Crate training is an important aspect of raising a well-behaved Yorkie, and when done correctly, it can provide a safe and comfortable space for your furry friend. However, it is important to clearly understand the intricacies of crate training, how to properly crate train your Yorkie, and common mistakes to avoid.

Crate training a Yorkie requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose the Right Crate: Choose a crate that is big enough for your Yorkie to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably. The crate should not be too big, as your Yorkie may start using one end as a bathroom and the other end as a sleeping area.

2. Introduce Your Yorkie to the Crate: Place the crate in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home. Encourage your Yorkie to explore the crate by placing treats, toys, and blankets inside.

3. Gradually Increase Crate Time: Start by placing your Yorkie in the crate for short periods, such as 10-15 minutes. Gradually increase the time your Yorkie spends in the crate, making sure they are comfortable and not anxious.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your Yorkie with treats, toys, and praise when they enter the crate voluntarily. This will help them associate the crate with positive experiences.

5. Avoid Punishment: Do not punish your Yorkie by locking them in the crate as a form of discipline. This can cause anxiety and make them less likely to use the crate in the future.

6. Stick to a Routine: Establish a routine for your Yorkie’s crate time, such as overnight sleeping, nap time, or when you leave the house. Consistency will help your Yorkie feel secure and comfortable in their crate.

7. Supervise Your Yorkie: Always supervise your Yorkie when they are in their crate to ensure their safety and well-being.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While crate training your Yorkie, it is important to avoid the following common mistakes:

1. Leaving Your Yorkie in the Crate for Too Long: Your Yorkie should not spend more than 4 hours in their crate at a time.

2. Using the Crate as Punishment: Do not use the crate as a form of punishment. This will create negative associations with the crate and can lead to anxiety.

3. Ignoring Your Yorkie’s Needs: If your Yorkie is crying or whining in their crate, it may be a sign that they need to go outside or that they are feeling anxious.

4. Choosing the Wrong Size Crate: If the crate is too small, your Yorkie will be uncomfortable. If it is too big, they may use one end as a bathroom.

First, it is important to understand that dogs are naturally clean animals, and will not typically eliminate in areas where they sleep or eat. This is because dogs have an instinct to keep their den area clean, and will often avoid eliminating in confined spaces where they spend a lot of time.

However, in the absence of a designated elimination area, dogs may be more likely to eliminate in inappropriate areas such as carpets or furniture. This is why it is important to create a designated potty area for your Yorkie, where they can learn to associate that area with elimination.

In addition to your dog’s natural instincts, potty training also relies on developing good habits and routines with your dog. This means establishing a regular feeding schedule, taking your dog outside frequently, and rewarding your dog for eliminating in the designated potty area.

Tips for Successful Yorkie Potty Training

2. Create a feeding schedule: Feeding your Yorkie on a consistent schedule can help regulate their bowel movements, making it easier to anticipate when they will need to eliminate. This will allow you to take them to their designated potty area at the appropriate times.

3. Use positive reinforcement: Rewarding your Yorkie for eliminating in the designated potty area is important for creating positive habits and routines. This can be done with verbal praise, treats, or other rewards that your dog enjoys.

4. Supervise your Yorkie: Especially during the early stages of potty training, it is important to supervise your Yorkie closely to prevent accidents from occurring. This may mean keeping your dog in a confined space, such as a crate or playpen, when you are not able to watch them closely.

5. Be patient and consistent: Potty training a Yorkie takes time and patience, and it is important to remain consistent with your training methods. This means using the same designated potty area, feeding schedule, and positive reinforcement techniques until your dog has developed good habits.

Methods of Yorkie Potty Training

There are several methods you can use to potty train your Yorkie, including crate training, paper training, and outdoor training.

1. Crate Training: Crate training is a popular method of potty training that involves confining your Yorkie to a crate when you are unable to supervise them. The crate should be large enough for your pup to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Dogs instinctively avoid going potty where they sleep, so crate training can help your Yorkie learn to hold it until you take them outside. Be sure to take your pup outside to go potty immediately after you let them out of the crate.

2. Paper Training:  Paper training involves creating a designated area in your home where your Yorkie can go potty on a newspaper or pee pad. This method is useful if you live in an apartment or have limited access to the outdoors. Start by placing a pee pad in a small, confined area, such as a bathroom or laundry room, and gradually expand the area as your Yorkie gets better at using the pad. Be sure to praise your pup and offer treats when they use the pad to reinforce good behavior.

3. Outdoor Training:  Outdoor training involves taking your Yorkie outside to go potty on a regular schedule. Start by taking your pup outside first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime. Choose a designated spot in your yard or on the sidewalk and wait for your Yorkie to go potty. Be sure to reward them with treats and praise when they go potty in the right place.

References

1. Blackwell, E. J., Twells, C., Seawright, A., & Casey, R. A. (2008). The relationship between training methods and the occurrence of behavior problems, as reported by owners, in a population of domestic dogs. Journal of veterinary behavior, 3(5), 201-207.
2. Houpt, K. A., Goodwin, D., & Upton, L. (2018). Domestic Animal Behavior for Veterinarians and Animal Scientists. John Wiley & Sons.
3. Landsberg, G. M., Hunthausen, W. L., & Ackerman, L. J. (2013). Behavior problems of the dog and cat. Elsevier Health Sciences.
4. Overall, K. L. (2013). Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals. Elsevier Health Sciences.
5. Reid, P. J., & Baun, M. M. (2006).