Shih Tzu Toilet Training

Though shih tzus have a reputation for stubbornness, they can be toilet-trained as thoroughly as any other breed. Begin toilet training your shih tzu early, and you will see positive results. Toilet-training a shih tzu is a straightforward task that requires consistency.

  1. Time Frame

    • If the puppy is old enough to be away from her mother, she is old enough to be toilet trained. Shih-tzus respond well to a regular schedule. The puppy will need to eliminate after every meal, after she wakes up and before and after you play with her. These are the times when a puppy might lose bowel or bladder control. By taking your puppy out at the same time every day, she can learn appropriate house behavior.

    Identification

    • Know when your shih tzu puppy needs to eliminate. Watch for him to start circling and sniffing the ground. Identify when your puppy is simply being distracted instead of responding to your training. Shih tzus are known for their intelligence and their curiosity, so if your pup is simply exploring, bring him indoors again. Do not allow a shih tzu puppy to play outside until he has mastered toilet training. This will allow it to associate going outdoors with eliminating. As the puppy become accustomed to this, you can add playtime to the list of acceptable outdoor activities.

    Location

    • Take the puppy to an appropriate location for it to eliminate. Shih tzus are not adapted for cold weather, so if you need a jacket to go outdoors, keep the puppy inside and train her to eliminate on designated newspapers. You can move the newspapers closer and closer to the door as the weather becomes warmer and teach the puppy to eliminate outside if it is warm enough.

    Warning

    • Do not punish the puppy for eliminating in the wrong place. You may simply create a situation where he hides when he needs to eliminate.

    Considerations

    • Shih tzus are small dogs, and they require frequent opportunities to relieve themselves. During the first two weeks, expect to be taking your puppy outside very regularly. Young puppies are particularly prone to accidents during their first two weeks in a new home as they may not have complete control over their bowels and bladders.

      Even though they are independent, shih tzus want your praise and approval. Praise your pup when he relieves himself in the right place and he will respond favorably.