Yorkies are notoriously hard to housebreak due to their small bladders, territorial nature, and tendency towards separation anxiety. Understanding these challenges and implementing effective training techniques can help make the process smoother.
Yorkshire Terriers, affectionately known as Yorkies, are beloved for their small size, big personalities, and affectionate nature. However, many Yorkie owners find housebreaking to be a particularly challenging aspect of raising these spirited little dogs. This comprehensive guide will explore the reasons why Yorkies can be difficult to housebreak, provide effective training strategies, and offer tips for overcoming common obstacles.
One of the primary reasons Yorkies are hard to housebreak is their small bladders. As a toy breed, Yorkies have significantly smaller bladders compared to larger dogs. This means they need to urinate more frequently, making it harder for them to hold it for long periods.
Frequent Potty Breaks: Yorkie puppies, in particular, need to go out every hour or two. As they grow, they can gradually hold it for longer, but frequent potty breaks are still necessary.
Nighttime Challenges: Housebreaking can be especially challenging at night when it’s harder to monitor your dog and take them out regularly.
Territorial Nature
Yorkies are known for their strong territorial instincts. This can lead to marking behaviors, where they urinate in the house to establish their territory.
Marking Behavior: Both male and female Yorkies can exhibit marking behavior, though it is more common in males. This behavior can be triggered by new environments, the presence of other animals, or changes in the household.
Training Challenges: Addressing marking behavior requires consistent training and sometimes additional strategies, such as using belly bands for males.
Separation Anxiety
Yorkies are highly social dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. This can make them prone to separation anxiety, which can manifest in various ways, including house soiling.
Anxiety-Induced Accidents: When left alone, a Yorkie with separation anxiety may have accidents due to stress and anxiety.
Behavioral Training: Addressing separation anxiety involves behavioral training, creating a safe and comfortable environment, and sometimes using calming aids.
Creating a consistent routine is crucial for housebreaking any dog, but it’s especially important for Yorkies due to their small bladders and territorial nature.
Regular Potty Breaks: Take your Yorkie out at regular intervals, including first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime.
Consistent Feeding Schedule: Feeding your Yorkie at the same times each day helps regulate their bathroom schedule.
Positive Reinforcement
Using positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to housebreak a Yorkie. Rewarding good behavior encourages your dog to repeat it.
Praise and Treats: Praise your Yorkie and give them a treat immediately after they go potty outside. This reinforces the behavior and helps them understand what is expected.
Avoid Punishment: Avoid punishing your Yorkie for accidents. Punishment can create fear and anxiety, making housebreaking more difficult.
Crate Training
Crate training can be a valuable tool for housebreaking Yorkies. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so a crate can help teach your Yorkie to hold it until they are let outside.
Choosing the Right Crate: Select a crate that is appropriately sized for your Yorkie. It should be large enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can use one end as a bathroom.
Crate Training Process: Introduce the crate gradually, making it a positive and comfortable space. Use the crate for short periods initially and gradually increase the time as your Yorkie becomes accustomed to it.
Supervision and Confinement
Supervising your Yorkie closely and using confinement areas can help prevent accidents and reinforce good habits.
Supervised Freedom: Allow your Yorkie supervised freedom in the house only after they have gone potty outside. This helps prevent accidents and reinforces the idea that the house is not a bathroom.
Confinement Areas: Use baby gates or playpens to confine your Yorkie to a small area when you cannot supervise them. This limits the chances of accidents and helps with housebreaking.
Accidents are a normal part of the housebreaking process. How you handle them can impact your Yorkie’s progress.
Clean Thoroughly: Clean accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces of odor. This prevents your Yorkie from being attracted to the same spot again.
Stay Calm: Stay calm and avoid scolding your Yorkie for accidents. Instead, focus on reinforcing good behavior and preventing future accidents.
Addressing Marking Behavior
If your Yorkie exhibits marking behavior, additional strategies may be needed.
Neutering/Spaying: Neutering or spaying your Yorkie can reduce marking behavior, especially if done before the behavior becomes established.
Belly Bands: For male Yorkies, belly bands can be used to prevent marking in the house. These bands wrap around the dog’s midsection and discourage marking behavior.
Managing Separation Anxiety
Addressing separation anxiety is crucial for successful housebreaking.
Gradual Desensitization: Gradually desensitize your Yorkie to being alone by leaving them for short periods and gradually increasing the time.
Comfort Items: Provide comfort items, such as a favorite toy or a piece of clothing with your scent, to help reduce anxiety.
Calming Aids: Consider using calming aids, such as pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps, to help manage separation anxiety.
Conclusion
Housebreaking a Yorkie can be challenging due to their small bladders, territorial nature, and tendency towards separation anxiety. However, with patience, consistency, and the right training techniques, it is possible to successfully housebreak your Yorkie. Establishing a routine, using positive reinforcement, crate training, and addressing common obstacles are key strategies for success. By understanding your Yorkie’s unique needs and providing the necessary support, you can help them become a well-behaved and house-trained companion.
How long does it take to housebreak a Yorkie? Housebreaking a Yorkie can take several months, depending on the individual dog and the consistency of the training. On average, it may take around four months for a Yorkie to be fully housebroken.
Can older Yorkies be housebroken? Yes, older Yorkies can be housebroken with patience and consistent training. The process may take longer than with a puppy, but it is possible with the right approach.
How often should I take my Yorkie outside for potty breaks? Yorkie puppies should be taken outside every hour or two, while adult Yorkies can typically hold it for longer periods. Regular potty breaks after meals, playtime, and naps are essential.
What should I do if my Yorkie has an accident in the house? Clean the accident thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces of odor. Avoid scolding your Yorkie and focus on reinforcing good behavior by rewarding them for going potty outside.
How can I prevent my Yorkie from marking in the house? Neutering or spaying your Yorkie can help reduce marking behavior. Additionally, using belly bands for males and addressing any triggers for marking can be effective strategies.
