Morkie Potty Training Guide for First-Time Owners

It is a special day when you bring home a Morkie puppy. You know that day is going to be the start of something beautiful—adventure-filled days with plenty of cuddles await. Morkies are the mix between a Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier after all, so both intelligence and affection come naturally to them. However, no matter how smart a dog may be, you need to train them how to do their business outside and not in your living room. That’s why, in this article we’ve put together this Morkie Potty Training Guide, a practical resource packed with strategies for effective housebreaking.

Understanding Your Morkie

The very first step in this Morkie Potty Training Guide is understanding your Morkie. While the breed of a dog can tell you a lot about them, those are all, on a fundamental level, simply generalized opinions based upon observation. Every dog is unique and their temperament varies. Generally, Morkies are intelligent pups that are eager to please their loved ones, so training them using positive reinforcement isn’t too difficult. If yours is being extra stubborn, you might want to consider professional puppy training programs.

Setting the Stage for Success

Alright, let’s get to the matter at hand now. Potty training a pup is extremely important, and while a dog is never too old to learn a new trick, teaching them these good habits early on in their puppyhood is recommended. Pups’ brains are more plastic, so they’re less stubborn and learn new things easier when compared to older dogs who require more patience. However, as you’ll find out, patience is required in both cases.

1. Establish a Routine

Just like people, animals—including dogs—thrive on consistency and discipline, so a routine is quite important. Make it a habit to take your Morkie out first thing in the morning, after meals, naps, and before bedtime. Sprinkle in play sessions in between and take them out after those as well. This may seem excessive on the face of it, but young pups need to relieve themselves every 2–3 hours. This number obviously goes down with age as they learn to control their bladder better. What sticking to this schedule does is make your Morkie make the correlation that when they go out is when they must do their business.

2. Choose a Designated Potty Spot

Having a specific potty spot for your Morkie also greatly helps as it reinforces the behavior. The familiar smell prompts them to do their business and makes it easier for you to clean up as well. And yes, you must absolutely do so as a responsible furry parent.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement

As we stated in the introduction, Morkies are fans of positive reinforcement. Celebrate all success, little or small, with praise, treats, or playtime. Positive reinforcement makes a Morkie want to repeat a desired behavior—but make sure not to reinforce a negative trait unintentionally. Also, do not punish the pup for accidents, for all it will do is make your pup fearful of you and invoke a sense of anxiety upon seeing you. Instead, if they make a mistake, redirect them to the correct spot and reward them when they get it right next time.

Indoor Training Options for Morkie Potty Training

Sometimes, it isn’t possible to go outside very often. Perhaps you live in a region that frequently experiences bad weather, and other days, the living conditions might not allow for the same. In that admittedly niche situation, you’d have to rely on puppy pads or artificial grass patches. You need to place these in a consistent location and guide your Morkie to them regularly. The same consistency and positive reinforcement as discussed throughout this Morkie Potty Training Guide are needed.

We do, however, say that artificial grass patches can be extremely messy and not the easiest to clean, so it is just best to take your pup outside. Doggy raincoats do exist!

Crate Training: A Helpful Tool

This may not jump out as obvious, but crate training actually can be very beneficial for potty training dogs. You see, dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping areas, and a crate is usually exactly that—an appropriately sized safe place where the dog goes to chill and which is big enough for their comfort but not so spacious that they can eliminate in one corner and sleep in the other. So, when you cannot supervise your Morkie, you can put them in a crate during that time. Increase the duration as they gain your trust and become more comfortable with it. As your pup adjusts, you can gradually increase their crate stay duration based on their age and comfort level.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Inconsistent Schedule: Stick to a routine to help your Morkie understand expectations.

Lack of Supervision: Keep a close eye on your puppy, especially during the early stages.

Negative Reinforcement: Focus on positive reinforcement to build trust and encourage desired behaviors.

Final Thoughts

Potty training your Morkie requires patience, consistency, and a positive attitude. By understanding their needs and providing clear guidance, you'll set the foundation for a well-behaved and happy companion. This Morkie Potty Training Guide aims to make the journey smoother, especially for first-time owners. Remember, every puppy is unique, celebrates progress and stays committed to the journey.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Morkie?

Potty training duration varies, but with consistent effort, most Morkies can be reliably trained within 4–6 months.

Can I Train My Morkie to Use a Litter Box?

Yes, some owners successfully train their Morkies to use a litter box, especially in apartments. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key.

What If My Morkie Regresses in Their Training?

Regression can occur due to changes in routine or environment. Reinforce training basics and maintain consistency to get back on track.

Must-Read Related Articles

Want to become a more confident and prepared puppy parent? These helpful reads are perfect for your journey;

• How to Care for a Morkie Puppy: A Complete Guide

• Common Morkie Health Issues & How to Prevent Them

• Training Older Dogs: Advanced Techniques for Senior Dogs

• How to Stop a Puppy from Peeing in the Crate?

• Morkie vs Yorkie: The Ultimate Comparison for Small Dog Lovers