Category: Yorkie Behavior and Training

Does your Yorkshire terrier pee wherever they please? You’re not alone! Yorkies, widely adored for their striking appearance and lively personality, come with one notorious challenge: housetraining. It’s a well-known struggle even among seasoned dog owners.

But here’s a nugget of hope — while housetraining a Yorkie requires patience and a touch of strategy, it’s far from impossible. If you’ve been battling this canine conundrum, read on to uncover why these little joys can be such a challenge and discover essential tips that’ll transform your furry little pee monster into a housetraining marvel!

What Makes Yorkshire Terriers Hard to House Train?

Yorkshire terriers, with their trademark tiny frames, often weigh between 4 to 7 pounds. But their charming mini frames hold a surprising secret: a very small bladder that fills up faster than you can say ‘accident.’

For Yorkies, this means bathroom breaks need to happen every couple of hours, especially during puppyhood. Tiny bladders aside, these fluffballs also lack early bladder control, turning housetraining into a complex dance of rushing to and fro with training pads.

As if that wasn’t enough, Yorkies naturally require more time to adjust to proper bathroom behaviors. This slow learning curve can be discouraging for even the most optimistic pet parent. However, constant patience and positive reinforcement are the keys to victory.

Consider scattering training pads across your home as a practical safeguard and a guiding tool for these little explorers in the beginning. As your pup gets used to using a pad, you can cut the number of training pads to just a few around the house, where your dog most often hangs out.

Avoid allowing frustration to seep in. Keep praising your Yorkie for every successful ‘mission’ and remember: persistence today leads to a housetrained champion tomorrow. The question isn’t if but when your steadfast commitment will pay off!

Top Tips for Yorkie Housetraining Success

Ready to tackle the housetraining game? Let’s dive into some essential tips that will help you and your Yorkie ace this challenge with grace!

One of the best tips for house training a Yorkie terrier is to use training pads in the house. Doing so will allow your Yorkshire puppy to develop habits and create a routine when house training.

Another practical piece of advice is to replace old training pads with new ones after your dog spoils them. Some pet owners will allow their dogs to use the bathroom multiple times on one training pad, but this often increases the likelihood of an accident because the scent may deter your dog from urinating on the already-wet training pad. 

However, a little pee or poo on the pad will help a pup just learning the process to know where to go.

Bad weather or nighttime? Strategies like peeing on command (pro tip: use a word consistently, paired with their favorite treat) and pee pads for especially frosty nights ensure comfort and reliability. Don’t fret if progress seems slow; remember that sometimes a little more persistence is all it takes to bring success!

Introduce Positive Reinforcement by Rewarding Your Yorkie

Many dog trainers recommend incorporating a clicking device when house training your dog. They will learn to associate the sound it makes with the act of going to the bathroom, which makes training your Yorkshire terrier that much easier!

Personally. I don’t like using a clicker, though I know some people swear by them. I always fear losing the clicker, and then what? I suppose you could make a loud clicking noise with your mouth, instead of relying on a clicker.

I prefer to use a word or short phrase consistently. We use “go potty”. Everyone in my family uses that phrase so that we are all on the same page.

I always take them out first thing in the morning and right before bed. But also, after eating, and then a few more times throughout the day.

Dogs respond very well to positive reinforcements, so you can even go the extra mile and reward your Yorkie with a treat after successfully using the bathroom in the right place.

Whether you are still house training your puppy to urinate on training pads or your Yorkie is now ready to have potty breaks outside, a reward is an excellent idea.

Giving your Yorkshire terriers a dog treat after exhibiting good behavior will encourage them to keep up the excellent work! Make it a tiny one, though, to avoid any unwanted weight gain.

You can’t control your Yorkie terrier’s bladder, so don’t beat yourself up if your Yorkshire terrier does have an occasional accident indoors. Potty training a Yorkie isn’t always easy. Just make sure your dog is always allowed outside multiple times per day!

