The Best Age to Start Yorkie Potty Training: A Comprehensive Guide

When Should I Start Potty Training My Yorkie?

The ideal age to begin potty training your Yorkie is between 8 and 12 weeks old, right after you bring them home. This is when they are old enough to understand the concept of potty training and are physically capable of holding their bladder for short periods.

Here’s a breakdown of why this age is optimal:

• Vaccination Completion: By 8-12 weeks, your Yorkie will have received their initial round of vaccinations, making them less susceptible to diseases that could be contracted through exposure in public areas.
• Bladder Control Development: At this age, their bladder control starts to develop, and they’ll gradually be able to hold their urine for longer durations.
• Learnability: Puppies are highly receptive to training at this age, and they learn quickly.

However, remember that every puppy develops at their own pace. Some may be ready earlier, and others might need a little more time. Observe your Yorkie’s cues, like whining or restlessness, to determine if they are ready to start training.

Early potty training is crucial for establishing good hygiene habits and preventing accidents in your home. It also helps build a strong bond between you and your furry friend.

Is My Yorkie Too Old to Potty Train?

While it’s true that starting early makes the process easier, it’s never too late to teach your Yorkie potty training!

Even older Yorkies can learn to use the bathroom in the right spot. However, the process might take longer and require more patience.

Here are some tips for potty training an older Yorkie:

• Be Consistent: Stick to a consistent schedule of taking them out regularly, even if they seem to have accidents.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward them lavishly with praise, treats, and playtime when they go potty in the designated area. Positive reinforcement is key to success.
• Patience and Understanding: Remember that older dogs may need more time to adjust, so be patient and understanding during the process.

The key is to start with a clean slate, eliminate any previous bad habits, and approach the training with a positive attitude. Your Yorkie is capable of learning, even if they are older. With persistence and patience, you can make potty training a success!

How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Yorkie?

The duration of potty training a Yorkie can vary depending on several factors:

• Age: Puppies are quicker learners than adult dogs.
• Consistency: Consistent training schedules and routines significantly impact the learning process.
• Breed: Yorkies, being a small breed, tend to have smaller bladders, which may require more frequent bathroom breaks.
• Health: Certain medical conditions can affect bladder control, potentially prolonging the training process.

Generally, you can expect to see progress within the first few weeks.

A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 3-6 months for your Yorkie to fully grasp potty training, but remember that each dog learns at their own pace.

It’s important to celebrate every little milestone, no matter how small, and remain patient throughout the journey. Your Yorkie’s success depends on your consistency and positive reinforcement.

How to Potty Train a Yorkie

Now that you have a good understanding of the basics, let’s dive into the practical steps for potty training your Yorkie:

Step 1: Establish a Schedule

Start by setting up a consistent potty schedule for your Yorkie.

A good starting point is to take them out every 1-2 hours, especially after they wake up, eat, or play.

Be prepared to take them out more frequently if they are very young or have a small bladder.

Step 2: Choose a Designated Potty Spot

Select a specific area in your yard or outside your home where you want your Yorkie to go potty.

Make sure the spot is easily accessible and away from areas where they might play or eat.

Step 3: Use Positive Reinforcement

When your Yorkie goes potty in the designated area, reward them immediately with positive reinforcement.

This could include:

• Verbal praise
• A small treat
• A favorite toy

Make sure to praise them enthusiastically and with excitement to reinforce the good behavior.

Step 4: Accidents Happen

If your Yorkie has an accident, clean it up immediately and don’t punish them. Punishment can lead to fear and anxiety, which can hinder the training process.

Instead, focus on redirecting them to the designated potty spot and praising them when they go there.

Step 5: Be Patient and Consistent

Potty training takes time and patience. Consistency is key.

Stick to your schedule, use positive reinforcement, and be patient.

With time and effort, your Yorkie will learn to go potty in the designated spot.

What are the signs that my Yorkie needs to go potty?

Recognizing your Yorkie’s potty cues is essential for successful training. They might not be able to verbally communicate their need, but they give you subtle signals. Here are some common signs your Yorkie needs to go potty:

• Whining or Barking: This is a common way for Yorkies to communicate their need to go out.
• Restlessness: If your Yorkie starts pacing around, sniffing the floor, or circling, it could be a sign they need to go out.
• Scratching at the Door: This is often a clear indication they want to go outside.
• Squatting or Lifting a Leg: These actions are obvious signs that your Yorkie is about to go potty.

