First thing to determine is inside or outside. Yorkies are a favorite breed of apartment dwellers due to their need for minimal space. Some Yorkies don’t like to go outside during bad weather, so you might consider an indoor potty spot if this applies. Little dogs have little bladders, and this is a big part of the reason why it takes them longer to potty train, as you have to watch them that much more! if you are regularly out of the house each day for more than a few hours, you cannot expect your dog to be able to control his bladder for extended periods of time. In this case, choose a discreet area of your home for the puppy training pads. All you need is a small area of grass or patch of dirt, just remember that spot and always go right to the same location.

Starting and ending the walk with an opportunity to go potty is the best approach until you begin to understand your little one’s potty schedule. The scent of urine is an indication to your dog that this is the potty spot, and by using the same area this builds a strong habit. Keep your neighborhood clean by always taking litter bags (baggies work just fine) to clean up any little messes left behind. Do not worry if your Yorkie happens to go along the walk, this is fine as long as he doesn’t go inside.

One common problem is that dogs may refuse to go outside in cold weather and end up having an accident on your floor. A sweater is a great way to address that situation and make going out in poor weather more tolerable. If this is the case, you might want to think about an indoor alternative for these situations.

Don’t be afraid to heap lots of praise and affection on your puppy in order to help him learn proper potty habits quickly. When your pup has done his business, offer him lots of verbal praise and affection. Do not be afraid to offer a delicious treat as a training incentive!

House Training a dog can take anywhere from a few days to a few months, and Yorkies are known to be on a longer learning curve, so remember to be patient! Learn how to train a puppy properly and you will be rewarded with a wonderful relationship between you and your Yorkshire Terrier.