How to House-Break a Teacup Yorkie

Teacup Yorkies are very petite dogs, generally weighing no more than five pounds. They are obtained by mating very small Yorkshire terrier specimens to keep their size to a minimum. While good breeders introduce puppies to potty training concepts from a very young age, it is your duty to take over this task once your teacup Yorkie puppy comes home with you. This breed is not the easiest to train, so have a lot of patience throughout the process. If you are easily prone to getting angry and frustrated, a teacup Yorkie may not be for you.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog crate
  • Blanket
  • Dog toys
  • Dog treats
  • Odor neutralizer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Invest in a crate. With teacup Yorkies being very small, find the smallest looking crate at the pet store. Crate training is based on the principle that puppies do not like to soil the areas where they sleep. If your crate is too big, your Yorkie may find a corner to soil and still be able to sleep comfortably across from it. Find a crate that is snug, but big enough to allow your dog to stand up, turn around and stretch comfortably.

    • 2

      Watch your teacup Yorkie while inside the crate. Most puppies or dogs give advanced warning signs when they need to go potty while in the crate. Take your Yorkie outside to potty if you notice it whimpering, circling and sniffing around.

    • 3

      Train your teacup Yorkie to use puppy pads. The breed makes sense as a pet for apartment dwellers, due to its limited size. Be wary that it is difficult to train your teacup Yorkie to hold it, while you take it into an elevator, walk down the stairs and find an appropriate spot to potty. Lay out puppy pads as an optimal solution inside your apartment.

    • 4

      Take your puppy out of the crate as soon as you notice signs of it needing to go potty. Place your pet on top of the puppy pad or immediately take it outdoors. Offer praise and give it a treat immediately after going potty on the pad or outdoors. Keeping treats handy so you can always reward promptly.

    • 5

      Accept the fact that your Yorkie will eventually soil your floor. Understand that accidents happen and it is not your puppy's fault since it does not have a developed bladder and bowels. Instead of acting angry, clean it up promptly. Invest in an effective cleaning product with enzymes that effectively neutralize odors. If your teacup Yorkie is still capable of smelling traces of past accidents, it will feel compelled to soil the same areas over and over.