How To Crate Train A Yorkie

Crate training is one of the most common practices among dog owners of all breeds and of a variety of care preferences. If you are new to dog ownership, you might wonder why dogs are crated, or you might not like the idea of crating your dog at all. This article will help you learn what you need to know about crate training your Yorkie to determine if you want to do it, and it will help you get started.

Why Should I Crate Train My Yorkie?

Crate training is beneficial for many reasons, such as:

Safety

By training your Yorkie to use a crate, you have a safe place to leave your Yorkie when you need to contain him or her when you leave the house.

Personal Space and Bite Prevention

Many dog bites occur because a dog feels cornered. By giving your Yorkie a designated personal space to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed, where no one will bother them, you may prevent dog bites.

House Training

Crating helps keep dogs house-trained. Most dogs will not spend time lounging, eating, or drinking where they relieve themselves. By confining a Yorkie to a crate, you are keeping them in a smaller space where they will be lounging, and most dogs will not relieve themselves in that smaller space since they cannot get away from it.

If a Yorkie is given the freedom to roam in your home unsupervised, he or she will find a place to go to the bathroom and another place to be comfortable, drink, eat, and hang out.

How Long Can A Yorkie Stay In A Crate?

The first thing to know about time spent in a crate is that dog crates are meant to contain a dog safely for a few hours while you are at work or running errands. Dog crates are not meant to be lived in constantly, similarly to how a hamster lives in a cage.

There is no universal amount of time that all Yorkies should be crated for. Individual dogs have different needs, which dictate how long they can be crated. For example:

• A Yorkie puppy should be crated for very short periods, gradually increasing, to help him or her acclimate to being crated and to perfect their potty training.
• An adult Yorkie with no health conditions that increase the frequency of necessary bathroom breaks could be crated for approximately six (6) hours.
• A senior Yorkie should be crated for less than five (5) hours; they often need to relieve themselves more, and being confined for long periods of time can exacerbate arthritic joints.
• A Yorkie with certain medical conditions may need to be crated for very short periods of time due to an increase in urine production or digestive upset.

However, no Yorkie or any other breed of dog should be crated for an extended period of time, such as over eight (8) hours.

While an emergency may arise that prevents you from returning home promptly, excessive crating should not occur regularly. If your Yorkie will be crated for longer than six (6) hours, ask a trusted friend or family member to go to your home and let your Yorkie out to relieve himself or herself.

Keep in mind that if a Yorkie is consistently crated for an excessive amount of time, he or she will most likely lose their house training skills as they will have no choice but to relieve themselves in the crate.

Can I Crate Train An Adult Yorkshire Terrier?

Yes, you can! With patience, positive reinforcement training methods, and lots of treats, an adult Yorkie can learn to be crated.

What Size Crate Should I Get For A Yorkie?

Though most Yorkies use extra small or small crates, the size of the crate depends on the size of the Yorkie. This is a little like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. For example:

• If a crate is too small, your Yorkie will not be able to be comfortable and will be stiff.
• If a crate is too large, your Yorkie will have space to relieve himself or herself in the crate, negatively impacting their house training. Some owners may intentionally get a giant crate for their Yorkie to allow space for a potty pad and dog bed; however, many dogs will shred the pads and not use them properly in this situation.
• The right-sized crate will allow your Yorkie to stand up, lie flat, and turn around to allow him or her to become fully comfortable when crated.

What Type Of Crate Should I Get For A Yorkie?

There are many types of crates on the market. I will discuss the three most common crate options and their benefits to help you decide what the best choice is for your Yorkie:

Metal

Metal crates are metal grids that fold into a box shape with a plastic tray in the bottom. They are easily collapsible for storage. They do not offer privacy to dogs because all sides are easily seen through because of the metal grid design, but this design offers good ventilation. If a dog is apprehensive about being crated, the open design can help them feel more comfortable. However, if a dog has an accident, the mess can easily get onto your floors or walls through this open design.

