Certain breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers may need a little extra TLC when it comes time to housebreak them. Commit to investing the time and effort required for house training puppies, and you will be rewarded with a wonderful relationship with your dog. Proper potty habits take time to develop, especially when it comes to small dog breeds.

You should begin by first determining if the potty spot will be located inside the home or outside. Yorkies don’t need much space, so they are perfect for those who live in apartments or condos. 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.

Daily walks are a great way to get into a regular potty routine, as the exercise helps things “get moving” so always offer an opportunity at the beginning and ending of each walk to use the toilet. Always use the very same spot for the toilet if possible, as it helps develop a familiar routine, and the smell of urine is a strong indicator to your Yorkie that this is the toilet. Being a good neighbor is important, so always carry litter bags so you can scoop the poop. It’s fine if your Yorkie happens to go while you are out on the walk, this is not considered an “accident” since it didn’t happen on the floor or other unwanted area.

One common problem is that dogs may refuse to go outside in cold weather and end up having an accident on your floor. A dog sweater makes the transition to the cold outdoors more bearable. Otherwise, an indoor backup location may be needed.

Don’t be afraid to heap lots of praise and affection on your puppy in order to help him learn proper potty habits quickly. Verbal praise should be given immediately and enthusiastically after they are done with their business. A favored treat such as a small piece of cooked chicken or dried liver offered as a reward may give him just the incentive needed!

Each dog is an individual, and some dogs will learn house training in a weekend, while other dogs take months, so learn to be patient! If you want to develop a great relationship with your Yorkshire Terrier, learning how to train a puppy is the best thing you can possibly do.