Despite their small size, Yorkshire Terriers can create significant mess. If you’ve recently welcomed one of these tiny and curious dogs into your household, you should consider crate training as soon as possible to safeguard your pup, keep them out of mischief, and avoid discovering small mishaps throughout your residence.
In this guide, we will demonstrate the process of training a Yorkie puppy in a crate.
How to crate train a Yorkie puppy
Step 1: Set up your Yorkie’s crate
It may be tempting to purchase a large crate for your dog that offers ample space for playing and many toys, but this is not the appropriate method for crate training.
To ensure our goal is not hindered, it’s important that your Yorkie’s crate is spacious enough for them to stand up and turn around comfortably, but not large enough to allow them to designate separate areas for sleeping and using the restroom. This will both keep them secure and prevent any counterproductive behavior.
If you’re thinking about how to get a crate that’s compact enough for a small Yorkshire Terrier puppy, you’ll be relieved to know that a lot of dog crates have adjustable partitions, which enable you to reduce the space for younger canines and expand it as they get bigger.
Ensure that you position the crate in a part of your house that is busy to avoid making your puppy feel more alone than they already are. During the initial stages of training, it is preferable for your pup to have a clear view of you while inside the crate. Nevertheless, Brandon McMillan, a dog trainer, advises that the crate should as well be near the door to allow quickly leashing your pup and getting them out to the yard after opening the crate. Any delay may lead to accidents.
To ensure your canine is comfortable and has some entertainment, it is recommended that you include a cozy and easy-to-clean dog bed, a blanket, and a couple of toys like a companion or chew toy. It’s also advisable to have some treats prepared, but it’s best to keep them aside until your furry friend is settled in. Additionally, if the crate doesn’t come with a detachable tray, lining the bottom with a puppy pad is a must.
After completing the necessary preparations, you may proceed to the following instructions.
Step 2: Determine your pup’s potty schedule
To successfully crate train your dog, it is important to have a consistent schedule and be mindful of timing. It is crucial to understand your dog’s bladder capacity beforehand, so you can take them outside preemptively to prevent accidents.
Typically, puppies can hold their bladder for roughly one hour per month of their age, with a maximum of eight hours. As an example, a 2-month old puppy would require being taken outside a minimum of every two hours. Nevertheless, you should tweak your routine accordingly depending on your dog’s behavior and be prepared for unforeseen mishaps at the start.
After determining the approximate time frame during which your puppy can hold it between bathroom breaks, you may divide this period into periods devoted to play and rest before taking him out once more.
Step 3: Take your pup to the bathroom
When beginning the training, wait until your puppy needs to use the bathroom, then ensure that their bladder is mostly empty before bringing them indoors.
Step 4: Tire out your puppy
To keep your Yorkie happy while in the crate, it’s essential to ensure they are tired. Once you’ve taken them for a bathroom break, engage them in activities like playing fetch or tug-of-war, going for a walk, or roughhousing to use up their energy.
At present, your pup is least likely to have an accident, so you may permit them to investigate the house to some extent. However, monitor them attentively to ensure they do not chew on anything they should not.
The duration of playtime depends on your pup’s stamina and your ability to monitor them (using a bigger puppy playpen or dog gate can simplify supervision). Nevertheless, due to their quick growth, puppies require frequent breaks, so when you notice your furry companion beginning to settle in for some shut-eye, transfer them to the crate.
Step 5: Put your Yorkie in the crate
When you first acquaint your Yorkie with the crate, ensure you provide ample time for them to explore and sniff. If feasible, encourage your Yorkie to enter the crate voluntarily and offer them praises for their cooperation.
As time passes, it is recommended that you teach your Yorkie using a concise cue, such as “crate,” and award them with a low-calorie training treat upon obeying. This is crucial since Yorkie puppies have a limited daily caloric consumption, and you’ll likely offer numerous treats while they learn.
Position yourself beside the crate with its door ajar, allowing your dog to come and go as they please. While initially challenging to keep them in place, a comfortable bed will eventually entice them to settle down.
Once your dog becomes at ease with resting inside the crate, shut the door and sit nearby, so they feel included. Your furry friend might whimper, but avoid letting them out right away. It’s crucial for them to realize that crate time is necessary, and whining only indicates their need for a potty break.
It could take some weeks to reach this stage, however, at last, you’ll desire to close the door and step aside a bit, maybe to another room. The objective is to attain the level where you can depart from home for a brief duration such as for a short errand and slowly extend that time to a couple of hours. But be sure to not keep your dog in the crate beyond its scheduled next bathroom break.
