Yorkshire Terriers Need More Frequent Breaks Than Larger Dogs

Yorkshire Terriers have small bladders and cannot hold urine for long periods, which is the core reason their potty training differs from training a larger breed. A Yorkie puppy under 12 weeks old typically needs to go outside every 1 to 2 hours during the day, plus once during the night. Adult Yorkies (over 1 year) can usually hold it for 4 to 6 hours, but many owners find success taking them out every 3 to 4 hours to prevent accidents indoors.

The breed's small size also means they can slip through or under barriers more easily than larger dogs, so you will need to watch them closely in open spaces. Their quick metabolism means food moves through their system fast — expect a bathroom trip within 15 to 30 minutes after eating. This predictability is actually an advantage: you can time outdoor breaks around meals and play sessions.

Starting potty training between 8 and 12 weeks old gives you the best results, though Yorkies can learn at any age. Older dogs may take longer straightforward because they have had more time to develop indoor habits, but the method remains the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Take your Yorkie outside every 1 to 2 hours as a puppy, and every 3 to 4 hours as an adult, plus when ready after eating, drinking, playing, and waking up.
  • Use a consistent outdoor spot and reward with praise or a small treat the moment your dog finishes, not after you come back inside.
  • Confine your Yorkie to a small space (crate, pen, or blocked room) when you cannot watch them, since dogs naturally avoid soiling where they sleep.
  • Clean accidents with enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent, or your dog will return to that spot repeatedly.
  • Expect setbacks during teething (around 4 to 6 months) and be consistent with the routine even when progress seems slow.

Establish a Consistent Schedule and Outdoor Spot

Take your Yorkie to the same outdoor location every time you go out. Dogs learn to associate that spot with bathroom time, and the scent from previous visits triggers the urge to go. Choose a small area — a corner of your yard, a patch of grass near your building, or a designated spot on a walk — and stick with it.

Write down the times you take your dog out for the first two weeks. Note when they actually go to the bathroom and when they have accidents indoors. This log shows you patterns: most Yorkies go out first thing in the morning, 15 to 30 minutes after meals, after playtime, before bed, and sometimes in the middle of the night for puppies. Once you see the pattern, you can predict when to take them out and prevent accidents before they happen.

Use a command like "go potty" or "do your business" every single time you take them out. Say it as soon as you reach the spot, before they go. After a few weeks, many Yorkies will go on command, which is useful when you are traveling or on a schedule.

Reward when ready When Your Dog Goes Outside

The moment your Yorkie finishes urinating or defecating, give praise and a small treat. This must happen within seconds — while your dog is still in the outdoor spot or when ready after. If you wait until you are back inside, your dog will not connect the reward to the bathroom behavior.

Use high-value treats: small pieces of chicken, cheese, or a commercial training treat. The reward does not need to be large; a pea-sized piece is enough for a Yorkie. Praise matters as much as the treat — use an excited, happy tone and pet your dog enthusiastically. Over time, many Yorkies will go outside straightforward for the praise.

Never punish your dog for accidents indoors, and never rub their nose in it or yell. Punishment teaches fear, not bladder control, and a frightened dog is harder to train. If you catch your dog in the act, calmly interrupt them, take them outside when ready, and reward if they finish there.

Confine Your Yorkie When You Cannot Supervise

Dogs have a natural instinct not to soil the space where they sleep and eat. Use this instinct by keeping your Yorkie in a small, confined area when you cannot watch them directly. A dog crate, a small pen, or a blocked-off room (like a bathroom or laundry room) works well. The space should be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not so large that they can go to the bathroom in one corner and sleep in another.

For a Yorkie puppy, a crate measuring 18 to 24 inches long is usually appropriate. An adult Yorkie can use a slightly larger crate, but the principle is the same: the smaller the space, the stronger the instinct to hold it. When you let your dog out of the crate, take them directly to the outdoor spot and reward them for going.

Do not use the crate as punishment. Your Yorkie should view it as a safe, comfortable space. Leave the door open during times when you are home and supervising, so your dog can go in and out freely. This builds a positive association with the crate and makes confinement less stressful when you need it.

Clean Accidents Thoroughly With Enzymatic Cleaner

If your Yorkie has an accident indoors, the smell matters more than you might think. Dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, and if they can detect urine or feces in a spot, they are likely to go there again. Regular household cleaners do not remove the scent completely.

