Real Estate Innovation

Potty Training Basics for Yorkies

Despite the fact that Yorkshire Terriers make small messes, when it comes to cleaning costs you will still pay the same thing to clean up urine stains whether your dog is small or large. Yorkshire Terriers have to be potty trained just as much as any other dog.

You have to remember that their size might work against them in that their tiny bladders won’t hold as much (or for as long) if you’re late coming home for their potty break.

Living in an apartment or home without a big yard is no problem for the Yorkshire Terrier. These pets only need a small space to do their business which means that a flowerbed can work wonders.

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 sudden chill can also distract them from the potty business and cause them to run back inside. Once warm again, the urge hits and there’s nowhere to go but the rug. You can make this easier on your Yorkshire Terrier by getting him a warm sweater for cold weather.

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.

Be careful when you take your Yorkshire Terrier outdoors in your yard or at the park, watch where he walks. You want to keep your dog away from sniffing tall grass or bushes where your dog can easily become snake prey.

Be sure to be courteous of your neighbors even if your dog has only made a small mess outside. Regardless of the size it is still dog poop that needs to be picked up promptly.

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 works just the same for large dogs as it does for small ones like Yorkies. You can start with crate training and work to establish a routine for potty breaks. Many little dogs are spoiled because they constantly sit in their owner’s lap. This is where your positive reinforcement, praise and affection can come in handy.