How to Potty Train a Miniature Yorkie

Miniature Yorkies are an adorable and intelligent breed; they are considered to be one of the most popular dogs in America. Due to the size of a Yorkie (4 to 7 pounds) it is hard for the breed to hold urine for as long as a medium- or large-sized dog, which means potty training is a necessity. Being able to come home to a stain-free carpet is beneficial to all pet owners; though the process may seem impossible in the beginning, the ending results will grant you a huge relief.

Things You'll Need

  • Wee pads or newspaper
  • Dog crate
  • Dog treats
  • Spray bottle
  • Vinegar
  • Putty knife
  • Bag
  • Scrub brush
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Instructions

  1. Preparations

    • 1

      Find a spot for your Miniature Yorkie to potty. The potty spot should be away from your Yorkie's food and sleeping area. When you find a potty spot that works for you and your Yorkie, place the wee pads or newspaper in the area. If you are using newspaper, lay down several layers to prevent leakage onto the carpet. If you choose to begin training your Yorkie outside, wee pads or newspapers are not needed, but you still need to find a specific potty spot; instructing your Yorkie to eliminate in one spot will keep the remainder of your house and yard clean.

    • 2

      Choose a command and stick with it. You will confuse your Yorkie by giving him multiple commands for one task; instead, choose one command for each individual task. For example, if you are potty training your Yorkie outside, a good command to instruct him to potty outside is simply "Outside." An example for a command to inform your Yorkie he did not potty in the correct spot is "No."

    • 3

      Prepare a cleaning solution. Remove the spray nozzle from the bottle. Fill the spray bottle with 50% water and 50% vinegar. Place the spray nozzle back on the bottle.

    Potty Training

    • 4

      Take your Yorkie to his potty spot 10 minutes before bedtime, after meals, and after he awakens in the morning. If he does not eliminate within 10 minutes, take him to his crate. After a few minutes have passed, take your Yorkie back to his potty spot and instruct him to potty. Continue this method until he eliminates.

    • 5

      Reward your Yorkie with a treat when he eliminates in the proper spot. When your Yorkie begins to realize that he will receive a reward when he eliminates in a certain spot, it will encourage him to continue eliminating there. The Yorkie breed is known to react very well to encouragement such as treats.

    • 6

      Catch your Yorkie in the act. While being trained, your Yorkie is likely have several accidents. If you are near him while he is beginning to eliminate in the wrong spot, tell him "No" (or whatever your command might be for that action) in a stern voice, and then quickly transport him to his rightful potty spot. Otherwise, when you notice he has had an accident, take him to the spot and say "No."

    • 7

      Clean up your Yorkie's accidents. Use the putty knife to scoop up the mess from carpets or hardwood floors. Place the mess into a bag and discard. Spray the area with the vinegar and water solution, then scrub the area clean.