
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies as they are popularly called, are adorable small dogs that are loved by many pet lovers. They are known for their lively and playful nature and make excellent companions. However, one common question that many prospective Yorkie owners ask is whether these dogs are easy to potty train. In this article, we will explore the topic Are Yorkies easy to potty train? and provide helpful tips and advice to make the process easier.
Are Yorkies easy to potty train? In actuality, Yorkies are easy to potty train dogs compared to some other dog breeds. You can teach them potty training easily when you start their training from an early age.
Understanding Yorkies and Their Potty Habits
Yorkies are small dogs with tiny bladders, which means they need to go outside more frequently than larger breeds. They also have a tendency to mark their territory, which can result in accidents indoors. Additionally, Yorkies are notorious for being stubborn and independent, which can make potty training more challenging.
Start Training Early
The earlier you start potty training your Yorkie, the better. Ideally, you should begin training your puppy as soon as you bring them home. It’s essential to establish a routine and consistency early on so that your Yorkie learns what is expected of them. Consistency is key when it comes to potty training, so make sure everyone in the household is on the same page and follows the same routine.
Establish a Routine
Establishing a routine is critical to potty training your Yorkie successfully. Set a regular feeding schedule, and take your dog out immediately after they finish eating. You should also take your Yorkie outside first thing in the morning and right before bed. Praise and reward your dog each time they go potty outside, as positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in dog training.
Choose a Spot for Your Yorkie to Go Potty
Designate a specific spot in your yard where you want your Yorkie to go potty. Take your dog to that spot each time they need to go and use a command such as “go potty” to signal to your Yorkie what is expected of them. Using a command consistently will help your dog understand what you want them to do.
Use Crate Training
Crate training can be an effective tool for potty training your Yorkie. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so a crate can be an excellent way to teach your Yorkie to hold its bladder. When using a crate, make sure it is the appropriate size for your dog and never leave your Yorkie in the crate for more than a few hours at a time.
Monitor Your Yorkie’s Behavior
Watch your Yorkie closely and learn its behavior patterns. Look for signs that your dog needs to go outside, such as sniffing around or circling. If you notice your Yorkie exhibiting these behaviors, take them outside immediately. Be patient and give your Yorkie plenty of time to do their business outside.
Clean Up Accidents Promptly
Accidents will happen, even with the most well-trained dogs. When accidents occur, it’s important to clean them up promptly and thoroughly to eliminate any odors that may attract your Yorkie back to that spot. Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet urine to ensure that the area is thoroughly cleaned.
Be Patient and Persistent
Potty training your Yorkie may take time, patience, and persistence. Be prepared to take your dog outside frequently, even if it means interrupting your daily routine. Remember to praise and reward your Yorkie each time they go potty outside, and never punish your dog for accidents indoors.
Is crate training effective for potty training Yorkies?
Crate training can be a helpful tool for potty training Yorkies. As mentioned earlier, dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so a crate can teach your Yorkie to hold its bladder. When using a crate for potty training, it’s important to choose the right size crate for your Yorkie. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they have enough space to create a separate area for potty. A crate that is too big can be counterproductive to potty training because your Yorkie may be more likely to use one side of the crate for potty and the other for sleeping.
Is crate training effective for potty training Yorkies? Crate training is not an effective to potty train your Yorkie. Instead of that if you live in an apartment you can use potty pads.
It’s also important not to leave your Yorkie in the crate for too long. Puppies have small bladders and need to go potty frequently. As a general rule, a puppy can hold their bladder for one hour every month of age. For example, a two-month-old puppy can hold their bladder for two hours. It’s important to take your Yorkie outside to go potty before placing them in the crate and immediately after letting them out of the crate. Over time, your Yorkie will learn to associate the crate with sleep and rest and will learn to hold their bladder until they are let out of the crate.
Overall, crate training can be an effective tool for potty training Yorkies, as long as it’s used correctly and appropriately. It’s important to monitor your Yorkie’s behavior closely and take them outside frequently to avoid accidents.
How can I establish a routine for potty training my Yorkie?

Establishing a routine is essential to potty training your Yorkie successfully. Consistency is key, so everyone in the household should be on the same page and follow the same routine. Here are some tips for establishing a routine:
- Set a regular feeding schedule: Feeding your Yorkie at the same time every day will help regulate their bowel movements and make potty training easier. Take your Yorkie outside to go potty immediately after they finish eating.
- Choose a designated potty spot: Designate a specific spot in your yard where you want your Yorkie to go potty. Take your Yorkie to that spot each time they need to go, and use a command such as “go potty” to signal to your Yorkie what is expected of them.
- Take your Yorkie outside frequently: Yorkies have tiny bladders, so they need to go outside frequently. Take your Yorkie outside first thing in the morning, before bedtime, and after meals, naps, and playtime.
- Use positive reinforcement: Praise and reward your Yorkie each time they go potty outside, as positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in dog training.
- Be patient and persistent: Potty training your Yorkie may take time, so be patient and persistent. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks, and continue to follow your routine consistently.
In conclusion, establishing a routine is crucial to potty training your Yorkie successfully. Set a regular feeding schedule, choose a designated potty spot, take your Yorkie outside frequently, use positive reinforcement, and be patient and persistent. With time and effort, your Yorkie will learn where and when to go potty, and accidents will become less frequent.
Conclusion
Are Yorkies easy to potty train? Potty training a Yorkie can be challenging, but with patience, persistence, and consistency, it is possible to train your dog successfully. Start training your Yorkie as soon as you bring them home, establish a routine, and use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. Remember to monitor your dog’s behavior closely, clean up accidents promptly, and be patient and persistent throughout the process. With time and effort, your Yorkie will learn where and when to go potty, and accidents will become less frequent.
It’s also important to note that every dog is different, and some may take longer to potty train than others. If you’re having trouble with potty training, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide helpful tips and advice tailored to your Yorkie’s specific needs.
In summary, potty training a Yorkie requires patience, persistence, and consistency. Start training early, establish a routine, and use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. Monitor your dog’s behavior closely, clean up accidents promptly, and be prepared to adjust your training techniques as needed. With time and effort, you can successfully potty train your Yorkie and enjoy a happy, healthy relationship with your furry companion.
After reading the article I’m sure that you will know that “Are Yorkies easy to potty train?”
Hi, I’m Hassan Shah, the author of https://dogsinformations.com/. As a lifelong dog lover and enthusiast, I’ve made it my mission to create a comprehensive resource for everything related to dogs.
With years of experience in the field, I’ve gained a deep understanding of various dog breeds, their care, training, and nutrition needs. Through my website, I aim to share my knowledge and expertise with fellow dog lovers, whether they’re first-time owners or seasoned professionals.