Pay attention to these signs and promptly take your Yorkie to their designated potty spot.

Early identification and quick response to these cues will help minimize accidents and encourage positive learning.

Can I Potty Train a Yorkie With a Crate?

Crate training can be a valuable tool in potty training your Yorkie. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Choose the Right Crate Size

Select a crate that is just large enough for your Yorkie to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

A crate that is too small can cause stress and anxiety, while a crate that is too big may give them too much room to go potty inside.

Step 2: Crate Training Basics

Start by introducing your Yorkie to the crate gradually and positively.

Place treats and toys inside the crate to encourage them to go in.

Gradually increase the duration your Yorkie spends in the crate, starting with short periods and gradually working up to longer durations.

Step 3: Potty Training with the Crate

The crate can be a helpful tool to prevent accidents during the potty training process.

Here’s how it works:

• Set a Schedule: Take your Yorkie out to their designated potty spot every 1-2 hours, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
• Crate Time: When you’re not home, confine your Yorkie to their crate. They are less likely to have accidents when they can’t freely move around.
• Accidents Happen: If they do have an accident in the crate, clean it up immediately, and consider reducing the time they spend in the crate.

Step 4: Positive Reinforcement is Key

Reward your Yorkie for going potty outside with positive reinforcement.

This will help them associate going outside with positive experiences and encourage them to go potty in the designated area.

Can I Potty Train a Yorkie With Pads?

Potty pads can be a temporary solution for potty training your Yorkie, especially when you’re unable to take them outside regularly.

Here’s how to use potty pads effectively:

• Choose the Right Pads: Opt for pads designed for puppies and dogs with a strong odor-absorbing ability.
• Designated Area: Place the pads in a designated area of your home, preferably a spot that is easily accessible and away from high-traffic zones.
• Introduce the Pads: Gradually introduce your Yorkie to the pads by placing them in their crate or play area.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your Yorkie when they go potty on the pads with praise, treats, and playtime.
• Transition to Outdoor Pottying: Once your Yorkie has mastered using the pads, start transitioning them to outdoor pottying. Gradually reduce the number of pads and increase the frequency of outdoor trips.

Important Note: Potty pads can become a crutch.

It’s best to use them as a temporary measure and focus on transitioning your Yorkie to outdoor pottying as soon as possible.

This will help them learn to go potty in the designated spot and prevent them from becoming dependent on pads.

What to do when your Yorkie has an accident

Accidents are inevitable during the potty training process.

Here’s how to handle them:

• Clean Up Quickly: Immediately clean up the accident with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the odor and discourage your Yorkie from going potty in the same spot again.
• Stay Calm: Avoid yelling or punishing your Yorkie. Punishment can be counterproductive and may cause anxiety.
• Redirect and Reward: If you catch your Yorkie in the act, interrupt them immediately and redirect them to the designated potty spot.

  Once they go potty in the right place, reward them with praise and a treat.

  This will help them learn to associate the correct behavior with positive reinforcement.

• Review the Schedule: If accidents are frequent, consider increasing the frequency of potty breaks.

  Ensure you’re taking them out often enough, especially after meals, naps, and play time.

It’s important to remember that accidents are a part of the learning process.

Stay patient, be consistent, and focus on positive reinforcement, and your Yorkie will eventually learn to go potty in the designated spot.

How to Prevent Potty Accidents

Prevention is key when it comes to potty training. Here are some tips to help prevent accidents:

• Stick to a Schedule: A consistent potty schedule helps establish a routine for your Yorkie.

  Take them out frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime.

  This will help prevent accidents by giving them regular opportunities to go potty.

• Watch for Cues: Pay close attention to your Yorkie’s body language and behavior for signs they need to go potty.

  Recognizing these cues early will help you take them out before an accident happens.

• Limit Free Roaming: Until your Yorkie is fully potty trained, restrict their access to areas where accidents are more likely to occur.

  For example, keep them in a crate or a confined space when you’re not home to prevent accidents.

  This will help reduce the chances of them going potty in the wrong spot.

• Provide a Designated Potty Spot: A designated potty spot helps create a clear association for your Yorkie.

  Choose a spot in your yard or outside your home that is easily accessible and away from play areas.

