How to potty train a Shih Tzu

How To Potty Train Shih Tzus: The Ultimate Tips And Tricks

Potty training a Shih Tzu can be challenging for many new pet owners. These small, fluffy dogs are known to be stubborn and resistant to training, making the process frustrating and time-consuming.

But how to potty train Shih Tzus? Fortunately, we are here to help! A few simple steps can help your Shih Tzu learn how to go potty outside rather than inside your home.

This blog post will discuss the ultimate tips and tricks for potty training your Shih Tzu. We will also advise on handling common problems that may arise during the potty training process. So, whether you have a Shih Tzu puppy or an adult dog, we have you covered!

How to Potty Train Shih Tzus: Tips and Tricks

Few things are as frustrating as trying to potty train a Shih Tzu. Every time you turn around, theres another puddle or pile of poop to clean up. If youre currently potty training a Shih Tzu, here are a few tips and tricks (indoors and outdoors) that may help speed up the process.

Tips for Shih Tzu Indoor Potty Training

• Use a crate: A crate can be an effective tool for potty training your Shih Tzu while remaining indoors. By confining your Shih Tzu to a small, enclosed space, you can prevent them from having accidents in the house.
• Use a designated potty area: If you dont want to use a crate, you can designate a specific area of your home as the designated potty area for your Shih Tzu. This can be a small patch of fake grass or a potty pad. Just be sure to take your Shih Tzu to this area consistently every time they need to go potty.
• Use a bell or a potty training app: Another option is to use a bell or a potty training app to signal to your Shih Tzu that it is time to go potty. Hang a bell by the door and train your Shih Tzu to ring the bell when they need to go potty. Or, use a potty training app that sends you notifications when it is time for your Shih Tzu to go potty.
• Supervise your Shih Tzu: It is important to closely supervise your Shih Tzu while potty training, especially when they are first learning. If you catch them in the act of going potty inside, interrupt them with a loud noise and immediately take them to their designated potty area.
• Be consistent: As with any training, consistency is key when potty training your Shih Tzu while remaining indoors. Establish a routine and stick to it, and be sure to take your Shih Tzu to their designated potty area at the same times every day. With patience and consistency, your Shih Tzu will eventually learn to go potty in the designated area.

Outdoor Potty Training Tips for Shih Tzus

• Choose the right training tools: There are several tools that can be helpful in potty training your Shih Tzu, including a crate, a dog door, and a designated potty area. A crate can be useful for preventing accidents in the house, as dogs are less likely to go potty in an enclosed space where they sleep. A dog door can also be useful, as it allows your Shih Tzu to go outside to go potty without your assistance. A designated potty area can be helpful as well, as it gives your Shih Tzu a specific spot to go potty.
• Establish a routine: One of the most important aspects of potty training is consistency. By establishing a regular routine for feeding, watering, and going potty, you can help your Shih Tzu understand what is expected of them. Try to take your Shih Tzu outside to go potty at the same times every day, and make sure they have access to water at all times.
• Use a command: Choose a specific command that you will use to signal to your Shih Tzu that it is time to go potty, such as go potty or do your business. Use this command consistently every time you take your Shih Tzu outside to go potty.
• Reward good behavior: Whenever your Shih Tzu goes potty outside, be sure to praise and reward them with treats and positive reinforcement. This will help reinforce the desired behavior and encourage your Shih Tzu to continue going potty outside.
• Supervise your Shih Tzu: It is important to closely supervise your Shih Tzu, especially when they are first learning to go potty outside. If you catch them in the act of going potty inside, interrupt them with a loud noise and immediately take them outside to finish going potty.
• Be patient: Potty training a Shih Tzu can take time, and it is important to be patient with your furry friend as they learn and adjust to their new routine. It is normal for there to be accidents and setbacks along the way, so dont get discouraged. With patience and consistency, your Shih Tzu will eventually learn how to go potty outside.

Shih Tzu Potty Training Problems

There are several common problems that can arise during Shih Tzu potty training, including:

1. Lack of consistency

Its important to be consistent in your training approach and to take your Shih Tzu outside at regular intervals to go potty.

2. Lack of supervision

If your Shih Tzu is left unsupervised for long periods of time, they may have accidents in the house.

3. Medical issues

Some Shih Tzus may have medical issues that can affect their ability to be potty trained. For example, bladder infections or incontinence can cause a Shih Tzu to have accidents in the house.

4. Lack of proper training techniques

Using punishment or negative reinforcement can be counterproductive and may cause your Shih Tzu to become anxious or fearful. Positive reinforcement, such as praising and rewarding your Shih Tzu when they go potty outside, is more effective.

5. Lack of patience

Potty training a Shih Tzu can take time and patience. Its important to be understanding and to remember that accidents will happen, especially during the early stages of training.

What to do if your Shih Tzu has an accident inside the house?

If youre a Shih Tzu parent, then you know that potty training can be quite the challenge. Whether your pup is just beginning their journey to becoming toilet-independent or theyve been at it for a while and still have accidents from time to time, here are some things you can do to help them (and you) out:

1. Dont Panic

If your Shih Tzu has an accident inside the house, the first thing you need to do is stay calm. Getting upset will only make the situation worse and will make it more difficult for you to clean up the mess.

