How To Train A Yorkie Puppy To Potty In 7 Easy Steps

How Often Should I Take My Yorkie Puppy Out To Potty?

One of the most common questions new Yorkie owners ask is how often they should take their puppy outside to potty. The answer, of course, depends on the puppy’s age. As a general rule of thumb, puppies need to go out to potty every 1-2 hours, especially right after waking up and after meals. As your Yorkie gets older, you can gradually increase the time between bathroom breaks.

To help your Yorkie understand the routine, stick to a regular schedule for potty breaks, even if they haven’t asked to go. This will help establish a pattern and make it easier for your puppy to learn. It’s also important to pay attention to your Yorkie’s body language. If they start to whine, pace, or sniff the floor, it could be a sign that they need to go out.

What If My Yorkie Puppy Has an Accident in the House?

Accidents happen, and it’s important to stay calm and patient when they do. Don’t punish your puppy for having an accident, as this can actually make the training process more difficult. Instead, clean up the mess immediately using an enzymatic cleaner. This will help remove the scent and prevent your puppy from going in the same spot again.

Once you’ve cleaned up the mess, try to redirect your Yorkie to the appropriate potty area outside. If you catch them in the act, firmly say “No!” and immediately take them outside. Rewarding your puppy for going potty outside will reinforce positive behavior and help them learn where they should go.

Be aware that accidents can be more common during certain stages of puppyhood, like teething or when they’re getting used to their new home.

What Should I Do If My Yorkie Puppy Is Not Going Potty Outside?

If you’ve tried all the above and your puppy is still having accidents inside, there may be an underlying medical condition. It’s important to rule out any potential issues with their bladder or bowels. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if your Yorkie is having persistent accidents, especially if there are other symptoms such as excessive urination or defecation, changes in appetite, or lethargy.

Once you’ve ruled out any medical issues, it may be helpful to work with a professional dog trainer. They can help identify any behavioral triggers and develop a customized training plan for your puppy.

How Can I Make Potty Training More Positive for My Yorkie Puppy?

Potty training doesn’t have to be a stressful experience for you or your Yorkie. Instead of focusing on punishment, use positive reinforcement techniques. When your Yorkie goes potty outside, reward them with treats, praise, and playtime.

Be consistent with your training, and don’t give up if you experience some setbacks. Your Yorkie will eventually learn where to go. Here are some extra tips for making potty training fun:

• Use a potty training pad for your Yorkie while you’re indoors, especially during the early stages of training.
• Keep a small treat pouch with you to reward your Yorkie when they go potty outside.
• Make potty breaks a positive experience by using a happy, encouraging voice.
• Play games in the yard after your puppy goes potty to make it a fun activity.

Why Is My Yorkie Puppy Not Potty Trained?

While it’s common for puppies to need some time to master potty training, some factors can make it more challenging. For example, puppies who haven’t had proper socialization or who haven’t been exposed to various surfaces and environments may find it harder to learn. Additionally, puppies with certain medical conditions may have difficulty holding their bladder and bowels.

If you’re concerned about your Yorkie’s progress, consult with your veterinarian and a professional dog trainer. They can help identify any underlying issues and create a training plan that’s tailored to your puppy’s individual needs.

How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Yorkie Puppy?

The time it takes to potty train a Yorkie puppy varies depending on a number of factors. On average, most Yorkies will be fully potty trained by the time they are 6-8 months old. However, some puppies may take longer, especially if they have medical conditions, anxiety, or if they weren’t properly socialized or trained in the early stages of puppyhood.

Keep in mind that every puppy is different, so don’t get discouraged if your Yorkie takes a little longer to learn. Be patient, consistent, and positive, and your Yorkie will eventually get the hang of it.

What Are Some Signs My Yorkie Puppy Needs to Go Potty?

Yorkie puppies, like all puppies, are masters of communicating their needs through body language. Pay close attention to the following signs that indicate your puppy needs to go potty:

• Whining, pacing, or circling
• Sniffing the floor or corners
• Squatting or lifting their leg in a “ready to go” position
• Sudden changes in behavior, like becoming restless or agitated

Once you learn to recognize these signs, you can take your puppy outside to potty before an accident happens.

What If My Yorkie Puppy Is Potty Trained but Suddenly Has Accidents?

If your Yorkie puppy has been potty trained and suddenly starts having accidents, it’s essential to investigate the root cause. Here are some potential reasons for a change in potty habits:

• Medical Issues: Sudden changes in potty habits can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections, kidney problems, or even stress. Consult with your veterinarian if you suspect any medical issues.
• Stress or Anxiety: Life changes, such as a new home, new family members, or a move, can cause stress and anxiety in puppies. This stress can lead to accidents. Provide your puppy with a consistent routine, plenty of love and attention, and a safe and comfortable space to help reduce stress levels.
• Dietary Changes: Sudden changes in diet, such as introducing new foods or changing food brands, can affect your puppy’s digestive system and lead to more frequent accidents. Transition to new foods gradually to help prevent digestive upset.
• Lack of Exercise: Puppies need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. If your puppy isn’t getting enough exercise, it can affect their bladder control. Make sure your Yorkie gets regular walks and playtime to help prevent accidents.

