Housebreaking Your Yorkie

Let's be honest: Yorkies have a reputation for being difficult to potty train, and it's partly deserved. Here's why:

The Challenges:

• Tiny bladders that physically can't hold it long
• Terrier stubbornness (they'll decide where THEY want to go)
• Small accidents are easy to miss, so bad habits form undetected
• Cold or wet weather? They'd rather pee inside than step on wet grass

The Reality Check:
Most Yorkie owners report full housebreaking between 4-8 months with consistent training. Some take up to a year. This is normal for the breed. Don't compare to your friend's Lab who was trained in 2 weeks.

Combine crate training with a strict schedule. No shortcuts.

The Schedule (for puppies under 6 months):

• First thing in the morning → outside/pad immediately
• After every meal → outside/pad within 5-10 minutes
• After every nap → outside/pad immediately
• After play sessions → outside/pad
• Every 2 hours in between
• Last thing before bed → outside/pad

Crate Training Basics:

• The crate should be just big enough to stand, turn, and lie down
• Never use the crate as punishment
• Feed meals inside the crate to build positive association
• Maximum crate time: age in months + 1 = hours (a 3-month puppy = max 4 hours)

When They Get It Right:
Praise immediately and enthusiastically. Treat within 3 seconds. They need to associate the act of going in the right spot with the reward, not coming back inside.

When They Get It Wrong:
Clean it up. That's it. Punishment after the fact teaches them nothing except to hide when they go. Enzymatic cleaner is your best friend — regular cleaners leave scent markers that say "go here again."