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Yorkies are known for their cute and cuddly appearance, but like all dogs, they need proper potty training to avoid accidents in the house. Potty training a Yorkie can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and techniques, it can be a smooth and quick process. Whether you are training a Yorkie puppy or an adult, consistency and patience are key. In this article, we will discuss 7 secrets to quickly potty training your Yorkie, helping you avoid the stress and frustration of accidents and ensuring a happy and healthy relationship with your furry companion.
Note: While the tips below should be very helpful for potty training your Yorkie, you may consider seeking the help of a professional online dog training course such as SpiritDog, K9 Training Institute or DogAcademy, three of our favorite training resources for potty training.
8 Secrets for Housetraining Your Yorkie
1. Start Potty Training Your Yorkie Early and Be Consistent
The sooner you begin potty training your Yorkie, the better. Puppies can start learning as early as eight weeks old, and it’s easier for them to pick up good habits at this young age. Consistency is also crucial. Choose a designated potty spot outdoors and always bring your Yorkie to that same area. Stick to a routine, and take them out frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Your dog will associate the spot with going potty, and the consistent schedule will help reinforce the behavior.
2. Give Your Yorkie Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective training method that rewards good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. When your Yorkie successfully goes potty outside, offer praise, treats, or playtime as a reward. This will help your dog associate going to the bathroom outside with positive experiences, making them more likely to repeat the behavior. Make sure to reward them immediately after they finish, as dogs have a short memory and may not connect the reward with the action if there’s a delay.
3. Monitor Your Yorkie’s Behavior
Pay attention to your Yorkie’s body language and habits, as they can give you clues when they need to go. Common signs include sniffing, circling, whining, or scratching at the door. If you notice any of these behaviors, take your dog outside immediately. In time, you’ll be able to anticipate your dog’s needs, preventing accidents before they happen.
RELATED: Need to potty train your Yorkie quickly? Check out these affordable online courses!
4. Confine Your Yorkie to a Small Area
When you’re not able to supervise your Yorkie, confine them to a small, designated area or crate. Dogs are naturally clean animals and don’t like to soil their living space. By limiting their space, you encourage them to hold it until they can go outside. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another.
5. Gradually Increase Your Yorkie’s Freedom
As your Yorkie becomes more reliable in their potty training, you can gradually increase their freedom in the house. Start by allowing them access to one additional room, and monitor their behavior closely. If they continue to have accidents, return to the smaller confinement area and try again later. Gradually expanding their space will help them learn to hold it until they’re outside, even when they’re not in a confined area.
6. Try Using Potty Bells
Potty bells can be a useful tool to let your Yorkie know they are ready to be taken outside to the bathroom. Teach your Yorkie to ring the bell with their paw or nose before exiting the door that leads to their potty area. There are many types of potty bells available on Amazon, such as this:
7. Be Patient with Your Yorkie and Stay Positive
Potty training can be a frustrating process, but it’s essential to stay patient and maintain a positive attitude. Dogs can sense your emotions, and if you’re stressed or angry, it can hinder their progress. Remember that accidents will happen, but don’t punish your Yorkie for them. Instead, clean up the mess thoroughly to remove any lingering odors that may encourage your dog to eliminate in the same spot again. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a step back and remind yourself that consistency, patience, and positivity are key.
8. Try an Online Dog Potty Training Course
If you’ve tried everything and your Yorkie is still having accidents or showing no progress, it may be time to consult a professional dog trainer.
What’s the best online training course to potty train a Yorkie?
Our 3 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course
This affordable online dog training course uses science-based and “fear-free” tactics to potty train your Yorkie quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions, and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
3. DogAcademy Online Dog Training
DogAcademy’s “Housetraining Your Dog” Course This comprehensive online dog training provides you with the methods and techniques needed to successfully housetrain your dog to “go” outside. Emphasizing the importance of a regular schedule, this course ensures a structured and effective training regimen. You’ll also have access to ongoing support to answer any of your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Housebreaking a Yorkie
How do I know when my Yorkie needs to go potty?
You can look for signs such as sniffing around, circling, whining, or scratching at the door. Additionally, Yorkies may have a specific area or spot they prefer to use for potty breaks, so watch for consistent behavior.
At what age should I begin potty training a Yorkie puppy?
Yorkie puppies can start potty training as early as 8 weeks old. It’s important to start training as soon as possible to establish good habits and prevent accidents.
How can I potty train an adult Yorkie?
The same principles of consistency and positive reinforcement apply to potty training an adult Yorkie as with a puppy. However, it may take a bit longer for an adult dog to break old habits and learn new ones.
How long does it take to potty train a Yorkie puppy?
The duration of potty training a Yorkie puppy can vary based on the individual dog and consistency of training. However, with patience and consistency, most puppies can be fully trained in a few months.
How often should I take my Yorkie outside for potty breaks?
Yorkie puppies typically need to go out every 2-3 hours, while adult Yorkies can usually hold it for longer periods of time. However, it’s important to take your Yorkie out frequently throughout the day, especially after meals or naps.
How should I potty train my Yorkie in an apartment if I don’t have a yard?
Apartment potty training can be challenging, but it’s possible to train your Yorkie to use indoor potty pads or a designated spot on a balcony or patio. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key, and it may be helpful to establish a regular potty routine.
Master Potty Training Your Yorkie
Potty training a Yorkie may seem like a daunting task, but with the right techniques and consistency, it can be accomplished quickly and effectively. By paying attention to their signals, starting training at the appropriate age, and utilizing positive reinforcement, you can establish good potty habits in your Yorkie. Remember to be patient and consistent, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. With time and effort, your Yorkie will become a well-trained companion and a joy to live with.
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