Start with a consistent schedule and a designated potty spot
Yorkies are small dogs with small bladders, so they need to go outside more often than larger breeds — typically every two to three hours during the day, plus first thing in the morning and before bed. The fastest way to potty train a Yorkie is to take them to the same outdoor spot every single time, at the same times each day. Your dog will learn to associate that location and routine with bathroom breaks.
Choose a spot within 10 to 15 feet of your door if possible. The closer the potty area, the fewer accidents happen on the way there. Take your Yorkie out on a leash, even in a fenced yard, so you can stand right there and watch. Most Yorkies catch on within four to six weeks if you stick to the schedule without skipping days.
Key Takeaways
- Take your Yorkie outside every two to three hours during the day, plus when ready after waking up and before bedtime, to a designated spot.
- Reward your dog with praise and a small treat within two seconds of finishing a bathroom break outside — timing matters more than treat size.
- Confine your Yorkie to a crate or small pen when you cannot watch them, because dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area.
- Clean indoor accidents with an enzymatic cleaner, not ammonia-based products, so your dog does not return to the same spot.
- Expect setbacks around 12 to 16 weeks old when your Yorkie's bladder control temporarily regresses — this is normal and does not mean training failed.
Reward when ready after your Yorkie finishes, not before
The reward — praise, a treat, or both — must come within two seconds of your dog finishing a bathroom break outside. Yorkies have short attention spans, and if you wait even five seconds, your dog will not connect the reward to the act of going potty. A single small treat (the size of a pea) works better than a large one, because you will be giving many rewards throughout the day and you do not want to overfeed.
Use the same phrase every time, such as "go potty" or "do your business," spoken in a calm, matter-of-fact tone. After your Yorkie finishes, say something like "good potty" and give the reward when ready. Repeat this hundreds of times over several weeks. Your dog will eventually associate the phrase with the action and the location.
Use a crate or pen to prevent accidents when you are not watching
A Yorkie left unsupervised in a large room will have accidents because they cannot hold it and do not yet understand where they should go. A crate or small pen forces your dog to hold it longer because dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping and eating area. A crate should be just large enough for your Yorkie to stand, turn around, and lie down — roughly 18 to 24 inches long for an adult Yorkie.
When you cannot watch your dog, put them in the crate for no more than four to five hours at a time (puppies under 12 weeks should not be crated longer than one to two hours). Take them directly outside when you let them out. This method works because it removes the option to have an accident in the house, and it reinforces the routine of going outside when ready after being confined.
Clean accidents with enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent
If your Yorkie has an accident indoors, do not punish them — punishment teaches fear, not where to go potty. Instead, clean the spot thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner, which breaks down the urine compounds that dogs can smell long after the spot looks dry. Products like Nature's Miracle or Rocco & Roxie are designed for this purpose and are available at most pet stores.
Ammonia-based cleaners smell like urine to dogs and can actually encourage them to use the same spot again. Spray the enzymatic cleaner on the accident spot, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then blot it up with paper towels. If your Yorkie keeps returning to one spot, soak that area generously and let it air dry completely. You may need to treat the spot two or three times before the scent is fully gone.
Watch for signs your Yorkie needs to go out
Between scheduled potty breaks, watch for sniffing, circling, whining, or scratching at the door — these are signs your Yorkie needs to go out when ready. Yorkies are small enough that they may not make it to the door in time if you wait. If you see these signs, pick up your dog and carry them outside to the designated spot. Do not let them wander the house first.
Some Yorkies will go to the door and wait; others will go to the same corner or spot in the house. If you notice your dog heading to a particular area, interrupt gently and carry them outside. Over time, your Yorkie will learn to go to the door or make noise to signal they need out, which makes the whole process easier.
Understand the regression that happens around 12 to 16 weeks
Many Yorkies show sudden progress around 8 to 10 weeks, then have a setback around 12 to 16 weeks when accidents increase again. This is normal and happens because your puppy's bladder control is still developing unevenly. Do not assume your training failed or that your dog forgot. Stick to the same schedule and routine without changing anything.
The regression usually lasts one to three weeks. If accidents continue past 16 weeks with no improvement, talk to your veterinarian to rule out a urinary tract infection or other medical issue. Yorkies are prone to bladder stones and infections, which can cause frequent accidents even in well-trained dogs.
Adjust the schedule as your Yorkie gets older
A Yorkie puppy under 12 weeks needs to go out every one to two hours. Between 12 and 16 weeks, stretch it to every two to three hours. By six months, most Yorkies can hold it for four to five hours during the day. By one year, a healthy adult Yorkie can typically hold it for six to eight hours, though most owners still take them out three to four times daily for comfort and exercise.
Even a fully trained adult Yorkie should go out first thing in the morning, mid-day, late afternoon, and before bed. Yorkies are prone to bladder issues, and frequent potty breaks help prevent problems. If your adult Yorkie suddenly starts having accidents after months of being trained, see a veterinarian — this often signals a medical issue rather than a training problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it usually take to potty train a Yorkie?
Most Yorkies show consistent results within four to six weeks if you follow a strict schedule and reward every outdoor bathroom break. Some catch on in three weeks; others take eight to ten weeks. Consistency matters more than speed — skipping days or changing the routine will extend the timeline significantly.
Should I use puppy pads or train directly to going outside?
Training directly to going outside is faster and cleaner. Puppy pads teach your Yorkie that going potty indoors is acceptable, which can confuse them later. If you must use pads temporarily, place them near the door and gradually move them closer to the outside entrance, then remove them once your dog understands the routine.
What if my Yorkie has an accident right after coming inside?
This usually means your dog did not fully empty their bladder outside, or they needed to go again sooner than expected. Stay outside longer next time and wait for your dog to finish completely. If this happens repeatedly, take your Yorkie to the veterinarian to rule out a urinary tract infection or other medical issue.
Can I train a Yorkie to use an indoor potty box instead of going outside?
Yes, some Yorkies learn to use an indoor potty box or litter box, especially if you live in an apartment or have mobility issues. Use the same reward system — take your dog to the box on schedule, reward when ready after they use it, and clean accidents with enzymatic cleaner. This takes longer than outdoor training because the routine is less natural for dogs.
Why does my trained Yorkie still have accidents at night?
Yorkies under six months old cannot physically hold their bladder through the night. Use a crate at night and take your dog out once or twice during the night until they are older. Even adult Yorkies sometimes have nighttime accidents due to their small bladder size. A waterproof pad under the crate protects your floor while your dog matures.