• Praise Good Behavior: Reward your Yorkie with positive reinforcement every time they go potty in the designated spot.

  This will help them understand what you expect and reinforce the desired behavior.

  Use verbal praise, treats, or playtime to show your appreciation.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of accidents and make the potty training process smoother for both you and your Yorkie.

Troubleshooting Potty Training Problems

Potty training doesn’t always go smoothly.

Here are some common problems and solutions:

Problem: Yorkie Has Frequent Accidents

Solution:

• Increase Potty Break Frequency: Take your Yorkie out more often, especially after meals, naps, and playtime.
• Review the Schedule: Make sure you are sticking to a consistent potty schedule and not missing any breaks.
• Consider a Health Check: Rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be affecting their bladder control.
• Look for Cues: Pay close attention to your Yorkie’s body language and behavior for signs they need to go potty.

Problem: Yorkie Won’t Go Potty Outside

Solution:

• Change the Potty Spot: Try taking them to a different spot, perhaps with a new scent, to see if it helps them go potty.
• Use a Leash: Take your Yorkie on a leash to a designated potty spot and encourage them to go potty. This can help keep them focused and prevent distractions.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward them heavily when they do go potty outside to reinforce the desired behavior.

Problem: Yorkie Goes Potty in the House When You’re Not Home

Solution:

• Crate Training: Use a crate to confine your Yorkie when you’re not home.

  This will help prevent accidents by reducing their access to the house.

  Ensure the crate is the right size and that your Yorkie is properly crate trained.

• Increase Potty Break Frequency: Before you leave for work or errands, take your Yorkie out to go potty and make sure they are empty.

  You can also ask a pet sitter or neighbor to let them out for a bathroom break during the day.

Problem: Yorkie Goes Potty in the Same Spot

Solution:

• Clean Thoroughly: Use an enzymatic cleaner to thoroughly clean the area where the accident happened.

  This will help remove the odor and discourage your Yorkie from going potty in that spot again.

• Redirect: If you catch your Yorkie in the act, immediately redirect them to the designated potty spot and reward them with praise and a treat.

Remember that potty training is a process, and there will be challenges along the way.

Be patient, be consistent, and use positive reinforcement to help your Yorkie learn to go potty in the right spot.

Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips to help you succeed in potty training your Yorkie:

• Stay Calm and Positive: A positive and calm approach is crucial.

  Avoid yelling, scolding, or punishing your Yorkie when they have an accident.

  Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and redirecting them to the designated potty spot.

• Be Patient and Persistent: Potty training takes time, and your Yorkie may have setbacks along the way.

  Stay patient, consistent, and don’t give up.

  With time and effort, your Yorkie will learn to go potty in the right spot.

• Consider a Professional: If you are struggling with potty training, don’t hesitate to consult a professional dog trainer.

  A trainer can provide personalized guidance and strategies tailored to your Yorkie’s specific needs and challenges.

FAQs

What if my Yorkie is not potty trained yet and I have to travel?

Traveling with a puppy who isn’t fully potty trained can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are some tips to manage the situation:

• Crate Training: If your Yorkie is crate trained, this will be a great help.

  It gives them a safe, confined space where they are less likely to have accidents.

• Frequent Breaks: Take frequent potty breaks, even if your Yorkie hasn’t shown any signs they need to go.
• Potty Pads: Bring along potty pads for emergencies.

  Place them in a designated area of your hotel room or car.

• Keep it Clean: Clean up any accidents immediately and use enzymatic cleaners to remove odors.
• Be Patient: Your Yorkie may not fully grasp the concept of potty training, so be patient and understanding.

What if my Yorkie is already potty trained but has started having accidents?

If your Yorkie has been potty trained and suddenly starts having accidents, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues such as:

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A UTI can cause frequent urination, straining, and blood in the urine.
• Kidney Disease: Kidney disease can also lead to increased urination and accidents.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can cause increased thirst and urination.
• Anxiety or Stress: Changes in your Yorkie’s environment or routine can lead to anxiety, which could manifest as accidents.

Your veterinarian will be able to perform a physical exam and run any necessary tests to determine the cause of the accidents.

Should I use a dog diaper for my Yorkie?

