How to Train Your Yorkie to Poop on the Pad

To successfully potty train your Yorkie, you’ll need patience, consistency, and a bit of know-how. One of the most common methods of potty training is using pee pads, but what do you do when your furry friend isn’t doing their business where they’re supposed to? If you’re struggling with getting your Yorkie to poop on the pad, don’t worry – you’re not alone.

First, make sure that you’re using the right type of pad. Some dogs prefer certain materials or scents, so try a few different options to see what your Yorkie likes best. You should also make sure that the pad is in a convenient location, away from their food and water, and easily accessible for your pup. With consistency and positive reinforcement, your Yorkie will learn to associate the pad with going potty.

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Understanding Your Yorkie’s Habits

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are a small breed of dog that can be trained to use a pad for their potty needs. However, before you can train your Yorkie to use a pad, you need to understand their habits.

Age is an important factor in your Yorkie’s habits. Younger puppies have smaller bladders and need to go more frequently. As they age, they can hold their bladder for longer periods. It is important to take your Yorkie out to pee and poop often, especially when they are younger.

Breed also plays a role in your Yorkie’s habits. Yorkies are known for being stubborn and independent, which can make training them a bit more challenging. However, with patience and consistency, they can be trained to use a pad.

Observing your Yorkie’s habits is crucial to understanding their needs. Pay attention to their behavior, such as sniffing around or circling, which may indicate that they need to go. Also, keep an eye out for any symptoms of illness, such as diarrhea or vomiting, which may require a visit to the vet.

Giving your Yorkie attention and positive reinforcement is also important in training them to use a pad. Praise them when they use the pad correctly and avoid punishing them for accidents.

In conclusion, understanding your Yorkie’s habits is key to successfully training them to use a pad. By taking their age, breed, behavior, and attention into consideration, you can create a positive environment for your furry friend to learn and thrive.

Sources:

• AKC
• PetMD

Preparing for Potty Training

Before you begin potty training your Yorkie, it is important to prepare yourself and your home. Training your furry friend requires patience, consistency, and a positive attitude. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Schedule: Set a regular schedule for your Yorkie to eat, drink, and go potty. This will help your furry friend develop a routine and make it easier for you to predict when they need to go potty.

• Consistency: Use the same spot for your Yorkie to go potty every time. This will help them associate that spot with going potty and make it easier for them to understand where they should go.

• Praise: When your Yorkie goes potty on the pad, give them lots of praise and affection. This will help reinforce their good behavior and encourage them to continue using the pad.

• Treats: Reward your Yorkie with a small treat when they go potty on the pad. This will help motivate them to use the pad and make potty training more enjoyable for both of you.

• Routine: Establish a routine for your Yorkie’s exercise and playtime. This will help them stay active and healthy, and also make it easier for them to go potty when they need to.

• Bones: Give your Yorkie a bone to chew on after they go potty on the pad. This will help them associate going potty with a positive experience and make it more likely that they will continue using the pad.

• Patience: Potty training takes time and patience. Be patient with your furry friend and don’t get frustrated if they have accidents. With time and consistency, they will learn to use the pad.

• Attention: Give your Yorkie plenty of attention and affection. This will help them feel loved and secure, and also make them more likely to follow your commands.

• Diet: Feed your Yorkie a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age and size. This will help keep them healthy and provide them with the nutrients they need.

• Hydration: Make sure your Yorkie has access to plenty of fresh water. This will help keep them hydrated and make it easier for them to go potty on the pad.

Sources:

• Potty Training Your Puppy Timeline and Tips – American Kennel Club
• The Ins and Outs of Potty Pad Training – American Kennel Club

Choosing the Right Pad and Location

When it comes to potty training your Yorkie, choosing the right pad and location is crucial. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Use a pad that is the right size for your Yorkie. A pad that is too small may not provide enough coverage, while a pad that is too large may be difficult for your Yorkie to use.
• Consider the absorbency of the pad. A pad that is too thin may leak, while a pad that is too thick may be uncomfortable for your Yorkie to walk on.
• Choose a pad with a scent that will attract your Yorkie to use it. Some pads are treated with pheromones or other scents that can help encourage your Yorkie to use them.
• Place the pad in a location that is easily accessible to your Yorkie. If your Yorkie is confined to a crate, place the pad inside the crate. If your Yorkie has access to a larger area, place the pad in a location that is easy to find.

Remember, it may take some trial and error to find the right pad and location for your Yorkie. Be patient and keep trying until you find what works best for your furry friend.