Plastic

Plastic crates are made of two plastic pieces with a metal grid door; the bottom piece is solid, and the top piece has some holes on the sides for ventilation. They are lightweight and offer dogs lots of privacy and security, making them ideal for anxious dogs. They also contain if a dog has an accident or vomits; the mess stays contained because the plastic is solid on the bottom, as opposed to a metal crate, which would allow the mess to spill onto your floor or walls. These crates are also easy to clean; the plastic can easily be wiped off if a mess occurs or if they need general cleaning.

Canvas

Crates made of canvas are like the convertible tops on Jeep Wranglers; they are canvas and mesh stretched across metal bars. The biggest benefit of canvas crates is their portability; they can easily be collapsed for storage or travel. They are also lightweight, and the canvas can be easily removed for washing on most models. The drawback to canvas crates is that if you have a Yorkie who tries to scratch or chew their way out of their crate, the canvas poses the greatest potential for escape of these three (3) designs.

What Else Do I Need For My Yorkie’s Crate?

To crate your Yorkie successfully, be sure to add the following items to your shopping cart:

Safe food toys.

To help keep your Yorkie occupied in his or her crate and to make crating a positive experience, provide a safe food toy when they go into their crate. The most common safe food toy is the classic Kong.

To occupy your Yorkie for the maximum amount of time possible, fill the Kong with treats, then freeze it, removing it from the freezer right before your Yorkie is ready for it. If your Yorkie is overweight, fill the Kong with some of their meals to prevent adding excess calories to their diet from treats.

Should you choose to fill the Kong with peanut butter, be sure to check the label for xylitol first to keep your Yorkie safe. To be on the safe side, consider purchasing the Kong Stuff’N treat instead of peanut butter, available in bacon and cheese or peanut butter flavors.

Safe bedding.

Your Yorkie will need some bedding to keep their joints comfortable while he or she is crated, but safety is key. Use blankets or a crate pad to keep your Yorkie comfortable, not a stuffed bed. If your Yorkie gets bored, he or she may shred a stuffed bed and ingest the stuffing, which poses the hazards of choking or intestinal blockage.

How Do I Train My Yorkie To Use A Crate?

Crate training is fairly simple, but it takes time and patience. Let’s discuss how to do it:

Set up the crate.

Begin by setting up the crate and making it an attractive environment for your dog. Pick the location wisely; it should not be in direct sunlight or right on top of or beneath an air vent to protect your Yorkie from overheating or getting too cold. It should not be in a high-traffic area; it should be in a quieter part of the house to help your Yorkie relax when crated.

Add cozy blankets to make the crate inviting to your Yorkie. Hide treats and their favorite toys in the crate for them to find to help your Yorkie associate the crate with positive things. Be sure to remove any unsafe toys before crating your Yorkie unsupervised.

Choose a command and begin teaching it.

Choose a command that tells your Yorkie to get in his or her crate, such as: “Get in your bed” or “Kennel Up”. Point to the crate and say your command, throwing your Yorkie’s favorite treats inside. Once he or she goes in after the crate, praise and offer more treats. Repeat this three (3) times a day until your Yorkie understands the command.

Do short practice runs.

To help your Yorkie become comfortable with being crated, do short practice runs of crating. For example, use the command, the treats, and praise to get your Yorkie into his or her crate, then leave for a quick errand such as picking up lunch and dry cleaning. When you return, let your Yorkie out and praise him or her.

If your Yorkie is very apprehensive about being crated, begin these short practice runs by just crating your Yorkie for five (5) or ten (10) minutes while you walk outside to the mailbox or do chores in another room. Play relaxing background noise, such as water sounds, and put a blanket or shirt you wore to bed in the crate with your Yorkie, because the smell of their trusted owner may be comforting.

Gradually increase these practice runs until you have reached three (3) hours of crate time. If your Yorkie is still handling it well, then he or she is ready for longer periods of time.

