By Caleb MorganUpdated November 2026
Crate training a Yorkshire terrier puppy takes patience, a sized-right crate, and reliable guidance, and the choices you make early shape how your Yorkie settles into a den-like space for the rest of its life. This list compares six products that new owners commonly consider: three training books or guides and three small indoor crates built for toy breeds. Each was selected by reviewing manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and the patterns owners tend to describe in feedback, focusing on how well each option matches a tiny dog’s size, its need for gradual introduction, and the practical details of daily care. We did not physically test these items, so treat the specs below as what the listings and manufacturers state.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallYorkshire Terrier Puppy Handbook: The Complete Yorkie Owner’s Guide toView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for step-by-step crate trainingCrate Training Puppies: Learn How to Crate Train Your Dog the Fast andView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for potty training alongside cratingYorkie Training Made Easy: Puppy Training Techniques, Potty Training,View on Amazon - 4
Best for grooming and all-round careYorkshire Terrier Puppy Training & Grooming Guide: All About Yorkie DoView on Amazon - 5
Best for small indoor spaces24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture – All-Season Indoor Dog Kennel withView on Amazon - 6
Best budget pick for a tiny pupIndoor Puppy Kennel with Training Tray, Wooden Top & Thickened Metal WView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Handbook | Overall breed-specific guidance | Covers temperament, training, grooming and ownership realities |
| Crate Training Puppies: Learn How to Crate Train Your Dog the Fast and Easy Way | Step-by-step crate introduction | Focused, method-driven crate training instructions |
| Yorkie Training Made Easy | Combining potty and crate training | Potty training, discipline and care in one guide |
| Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Training & Grooming Guide | Owners who want grooming included | Positive reinforcement methods plus separation and grooming topics |
| 24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture | Living rooms and bedrooms | Wooden top and thickened metal wire, all-season indoor design |
| Indoor Puppy Kennel with Training Tray | Early house training and small pups | Training tray with a 24-inch footprint for dogs under 20 lbs |
Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Handbook: The Complete Yorkie Owner’s Guide to Temperament, Training, Grooming & Real-World Costs
Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Handbook: The Complete Yorkie Owner’s Guide to Temperament, Training, Grooming & Real-World Costs
Best for: Overall breed-specific guidance
This is a good starting point for first-time Yorkie owners who want one book covering the whole first year, from temperament and training to grooming and day-to-day ownership.
Key specs:
- Format: Book covering Yorkshire terrier puppy care
- Topics: Temperament, training, grooming and ownership costs, as the title states
Pros:
- Broad coverage in one place, so you do not need several books
- Breed-specific focus rather than generic dog advice
- Useful for planning the realistic demands of the breed
Cons:
- Crate instruction is one part of a wide scope, so it may be less detailed than a dedicated crate guide
- Broad books can feel less deep on any single topic
Bottom line: A strong pick for owners who want a single reference covering the full first year with a Yorkie focus.
Crate Training Puppies: Learn How to Crate Train Your Dog the Fast and Easy Way (Dog Training)
Crate Training Puppies: Learn How to Crate Train Your Dog the Fast and Easy Way (Dog Training)
Best for: Step-by-step crate introduction
Suited to owners whose main goal is getting a puppy comfortable in a crate, whether for overnight sleep, car rides or time alone.
Key specs:
- Format: Book focused on crate training puppies
- Topic: Crate training method for dogs of various ages
Pros:
- Narrow focus means crate steps are not buried under other topics
- Useful for owners following a structured introduction schedule
- Applies to puppies as well as older dogs
Cons:
- Does not cover potty training, grooming or breed traits in depth
- Methods written for general dogs may need adjusting for a very small breed
Bottom line: The right choice if crate training is your main concern and you want focused instructions.
Yorkie Training Made Easy: Puppy Training Techniques, Potty Training, Discipline, And Care Guide: Smart Yorkie Puppy Training Tricks
Yorkie Training Made Easy: Puppy Training Techniques, Potty Training, Discipline, And Care Guide: Smart Yorkie Puppy Training Tricks
Best for: Combining potty and crate training
Best for owners who expect potty training and crating to overlap, which is common with Yorkies because their small bladders need frequent trips outside.
