YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - View Single Post - Needing advice .. New owners of an older Yorkie

FirstYorkie · 12-20-2005, 07:19 AM

Hi Amy and Welcome!

Debbie's right. A thorough vet check is in order.

As far as housebreaking, try not to get too frustrated. I'm betting that he WILL eventually get it, but it may take some time. One thing I wondered about: when they said he was "trained", could they have meant that he's trained to go on paper or pee pads?

The fact that he's been roaming the streets may actually work in your favor as far as housebreaking - it means that he's used to going outside. Now, you just have to figure out why he won't go outside at your house. Here's a few thoughts:
1) are you taking him out on a leash? Some dogs strongly object to pottying while on a leash if they aren't used to it.
2) the fact that you are standing there watching him may bother him. You do want to stay out with him so that you can "catch" him doing it right and immediately reward, but try using calming signals. Turn slightly away from him and don't make eye contact with him. Just watch out of the corner of your eye. Yawn occasionally. In other words, act bored with the whole process. You don't want your presence to be threatening to him.
3) you may have to stay out with him for a looooong time. If you do, he will eventually have to go.
4) when he's in the act of doing it right, quietly say "go potty" or whatever you want your command to be so that he learns what the command means. The second that he finishes, it's party time!!! Lavish praise! Act like he's the smartest/best dog in the whole world. Immediately give a special treat - a small piece of cheese or meat (be sure you take treats out with you so that there's no delay between appropriate pottying and treat-time).
5) last, NEVER punish or yell at him for going in the house! You don't want him to think that it isn't safe to potty when you are around. If you catch him in the act, say "No" and whisk him outside to finish. If you find evidence of a previous accident, say nothing, quietly clean it up, and vow to watch him closer next time! Keep him contained close to you in the house so that you can watch him like a hawk. Some people even recommend keeping them leashed to you so that they can't sneak off and potty without you knowing it.

Sorry this is so long. Hopefully, you'll be able to pick out something that will help!

Good luck!

12-20-2005, 07:19 AM	#3
FirstYorkie YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: American in London Posts: 1,739	Hi Amy and Welcome! Debbie's right. A thorough vet check is in order. As far as housebreaking, try not to get too frustrated. I'm betting that he WILL eventually get it, but it may take some time. One thing I wondered about: when they said he was "trained", could they have meant that he's trained to go on paper or pee pads? The fact that he's been roaming the streets may actually work in your favor as far as housebreaking - it means that he's used to going outside. Now, you just have to figure out why he won't go outside at your house. Here's a few thoughts: 1) are you taking him out on a leash? Some dogs strongly object to pottying while on a leash if they aren't used to it. 2) the fact that you are standing there watching him may bother him. You do want to stay out with him so that you can "catch" him doing it right and immediately reward, but try using calming signals. Turn slightly away from him and don't make eye contact with him. Just watch out of the corner of your eye. Yawn occasionally. In other words, act bored with the whole process. You don't want your presence to be threatening to him. 3) you may have to stay out with him for a looooong time. If you do, he will eventually have to go. 4) when he's in the act of doing it right, quietly say "go potty" or whatever you want your command to be so that he learns what the command means. The second that he finishes, it's party time!!! Lavish praise! Act like he's the smartest/best dog in the whole world. Immediately give a special treat - a small piece of cheese or meat (be sure you take treats out with you so that there's no delay between appropriate pottying and treat-time). 5) last, NEVER punish or yell at him for going in the house! You don't want him to think that it isn't safe to potty when you are around. If you catch him in the act, say "No" and whisk him outside to finish. If you find evidence of a previous accident, say nothing, quietly clean it up, and vow to watch him closer next time! Keep him contained close to you in the house so that you can watch him like a hawk. Some people even recommend keeping them leashed to you so that they can't sneak off and potty without you knowing it. Sorry this is so long. Hopefully, you'll be able to pick out something that will help! Good luck!