As previously stated, wearing out your puppy and providing them with a chew toy can greatly benefit their experience in the crate. However, if you are lucky enough to have access to the mother of the puppy, placing a strand of her hair in the crate may provide comfort to young pups during crate time.
Step 6: Praise your pup for braving the crate and take them outside
Once your puppy indicates its need to relieve itself, or when it wakes up from a nap and appears ready to engage in activities, you should give it a treat to acknowledge its good behavior when letting it out of its crate.
Providing your dog with a treat prior to and after being in their crate reinforces the idea for them that the crate is not something to fear or dislike. As a result, numerous dogs develop a fondness for their crate and view it as a secure space to nap or chew on toys.
Once you have commended the puppy, lead them directly to their pee pad or outdoor potty spot. From here, the countdown for the next crate cycle session will commence.
BONUS: Dog Training 101: How to Completely Train Your Dog
Do you want to begin teaching your canine friend? One of the fundamental needs of your dog is having the appropriate socialization and training. It’s crucial to commence your dog’s training at the earliest possible time to teach them how to sit, stay, come, go to their crate, and to relieve themselves outside. Surprisingly, even if you’re a novice, it’s something you can handle by yourself.
Inexperienced dog owners may feel intimidated by the prospect of training their pets, as it is a significant endeavor. However, breaking the training process down into manageable steps can alleviate much of the stress. The following details can serve as a starting point:
- Start a Dog Obedience Program : Learn how to set a basic foundation before you begin to train your dog.
- Train Your Dog Using Games : Training your dog should be fun! Everyone knows it’s easier to learn when you are having a good time, so try implementing some games into your dog training regimen.
- Six Weeks to a Well-Trained Dog : Using this schedule as a guide, you can teach your dog the basics in about six weeks.
- Positive Reinforcement : There are many different ways to train a dog, but most dog professionals agree that the positive way is the best for both the dog and trainer.
House Training and Crate Training
House training, also known as housebreaking or potty training, is essential if you don’t want to keep your dog outside, which is not recommended for most owners. As a result, teaching your dog where to eliminate is critical, and it should be one of the first things you focus on. Crate training can be a beneficial component of this training, as well as many other types of training.
- Crate Training Dogs and Puppies : Here are the basics of training your dog or puppy to accept and even enjoy the crate. Not only will it help with housebreaking, but it will also give your dog a place of his own.
- How to House Train your Dog : When it comes down to it, house training is not that complicated, but this doesn’t mean it’s easy. Consistency and diligence are key during the housebreaking process.
- Submissive/Excitement Urination in Dogs : If your dog is still having accidents in the house, it may be more than a simple housebreaking issue. Your dog might urinate out of excitement or to express submissive behavior.
Leash Training Dogs and Puppies
It is important to train dogs to walk on a leash because many places have leash regulations and it may also be crucial for the dog’s safety. It is essential to acquaint your dog with the leash and teach them how to walk appropriately on it, even when biking together. By training your dog how to walk while keeping the leash loose, it helps prevent them from pulling or lunging, resulting in a more pleasant experience for both the dog and owner.
How To Socialize Dogs and Puppies
To socialize your puppy or adult dog, you must expose them to new people, animals, and places in order to help them become accustomed to these things. Dogs that are socialized are less likely to exhibit behavioral problems and are generally accepted by others. Additionally, socialization is helpful in preventing the development of fears and phobias.
In essence, acquainting your dog or puppy with others will result in increased happiness and better behavior.
Clicker Training for Dogs
The usage of clicker training, which is a popular positive reinforcement technique, is an uncomplicated and potent way of training dogs. Although it is not mandatory to use clicker training while training dogs, several individuals discover it beneficial. By using clicker training, it is a breeze to instruct dogs on basic and complex commands and tricks efficiently. Learning how to train your dog using a clicker is a quick and effortless process.
Basic Commands and Fun Tricks
Every dog should be familiar with certain dog training commands and tricks such as come, speak, drop it, stay, back up, and more. These fundamental commands provide your dog with structure and assist in addressing typical dog behavioral issues while also ensuring your dog’s safety.
Advanced Dog Training
After your dog becomes proficient in all the fundamental skills, you may contemplate advancing to more challenging stunts. These exercises will help your dog remain agile, healthy, and mentally engaged. Additionally, they will enhance the connection you have with your four-legged friend.
It is crucial to bear in mind that dog training is a continuous procedure and does not have a definitive end. It is essential to continue working on obedience training for the entirety of your dog’s life. Much like how individuals who learn a language at a young age but then cease to use it may forget the language with age, dogs also need to practice their training consistently, or they risk losing their skills. Repeating even the simplest commands and tricks can help the dog maintain their knowledge. Additionally, spending time with your dog while training them is a wonderful way to bond.
