A Shih Tzu is a stubborn dog that expects things done their way and if things are not done their way then they will let you know they are unhappy. However Shih Tzu dogs are also very clean animals and you can use this fact to help you when it is time for Shih Tzu potty training. Shih Tzu dogs also prefer a concrete or stone surface to dirt or grass when they are given a toilet area, so keep that in mind as well and that should help you when you are housebreaking the animal.
You can choose one of two methods to housebreak your Shih Tzu but remember that this will take time so when you pick a method you should go with it and stick with it for the long haul. You can either use a crate method or a method where you segment off a part of the house just for the Shih Tzu. Either way is fine but remember it will take months to do this so be patient.
For the crate method of Shih Tzu potty training set up a large crate as the Shih Tzu dog’s living area. Include their food and bedding and make them feel comfortable there. Close them in while you are home. They will not soil their own area so they will wait to be taken out as long as you do not keep them confined too long. Every 45 minutes take them out to the designated toilet area and show them praise if they go in that area. Shih Tzu dogs do not understand punishment so if they make a mess just clean it up and move on.
For the other method the idea is basically the same except instead of a crate you are just using a small fence inside the house to give the Shih Tzu a small living area. All the other rules apply the same as the crate. Pick a small part of a room in your house like the kitchen or some other room where you can keep an eye on your dog.
Once you feel like the dog is getting the hang of Shih Tzu potty training then it is time to move their living area to other parts of the house. Once they understand that they have living areas all over the house then they will not soil in the house. It takes a long time and requires a great deal of patience, so if you don’t think you are up to it then a Shih Tzu may not be for you.
Shih Tzu dogs do not understand punishment and punishing the dog for making a mess where it is not supposed to will only confuse it. If you have started to move the living area around the house and the dog starts to make a mess then return to the original living area and start over. Be patient and good luck. Remember that it is nothing personal, you just need to get them to understand the rules and Shih Tzu dogs are terrible with rules.
You can find helpful steps in Shih Tzu training in this article. dog training books are a great follow up to the information in this article.
Posted under Dog Breeds, dog training
This post was written by admin on November 10, 2008