Crate Training Tips

Keep the following tips in mind:

• Keep the training positive, short, and sweet, always ending on a good note.
• Always use special treats for training; do not use your dog’s kibble, use something extra yummy, referred to as “high value treats” by dog trainers.
• If your Yorkie is uncomfortable, sweeten the pot; add higher-value treats to the crate and praise as much as possible when your Yorkie does something right. Celebrate every victory, no matter how small.
• Never force your Yorkie into his or her crate.
• Never allow anyone to be cruel to your Yorkie ever, but especially when crated. If your Yorkie associates cruelty with his or her crate, crate training will be more difficult and may even become impossible.
• To help your Yorkie become comfortable with his or her crate, keep it in an area where he or she will always have access to it and put treats and toys in it to encourage them to use it even when they do not have to.

Crating your Yorkie Safely

The purpose of crating your Yorkie is to confine him or her to a safe space. To ensure your Yorkie’s crate is a safe space, be sure to adhere to the following tips:

Remove Collars.

Collars and dog tags can become stuck in crates, which causes dogs to panic and strangle themselves. Before leaving your Yorkie unsupervised in a crate, be sure to remove all collars, harnesses, etc to prevent this tragedy.

Only Offer Safe Toys and Bedding.

In an effort to make your Yorkie comfortable, you may want to leave a plush bed and his or her favorite plush toys in their crate with them. However, leaving plush items in the crate poses the risk of choking or intestinal blockage occurring from the plush stuffing. Only leave your Yorkie with very safe toys such as the classic Kong rather than a plush toy, and with blankets or a crate pad rather than a plush bed.

Temperature Considerations.

To keep your Yorkie safe while crated, never place the crate in direct sunlight, in the direct path of an air vent, or outdoors, even in a shaded area. If your dog is exposed to an excessive amount of heat, he or she could suffer heat stroke. If your dog is exposed to extreme cold, he or she could suffer from hypothermia.

No Water.

You may see water bowls or bottles designed to be used in dog crates while you are shopping. It is not recommended to leave water in your dog’s crate because it can negatively impact house training, as he or she will drink it, then need a bathroom break. Also, the water bottles that look like the water bottles used for rodents can cause serious dental issues in dogs, most commonly seen in puppy mill survivors who have lived in crates.

Conclusion

Crate training your Yorkie gives you peace of mind in knowing that your favorite furry friend is confined in a safe space when you are not home with him or her. Many dogs come to love their crates and do not mind being crated. By crate training with patience, positive reinforcement training methods and lots of yummy high-value treats, your Yorkie can also come to like his or her crate.

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Interesting Yorkie Puppy Facts

It is not uncommon for small dogs to be associated with biting – but why are small dogs more prone to biting than larger breeds? Well, we have a secret for you – they’re not.

How do you stop a Yorkie from biting? Biting is a learned behavior, which is often the result of a lack of training.

Biting can largely be associated with “Small Dog Syndrome,” a common set of negative behavioral traits resulting from a lack of training. Getting to the root of the issue and establishing dominance with your Yorkie at a young age is important in ensuring that they do not develop unwanted habits such as biting.

In this article, we take a look at how to take the proper steps to adjust your Yorkie’s poor behavior, as well as some common reasons why a dog may bite in the first place.

Getting to the Root of the Problem

Before you write your Yorkie off as simply being a “bad dog,” there could be various reasons why your Yorkie is biting in the first place – and, not to play the blame game, but poor training may be a large reason for this. However, your Yorkie may also have developed traits outside of your control and may be particularly territorial around mealtime events.

Yorkies are a territorial breed in general, which is a well-ingrained, inherited trait. Extra steps may need to be taken to ensure that they don’t feel the need to bite or growl if another dog or human is too close to their food, toys, or dog bed. This may include commanding your Yorkie to wait elsewhere while you’re laying out their food until you give them the okay to approach it.

It’s also important to make sure that you do not let children, other family members, or guests bother your pup while they’re eating their food, as it is not necessary to challenge your Yorkie when you are trying to get this behavior under control.

