crate training can be a valuable tool for potty training Yorkies. Here’s how to make it work:

• Choose the Right Size Crate: Select a crate that’s big enough for your Yorkie to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they have space to eliminate.
• Introduce the Crate Slowly: Gradually introduce your Yorkie to the crate, making it a positive experience. Feed them treats and toys inside the crate.
• Establish a Routine: Stick to a consistent schedule for crate time and bathroom breaks. Take your Yorkie outside immediately after waking up, after meals, and after every crate session.
• Never Use the Crate as Punishment: Never punish your Yorkie by putting them in their crate. This will make them associate the crate with negative feelings.
• Reward Positive Behavior: Reward your Yorkie for eliminating outside with praise, treats, and playtime.

How to Potty Train an Older Yorkie

Potty training an older Yorkie may require more patience and understanding. While older dogs may have established routines, they can also develop medical issues that affect bladder control. Here are some tips:

• Consult Your Veterinarian: Rule out any medical conditions that could be causing accidents.
• Establish a Routine: Create a regular schedule for feeding, playing, and bathroom breaks.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your Yorkie for eliminating appropriately with praise and treats.
• Be Patient: It may take longer to potty train an older dog, but with consistency and positive reinforcement, it’s possible.

Yorkie Potty Training: A Summary

Potty training your Yorkie is a rewarding experience, but it requires patience, consistency, and understanding. Remember these key points:

Key Point	Explanation
Establish a Routine	Set a regular schedule for feeding, playing, and bathroom breaks.
Use Positive Reinforcement	Reward your Yorkie with praise, treats, and playtime when they eliminate appropriately.
Choose a Designated Potty Spot	Select a consistent area for potty training.
Be Patient and Persistent	Potty training takes time and patience.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Yorkie potty training:

How do I know if my Yorkie is potty trained?

Your Yorkie is potty trained when they consistently eliminate outside or in their designated potty area without accidents for an extended period.

What if my Yorkie starts having accidents after being potty trained?

If your Yorkie starts having accidents after being potty trained, it’s important to consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues. Also, consider if there have been any changes in their routine or environment that might be causing stress.

How can I prevent my Yorkie from chewing on things during potty training?

Provide your Yorkie with plenty of appropriate chew toys to redirect their chewing behavior. Also, keep potentially harmful items out of reach.

What if my Yorkie doesn’t like their designated potty spot?

Try moving their potty spot to a different location. You can also encourage them by putting a few drops of urine from previous successful potty trips in the new spot.

Can I use a potty pad for Yorkie potty training?

Potty pads can be helpful for potty training in apartment settings. However, it’s important to transition your Yorkie to eliminating outside eventually.

How can I tell if my Yorkie is ready to be let off the leash during potty breaks?

Your Yorkie is ready to be let off the leash during potty breaks when they consistently eliminate in their designated spot and are reliable in their obedience commands.

How do I know if my Yorkie is holding it in?

Signs your Yorkie is holding it in include restlessness, whining, barking, sniffing around, and circling.