How to Stop a Yorkie from Peeing in the House: 5 Pro Tips

How to stop a Yorkie from peeing in the house is one of the most challenging tasks for many pet owners. Since these pooches can be a bit stubborn during training lessons, we have to provide them with the right housebreaking training lessons. 

This comprehensive guide will provide you with effective strategies to stop a Yorkie from peeing in the house, address issues related to Yorkie marking, and help you with Yorkshire Terrier toilet training.

Understanding the Problem: Why is Your Yorkie Peeing in the House?

Before listing all the solutions, it’s crucial to understand why your Yorkie might be peeing in the house. The reasons can vary widely, including:

• Lack of Training: Puppies and even some adult dogs might not have been adequately trained to go outside.
• Marking Behavior: Yorkies, like many small breeds, are prone to marking their territory.
• Medical Issues: Urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or other health issues can cause frequent urination.
• Anxiety or Stress: Changes in the environment, such as a new pet or moving to a new home, can lead to anxiety-induced urination.
• Inconsistent Routine: Irregular feeding and potty schedules can confuse your dog.

Understanding the underlying cause can help you tailor your approach to stop your Yorkie from peeing in the house.

Step-by-Step Guide to Stop a Yorkie from Peeing in the House

Consistency is crucial when it comes to training any dog, and Yorkies are no exception. By establishing a regular feeding and potty schedule, you help your Yorkie understand when and where they should go to the bathroom. This predictable routine can significantly reduce the chances of indoor accidents and create a structured environment that promotes good bathroom habits.

Set Feeding Times

Feeding your Yorkie at the same times every day is a fundamental step in regulating their digestion and potty schedule. This consistency helps your dog develop a predictable pattern for when they need to relieve themselves. Here are some detailed tips on setting feeding times:

• Determine Meal Frequency: Depending on your Yorkie’s age, they may require multiple meals a day. Puppies often need three to four meals daily, while adults typically do well with two meals.
• Stick to the Schedule: Choose specific times for breakfast, lunch (if applicable), and dinner. For example, you might feed your Yorkie at 7 AM, 1 PM, and 6 PM. Try to stick to these times as closely as possible every day.
• Measure Portions: Ensure you are feeding your Yorkie the appropriate portion sizes for their age, weight, and activity level. Overfeeding can lead to irregular potty habits, while underfeeding can cause health issues.
• Avoid Free-Feeding: Do not leave food out all day for your Yorkie to graze on. Free-feeding can disrupt their digestive schedule and make it harder to predict when they need to go outside.

Regular Potty Breaks

Regular potty breaks are essential to prevent indoor accidents and reinforce good bathroom habits. Taking your Yorkie outside frequently ensures they have ample opportunities to relieve themselves in the appropriate spot. Here are some tips for establishing a routine for potty breaks:

• Frequent Breaks: Initially, take your Yorkie outside every 2-3 hours. Puppies and younger dogs may need to go out even more frequently, as their bladder control is not fully developed.
• Post-Meal Breaks: Always take your Yorkie outside immediately after meals. Eating stimulates the digestive system, and your dog will likely need to relieve themselves shortly after eating.
• After Naps and Play: Yorkies often need to go potty after waking up from a nap or following a play session. Make it a habit to take them outside after these activities.
• Bedtime Routine: Ensure your Yorkie goes outside right before bedtime. This reduces the chances of overnight accidents and helps them develop a routine that aligns with your household schedule.
• Consistent Spot: Always take your Yorkie to the same spot in your yard or designated potty area. The familiar scent will encourage them to go in that location and reinforce the habit.

2. Supervise and Confine

Until your Yorkie is fully housebroken, supervision and confinement are essential to prevent accidents.

• Supervise: Keep a close eye on your Yorkie when they are inside. Watch for signs they need to go, such as sniffing or circling.
• Confine: Use a crate or a small, confined area when you cannot supervise. Dogs are less likely to soil their sleeping area.

3. Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective methods in dog training. Reward your Yorkie for doing the right thing.

• Praise and Treats: When your Yorkie goes outside to pee, immediately praise them and give a small treat. This helps them associate outdoor peeing with positive outcomes.
• Consistency: Be consistent with rewards. Make sure everyone in the household follows the same training approach.

4. Clean Up Accidents Thoroughly

If your Yorkie has an accident in the house, it’s crucial to clean it up thoroughly to remove all traces of odor. This is a vital step in how to stop a Yorkie from peeing in the house. Dogs have a keen sense of smell, and even a faint odor can attract them back to the same spot, reinforcing the undesirable behavior. Proper cleaning not only helps in maintaining a clean home but also plays a significant role in successful house training.

Use Enzyme Cleaners

Enzyme cleaners are highly effective in dealing with pet accidents. These cleaners contain natural enzymes that break down the proteins in urine, feces, and vomit, eliminating the odor completely.