Rule Out Health Issues

Of course, getting to the root of the problem largely means ruling out health issues. While you may assume your Yorkie is simply misbehaving, they may be dealing with a medical issue that is causing them to act out in this aggressive manner. And while some issues may be obvious to the naked eye, several others won’t be as noticeable.

A health issue may also be a likely culprit if your Yorkie was a seemingly non-aggressive dog and then began displaying this negative behavior out of the blue. In this case, a dog may bite as a defense mechanism. Dogs feel vulnerable and helpless when they’re not feeling well, with no real way to communicate that to you as their owner.

If you witness this kind of out-of-character behavior, it is important to bring your Yorkie for a full and complete medical checkup with an experienced veterinarian.

What Can I Do to Prevent My Yorkie from Biting?

If you’ve ruled out a medical issue, there are certain steps you can take to stop your Yorkie from biting. As mentioned, biting and other aggressive behavior are often learned traits, which usually means that they can essentially be “unlearned” – as long as you know how. Let’s take a look at the steps you can take to prevent your Yorkie from biting.

Socialize Your Yorkie

Under-socializing from a young age is a leading cause of aggression and fearfulness in dogs. It is not uncommon for undersocialized dogs to see other dogs or even people as a threat, so taking your Yorkie to a dog park on a regular basis can be a valuable step in the right direction. If a Yorkie understands that other dogs and humans are friends and not threats, they will feel no need to lunge in fear.

Play with Your Yorkie the Right Way

Aggressive playing is generally not a good idea with any dog breed and can give your dog the wrong idea about what’s acceptable and what’s not from a young age. Many dog owners will allow their small dogs to bite them in play, as their tiny teeth often don’t hurt as much as a larger dog’s bite.

However, this type of play most definitely sends the wrong message, and a dog should not bite or growl when playing a game. This is why it’s important to remove your hand from playtime and use appropriate toys that don’t create aggression. While Tug-Of-War shouldn’t necessarily be an aggressive game, it can bring out aggression in dogs that are already prone to it.

Invest In Toys that Satisfy Their Need to Chomp

If your pup generally nips and bites for fun or in an attempt to get you to play, it’s important to have high-quality chew toys and bones on hand that satisfy their need to chomp. As soon as your Yorkie goes to chew on your hand, quickly swap it out with a toy that they can sink their teeth into. With enough persistence, they will get the message that hands are not for chewing, but chew toys and treats are.

Hand Train Your Dog

While this method may not work well if you’ve adopted your Yorkie at a more advanced age, this is an incredibly valuable training method for puppies, especially if they are a breed that is known for being territorial as adults. You can hand-train your dog by feeding them out of your hand from the very first meal that they have in your home.

This should eliminate any territorial behaviors around their food and help them to understand that hands are helpful and that they’re not for biting. This is exceptionally important if you have children, with some parents opting to have their children hand-train their pups as well.

A Tip I Learned from a Dog Trainer

Years ago, my family adopted a young mixed-breed puppy named Buddy. He was half German shepherd and half American bulldog. So we knew he was going to grow up to be a big boy. And he did. He topped out at over 80 pounds.

I was working in a pet hotel at PetSmart, and one day I asked one of the dog trainers there what I could do about my puppy, who seemed very aggressive for a dog so young. He growled and would nip if he didn’t get his way.

It was actually kind of cute coming from this tiny little puppy. But I knew it wouldn’t be so cute when he was an adult. We needed to deal with it now before it became a real problem.

The trainer told me to do the following:

• Tell him “No” in a strong voice (but don’t yell) and give him a time-out by walking away from him or putting him in a crate or playpen for a few minutes. If the puppy is biting because he wants to play or is teething, give him a chew toy before you walk away.
• Now, if the puppy is truly aggressive and not just teething or playing, you may need to add this step. Hold your dog up securely with both hands if needed, over your head for about 10 seconds. When he is calm, put him back on the floor.
• If the previous step doesn’t work (and give it a few days), you can also gently turn him over on his back, and just hold him down in this position until he calms down. Have a firm enough hold to keep him there, but not hard enough to hurt him. When he calms down, let him go.

