How to Housebreak a Shih Tzu

Today, the shih tzu is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, according to American Kennel Club registration statistics. This breed was treasured by Chinese royalty for over a millennium, and shih tzus were commonly known as the "little lion" dog. Their small size and playful, energetic personality make them the perfect companion animal. Shih tzus are smart, easily trained and sweet-natured. Housebreaking a new puppy can seem like a daunting task, but housebreaking a shih tzu is not difficult if you know how.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Toys
  • Water bowl
  • Dog bed
  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a crate from a pet store. Make sure that it is big enough for your shih tzu to turn around and lay down in. You should put a dog bed, a couple of toys and a bowl of water in the crate with your puppy. Clean up any accidents your shih tzu has already had in the house using a cleaner designed to remove pet odors. This is because shih tzus like to go to the bathroom where they have previously gone. Put the crate somewhere where your shih tzu can interact with you and your family, such as a living room or busy hallway.

    • 2

      Put a small soft dog bed in the crate for your shih tzu to lay down on. Shih tzus are creatures of comfort. You should also add a few small toys to the crate to keep your shih tzu occupied. Always keep fresh water in the crate at all times so that your shih tzu will not get dehydrated. Put your dog inside the crate, starting for only three to four hours at a time.

    • 3

      Put the collar and leash on your shih tzu and take it immediately outside after releasing it from the crate. Do not bring the dog inside until it urinates or defecates, and do not distract it by talking or playing. Once it goes potty, give it a small treat and bring it back inside to the crate. Shih tzus need only minimal exercise, so outdoor play will only distract the puppy from the goal of training. You want your shih tzu to think of the outdoors as a place to do its business right now. Once it is housebroken, you can introduce outdoor play.

    • 4

      Control the feeding of your shih tzu by limiting access to food--do not allow free feeding. A shih tzu will generally go to the bathroom 10 to 30 minutes after eating. By controlling the puppy's food, you are also controlling its bowels. Set two specific times of day to feed your shih tzu puppy and stick to those times. After your dog has eaten, take it outside. Continue with crate training in three- to four-hour increments until your dog has begun to eliminate every time you go outside. You can then open the door to the crate for short periods of time and allow your shih tzu to roam the house.