April 15, 2008

Potty Training Tips for Yorkies

by Michelle E. Arthur

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.

The great thing about Yorkies is that they can live comfortably in an apartment or a home without a large yard. As long as you can provide a tiny spot like a flowerbed, your Yorkie will have all the room he needs.

Lots of people poke fun at Yorkies in sweaters but in reality they help to keep the dog warm during the cold winter months. The dramatic change between the warmth of the house to the cold or bad weather outside is hard on a Yorkie's body.

The extreme temperature change can also interfere with the dog being able to do his business outside. The cold will usually send the puppy running back inside. The warmth of the indoors will trigger your dog's urges to go and you will most likely be spending some time cleaning up the accident. Sweaters help to avoid this problem.

Some Yorkies will refuse to go out in bad weather unless they see you have a sweater for them to wear. This can be during the winter or even when it's raining.

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.

If your dog usually goes outdoors or you walk him through parks frequently, always keep an eye on him. Look out for tall grass and bushes. You dog may want to sniff a certain spot and could potentially end up being bit by a snake.

Yorkie owners need to remember to be courteous to their neighbors. Just because your dog's feces is small does not mean your neighbor will not mind if it is laying in their yard. Clean up after your dog!

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 for Yorkshire Terriers is no different than it is for big dogs. You can start with crate training to help establish good behavior until a routine is set in place. Some little dogs are spoiled because they are so used to getting a lot of attention in the laps of their owners. Practice positive reinforcement so that your dog knows exactly what he needs to do to make you happy.

About the Author:

Filed under Home Tips by Michelle E. Arthur

Spread the Word!

del.icio.us Digg StumbleUpon blogmarks Facebook Google MisterWong Newsvine Propeller Reddit Spurl Twitter Help

Leave a Comment

Permalink Print Comment