How to potty train a Yorkshire Terrier? Potty training a Yorkshire Terrier at home! Video -

How to Toilet Train a Yorkshire Terrier

From the first days in the house, a Yorkie should understand where the designated toilet area is. However, for the first few months, they may miss the pee pads and not always hold it until they go outside. This is a common occurrence in toy breeds, so there's no need to worry. In this article, we will explain in detail how to toilet train a Yorkie.

A small tip: before choosing a puppy, observe its parents and the breeder's home environment. If the male dogs mark inside the house or the females leave puddles in inappropriate places, with a smell of excrement in the rooms, there is a high probability of similar issues with the puppy. Offspring from parents who regularly walk outside and live in a clean environment usually grow up well and are properly toilet trained.

Getting accustomed to toilet rules is an integral part of training. The process is similar to obedience training. An excellent example of good behavior is an obedient adult dog. By observing them, a young Yorkie picks up useful habits, and training progresses faster. The owner's task is to reinforce the behavior with treats or praise. When there isn't an adult companion, instructions on how to gradually toilet train a Yorkie can help:

• Lay down absorbent pee pads around the house - necessary during quarantine and acclimatization. Since puppies urinate many times a day, even with 4 walks, patience can run out.
• Leave only one pee pad (you can place a rubber car mat with edges underneath for security) - the dog learns that they are only allowed to relieve themselves here.
• After quarantine, walk the 2-month-old puppy at least 4 times a day (1 walk - 30-60 minutes, the remaining 3 - 15 minutes each).
• Praise every toilet break outside.

How to Toilet Train a Yorkshire Terrier to Go Outside?

Toilet training a Yorkie to go outside can be done, but there are occasional difficulties. Puppies adapt quicker, while adults find it harder to change habits and their established world. Around 3 months old, the pet is ready for daily outdoor walks. This is the right time to start. For instance, if the puppy goes to the toilet during the first walks in the yard, praise, pet, or give a treat. The animal associates "toilet outside equals owner's joy (tasty treat) equals pleasant emotion" in their memory. This process should be repeated until successful, even over several months. It's easier with dogs known as "foodies." They are willing to do anything for food and can be easily identified by their strong appetite at any time, even right after eating.

Not many owners of toy breeds are willing to walk them daily, especially in cold weather. Prolonged indoor confinement can be harmful to a Yorkie's physical and mental health. Therefore, it's essential to know how to toilet train a Yorkie in winter. Problems arise when temperatures drop, and the pet is not accustomed to them or is too pampered. The cold issue can be addressed with clothing and boots, short outings on winter days. Then, the duration of walks can be increased from 10-15 minutes to 30 minutes or more.

If the Yorkie is not interested in walking, they won't be eager to go outside. In this case, it's advisable to diversify their leisure time with games, new routes, and light activities. By observing the pet, you can understand what they respond to best. Unfortunately, the listed problematic aspects are not the only ones. Useful tips can help understand how to toilet train a Yorkie outside:

• Puppies eat more frequently and need to relieve themselves more often. After eating or sleeping, take them outside for a toilet break.
• After active play or when they are restless, whining, or whimpering, take them outside.
• Choose a quiet area to start toilet training.
• Do not scold when a puddle is found in the house. Show emotions to express disappointment when the puppy relieves themselves. Scolding and violence are not only useless but also dangerous.
• In older age (over 4 months), use the command "no!".
• If frequent walks are available (at least 4 times a day), remove the pee pad permanently.
• In difficult toilet cases, leave a litter box or pee pads to ease cleaning for the owner.

How to Toilet Train a Yorkshire Terrier to Use a Litter Box?

A litter box for a Yorkie becomes indispensable in various situations. Sometimes, the owner's health conditions prevent full walks, or the dog is unwell. Some pets lack toilet manners: they mark territory or don't understand that they should only relieve themselves in designated areas. Litter boxes simplify life and are popular for this reason.

Before toilet training a Yorkie to use a litter box at 2 months old, you need to decide on its placement. It should be in a quiet corner where the pet won't be disturbed. There should be easy access, so if it's placed in the bathroom, there shouldn't be pipes, hanging furniture, shelves with towels, or robes nearby. The person needs free space to pick up the puppy or change the litter, wash it. Placing it in the hallway will not cause trouble when transitioning to outdoor toilet training. Prolonged placement in this way will prevent odors, scattered litter, and lack of aesthetics.

The process of training a terrier to use a litter box:

• Properly place the litter box and disinfect it.
• Place an absorbent pee pad at the bottom.
• Let the puppy approach and sniff the new item.
• After waking up or eating, take the puppy to the litter box.
• Praise them after they relieve themselves.
• If the Yorkie goes to the toilet elsewhere, soak the pee with a pad and place it in the litter box.

What to Do If the Yorkie Doesn't Like the Litter Box?

This happens quite often. The sides may be too high, or the plastic emits an unpleasant odor, or the room is cold and noisy. Some Yorkies may use a cat litter box, while others may be deterred by being near other animals. After figuring it out, the owner can replace the box, move it, or praise the pet more often.

Choosing a Litter Box for a Yorkshire Terrier

When choosing, focus on the quality of the product, the height of the edges, and the size. The sides should not be higher than 6-7 cm; otherwise, the modest size of a toy terrier won't allow them to climb in. Preference is given to odorless plastic with a smooth surface. A grate for a dog's toilet is usually unnecessary.

There are original and very convenient models available. A litter box for a male Yorkie is equipped with a post to help with uncontrolled marking. This makes it more natural for the male to use the toilet. For those who prefer soft and natural surfaces, manufacturers offer boxes with artificial grass. Modest individuals will like a whole house with a removable roof and a freely opening door.

Selecting the right litter is crucial. It's more practical to use absorbent pee pads for the pet's toilet. They come in reusable (suitable for rare use and washing) or disposable, and they vary in size. Silica gel granules, compressed sawdust, or sand are not as popular with Yorkshire Terriers. Additionally, the puppy may swallow bits of the filler and get seriously ill, while tearing the pad is quite challenging.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

• Question: Does a Yorkie go to the toilet anywhere?

  • Answer: If the Yorkie is still young, you can place pee pads everywhere and identify where they go most often. Gradually reduce the number of pads until only one or two spots remain, where you can leave the litter box. Each time they go to the right spot, praise them. If they are older and go outside but occasionally go to the toilet indoors, it means you are taking too long between walks, and they can't hold it. In this case, you should also place a litter box or pee pads at home. Sometimes, a Yorkie may mark territory. In this case, it's better to buy a special litter box with a special post.

• Question: How to toilet train a Yorkie in an apartment?

  • Answer: Start with pee pads. Spread them around the house and see where the Yorkie prefers to go, gradually reducing the number of pads. Eventually, you will have one or two favorite spots. You can leave the toilet there for now, and after some time, when the Yorkie can go there without any issues, you can leave only one spot. Instead of the pee pad, you can then place a litter box. The transition should be seamless for the Yorkie. Remove the pee pads gradually.

• Question: My Yorkie can't go to the toilet?

  • Answer: This could be due to diet (dietary mistakes), serious health issues. It's essential to observe if the pet is eating, drinking water. Also, check the temperature to see if there is any inflammation. It's better to consult a vet clinic.