How to Potty Train a Shih Tzu Puppy

Shih Tzus are toy-sized dogs that originated in China. Although they are small, averaging only 9 to 16 lbs., they can have big problems when it comes to potty training or house training. Unfortunately, because they are small, they are a common breed in large commercial breeders or puppy farms. These Shih Tzu puppies are difficult to house train because they have been forced to live in crates with their own waste and do not realize they don't have to. But Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs that can learn to be potty trained at any age.

Things You'll Need

  • Enzyme-based cleaner
  • Old rags or paper towels
  • Old newspapers or commercial puppy pads (optional)
  • Dog crate (optional)
  • Dog litter pan and litter (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Establish which option to housebreak a Shih Tzu before bringing the puppy home. Ideally, someone would stay home with the puppy and take it outside on schedule. But this is not always possible for people away from the home for at least four hours a day. Shih Tzu puppies can learn paper training, crate training or even litter box training. The puppy would then learn where in the home it can toilet when it does not have access to the outside.

    • 2

      Take the puppy outside on schedule, no matter what the weather. Puppies need to urinate or defecate 15 minutes after they eat, right after they wake up from a long sleep, right before the household goes to bed and about every two hours, according to "Shih Tzu for Dummies."

    • 3

      Trim the puppy's coat every six to eight weeks to keep feces and urine from getting caught in the Shih Tzu's long, flowing tresses. Shih Tzu puppies need their first trim by the time they are 6 months old. If the Shih Tzu is to be shown, the puppy's coat needs brushing and combing every day to remove feces and urine-matted coats. It is much easier to keep the puppy clean when it sports a short coat called a "puppy clip." If unsure about how to use dog grooming clippers, take the puppy to a vet or dog groomer.

    • 4

      Learn the puppy's body language. Most puppies walk in small circles, sniffing the ground just before they urinate or defecate. Some will scratch the ground. If your puppy starts this behavior in the home, take him immediately to a toilet spot outside or inside if paper training or litter training, and praise the puppy when it squats or lifts a leg.