Yorkies are a small breed of dog that are popular for a few different reasons. For starters, it is quite small and easy to manage. There are some questions about potty training, one of which involves litter boxes.

Can you train your Yorkie to use a litter box? Here is what you need to know about the potential as well as the pros and cons involved in using this method.

Can You Train a Yorkie to Use a Litter Box?

Smaller breeds of dog are quite similar to cats in a couple of ways. One of them is the fact that you can litter box train them effectively. Of course, this is also true of smaller breeds such as Maltese, Shih-Tzus, and more.

For smaller breeds, litter box training can be a great thing because it’s easier to manage. This is largely due to the fact that they have smaller droppings than just about any other breed of dog. Just think about the various pros and cons of using this method.

Pro: It’s Convenient

Of the litter box training of a Yorkie pros and cons, this is perhaps the biggest pro. You can have the peace of mind in knowing that they can go whenever they need to and you don’t have to gather things up to bring them outside.

Training them on a litter box can also give you the peace of mind in knowing that there should be no accidents. If you need to leave the house for any period of time, you know that they are covered. Creating a schedule can be a good way to keep the surprises to a minimum, too.

Con: It Only Works for Small Breeds

Since we are talking about the Yorkie in this instance, it all works out. But one thing to keep in mind is that litter box training only works with smaller breeds. The boxes are naturally small and they just would not accommodate a larger breed.

If your dog is pushing 20 pounds or more, this method just isn’t going to work. The waste will be too big and the mess created will likely become a huge issue.

Pro: Easy for the Dog

A lot of smaller breeds seem to struggle with the ability to go outside for their potty needs. For the most part, this has to do more with metabolism and the size of their bladder as opposed to their intelligence levels. No matter how you cut it, litter box training can be a lot easier for smaller breeds than trying to get them to master going outside.

Not only that, the litter box is far more accessible to smaller breeds. So, whenever they have the urge to go potty, they don’t have to cry or get your attention, go outside, find their spot, and go. They can simply go to their litter box, do their business, and move on with their lives.

Cons: Digging

Some dogs are natural diggers while others aren’t. Part of knowing whether or not litter box training will work depends on your dog directly. If your dog is a natural digger, then litter box training may not be the best course of action for your dog.

Think about it like this: for a digger, the litter box can be akin to being in a sandbox. There are so many spots in which they can dig, which can make it seem like a fun thing for your dog. It won’t, however, result in a lot of fun for you.

Frequent digging can make the litter go everywhere. After the first couple of sessions, you will be over having to clean up the litter. Just know what kind of activities your dog likes to partake in before committing to the litter box training method.

Pros: Easy for Owners

Owners of smaller breeds tend to go in that direction because they are far more easily manageable. Litter box training isn’t hard to master, especially when compared to getting your dog to go outside in a designated potty spot.

That, in turn, makes life easier for their owners. There is a far lesser chance of accidents, which is a major selling point. But on top of that, both the litter and litter boxes are easier to clean and manage than finding a designated potty spot.

You can go to any local pet store or even order from your favorite online spot. Having litter delivered right to your door can be the most convenient thing possible.

Conclusion

There is a lot to like about training your Yorkie to use a litter box. The litter box training of a yorkie pros and cons can be a good indicator of what you can come to expect. The pros typically outweigh the cons though each dog can be different even of the same breed.

You can gain greater convenience from being able to simply let them use the box and scooping out their droppings. If you need to leave them at home for an extended period of time, it can also give you confidence in knowing that you can keep them from having accidents around the house.