How to Potty Train a Shih Tzu at 6 Months

Potty training a Shih Tzu at 6 months is a little more challenging than at a younger age. Many people feel that potty training is the hardest trick to teach a Shih Tzu, but with consistency, commands and praise, your Shih Tzu puppy will learn to potty in the right place quickly, regardless of age.

Things You'll Need

  • 6-month old Shih Tzu
  • Leash
  • Designated potty area
  • Doggy-litter box
  • Puppy-training pads
  • Doggy treats
  • Dog crate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Be ready to take your 6-month-old Shih Tzu potty within 15 to 20 minutes after it has had food or drink.

    • 2

      Leash your Shih Tzu and take it to the area you've designated as its potty area. This can be indoors, in a doggy-litter box, or outdoors, in a specific area of your yard. Using a doggy-litter box along with puppy pads is ideal for Shih Tzus, since they are generally indoor dogs. Also, crate training along with potty training will ease the process.

    • 3

      Wait patiently until your Shih Tzu urinates, defecates or both.

    • 4

      Give your Shih Tzu a command, such as "Go potty!" This should happen as soon as your Shih Tzu starts to relieve itself. Though this seems counterintuitive, if you give the Shih Tzu the command before it has learned to associate the command with relieving itself, it will be harder for it to understand the command.

    • 5

      Praise your puppy as soon as it has finished going to the bathroom. You can use doggy treats. However, verbal praise, such as "Good boy!" along with petting is also an efficient way to praise your puppy.

    • 6

      After your Shih Tzu has had food or drink take your dog to the designated potty area until your dog consistently goes alone in the designated potty area, and the designated potty area only. There will most likely be "accidents," even after the puppy has been properly trained. It is important that you do not yell, hit, scold or discipline your Shih Tzu for these accidents. Crate training will help to minimize these accidents as the dog doesn't generally like to potty where he sleeps.

    • 7

      Praise the Shih Tzu every time it relieves itself in the designated area on its own. For example, after it has eaten but before you've had a chance to attend to it or while outside playing.