New Yorkie Mom
 

I just brought home my first yorkie Gracie. Her previous owner could not care for her or potty train her and she left her at the groomer. She is a year old and was born with a deformed leg, I am Gracie's 3rd owner. I would like to hear everyone's potty training advice. Thank You!

WELCOME TO YT! You have a heart of gold for taking in precious Gracie. Now, for the potty training. First, set a predictable schedule. Since you are starting from scratch, it would be best to take her out every 2 to 3 hours, just to allow her to develop the idea that potty is outside (or piddle pad) only. Set her up for success and she'll quickly catch on. Make it predictable so she learns to anticipate the outings. As time goes on, and she's not having any accidents, you can extend the time between potty breaks.

Welcome to YT.
How awful for her old owner to just leave her at the groomers :(
Glad she has found a loving furever home with you x

That's so nice of you. Put in a little work, and you'll be rewarded with a lifetime of love.

I agree with DvlshAngel985 (now that's a first! :p). The predictable pattern will make it a lot easier. Mine go out within minutes of their meals, then they get walks at two regular times during the day. And when she goes outside, PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE and give her her favorite treats.

Also, don't scold for failures. If you catch her in the act, a simple NO followed by a trip outside is good enough. If you don't catch her in the act, roll up a newspaper -- and swat yourself in the head. It's your fault! But seriously, if you don't catch her in the act, it's too late even for a NO.

You might also seriously consider limiting her freedom to save your carpet while she's learning. Set up an X-pen in the house with her bed on one side and a pee pad on the other. Continue to take her out at regular intervals, but at least if she makes a mistake in there your carpet doesn't suffer.

Let her earn her freedom. Once she starts using the pee pad -- or holding it for the trip outside, you can expand her territory. Once she's fully trained, she can have the run of the house if you want.

Good luck! You've done a great thing.

C'mon Mike, you know you LUV me!! :D

I'll never admit it. I have a *bad* reputation to keep.

Hello and Welcome to YorkieTalk. Sounds like you are getting excellent potty advice, so just want to say Bless You for the Rescue! :D