Crate training is one of the best ways to provide your Yorkshire Terrier with a safe and comfortable space while also helping with potty training, preventing destructive behavior, and reducing separation anxiety.
When done correctly, the crate becomes a positive and secure place where your Yorkie feels relaxed and comfortable—never a punishment.
This guide will teach you how to properly crate train your Yorkie step by step for a stress-free experience.
Why Should You Crate Train a Yorkie?
✔ Helps with potty training – Yorkies don’t like to soil their sleeping area.
✔ Reduces destructive behavior – Prevents chewing on furniture or getting into dangerous situations.
✔ Provides a safe space – Helps reduce stress during travel, vet visits, or loud events (fireworks, thunderstorms).
✔ Eases separation anxiety – A crate can make them feel more secure when alone.
Choosing the Right Crate for a Yorkshire Terrier
🐶 Size: The crate should be big enough for your Yorkie to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so big that they can use one corner as a potty area.
✔ Best size: Around 24 inches (61 cm) in length.
🐶 Type:
✔ Plastic crate – Great for travel and providing a cozy, enclosed space.
✔ Wire crate – Provides ventilation and visibility, and can be covered with a blanket for a den-like feel.
✔ Soft-sided crate – Best for calm Yorkies and travel situations.
🐶 Accessories:
✔ Soft blankets or a cushion for comfort.
✔ A chew toy or a favorite stuffed animal.
✔ A water bowl or dispenser (especially for longer crate time).
Step-by-Step Guide to Crate Training a Yorkshire Terrier
Step 1: Introduce the Crate Positively
✔ Place the crate in a quiet, comfortable area where your Yorkie spends time.
✔ Keep the door open and add treats, toys, or a soft blanket inside.
✔ Let them explore at their own pace—never force them inside.
Step 2: Encourage Your Yorkie to Enter the Crate
✔ Toss treats inside or feed meals in the crate.
✔ Use a calm and happy voice to encourage them to enter.
✔ Praise them when they step inside, but don’t close the door yet.
Step 3: Close the Door Briefly
✔ Once they enter comfortably, close the door for a few seconds while they eat a treat.
✔ Open the door before they get anxious—the goal is to create a positive experience.
✔ Gradually increase the closed-door time as they get more comfortable.
Step 4: Extend Crate Time Slowly
✔ Start with 5-10 minutes and gradually increase to 30 minutes while you’re in the room.
✔ Give a special chew toy or Kong to keep them occupied inside.
✔ Stay nearby so they feel safe and associate the crate with relaxation.
Step 5: Leave the Room Briefly
✔ Once they’re calm inside for 30 minutes, step out of the room for a few minutes.
✔ If they whine, wait until they’re quiet before letting them out—this teaches patience.
✔ Increase alone time gradually until they can stay comfortably in the crate for up to 2–3 hours.
How Long Can a Yorkie Stay in a Crate?
🐶 Puppies (2–6 months): 1–2 hours at a time.
🐶 Adults (6+ months): Up to 4 hours during the day, 6–7 hours at night.
✔ Never leave a Yorkie crated all day—they need potty breaks, exercise, and social time.
Common Crate Training Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the crate as punishment – It should be a safe, happy place.
- Leaving them inside for too long – This can cause anxiety and frustration.
- Letting them out while they’re whining – This reinforces bad behavior.
- Skipping gradual training – Rushing the process can lead to fear of the crate.
With patience and consistency, crate training will help your Yorkie feel secure and comfortable in their own space. Soon, they’ll love their crate as their little personal den! 🐶✨