If you’ve ruled out any medical issues, try to pinpoint any environmental changes or lifestyle factors that may have contributed to the accidents. By understanding the root cause, you can take steps to address the problem and help your puppy get back on track.

How Can I Clean Up My Yorkie Puppy’s Accidents?

Cleaning up after your puppy’s accidents is important for preventing future accidents and keeping your home smelling fresh. Here’s how to clean up accidents properly:

• Use an Enzymatic Cleaner: Regular cleaning products won’t completely remove the scent of urine or feces, which can attract your puppy back to the same spot. Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet accidents. These cleaners break down the odor molecules and make the area less appealing to your puppy.
• Thoroughly Clean the Area: Be sure to scrub the affected area thoroughly, including carpets and furniture. Use a toothbrush or a small brush to get into nooks and crannies.
• Dry the Area Completely: Make sure the area is completely dry before allowing your puppy back into the space. Wetness can attract your puppy to the area and encourage them to go potty again.

By following these steps, you can help prevent future accidents and create a clean and healthy environment for both you and your Yorkie puppy.

Can I Use a Potty Training Pad for My Yorkie Puppy?

Potty training pads can be a helpful tool for potty training, but it’s important to use them strategically. They can be particularly helpful for situations where you can’t always take your puppy outside immediately, such as during bad weather or when you’re away from home.

However, it’s crucial to transition your Yorkie from potty training pads to going potty outside as soon as possible. Puppies who rely on potty training pads may have difficulty understanding where they should go potty outdoors. To help your puppy transition, start by placing the potty training pad near the door leading to your yard. Gradually move the pad further away from the door until it’s outside, making sure your puppy understands that the designated potty spot is now outdoors.

What Are the Benefits of Potty Training My Yorkie Puppy?

Potty training your Yorkie puppy offers numerous benefits for both you and your furry friend. Here are just a few:

• A Clean and Healthy Home: Potty training helps maintain a clean and healthy home environment. You won’t have to worry about unpleasant odors or accidents in your home.
• Strengthened Bond: Potty training requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, all of which can strengthen the bond between you and your puppy.
• Increased Freedom: Once your puppy is potty trained, you’ll enjoy more freedom to go out and about without worrying about accidents.
• Improved Behavior: Potty training can help improve your Yorkie’s overall behavior. It provides structure and routine, which can help your puppy feel more secure and less likely to engage in destructive behaviors.
• More Positive Interactions: A well-behaved Yorkie is more likely to receive positive attention and interaction from others. This can lead to more enjoyable experiences for both you and your puppy.

Yorkie Puppy Potty Training Table

FAQ

What is the best way to clean up Yorkie puppy accidents?

The best way to clean up Yorkie puppy accidents is to use an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet messes. These cleaners break down the odor molecules, preventing your puppy from returning to the same spot. Be sure to scrub the affected area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before letting your puppy back in.

Why is my Yorkie puppy having accidents even though he’s potty trained?

There are several reasons why a potty-trained Yorkie puppy might start having accidents. Medical conditions, stress or anxiety, dietary changes, and lack of exercise can all contribute. Consult with your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues and consider addressing any potential lifestyle factors.

How do I know if my Yorkie puppy is ready to go potty outside?

Yorkie puppies are good at communicating their needs. Look for signs like whining, pacing, sniffing the floor, squatting, or changes in behavior. These are all indicators that your puppy needs to go outside.

What if my Yorkie puppy is refusing to go potty outside?

If your Yorkie puppy is refusing to go potty outside, it could be due to a medical issue, fear of the outdoors, or lack of positive association with going potty outside. Consult with your veterinarian and consider working with a professional dog trainer to help address the underlying cause.

How long does it take to potty train a Yorkie puppy?

Most Yorkie puppies are fully potty trained by the time they are 6-8 months old. However, some puppies may take longer depending on individual factors.

What are some tips for making potty training more positive for my Yorkie puppy?

Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and playtime to reward your puppy for going potty outside. Keep potty breaks fun and positive, and don’t give up if you experience some setbacks. Every puppy learns at their own pace.

Is it okay to use a potty training pad for my Yorkie puppy?

Potty training pads can be helpful for potty training, but it’s important to transition your puppy to going potty outside as soon as possible. Gradually move the pad further away from the door until it’s outside, making sure your puppy understands that the designated potty spot is now outdoors.