Morkies, also called Yorkteses, crosses between a Maltese and a Yorkshire terrier, are adorable, but the messes they can create aren’t. Housebreaking them can be difficult only because the puppies are so small. It can be difficult for owners to see when their puppies are squatting to eliminate as opposed to just sitting.

Why is this important? Because as soon as an owner sees a puppy squatting, they need to scoop the puppy up and take him or her to the designated toilet area. It’s even better to take the puppy out when he or she is showing signs that eliminating is immanent. Puppies often walk in small circles, sniffing the ground in order to find just the right place to urinate or defecate.

Starting Off Right

Morkie puppies that are old enough to leave their mothers (about eight weeks) are old enough to learn where and when it is appropriate for them to eliminate. You can help get your puppy off on the right track on the very first day. Before the puppy comes home, decide where the puppy will toilet. Puppies usually have to urinate after a car ride.

Place the puppy right where you want him or her to toilet. Make sure the puppy has a collar and lead on if you are outside and not in a fenced yard. Wait until the puppy squats. Since toy-sized puppies like Morkies are so small, they have small bladders so you should only have to wait a few minutes.

Housebreaking Schedule

Setting up a routine for your Morkie puppy not only helps with training but with housebreaking. Puppies will need to urinate or defecate after they wake up from a long sleep, after playtime and after eating. Puppies also need to go during their walks, so be sure to give your puppy at least one walk per day. Only walk until the puppy starts to pant.

Puppies are like small children in that they do not have reliable bladder and bowel control. They need to go about every two hours until they are about four months old. At this time they can often sleep at least six hours.