Yorkshire Terriers, often affectionately called Yorkies, are charming and energetic little dogs known for their charm. As a happy Yorkie owner, you’ll want to make sure your furry friend stays happy and healthy. One of the important aspects of caring for Yorkies is ensuring that they get enough toilet breaks. In this article, we will look at how often you should take your Yorkie outside to pee, taking into account various factors such as age and individual needs.
Understanding your Yorkie’s needs
Before we delve into specific recommendations for different age groups, it is important to understand the basic needs and characteristics of Yorkshire Terriers. Yorkies are small dogs, typically weighing 4 to 7 pounds (1.8 to 3.2 kilograms) and standing 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 centimeters) tall at the shoulder. Because of their diminutive size, they have relatively small bladders and fast metabolisms, which means they may need to visit the toilet more often than larger breeds.
Yorkshire terriers are also known for their liveliness and activity. They love to play and explore, which keeps them distracted and oblivious to the need to relieve themselves. That’s why it’s important to establish a consistent toilet break routine to prevent indoor accidents.
Rules for keeping Yorkie puppies
Puppies are a source of energy and curiosity, and Yorkie puppies are no exception. When it comes to housebreaking Yorkie puppies, patience and consistency are key. Here are general guidelines for how often you should take your Yorkie puppy outside to pee:
1. Age: 8-12 weeks
At this stage, Yorkie puppies have small bladders and limited control over urination. You should try to take your Yorkie puppy outside to pee at least every 2-3 hours during the day. Be sure to take them out after eating, playing, sleeping and before going to bed.
2. Age: 12-16 weeks
As your Yorkie puppy grows, his bladder capacity increases and he can hold his urine a little longer. You can gradually increase the time between toilets to every 3-4 hours during the day. However, continue to remove them after meals and before bed.
3. Age: 16-20 weeks
At this point, your Yorkie puppy should be able to hold his urine for about 4-5 hours during the day. Be sure to stick to a consistent schedule, taking them in the morning, after meals, and before bed.
4. Age: 20 weeks and older
When a Yorkie puppy reaches 20 weeks, he will be able to hold his bladder for up to 6 hours during the day. You can gradually reduce the frequency of visits to the toilet, but always prefer them after meals and before bed.
Keep in mind that puppies have different needs at night. It is important to take your Yorkie puppy outside to urinate before bed and once during the night, usually after about 3-4 hours, until he is 4-6 months old. As they get older, they will develop better control and be able to sleep through the night without needing a potty break.
Recommendations for adult Yorkies
Adult Yorkies have better bladder control than puppies, but they still need regular toilet breaks. Here’s a guide to how often you should take your adult Yorkie outside to pee:
1. Age: from 6 months to 2 years
At this stage, your Yorkie is considered an adult. You can usually take them outside to pee every 4-6 hours during the day. Stick to a consistent schedule and continue to take them after meals and at bedtime.
2. Age: 2 years and older
By the time your Yorkie reaches adulthood, his bladder control should be well established. You can adjust the frequency of visiting the toilet every 6-8 hours during the day. However, always prefer to take them in the morning, after meals and before going to bed.
Recommendations for summer Yorkers
Older Yorkies, like all older dogs, may experience changes in bladder control as they age. It is important to be attentive to their needs and adapt as needed. Here’s a guide to how often you should take your older Yorkie outside to pee:
1. Age: from 7 years
Older Yorkies may have impaired bladder control compared to younger dogs. You should take them outside to pee every 4-6 hours during the day, just like adult Yorkies. However, watch them closely for any signs of incontinence or difficulty holding their bladder. If you notice any problems, contact your veterinarian for recommendations and possible treatment options.
2. Special considerations
Older Yorkies may also need to use the toilet more frequently at night than adult dogs. Consider taking them outside for a nightly potty break before bed and once during the night, usually around 4-6 hours.
Signs that your Yorkie needs to go outside
Understanding your Yorkie’s body language and cues is critical to preventing indoor accidents. Here are some common signs that your Yorkie needs to go outside to pee:
- Trouble: If your Yorkie suddenly becomes restless and can’t calm down, it could be a sign that he needs to relieve himself.
- Sniffing and circling: Yorkies often sniff the ground and circle before urinating. If you notice your dog exhibiting this behavior indoors, this is a clear sign that he needs to go outside.
- Whining or barking: Some Yorkies will vocalize when they need to get out. If your dog starts whining or barking, pay attention and take him outside immediately.
- Walks near the door: If your Yorkie stands at the door and paws or scratches at it, they are probably signaling that they need to go outside.
- Squats or leg raises: If your Yorkie starts squatting down or lifting his leg as if he wants to urinate indoors, quickly move him outside to a special potty.
- Sniffs or paws at you: Some Yorkies will approach their owners and give them cues, such as sniffing or pawing, to let them know they need to go outside.
Establishing a bathroom routine
Consistency is key when it comes to housebreaking your Yorkie, regardless of his age. Here are some tips for creating a successful bathroom routine:
- Set the schedule: Create a consistent routine for toilet breaks. Take your Yorkie outside to pee at the same times every day, such as in the morning, after meals, during playtime, and before bed.
- Use a specially designated place for the pot: Choose a specific spot in your yard where you want your Yorkie to go potty. Using the same spot each time will help them associate it with bathroom breaks.
- Praise and reward: When your Yorkie successfully pees outside, be sure to praise him and offer a small treat as a reward. Positive reinforcement encourages good behavior.
- Control food and water: Pay attention to the Yorkie’s food and water intake. If you know when they have eaten or drunk water, you can predict when they are most likely to need to go outside.
- Watch carefully for: Keep a close eye on your Yorkie, especially in the early stages of breaking. This will help you spot any signs that they need to go outside before an accident happens indoors.
- Be patient: Housebreaking can take time and accidents are bound to happen, especially with puppies. Be patient and don’t scold your Yorkie for accidents, as this can cause anxiety and complicate the process.
- Promptly eliminate accidents: If accidents do happen indoors, clean it up immediately and thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner. This helps remove odor and prevents your Yorkie from returning to the same spot.
- Use a leash: When taking your Yorkie outside to pee, use a leash to keep him focused on the task at hand. This prevents them from getting distracted and wandering off.
Conclusion
Taking your Yorkie outside to pee is an important part of responsible dog ownership. Understanding your Yorkie’s age and specific needs is critical to determining how often he should go outside. Whether you have a playful puppy, an active adult, or an older companion, following a consistent routine and paying attention to their cues will help ensure a happy and accident-free life for your beloved Yorkshire Terrier. Remember that every dog is unique, so be prepared to adjust the rules to suit your Yorkie’s needs and preferences. With love, patience and proper training, your Yorkie will become a well-behaved and well-behaved member of your family.
