How To Litter Train a Yorkie Puppy

The little Yorkie, or Yorkshire terrier, is notoriously difficult to potty train. Their tiny size and equally tiny bladders make it challenging for them to learn to hold it. Since they are often bought as apartment dogs, it̵7;s convenient to litter train a Yorkie puppy. They can be trained to use a cat litter box, and if you choose a covered box in an out-of-the way location, your Yorkie pup can potty in private and you won't be bothered by the odor. This process takes some patience on your part, but is really no different to any other potty training.

Things You'll Need

  • Litter box
  • Dog litter
  • Utility knife
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a litter box somewhere that is easy for your Yorkie to get to, and make sure it's large enough for your puppy to circle around. A large cat litter box will work. If your puppy is too little to climb over the edge with ease, you will have to lower one side by cutting it with a utility knife. Fill the box with about 2 inches of litter formulated for dogs.

    • 2

      Bury a piece of paper towel that you've used to clean up after your puppy with the litter. The smell will help your Yorkie understand that this is where he is supposed to go.

    • 3

      Put your puppy on a schedule. Place her in the litter box after she's had something to eat or drink, when she first wakes up and any time you see her circling or sniffing the ground.

    • 4

      Use the same command, like "go potty," each time you place your puppy in the box.

    • 5

      Praise your puppy each time he potties in the litter box. You can also give him a small treat as a reward right after he's gone. Give him the treat while he's still in the litter box, not after he steps out. To be most effective, rewards have to be immediate so the pup associates it with the behavior.

    • 6

      Reprimand her gently if you catch her going outside of the litter box, and if possible, place the puppy in the box to finish up. Avoid being too harsh or startling her--she may think she will get startled or punished for going anywhere in your presence.

    • 7

      Be patient. While some Yorkies are very easy to litter train, it can take months for others. The more consistent you are with your training, the quicker your puppy will learn.