Things You'll Need
- Dog crate
- Reusable incontinence pads
- Towels or blankets
- Exercise pen (optional)
- Large coffee can or gallon milk bottle (for male dogs)
Instructions
Housetraining Your Teacup Yorkie
Purchase a crate that is wide enough for your dog to stretch out and high enough so that the dog can stand. The crate will become the dog's private space and will aid in avoiding accidents.
Line the crate with soft towels or blankets. This will serve as the dog's bed. Change the linens frequently and make sure they are not wet or soiled. Put a stuffed animal or toy in the crate. A soft stuffed animal gives your dog something to cuddle up to and makes it feel more secure.
Choose a space near the door that leads outside to the area where you take your yorkie to relieve itself. Reusable and washable incontinence pads for humans can be purchased at the drugstore, or you can use disposal dog pads from the pet store. Place the pad near that door. The pad is where your dog will relieve itself when it can't go outside.
For male yorkies, place a large coffee can or plastic milk bottle in the middle of the pad. A bit of scent can be applied to the can or bottle to simulate your male yorkie to lift his leg in the proper spot and not the sofa or end table. To obtain the scent, take a paper towel and rub it in your male dog's urine when he relieves himself outside. The paper towel doesn't have to be soaked; just a trace is needed.
Put your yorkie in the dog crate at night after taking him outside to relieve himself. First thing in the morning, take your dog out of the crate and put him on his pad or take him outside. Take your yorkie outside after every meal. After he relieves himself, outside or on the pad, praise him. Remember that a puppy needs to be taken outside every hour during the day. Make sure that your yorkie feels safe in his outdoor potty place. Keep the place well-maintained and the grass short, for your yorkie's peace of mind.
Watch your dog for telltale signs that he needs to relieve himself. Walking in circles, pacing, sniffing frantically, standing by the outside door are all signals that he is ready to go. Ask him if he needs to go out. When you take him outside and he relieves himself, praise him. Do not tolerate accidents. If you catch him in the act or preparing for the act, take him outside immediately and use your cue word. Do this consistently.
Use an exercise pen if you need to leave your yorkie alone. Cover the floor with pads and put the dog crate in the pen with the door open. Put a water bowl in the crate.