• How They Work: Enzyme cleaners work by breaking down the organic compounds in urine. These compounds are what cause the lingering smell that attracts your dog back to the same spot. By neutralizing these proteins, enzyme cleaners ensure that no trace of the accident remains.
• Application Tips: When using an enzyme cleaner, follow the instructions on the label. Typically, you’ll need to soak the affected area thoroughly and allow the cleaner to sit for a specified amount of time. This ensures that the enzymes have enough time to break down the odor-causing compounds.
• Repeat If Necessary: For older or more stubborn stains, you may need to apply the enzyme cleaner more than once. Ensure that you cover the entire affected area to prevent any remnants of the odor.

Avoid Ammonia-Based Cleaners

When addressing accidents in the house, it’s important to avoid using ammonia-based cleaners. While these products can effectively clean various surfaces, they are not suitable for pet urine cleanup.

• Mimicking Urine Smell: Ammonia is a compound found in urine, and using ammonia-based cleaners can mimic the smell of urine. This can confuse your Yorkie, leading them to believe that the cleaned area is an appropriate place to relieve themselves.
• Behavioral Impact: Using ammonia-based cleaners can inadvertently encourage your Yorkie to pee in the same spot again. This can set back your house training efforts and make it more challenging to break the habit.

Additional Cleaning Tips

Beyond using the right cleaners, here are a few additional tips to ensure effective cleanup and prevent future accidents:

• Act Quickly: The sooner you clean up an accident, the more effective you’ll be in removing the odor. Prompt cleanup prevents the urine from soaking deep into carpets, upholstery, or flooring.
• Use Absorbent Materials: Blot the area with paper towels or a clean cloth to absorb as much urine as possible before applying the cleaner. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the urine further into the material.
• Consider Professional Cleaning: For larger accidents or persistent odors, consider hiring a professional cleaning service. They have specialized equipment and cleaning solutions that can thoroughly remove odors and stains.
• Regular Cleaning Routine: Establish a regular cleaning routine for areas where accidents have occurred in the past. Regularly treating these areas with enzyme cleaners can help prevent residual odors from attracting your Yorkie.

5. Address Marking Behavior

If your Yorkie’s indoor peeing is due to marking behavior, there are specific steps you can take.

• Neutering/Spaying: If your Yorkie is not already neutered or spayed, consider this option. It can significantly reduce marking behavior.
• Limit Access: Until marking is under control, limit your Yorkie’s access to areas where they are prone to mark.
• Distraction and Redirection: When you catch your Yorkie in the act of marking, distract them with a loud noise and immediately take them outside.

Advanced Training Techniques for Stubborn Cases

If basic strategies aren’t enough, you might need to employ more advanced training techniques.

1. Crate Training

Crate training can be highly effective in housebreaking your Yorkie.

• Choose the Right Crate: The crate should be large enough for your Yorkie to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not so large that they can use one end as a bathroom.
• Gradual Introduction: Introduce your Yorkie to the crate slowly, using treats and positive reinforcement to create a positive association.
• Regular Breaks: Ensure your Yorkie gets regular potty breaks to avoid accidents in the crate.

2. Bell Training

Bell training can teach your Yorkie to signal when they need to go outside.

• Hang a Bell: Hang a bell near the door you use to take your Yorkie outside.
• Training Sessions: Every time you take your Yorkie out, gently ring the bell with their paw and then immediately take them outside. Praise and reward them when they pee outside.
• Consistency: With repetition, your Yorkie will learn to ring the bell when they need to go out.

3. Professional Help

If you’ve tried everything and your Yorkie is still peeing in the house, it might be time to seek professional help.

• Veterinarian: A vet can rule out any medical issues that might be causing the problem.
• Professional Trainer: A certified dog trainer can provide personalized strategies and support.

Preventing Future Accidents: Long-Term Strategies

Once your Yorkie is housebroken, it’s important to maintain good habits to prevent future accidents.

1. Maintain a Routine

Even after your Yorkie is fully trained, maintaining a consistent routine is important.

• Regular Potty Breaks: Continue to provide regular opportunities for your Yorkie to go outside.
• Consistent Feeding Schedule: Keep feeding times regular to maintain a predictable potty schedule.

2. Monitor Changes

Be aware of any changes that might affect your Yorkie’s behavior, such as moving to a new home, adding a new pet, or changes in the household routine.

• Minimize Stress: Try to minimize stress and provide a stable environment for your Yorkie.
• Reinforce Training: Occasionally reinforce potty training with rewards and praise.

3. Regular Vet Check-Ups

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure your Yorkie remains healthy and to catch any potential health issues early.

• Annual Exams: Schedule annual exams to monitor your Yorkie’s overall health.
• Monitor Behavior: Report any changes in urination behavior to your vet promptly.

How To Stop a Yorkie From Peeing In The House: Conclusion

Training a Yorkie to stop peeing in the house requires patience, consistency, and a positive approach. By understanding the underlying causes, establishing a routine, using positive reinforcement, and addressing marking behavior, you can successfully housebreak your Yorkie. For stubborn cases, advanced training techniques and professional help may be necessary. Remember, maintaining good habits and monitoring your Yorkie’s health are key to preventing future accidents. With dedication and the right strategies, you can enjoy a clean and happy home with your well-trained Yorkshire Terrier.