How to Housebreak a Shih Tsu Puppy

Two factors typically impede a shih tzu puppy's owner's ability to housetrain the pooch. For one, shih tzu puppies, like most puppies, have short attention spans that can make housebreaking difficult. Secondly, shih tzu dogs are notoriously hard to housetrain. This aversion to housetraining could be caused by the shih tzu's small bladder, along with its stubborn nature.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
  • Crate
  • Leash
  • Enzymatic cleaner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Show your shih tzu puppy the designated spot for elimination immediately upon bringing it to your home. Before you go inside, take the pup to the area and wait for it to eliminate. After it does, reward it with a treat and praise.

    • 2

      Place the shih tzu puppy in a crate when you are not able to watch it. Placing the puppy in the crate will help to prevent it from eliminating. Most dogs---especially shih tzus---do not like to lie in their waste. Most shih tzus like to stay clean and will do whatever they can to avoid getting messy, which includes not going potty in the crate. Because shih tzu bladders are small, do not leave the puppy in the crate for long. Most dogs can hold their bladders for the same about of hours they are old in months. For instance, a 3-month-old can probably hold it for three hours. However, every dog is different and your shih tzu may need to be let out more often.

    • 3

      Avoid giving your shih tzu an opportunity to eliminate in the house by keeping it by your side or in a crate until it can be trusted by itself. Tie your shih tzu's leash around your belt so the puppy is constantly by your side. When it starts to display signs it needs to eliminate, such as sniffing the ground, take the shih puppy outside to the appropriate spot. Just be careful not to step or trip on the puppy because shih tzus puppies are so small. Similarly, place the shih tzu pup in the crate when you are sleeping or not home.

    • 4

      Teach your shih tzu puppy a command to go along with the potty action. When you are waiting for the pup to eliminate, say "go" or "potty," which will eventually help teach the shih tzu puppy what you want it to do. Because shih tzu puppies are difficult to housetrain, you will need all of the help you can get and this trick can help your puppy learn what it is expected to do.

    • 5

      Praise your shih tzu puppy each time it eliminates in the appropriate area. Giving the puppy treats and enthusiastic affection will encourage it to go potty where you desire. Give it an especially tasty treat when it goes---one that it only gets when it goes to the bathroom. In addition, talk to it in enthusiastic tones and pet it. Shih tzus respond well to affection and the knowledge that they've pleased their owners and will likely do what they can to receive this type of treatment.

    • 6

      Implement consistency in your training methods. Because most shih tzu dogs are stubborn, they will likely try to go against what you are teaching them and do what they want, including eliminating all over your home. If you are consistent in what you practice, however, and do not allow your shih tzu to veer away from what you are teaching it, you can overcome that stubborn behavior and show your pooch you are the boss.