Start with a consistent schedule and small, confined spaces

Yorkshire terriers learn fastest when you take them outside on a fixed schedule—first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bedtime. Puppies under 12 weeks old cannot hold their bladder for more than two hours, so expect to go out every one to two hours during the day. Adult dogs (over one year) can typically wait four to six hours, but consistency matters more than the interval.

Keep your Yorkie in a small, confined space when you cannot watch them directly. A crate, pen, or single room works well because dogs naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. This instinct is your strongest tool. When your dog is loose in the house, they are far more likely to have accidents because they do not yet understand that the whole house is their "den."

Never punish accidents after the fact. Your dog will not connect a puddle from an hour ago to your anger. Punishment only teaches fear and confusion. Instead, interrupt accidents in the moment with a calm "no," take your dog outside when ready, and reward them heavily if they finish outside.

Key Takeaways

  • Take your Yorkie outside on a fixed schedule—after waking, eating, playing, and before bed—because puppies cannot hold their bladder longer than two hours.
  • Keep your dog confined to a small space when unsupervised, since dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area and this prevents accidents in the rest of the house.
  • Reward outdoor bathroom breaks when ready with praise, treats, or play so your dog learns that going outside earns good things.
  • Expect the process to take 4 to 6 months for most puppies, and 2 to 4 weeks for adult dogs, depending on age and prior training.
  • Never punish accidents after they happen; instead, interrupt in the moment and take your dog outside to redirect the behavior.

Reward when ready when your dog goes outside

The moment your Yorkie finishes urinating or defecating outside, reward them within two to three seconds. Use high-value treats (small pieces of chicken, cheese, or commercial training treats), enthusiastic praise, or a few minutes of play. The reward must happen so quickly that your dog connects the outdoor bathroom break to the good thing that follows.

Use the same word or phrase every time—"go potty," "do your business," or "outside"—so your dog begins to associate that cue with the action. After several weeks, many Yorkies will go on command. Consistency in your language and timing is what builds this connection.

Avoid taking your dog back inside when ready after they go. Spend another minute or two outside so your dog does not learn that going to the bathroom means playtime ends. Some owners walk their dog around the yard or let them sniff, then return inside.

Manage accidents without punishment or shame

Accidents happen during training, especially with puppies. If you catch your Yorkie in the act, say "no" calmly and carry them outside right away. Do not yell, hit, or rub their nose in the mess—these methods cause fear and do not teach the lesson you intend. Your dog will only learn to hide accidents from you, not to avoid them.

If you find an accident after the fact, clean it up and move on. Your dog cannot connect a dried puddle to your anger, no matter how fresh it seems to you. Punishing after the fact teaches nothing except that you are unpredictable and scary.

Clean accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner (such as Nature's Miracle or Rocco & Roxie) rather than ammonia-based products. Dogs can smell urine residue that humans cannot, and they are drawn back to the same spot. Enzymatic cleaners break down the urine compounds so your dog loses the scent cue to go there again.

Adjust your schedule as your Yorkie grows

Puppies under 12 weeks need to go out every one to two hours. From 12 to 16 weeks, extend this to every two to three hours. From 16 weeks to six months, most puppies can hold it for three to four hours. By six months, many can wait four to six hours, though individual dogs vary.

Watch your individual dog's pattern. If your Yorkie consistently has an accident two hours after going out, you know the limit is closer to 90 minutes. If they hold it for six hours without fussing, you can extend the interval. The goal is to set your dog up for success by taking them out before they are desperate.

Adult dogs (over one year) typically need four outings per day: morning, midday, evening, and before bed. Some owners use a dog walker or let their dog out at lunch to avoid long stretches alone. Yorkies are small and have fast metabolisms, so they may need more frequent breaks than larger breeds.

Recognize signs your Yorkie needs to go outside

Most dogs show predictable signals before they have an accident. Common signs include sniffing the floor, circling, whining, scratching at the door, or moving toward a corner or familiar spot. Learn your individual dog's signal—some Yorkies pace, others sit by the door, and some straightforward look uncomfortable.

If you see these signs, take your dog outside when ready, even if it is not a scheduled time. Catching your dog before the accident teaches them that the signal gets results, and it prevents the accident from happening in the first place.

Yorkies are vocal dogs, so some will bark or whine to ask for a bathroom break. This is actually a good sign—your dog is communicating. Respond promptly so your dog learns that asking works better than having an accident.

Handle setbacks and regression calmly

Most Yorkies are reliably housetrained by four to six months old, but some take longer, and many have setbacks. A new home, a change in routine, a new pet, or stress can cause a previously trained dog to have accidents again. This is normal and does not mean your dog has forgotten.

If your Yorkie regresses, go back to basics: increase outdoor breaks, confine them more when unsupervised, and reward heavily for outdoor successes. Do not assume your dog is being stubborn or spiteful. Dogs do not housetrain out of obedience; they do it because they have learned the pattern and have the physical control.

If accidents continue past six months, or if your adult dog suddenly starts having accidents after being reliable, consult a veterinarian. Urinary tract infections, diabetes, and other medical conditions can cause sudden accidents. A vet can rule out health issues before you assume it is a training problem.

Use crate training to reinforce the confined-space instinct

A properly sized crate is one of the most effective potty training tools. Your Yorkie's crate should be large enough to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not so large that they can urinate in one corner and sleep in another. A crate that is too big defeats the purpose.

Never use the crate as punishment. Your dog should view it as a safe, comfortable space. Leave the door open during the day so your Yorkie can nap there voluntarily. When you cannot supervise, close the door and confine your dog to the crate. Most dogs will hold their bladder rather than soil their sleeping space.

Take your dog out when ready after releasing them from the crate, since they will likely need to go. This creates a predictable pattern: crate time, outdoor break, reward, playtime, then back to confinement when you cannot watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to potty train a Yorkshire terrier?

Most Yorkie puppies are reliably housetrained by four to six months old. Adult dogs adopted from shelters may learn in two to four weeks if they have prior training, or longer if they have never been trained. Individual dogs vary based on age, prior experience, and consistency of training.

Can I use puppy pads or indoor potty boxes instead of going outside?

Puppy pads can confuse your dog about where it is acceptable to go to the bathroom indoors. If you use them, place them in a consistent spot and treat them like outdoor breaks—reward your dog for using them. However, you will eventually need to transition your dog to outdoor breaks, which adds an extra step. Most trainers recommend going straight to outdoor breaks if possible.

What if my Yorkie refuses to go to the bathroom outside?

Some dogs are distracted by outdoor sights and sounds and forget why they are outside. Stay in a quiet, boring spot and wait patiently for 10 to 15 minutes. If your dog does not go, return inside, confine them to a crate for 15 minutes, then try again. Repeat until they go. Avoid playing or exploring until after they have finished.

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

Puppies under four months often cannot hold their bladder overnight. Limit water after 7 p.m., take your dog out right before bed, and expect one or two nighttime breaks until your dog is older. By six months, most Yorkies can sleep through the night without accidents. If your adult dog has nighttime accidents, consult a vet to rule out medical issues.

Should I use bells on the door to teach my Yorkie to signal?

Door bells can work if your dog already knows to go to the door to ask. Hang bells at nose height, ring them yourself when you take your dog out, and reward your dog for touching them. However, some dogs learn to ring the bells for fun rather than to ask for bathroom breaks. Start with teaching your dog to go to the door, then add bells if you want.