How to Crate Train a Shih Tzu Puppy

The most common method of house-training puppies is crate training. It uses the puppy's natural instincts for potty training and is helpful for controlling destructive behaviors, such as chewing. The crate is a secure den where the puppy feels safe and comfortable. House training a shih tzu is known for its difficulties, but usually the problem stems with the owner not realizing how often such a small pup needs to relieve itself, or the owner uses potty pads, which generally slows down the training process.

Things You'll Need

  • Training treats
  • Toys
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Instructions

    • 1
      Airline carriers are good for travel but not for home use.

      Select the correct type and size of crate. There are wire crates and plastic ones (also called airline crates). The wire crate is better so your shih tzu can see what's happening around the house. Wire crates also have better ventilation. The airline crate is good for travel, but your pup should have a separate, wire crate for home.

      Buy a crate that is big enough for the puppy to stand up and sit down inside, without bending its head. Even though your shih tzu is a small puppy, it still must have room to stretch out fully and turn around. A crate that is too big will allow the puppy to use one end to relieve itself and the other end to sleep in. The point of the crate is that the pup will not want to soil its den, so too big a crate will not serve the purpose.

    • 2
      Put safe, sturdy toys in the crate.

      Buy some toys, that are safe and sturdy without supervision, and place them inside the crate. Blankets, towels and beds are often chewed and urinated on, so save those for when the pup is more mature. The purpose of the crate is to help the puppy learn to control its bladder. An absorbent blanket only provides opportunities for urination.

    • 3

      Allow the puppy to wander and sniff outside the crate for a few minutes. If the puppy goes into the crate on its own, praise and give it a delicious treat. If the puppy doesn't go in on its own, show the treat to the pup and then toss it into the crate. When the puppy runs in after the treat, give sincere praise. Whenever the pup goes into the crate, toss a treat in, but when the puppy leaves the crate, give no reaction.

    • 4
      Set the alarm and take puppy out a few times during the night.

      Set up a strict schedule. A shih tzu puppy is small and cannot hold urine for very long, so start with a bathroom break every two hours. Some puppies may need to go out more often at first. Stick to the schedule and as the puppy gains bladder control, gradually increase the time between potty breaks to four hours. The puppy can last longer overnight, but will need one to four potty breaks during the night at first.

    • 5
      Puppies need lots of attention to become healthy and well-behaved.

      Play with the puppy outside and indoors after it has eliminated. It should not spend most of its day and night locked in the crate. The crate is a sort of playpen for the puppy, where it can safely rest when you can't supervise. For crate-training to be successful and positive, the crate must be a haven and not a prison. Hire someone to let the puppy out and play with it two to three times during the work day, and spend the evening playing with your puppy and socializing it.