How to potty train a yorkie puppy?

Yorkie puppies are tiny bundles of energy, with personalities bigger than their 4-pound frames—but that tiny bladder? It’s a whole different story. Those cute little accidents on the rug aren’t defiance; they’re just part of learning how the world works. Potty training a Yorkie takes patience, sure, but it’s also about speaking their language—figuring out when they need to go and making sure they know where to do it.​

Start by sticking to a schedule that matches their tiny needs. Yorkies can’t hold it long, especially when they’re young—think every 1 to 2 hours after eating, napping, or playing. Set a timer if you need to; taking them out first thing in the morning, right after meals, and right before bed cuts down on surprises. When you head outside, pick a spot in your yard or a designated area. Say the same simple phrase each time, like “go potty”—they’ll start linking the words to the action before you know it.​

Praise is your secret weapon. Yorkies thrive on attention, so when they do their business in the right spot, make it a big deal. A high-pitched “good girl!” or a tiny treat tells them, “This is what I should do.” Skip the scolding if they have an accident inside—yelling or rubbing their nose in it just confuses them. They won’t connect the punishment to the mistake, and it might make them scared to go near you when they need to go. Instead, clean it up quietly with an enzyme cleaner to get rid of the smell—otherwise, they’ll think that spot is fair game again.​

Watch for the clues they’re giving you. Yorkies are pretty obvious when they need to go: sniffing the floor in circles, pacing, or suddenly stopping play. If you see those signs, scoop them up quick and head to their spot. It helps to keep a leash on them indoors at first—no, not to restrict them, but so you can gently guide them outside the second you notice the telltale signs. Consistency here is key; the more you catch those moments early, the faster they’ll learn to hold it until they’re in the right place.​

Crate training can be a game-changer, but remember, Yorkies are social little dogs—they don’t like being stuck in a crate for long. Use it when you can’t watch them, like during a quick errand, but keep the time short. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping space, so a crate that’s just big enough for them to stand and turn around encourages them to hold it. When you let them out, head straight to their potty spot—they’ll be bursting to go, and nailing it there reinforces the habit.​

As they get older, their bladder control will get better, but don’t rush it. A 3-month-old Yorkie might make it 3 hours between trips; by 6 months, maybe 5 or 6. Adjust their schedule as they grow, gradually extending the time between outings. And don’t forget: even well-trained Yorkies can have off days—stress, a new routine, or even a change in weather might throw them off. Just go back to the basics, and they’ll get back on track.​

Training a Yorkie puppy to potty where they should isn’t about perfection—it’s about building trust. Every time you help them succeed, you’re strengthening that bond between you. Before long, those trips outside will feel like second nature, and you’ll both breathe a little easier. And hey, those tiny paws will be leaving fewer surprises and more happy, confident wags in their wake.