Behaviour · House training

Yorkie Peeing in the House: Marking, Anxiety and House Training

You thought your Yorkie was house trained. Now there are puddles in the hallway, wet spots on the carpet, and you are cleaning up messes you thought were behind you.

First: rule out medical causes

Before you assume this is behavioural, see a vet. Urinary tract infections, bladder stones, kidney disease, diabetes, and Cushing's disease all cause increased urination or loss of bladder control. This is especially important in older Yorkies, where incontinence may be a medical issue — not a training one.

A simple urine test at your vet can rule out infection in minutes. If the vet gives the all-clear, then you can treat this as a behavioural issue. But never skip the medical check — punishing a dog for a UTI is cruel and counterproductive.

Why Yorkies pee in the house

Territorial markingUnsterilised males are the most likely to mark, but sterilised dogs of both sexes can do it too — especially in response to new smells, visitors, or other animals.
Separation anxietyUrinating when left alone is a classic panic response, not a “revenge” behaviour. Read our guide on Yorkie separation anxiety.
Incomplete house trainingYorkies have small bladders and can be difficult to house train fully. Some were never truly reliable — they just had good management.
Ageing and incontinenceOlder Yorkies, especially spayed females, can develop hormone-related incontinence. This is treatable with medication — not a behavioural failing.
Stress and changeMoving house, a new baby, a new pet, visitors, or a change in routine can all trigger regression in house training — even in previously reliable dogs.

Practical steps to resolve it

1
Clean with enzymatic cleaner

Standard household cleaners do not remove the urine enzymes that tell your dog “toilet here.” Use a proper enzymatic pet cleaner on every spot.

2
Go back to basics

Take your Yorkie out more frequently — every 2-3 hours, after meals, after waking, after play. Reward outdoor elimination with high-value treats. Manage indoor access with baby gates or a crate when you cannot supervise.

3
Consider a belly band or dog nappy

For male markers, a washable belly band with a disposable liner can save your floors while you work on training. This is management, not a solution — but it reduces your stress while you address the root cause.

4
Address underlying anxiety

If the peeing is linked to being left alone, the separation anxiety needs treatment — not just the symptom. A veterinary behaviourist can help with medication and a behaviour modification plan.

5
Be realistic about sterilisation

If your Yorkie is intact, sterilisation reduces marking behaviour significantly in most dogs — though it is not a guarantee.

When rehoming may be the kindest option

Most house-training issues can be resolved with patience, routine, and veterinary support. But sometimes the underlying problem — severe separation anxiety, a living situation that makes consistent training impossible, or an owner whose health or circumstances prevent them from managing the issue — means the kindest path is a fresh start in a home that can meet the dog's needs.

If you can no longer safely care for your Yorkie, SA Yorkie Rescue offers free, confidential and judgement-free rehoming guidance.

Safe Yorkie rehoming in South Africa →
Rehome your Yorkie safely →

Related guides

Yorkie separation anxietyWhen peeing is a panic response to being left alone Yorkie barking in a complexWhen behaviour problems trigger housing pressure Yorkie training guideHouse training, crate training, and positive reinforcement Helping a Yorkie adjust after moving houseWhen a move triggers house-training regression Yorkie health guideMedical causes of urination problems