As professional dog trainer and behaviorist, I am always searching for innovative was to train. And I currently have the opportunity to train a Morkie. Morkie’s are purebred Yorkshire terrier mixed with a purebred Maltese. This little girl is only 5 pounds but thinks she’s 35 pounds. Even though she is a lap dog, most of the time, she is still a dog and dogs need leadership and basic manners. You need to be the Pack Leader.

One behavior problem has been housebreaking. She is an inside dog and has been learning to go “Potty” on pee pads on the floor. I am now transferring this to a little box. She has been inconsistent with urinating or defecating on the pads. So, I am using confinement, exercise, frequent trips to the potty zone and regular feeding schedule to get her housebroken. I found by cutting the pads into halves and placing one half in the litter box, saves on pad usage and it fits nicely in the litter box.

Mindy has been urinating regularly for a few days. But she hasn’t figured out when and how to defecate in the litter box. So, first thing in the AM, after she has eaten or any time I get her out of the kennel, I walk her around. In just a few seconds to minutes she has to go (movement creates “movement”). I rush her back to the litter box where she defecates. Then Mindy receives lots of praise (favorite toy, food, physical and verbal).

One other note when training small breeds or toy breeds, walk the dog on a table top (ping pong table, dinning, etc.) and teach them to sit/stay. This really saves on your back and can be less intimidating to the dog. You may want to place a table cloth or blanket over the surface for protection and better footing for the dog. Also keep a short leash and be very aware of the edges.

Let me know your thoughts!