It's not odd for a dog owner, specially first timers, to doubt whether or not the crate will make a highly effective yorkie training tool. The reason is in their perspective, the crate is much like a prison cell and it would be cruel to restrain these innocent and pitiful creatures in there for longer period of time. But contrary to that popular perception, providing a crate is in fact like providing the dog with a den-like area he can call his own wherein he is safe and comfortable. Crate training will never ever be harsh as long as it is used correctly.
Using a crate has lots of advantages. One, it helps make housebreaking easy. Dogs are naturally clean animals and won't soil their sleeping areas as much as possible. Thus you have to take your pet out of the crate to let him do his business in the spot you specified as his toilet. Doing so the same time each day will eventually help him develop regular potty schedule.
Crate also guarantees your pooch's safety, be it when you left him alone at home or when traveling. With crate, you can be at peace when leaving him knowing that he doesn't have access to things or areas of the house in which he is not supposed to access.
Even though the crate is a useful yorkie training tool, not every yorkies will adapt to it very easily. More frequently, you will have to train him to get accustomed to it by rewarding him with food treats and plenty of praise. To introduce the crate, drop a few pieces of treats in and around it while allowing him investigate it freely. This aims to associate the crate with something positive and worthwhile, not something he needs to be terrified of. You can also feed him in the crate to increase the chance of him to like it.
Once he goes in the crate, lavish him with praises and reward him with his favorite treat. Remember, do not ever force him to enter the crate neither close the door the first time he gets there. When he becomes used of getting in and out of the crate, shut the door for a few seconds and reward him if he stays quiet. Gradually increase the time of him being within the crate and begin substituting the treat with toys and praise.