Sources:

• The Ins and Outs of Potty Pad Training
• How to Potty Train a Yorkie with Puppy Pads

Teaching Your Yorkie to Use the Pad

Teaching your Yorkie to use the pad requires patience, repetition, and positive reinforcement. Training methods such as crate training and reward-based training can be effective in teaching your furry friend to use the pad.

Start by placing the pad in a designated area and take your Yorkie to the pad frequently, especially after meals and naps. Use a command such as “go potty” to help your Yorkie associate the pad with the desired behavior.

When your Yorkie successfully uses the pad, reward them with praise and treats. Consistency is key, so repeat the process regularly until your Yorkie understands the command and purpose of the pad.

It’s important to avoid punishing your Yorkie for accidents, as this can lead to fear and anxiety. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and redirecting your Yorkie to the pad when accidents occur.

If your Yorkie is struggling to use the pad consistently, consider using a crate to limit their access to the rest of the house. This can help with housetraining and encourage your Yorkie to use the pad when given the opportunity.

Remember to take your Yorkie on regular trips outside to reinforce good potty habits and provide additional opportunities for exercise and play.

Sources:

• American Kennel Club
• PetMD

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your Yorkie is having trouble pooping on the pad, there may be a few common issues to troubleshoot.

First, accidents may happen if your dog is not properly supervised. Make sure you keep a close eye on your pup, especially when they are still learning to use the pad.

Stress can also be a factor in your Yorkie’s bathroom habits. If you notice your dog seems anxious or nervous, try to create a calm environment for them to relieve themselves in.

Punishment is never the answer when it comes to potty training. If your dog has an accident, it’s important to remain patient and positive. Punishing your dog can actually make the problem worse and cause them to become fearful or anxious.

If your Yorkie is having trouble with constipation, it can make it difficult for them to use the pad. To prevent constipation, make sure your dog is getting enough fiber in their diet. Oat bran and pure pumpkin are great sources of fiber that can help keep your pup regular.

Dehydration can also cause constipation, so make sure your dog is drinking enough water. Wet or canned food can also help prevent constipation by adding moisture to your dog’s diet.

If your Yorkie is experiencing digestive issues or bloating, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. They can help diagnose any underlying problems and recommend a treatment plan.

Finally, dental problems can also cause issues with your dog’s bowel movements. Make sure you are regularly brushing your Yorkie’s teeth and taking them for regular dental check-ups.

By troubleshooting these common issues, you can help your Yorkie become more successful in using the pad. Remember to remain patient and positive, and always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Sources:

• American Kennel Club: Dog Constipation
• PetMD: How to Prevent Constipation in Dogs
• Hill’s Pet Nutrition: Dental Care for Dogs

Medical Issues and Potty Training

When it comes to potty training your Yorkie, medical issues may sometimes be the cause of their reluctance to use the pad. Here are some common medical issues that may affect your Yorkie’s potty training process:

• Tumors: Tumors in the rectum can cause pain and discomfort during bowel movements, which can make your Yorkie hesitant to use the pad. If you suspect your Yorkie may have a tumor, consult with a veterinarian immediately.

• Medications: Certain medications can cause constipation or diarrhea, which can make it difficult for your Yorkie to use the pad. Always consult with your veterinarian before administering any medication to your Yorkie.

• Enlarged Prostate: An enlarged prostate can cause difficulty urinating or defecating, which can make your Yorkie avoid the pad. If your Yorkie is displaying signs of difficulty urinating or defecating, consult with a veterinarian immediately.

• Whipworms: Whipworms are parasites that can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues, which can make it difficult for your Yorkie to use the pad. If you suspect your Yorkie may have whipworms, consult with a veterinarian immediately.

• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism can cause a decrease in appetite and hydration, which can affect your Yorkie’s bowel movements. If your Yorkie is displaying signs of decreased appetite or hydration, consult with a veterinarian immediately.

It’s important to note that if your Yorkie is experiencing pain or discomfort during bowel movements, they may associate that discomfort with the pad and avoid using it. In this case, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to address the underlying medical issue.

In addition to addressing any medical issues, it’s important to ensure that your Yorkie is eating a high-quality dog food that promotes healthy bowel movements. Proper hydration is also important for maintaining healthy bowel movements.

Remember, potty training is a process that takes time and patience. With consistency and positive reinforcement, your Yorkie will eventually learn to use the pad.

Kevin "Ken" Davies

My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.