Are Yorkie Poos Easy to Potty Train?
Yorkie Poos are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them fairly easy to potty train with consistency and patience. Their small size means they need frequent potty breaks, especially as puppies. Creating a routine, using crate training, and rewarding good behavior can speed up the process. Challenges like stubbornness, stress, and indoor accidents are normal but manageable. Most Yorkie Poos can be house trained in 3 to 6 months with the right approach. Starting early, staying consistent, and understanding their needs is key to success.
Potty training a new puppy is often the first big challenge for any dog owner. If you're thinking about bringing home a Yorkie Poo, a charming mix of a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle, you’re probably wondering: Are Yorkie Poos easy to potty train?
The short answer is yes, but it really depends on consistency, patience, and getting to know their unique personality.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to set realistic expectations and build a potty training routine that works for your Yorkie Poo.
What Affects a Yorkie Poo’s Potty Training Success?
Intelligence and Trainability
Yorkie Poos are intelligent dogs, inheriting smarts from both parent breeds. Their Poodle lineage makes them quick learners, which helps with housebreaking. However, their Yorkshire Terrier side can be a bit stubborn, so early and consistent training is crucial.
Tip: Keep sessions short and fun to maintain their interest.
Size and Bladder Capacity
Since Yorkie Poos are small dogs (especially teacup varieties), their bladders are also tiny. This means they’ll need to go potty more often. Sometimes every 1–2 hours during puppyhood.
If you're raising a particularly small Yorkie Poo, you might want to read more about the Teacup Yorkie lifespan to understand long-term care and behavior expectations.
Routine and Consistency
Establishing a consistent routine is key to success. Puppies thrive on structure. Take your Yorkie Poo out:
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First thing in the morning
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After meals
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After naps
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Before bedtime
Reward them with praise or treats immediately after they go outside to reinforce the behavior.
Common Potty Training Challenges with Yorkie Poos
Stubborn Streaks
Some Yorkie Poos may test boundaries or get distracted easily. Their terrier instincts can make them a bit headstrong.
If you're facing difficulty getting your pup to listen, refer to Everything You Need to Know About Yorkie Poo Training for step-by-step obedience tips that reinforce potty training.
Anxiety or Nervousness
A nervous Yorkie Poo may have accidents indoors due to stress or overstimulation. Loud noises, new environments, or being left alone too long can trigger this.
You can use techniques from our guide on How to Help Your Yorkie Overcome Nervousness to create a calm, secure space that supports successful housebreaking.
Accidents Indoors
Accidents are normal during the learning phase. Never punish your Yorkie Poo after the fact—it only creates fear. Instead, clean the area thoroughly and continue reinforcing positive behavior.
Tips to Potty Train Your Yorkie Poo Faster
Use crate training: Dogs avoid soiling where they sleep. A crate can be a helpful tool when used correctly.
Take frequent potty breaks: Especially after food, naps, and play.
Choose a designated potty spot: Familiar scents help them associate the area with the correct behavior.
Reward success instantly: Praise and treats right after they potty outside are very effective.
Stick to a feeding schedule: This helps you predict when they’ll need to go.
How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Yorkie Poo?
Every puppy is different, but with consistent training, many Yorkie Poos can be reliably potty trained in 3 to 6 months. However, it’s important to remember that setbacks are normal, especially during growth spurts or transitions.
Does Age Matter in Potty Training?
Yes. Starting training as early as 8 weeks old can give you the best results. Older Yorkie Poos can still be trained, but it may take a bit longer if they’ve developed bad habits or weren’t trained previously.
Are Yorkie Poos Easy to Potty Train Compared to Other Breeds?
Generally, Yorkie Poos are easier to train than other small breeds thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please. However, they do require consistent routines and positive reinforcement.
If you’re also wondering “Do Yorkie Poos bark a lot?”, the answer is yes—if not trained properly. You can learn more in Do Yorkie Poos Bark a Lot to avoid bark-triggered accidents from overexcitement or stress.
Final Thoughts: Are They Right for You?
If you're willing to invest time in structured training and be patient with your Yorkie Poo, then yes—they are absolutely trainable. With a little persistence and a lot of praise, your pup will quickly learn where to go potty and be a well-behaved companion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Yorkie Poos hard to potty train?
Not necessarily. Their intelligence makes them quick learners, but their small size requires frequent breaks and patience.
At what age should I start potty training my Yorkie Poo?
Start as early as 8 weeks old, when they are more receptive to routines.
Can crate training help with potty training?
Yes. Crate training is a highly effective method to prevent accidents and teach bladder control.
What if my Yorkie Poo has frequent accidents?
Stay consistent and evaluate stress factors. Also, rule out medical issues with a vet if accidents persist.
How long can Yorkie Poos hold their bladder?
Puppies can typically hold their bladder for one hour per month of age. Adult Yorkie Poos can manage around 6–8 hours but should still be let out regularly.