Key specs:
- Format: Yorkie-specific training guide
- Topics: Puppy training techniques, potty training, discipline and care
Pros:
- Potty training and crate training are closely linked, and this covers both
- Breed-specific title for Yorkie owners
- Includes discipline guidance alongside routine
Cons:
- Crate-specific steps may be less detailed than a dedicated crate book
- Some owners may want more grooming information than this title provides
Bottom line: A practical pick for owners who want potty and crate routines explained together.
Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Training & Grooming Guide: All About Yorkie Dogs: Positive Reinforcement Methods for House & Potty Training, Separation … & Raising a Toy Dog Breed (ANIMALS A to Z)
Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Training & Grooming Guide: All About Yorkie Dogs: Positive Reinforcement Methods for House & Potty Training, Separation … & Raising a Toy Dog Breed (ANIMALS A to Z)
Best for: Owners who want grooming included
Aimed at owners who want positive reinforcement methods along with grooming and separation topics, all in a toy-breed context.
Key specs:
- Format: Yorkshire terrier training and grooming guide
- Topics: House and potty training, separation, and raising a toy breed
Pros:
- Positive reinforcement framing suits sensitive small dogs
- Covers separation, which often comes up during crate training
- Grooming is included, which many Yorkie owners need early
Cons:
- Broad scope means less depth on each training area
- The long title can be confusing, so confirm the edition before buying
Bottom line: Good for owners who want training, separation and grooming in one toy-breed guide.
24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture – All-Season Indoor Dog Kennel with Wooden Top & Thickened Metal Wire
24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture – All-Season Indoor Dog Kennel with Wooden Top & Thickened Metal Wire, Cage for Small Dogs & Puppies Under 20 lbs. Fits Living Room, Bedroom, Hallway.
Best for: Small indoor spaces
Designed to sit in living rooms, bedrooms or hallways as furniture, which suits owners who want the crate visible and part of the room rather than tucked away.
Key specs:
- Size: 24 inches, per the listing name
- Suitable for: Small dogs and puppies under 20 lbs, per the listing
- Top: Wooden; wire: Thickened metal, as the listing states
Pros:
- Wooden top can double as a surface in a living area
- Thickened metal wire gives a sturdy, open-sided enclosure
- Listed as suitable for all seasons and indoor use
Cons:
- Furniture-style crates often have less ventilation than some wire models, so check airflow
- Fixed size means you may need a different crate as the puppy grows, depending on its adult size
Bottom line: A good fit for owners who want an attractive, room-friendly crate for a small, fully grown Yorkie.
Indoor Puppy Kennel with Training Tray, Wooden Top & Thickened Metal Wire, Decorative All-Stage Pet House 24 Inch Small Dog Crate
Indoor Puppy Kennel with Training Tray, Wooden Top & Thickened Metal Wire, Decorative All-Stage Pet House 24 Inch Small Dog Crate, Dog Cage for Small Dogs & Puppies Under 20 lbs
Best for: Early house training and small pups
Suited to owners who want a crate with a training tray for early house training, especially for pups under 20 lbs.
Key specs:
- Size: 24 inches, per the listing name
- Features: Training tray and wooden top, as the listing states
- Suitable for: Puppies and small dogs under 20 lbs
Pros:
- Training tray supports early house training routines
- Listed for all life stages, so it can serve from puppyhood onward
- Thickened metal wire and wooden top add structure
Cons:
- Trays need frequent emptying and cleaning
- As with any fixed-size crate, it will only fit a Yorkie until it outgrows the space
Bottom line: A practical choice for owners who want a training tray built into a crate for a tiny puppy.
Buying Guide
Crate Size and Fit
A crate should let your Yorkie stand up, turn around and lie down stretched out, but not leave room for a corner to be used as a bathroom. Measure your puppy at its current size, then plan for an adult weight, since Yorkies are typically small adults. Many owners use a divider panel with a puppy-sized crate to adjust space as the dog grows.
Good picks for this: 24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture, Indoor Puppy Kennel with Training Tray
Materials and Durability
Look for thickened metal wire with a secure, sturdy frame and a top that does not trap your puppy’s teeth. Chewing is common in young dogs, so check for exposed edges and fasteners you can inspect regularly. Wooden tops add a finished look but may need occasional sealing or wipe-down care.