Dog diapers can be helpful in some situations, such as:

• During the Potty Training Phase: If your Yorkie is still learning to hold their bladder, a diaper can help prevent accidents while you’re working on training.
• For Incontinent Dogs: If your Yorkie has a medical condition that causes incontinence, a diaper can help keep them clean and dry.
• During Heat Cycles: Female Yorkies in heat can leak blood, so a diaper can help keep things clean.
• When Traveling: Diapers can be useful for traveling, especially if you’re going somewhere where it’s difficult to take your Yorkie out for frequent potty breaks.

However, it’s important to remember that diapers are not a substitute for proper potty training.

Focus on potty training your Yorkie and only use diapers as a temporary solution when necessary.

How can I make potty training more fun for my Yorkie?

Potty training can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your Yorkie! Here are some ways to make it more enjoyable:

• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your Yorkie with enthusiastic praise, treats, and playtime when they go potty in the right spot. This will create a positive association with pottying.
• Make it a Game: Turn potty breaks into a fun game.

  Use a command word, like “potty” or “outside,” and encourage your Yorkie to go potty.

  Make it a game by rewarding them with a special toy or treat when they go potty.

• Keep it Short and Sweet: Potty breaks should be short and focused.

  Don’t let your Yorkie play or sniff around too much before they go potty.

• Use a Potty Pad Game: If you’re using potty pads, you can play a game by rewarding your Yorkie with a treat every time they go potty on the pad. This will help them associate the pads with positive reinforcement.
• Stay Consistent: Consistency is key to success.

  Stick to a consistent potty schedule and use positive reinforcement every time.

  This will help your Yorkie learn more quickly.

What if my Yorkie is having accidents because of anxiety or stress?

Anxiety or stress can lead to accidents in dogs, including Yorkies.

Here are some tips to help your Yorkie manage anxiety and reduce the chance of accidents:

• Identify Triggers: Try to identify what triggers your Yorkie’s anxiety.

  It could be loud noises, unfamiliar people, or changes in routine.

• Provide Comfort and Security: Create a safe and comfortable space for your Yorkie, such as a den or crate, where they can feel secure and relaxed.
• Desensitization Training: Gradually expose your Yorkie to their anxiety triggers in a controlled and safe environment to help them become less anxious.
• Relaxation Techniques: Use relaxation techniques, such as massage or calming music, to help your Yorkie relax.
• Consult a Veterinarian or Behaviorist: If your Yorkie’s anxiety is severe or you’re struggling to manage it, consult a veterinarian or certified dog behaviorist for help.

My Yorkie has started peeing on my bed. What do I do?

When a Yorkie starts peeing on the bed, it’s essential to understand the underlying cause.

Here’s a guide to address this issue:

• Medical Checkup: Schedule a vet visit to rule out any medical issues, such as urinary tract infections, kidney problems, or hormonal imbalances.
• Anxiety or Stress: Assess if your Yorkie is experiencing anxiety or stress due to changes in routine, a new environment, or a recent event.

  Address these stressors by creating a calming environment and offering reassurance.

• Marking Behavior: If your Yorkie is marking territory, provide them with a designated area where they can urinate outside the bed, like a designated spot in the yard.
• Reinforce Good Behavior: Praise and reward your Yorkie for going to the bathroom in the correct spot.
• Cleaning Up: Thoroughly clean the bed with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any lingering odors that might attract your Yorkie back to the bed.

Addressing the root cause of this behavior will be crucial in preventing future accidents.

Consistency, patience, and professional guidance if needed will help you work through this issue.

Conclusion

Potty training a Yorkie can be a rewarding experience, building a strong bond between you and your furry friend.

It’s important to start early, be consistent, and use positive reinforcement.

Remember, every puppy is unique, and the process may take time.

With patience, persistence, and love, you can successfully train your Yorkie to go potty in the right spot.

Summary Table

Topic	Key Points
Best Age to Start Potty Training	8-12 weeks old, after vaccinations
Potty Training Duration	3-6 months, varies by dog and consistency
Potty Training Methods	Schedule, designated spot, positive reinforcement
Crate Training for Potty Training	Crate can prevent accidents when you’re not home
Potty Pads for Potty Training	Temporary solution, transition to outdoor pottying
Common Potty Training Problems and Solutions	Frequency, spot, consistency, health checks
Tips for Successful Potty Training	Stay calm, be patient, positive reinforcement