House-Training a Shih Tzu Puppy

Shih tzu puppies are smart, social dogs, who crave human attention and are often eager to please. House-training a shih tzu puppy can pose a challenge as shih tzus are often easily distracted. The key to training a shih tzus is what is often true for almost any puppy, which is to train with absolute consistency so the puppy can get used to a schedule. More than that, according to the website, "Dog Obedience Training Review," "Shih tzus respond best to positive non-violent dog training methods. Try to keep your training sessions fun, full of enthusiasm, encouragement, rewards and praise."

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your dog outside every 45 minutes when you are at home. This will prevent an accident.

    • 2

      Give your shih tzu about two minutes once outside to relieve himself. If he doesn't after two minutes, pick up the dog and bring him back inside and put him in his crate. Don't act as if the dog did something bad and is being punished; keep your behavior and tone neutral.

    • 3

      Remove the puppy from the crate after 5 or 10 minutes. Take the puppy outside again. If he relieves himself within two minutes, give him lots of praise. You want the puppy to know he has done something good and associate going outside with relieving himself.

    • 4

      Whenever your shih tzu puppy relieves himself in the proper place, praise him generously. Avoid scolding your puppy if he has an accident in the house. You don't want him to become anxious about the process.

    • 5

      Stick to a schedule. Shih tzu puppies thrive on consistency, so get the puppy into a routine. For example, if you take the puppy out first thing in the morning and right before bed at night, do that continually, as the puppy will come to expect it.