We begin all our Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese puppies on housetraining. We start with litter box or paper training. We purchase the Second Nature Litter made by the Purina Company from PetSmart or PetCo. It is a 70 % recycled paper-based pellet made for toy breed dogs. The litter is treated to attract the pups and reduce odor. The dog litter pans are made for dogs and come in three sizes. We also like the houstraining pads, there are many brands on the market. The pads have a plastic sheet on the bottom to prevent leaks and absorbent top layers with a scent to attract your Yorkie/Maltese puppy.

If you prefer your Yorkie or Maltese puppy to potty outside, then you should begin a strict housetraining regime when the pup comes home. You must keep the Yorkie/Maltese puppy in his own little area when you are not watching over him. That first week home you should take the pup outside, thru the same door to the same exact spot in the yard and everyone in the house should use the same exact word for potty. Consistency is the key to success in housetraining. At first, take the puppy out about every hour or so. Always take your puppy out following meals, when he wakes, after playing, and when he is excited. Do not talk while he is thinking about doing his business, simply give a one word command. The talking distracts him and he forgets why you came outside. The world is a very intersting place for your puppy. YOU MUST GO WITH THE PUPPY OUTSIDE, do not push him out the door and expect that he knows why he is out there. He may be afraid or simply go off and play. When he has gone potty as you have requested, praise praise praise him. Give him big kisses and lots of love. The Yorkie and Maltese breed love to have praise and kisses. Soon he will begin to understand that to potty in that spot in the yard gets him lots of love and a prize!

Introduce your new Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese puppy to more and more of your home after he has pottied. Do not overextend his limits. The puppy should work up to freedom in the home. Be realistic with your new Yorkie or Maltese puppy. Expect accidents, clean them up right away. If you catch him in the act, do not hit or rub his nose in it. This leads to fear. Simply lift him up and put him in the proper place to eliminate.