Potty Training Tips for Yorkies
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.
Size does however play an important factor when it comes to the size of a dog’s bladder – the smaller the dog, the smaller the bladder. Dogs with small bladders will need to use the potty more frequently and won’t be able to hold it in as long as big dogs.
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 extreme temperature change can also interfere with the dog being able to do his business outside. The cold will usually send the puppy running back inside. The warmth of the indoors will trigger your dog’s urges to go and you will most likely be spending some time cleaning up the accident. Sweaters help to avoid this problem.
There are some dogs that refuse to go outdoors unless they see that you are holding a sweater for them. Some Yorkshire Terriers may even refuse going out in the rain without a sweater covering them up.
Other options include having a box ready lined with newspaper in the garage for a backup potty spot during inclement weather. Be careful to only use this spot during emergencies so that your pup will continue using his regular potty spot.
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!
Not to mention that dog poop on their shoes may not be visible until it’s tracked onto the carpet. That won’t win you an invitation to the neighbor’s next bar-b-q. It’s your responsibility to clean up after your dog. Don’t try to get out of it by arguing that it’s so small it doesn’t matter. It matters to anyone who doesn’t own it.
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.