The second step of holding Buddy down is what worked for him. He grew up to be an awesome dog and was never once aggressive to anyone.

The last 2 steps work for a small dog (such as a Yorkie) or for a puppy, but will be more difficult to do with a larger dog.

What To Do When Nothing Seems To Be Working

If the above methods are not working for you and you feel that your Yorkie’s biting behavior is coming from a place of true aggression, it may be necessary to consult a pro dog trainer. Sometimes this is the absolute best option and saves you from taking your frustration out on yourself, your family, and your dog.

Dog trainers exist because dog owners need their help – and there’s absolutely no shame in that! Odds are, they’ve already dealt with the exact same situation before and are not going to judge you. They’ll know just how to help!

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Yorkies may be small in size, but they pack a larger-than-life personality! As a popular toy dog breed in the United States, Yorkshire Terriers win hearts with their feisty yet affectionate nature. These tiny dynamos are intelligent, bold, and full of quirks—making them endlessly entertaining companions.

Like all purebred dogs, Yorkies have a distinct temperament shaped by their history as ratters and lapdogs. Understanding their unique traits will help you build a stronger bond and provide the best care for your pint-sized pal.

General Temperament of a Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkie is a fascinating mix of contradictions:
✔ Intelligent & Trainable – Quick learners who excel in obedience and tricks (though housebreaking can be stubborn).
✔ Feisty & Courageous – Fearless despite their size, often unaware they’re not a giant breed!
✔ Affectionate & Loyal – Thrives on companionship and loves being the center of attention.
✔ Independent & Bossy – May try to rule the household if not given clear leadership.

Special Considerations:

• Cold Sensitivity – Their fine, human-like hair offers little insulation. A sweater or jacket is a must in chilly weather.
• Prone to “Small Dog Syndrome” – Without boundaries, Yorkies can develop demanding or yappy behaviors.

Shaping Your Yorkie’s Behavior

While genetics influence temperament, early training and socialization play a huge role in molding a well-adjusted Yorkie.

1. Start Early (But It’s Never Too Late!)

• The first 3 months are critical for socialization.
• Adult Yorkies can still learn new habits, but it requires patience and consistency.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

• Yorkies test limits! Establish rules from day one to prevent:
  • Excessive barking (a common Yorkie trait).
  • Separation anxiety (they hate being alone for long).
  • Resource guarding (food, toys, or even their favorite person).
• Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise) for good behavior—never harsh punishment.

3. Prioritize Socialization

A well-socialized Yorkie is:
✅ Confident around strangers, dogs, and new environments.
✅ Less likely to develop fear-based aggression or anxiety.

How to Socialize Your Yorkie:

• Puppies: Introduce them to different people, sounds, and surfaces (grass, tile, stairs).
• Adults: Go slow! Use high-value treats to create positive associations with new experiences.
• Grooming Tolerance: Handle paws, ears, and teeth early to avoid battles over nail trims.

4. Crate Training: Playpen Over Crate?

• Yorkies often resist crates due to their independent nature.
• A playpen with toys and bedding may be a better alternative for house training.
• If using a crate, ensure it’s cozy and never used for punishment.

5. Routine = Security

Yorkies flourish with predictability. A daily schedule should include:
⏰ Set meal times (2-3 small meals to prevent hypoglycemia).
🚶 Short walks & play sessions (they have energy to burn!).
💤 Quiet time (Yorkies are prone to overstimulation).
🧼 Grooming breaks (prevent mats in their silky coat).

Final Thoughts

A well-raised Yorkie is a joyful, loyal, and well-mannered companion. Their big personalities demand an owner who provides structure, love, and mental stimulation.

Struggling with training? Consider:

• Obedience classes (great for socialization!).
• Professional trainers (especially for rescue Yorkies with past trauma).

With the right approach, your Yorkie will shine as the bold, clever, and loving little dog they were born to be!

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