Good picks for this: 24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture, Indoor Puppy Kennel with Training Tray
Ventilation and Airflow
Good airflow helps keep a crate comfortable, especially in warmer rooms. Furniture-style crates may have solid panels that limit air movement, so check how many sides are open. Keep the crate out of direct sun and away from heaters or drafts.
Good picks for this: Indoor Puppy Kennel with Training Tray, 24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture
Training Features
A removable tray can help with early house training, and a divider helps you control space. Consider whether you need a training tray or whether a book with a detailed schedule will serve you better. Many owners combine a crate with a written routine.
Good picks for this: Indoor Puppy Kennel with Training Tray, Crate Training Puppies: Learn How to Crate Train Your Dog the Fast and Easy Way
Ease of Cleaning
Accidents happen during potty training, so choose a crate with a tray or floor that you can clean quickly. Metal wire is generally easy to wipe down, while wood needs gentler cleaning products. Plan to use pet-safe cleaners and avoid strong fumes around a small dog.
Good picks for this: Indoor Puppy Kennel with Training Tray, 24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture
Choosing a Training Guide
If you pick a book, check whether its focus matches your priorities: crate introduction, potty training, grooming or the full first year. A breed-specific title can save time, but confirm the edition and table of contents before buying.
Good picks for this: Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Handbook, Yorkie Training Made Easy
Use Case: Living Area Versus Den
Decide whether the crate will sit in a bedroom for night sleep, in a living room as furniture, or be moved between rooms. A furniture-style crate suits daytime visibility, while a plain kennel may be easier to move and clean.
Good picks for this: 24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture, Indoor Puppy Kennel with Training Tray
FAQ
How long should a Yorkshire terrier puppy stay in a crate?
Young puppies need frequent bathroom breaks, so crate time should be short and supervised during the day. A common guideline is to limit crate time to about one hour per month of age, with a maximum of several hours, and to take the puppy out to potty before and after. Your vet can advise on a schedule suited to your puppy’s age and health.
What size crate is right for a Yorkie puppy?
A 24-inch crate is a common size for small toy breeds, but check the dimensions against your puppy’s current size and expected adult weight. The dog should be able to stand, turn and lie down comfortably, and a divider can help manage space while it grows.
Should I use a wire crate or a furniture-style crate?
Wire crates offer good airflow and visibility, while furniture-style crates blend into a room and often have a wooden top. Choose based on where the crate will sit, how much airflow it provides and how easy it is to clean.
Can I crate train a Yorkie at night?
Many owners use the crate for overnight sleep, placing it near their bed at first so the puppy feels secure. Plan for one or more potty breaks during the night as your puppy’s bladder develops, and avoid giving water right before bed.
My Yorkie cries in the crate. What should I do?
Some crying is normal during adjustment. Avoid letting the puppy out while it is crying, since this can teach it that crying works. Instead, make sure it has been to the bathroom, is not too hot or cold, and has a safe, comfortable setup. If crying is intense or persistent, talk to your veterinarian or a qualified trainer.
How long does crate training a Yorkshire terrier puppy take?
Timelines vary widely with age, temperament and consistency. Many owners see gradual progress over several weeks, but there is no fixed schedule. Short, positive sessions tend to work better than long, forced ones.
Is a training book enough to crate train my puppy?
A book can give you a clear method, but results depend on consistent daily practice. Pair the guide with a suitable crate, a regular routine and patience. For behavior concerns, a certified professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist can help.
Conclusion
For most new Yorkie owners, the Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Handbook offers the broadest guidance, while Crate Training Puppies suits anyone whose main goal is a focused crate introduction. If potty training is the priority, Yorkie Training Made Easy combines those routines in one place. Pick the 24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture if you want a room-friendly crate for a small adult, or the Indoor Puppy Kennel with Training Tray if you want a training tray during early house training. Match the choice to where the crate will sit, how much help you need with routines, and how your puppy is adjusting.
Sources
- Breed information, puppy care and general crate training guidance for owners (akc.org)
- Guidance on safe pet handling and hygiene relevant to cleaning crates and trays (cdc.gov)
- Veterinary association resources on puppy health, behavior and when to seek professional help (avma.org)
Related reading
- Crate Training Yorkshire Terrier: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
- Why Is Crate Training Important for Puppies? Benefits and How-To
- What Is the Purpose of Crate Training a Puppy? Benefits and How It Works
About Caleb Morgan
Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our dogs & puppies guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
