How To Potty Train a Yorkshire Terrier

Granted, small dogs like Yorkshire Terriers can only make small messes. But you'll pay the same carpet cleaning costs to do the room with urine stains whether it's made by a Yorkie or a Doberman. Small dogs need the same potty training basics as any dog. You have to take into consideration that a Yorkshire Terrier equals a small bladder that won't hold as much (or for as long). So if you are late on your way home from work then you might wind up cleaning up an accident. Yorkshire Terriers don't mind living in apartments or homes without big yards.

They only need a little spot to do their business, so a flowerbed might be enough room. Some people make fun of little dogs in their knit sweaters, but it's more than just a fashion statement. During the winter months in cold climates, the change from heated indoors to freezing outdoors is very harsh on a Yorkshire Terrier's body. The cold can be very distracting for a dog that needs to use the potty and could make them want to run back inside. As soon as they make it back into the warmth of your home the urge to go will come right back and the pup will likely go on the floor. This transition is made much easier when the dog has a nice warm sweater on for extreme cold weather.

Some Yorkshire Terriers will not budge off their hind legs until they see the sweater in your hands. Your Yorkshire Terrier may totally refuse to go outdoors in rain or cold, even with a sweater on. You have to plan options.

Perhaps you can keep a papered box in the garage as a backup potty during bad weather. Only use this for limited times during the year so that you don't discourage the dog from going outside to his regular potty spots. If your Yorkshire Terrier goes outdoors in a yard or in the park, be alert as to where he's walking.

Keep your dog away from tall grass or bushes. While he's busy trying to sniff out the right spot, he's easy prey for snakes in tall grass. Yorkie owners need to remember to be courteous to their neighbors. Just because your dog's feces is small does not mean your neighbor will not mind if it is laying in their yard.

Clean up after your dog! This is also true when it comes to tracking dog poop in the house on your shoes. You won't notice it until it's all over your carpet and the same goes for your neighbors. Be responsible and clean up after your pup. Housetraining a small dog like a Yorkie is the same as for large dogs. You can begin with crate training and frequent breaks until a routine is established. Some Yorkshire Terriers can be temperamental because many are spoiled lap dogs.

That's where the positive reinforcement of your praise and affection is even stronger - when it's so important to your dog to please you.

Grab your FREE videos on Yorkshire Terrier house training from the Yorkshire Terrier training experts of Ultimate-Yorkie.com.