Use an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet urine and feces. These products contain enzymes that break down the organic compounds in urine, eliminating the smell rather than just masking it. Brands like Nature's Miracle, Rocco & Roxie, and Enzymatic Cleaner are widely available at pet stores and online. Follow the product instructions: usually you spray the area, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and then blot or wipe it up.

If you do not have enzymatic cleaner on hand, a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water can help reduce the smell temporarily, but it is not as effective as a true enzymatic product. For carpeted areas, you may need to treat the spot multiple times or consider a professional carpet cleaner if accidents happen repeatedly in the same location.

Expect Setbacks During Teething and Growth Phases

Many Yorkies show good progress with potty training, then have a setback around 4 to 6 months of age when they are teething. During this phase, your dog may have more accidents indoors even if they were doing well before. This is normal and does not mean training has failed. Stay consistent with your schedule and outdoor routine, and the progress usually returns once teething ends.

Growth spurts and hormonal changes can also affect bladder control temporarily. Female Yorkies may have occasional accidents during their heat cycle. If your dog is spayed or neutered (which most owners do), this usually resolves the issue, but it may take a few weeks after surgery for full control to return.

If your adult Yorkie suddenly starts having frequent accidents after being reliably trained, consult a veterinarian. Urinary tract infections, diabetes, and other health issues can cause sudden changes in bathroom habits. A vet can rule out medical causes before you assume it is a training problem.

Consider Paper Training or Pee Pads as a Temporary Option

Some owners use pee pads (absorbent training pads) indoors as a stepping stone to outdoor training, especially if they live in an apartment or cannot take their dog outside frequently. Place the pad in a consistent location, and reward your Yorkie for using it. Over time, you can gradually move the pad closer to the door, then outside, until your dog is going entirely outdoors.

The downside of pee pads is that they can confuse some dogs: your Yorkie may think it is acceptable to go to the bathroom indoors, which can slow the transition to outdoor-only training. If you use pads, be clear about the goal — they are a temporary tool, not a permanent solution. Most trainers recommend skipping pads and going straight to outdoor training if your schedule allows, since it is faster overall.

If you must use pads, keep them in a designated area away from your dog's sleeping and eating spaces. Change them frequently to keep them clean and to prevent odor buildup that might attract your dog to other spots in the house.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to potty train a Yorkie?

Most Yorkies show consistent results within 4 to 6 months of starting training, though some learn faster and others take longer. Puppies under 12 weeks may take 6 to 8 months because their bladder control is still developing. Adult dogs can sometimes learn in a few weeks if they have not developed strong indoor habits. Consistency matters more than speed — a dog trained with a reliable routine will have fewer setbacks than one trained inconsistently.

Can I use a litter box or indoor toilet for a Yorkie?

Some owners train Yorkies to use a litter box filled with pellets or sand, similar to a cat. This works for some dogs and can be useful if you live in a high-rise apartment with limited outdoor access. However, it requires the same consistency and reward system as outdoor training, and many dogs still prefer going outside. If you want to try this method, start with a litter box placed near the door and gradually move it to your preferred location.

What should I do if my Yorkie refuses to go outside in bad weather?

Many Yorkies dislike rain, snow, or extreme cold because their small bodies lose heat quickly and wet fur is uncomfortable. Invest in a small dog raincoat or sweater to keep your dog dry and warm. Some owners also use dog boots to protect paws from salt and ice. If your dog still refuses to go out, take them out anyway but keep the trip short — even a few minutes in the yard is better than holding it all day, which can lead to health issues.

Is it normal for a Yorkie to have accidents at night?

Puppies under 4 months old typically cannot hold their bladder through the night and will need a bathroom break around 2 to 4 a.m. This is normal development, not a training failure. As your Yorkie grows, nighttime accidents should decrease. By 6 months, most Yorkies can sleep through the night without accidents. If your adult Yorkie is having frequent nighttime accidents, talk to a vet to rule out urinary tract infections or other medical issues.

Should I use a bell on the door to teach my Yorkie to signal when they need to go out?

Teaching your Yorkie to ring a bell or tap a button on the door is possible and can be useful, but it is an advanced skill that comes after basic potty training is solid. Start with the basics — a reliable outdoor schedule and consistent rewards — first. Once your dog is reliably going outside on your schedule, you can introduce a bell by hanging it at nose height on the door and ringing it yourself before you take them out. Reward them for touching it. This usually takes several weeks of practice and works best with dogs that are already housetrained.