2. Clean It Up Right Away

Once your Shih Tzu has finished pooping or peeing, its important to clean up the mess right away. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that your dog will return to the same spot and have another accident.

3. Use an Enzyme Cleaner

When cleaning up your dogs accident, its important to use an enzyme cleaner. This type of cleaner will help to break down the urine or feces, making it easier to remove from surfaces.

4. Blot, Dont Rub

When cleaning up the Shih Tzu accident, be sure to blot the area with a paper towel or cloth rather than rubbing it. Rubbing will only spread the urine or feces and make it more difficult to remove.

5. Rinse with Water

Once youve blotted up as much of the accident as possible, rinse the area with water. This will help to remove any remaining residue and will also make the area less attractive to your Shih Tzu in case he decides to have another accident in the same spot.

6. Vacuum The Area

After youve cleaned up the initial mess, its important to vacuum the area where the accident occurred. This will help to remove any lingering odor that might attract your Shih Tzu back to that spot.

7. Give Your Shih Tzu a Bath

If your dog has had an accident inside the house, its a good idea to give him a bath. This will help to remove any lingering odor from his fur and will also make him feel better if hes feeling dirty or uncomfortable.

Conclusion

Potty training a Shih Tzu can be easy with the right tips. Weve outlined some of the best ways to potty train your Shih Tzu, whether a puppy or an adult dog. If you follow our simple steps and remain consistent, your Shih Tzu should be successfully potty trained quickly. Have you tried these methods for potty training your Shih Tzu? Let us know how it goes in the comments below! And dont forget to share this post with all of your friends who own a Shih Tzu they will appreciate the tips.

FAQs

Are Shih Tzus easy to Potty Train?

Shih Tzus can be easy to potty train with consistent training and positive reinforcement. However, like any breed, they may take longer to fully train and may have accidents along the way.

How long does it take to Potty Train a Shih Tzu puppy?

On average, it may take 4-6 months for a Shih Tzu puppy to be fully potty trained. However, this can vary based on the individual puppy, their age and development, and the consistency and effectiveness of the training methods being used.

At what age can you start Potty Training a Shih Tzu puppy?

You can start potty training a Shih Tzu puppy as soon as they are old enough to control its bladder, which is typically around 3-4 months of age. However, keep in mind that young puppies have small bladders and may not be able to hold their urine for long periods of time, so they will need frequent opportunities to go outside.

Are training rules different for adult Shih Tzus?

Training rules for adult Shih Tzus may be similar to those for puppies, with a focus on consistent training and positive reinforcement. However, adult dogs may have already developed certain habits and behaviors, so it may take longer to change or modify them. Its important to be patient and understanding when training an adult Shih Tzu, and to use techniques that are tailored to their individual needs and temperament.

How do I stop my Shih Tzu from peeing in the house?

To stop your Shih Tzu from peeing in the house, you should first consult a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues. If there are no medical problems, you can try the following: establish a regular potty training routine, use a crate or gated area to confine your Shih Tzu when you cant supervise them, reward your Shih Tzu for going potty outside, and supervise your Shih Tzu when they are inside to catch any accidents and prevent them from happening again.

Can a Shih Tzu use a litter box?

Some Shih Tzus may be able to use a litter box, but it is not a natural behavior for them. It is usually easier to train a Shih Tzu to go potty outside, as this is their natural instinct. If you do want to try training your Shih Tzu to use a litter box, it is important to introduce the litter box at an early age and to consistently reward your Shih Tzu for using it. Keep in mind that it may be more difficult to train an adult Shih Tzu to use a litter box.

How to Potty Train a Shih Tzu: 10 Vet Approved Tips (With Images)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

Shih Tzus are spunky little dogs with big personalities that can warm the heart of any human being they meet. They also happen to be quite smart, which is beneficial when it comes to things like teaching them life skills. All Shih Tzus are perfectly capable of learning the rules of potty training.

However, it is our responsibility as pet owners to teach them when and where to go potty. Of course, we dont have full control over a Shih Tzus bladder and bowel movements. However, we can teach our dogs how to tell us when they need to go potty and where to go when the need arises. Here are 10 expert tips and tricks that you can use to make the potty training process more enjoyable and successful overall.

The 10 Tips to Potty Train Your Shih Tzu

1. Create a Potty Schedule to Follow

The most important thing that you can do to help with potty training your Shih Tzu is to create a potty schedule. This will help ensure that your dog has the opportunity to use the bathroom regularly, as they wont initially know how to tell you. The following should be considered when planning a potty schedule:

• Most puppies need to relieve themselves soon after they eat a meal or drink water.
• Many puppies feel the need to relieve themselves after a heavy session of playing and roughhousing. The high activity tends to get bodily functions going.
• Almost all puppies must relieve themselves shortly after waking up from a nights sleep or a long nap.
• Plan on taking your puppy out in intervals no longer than their age in months. For example, a 3-month-old puppy should be taken out every 3 hours.
• If you are taking your puppy outside for potty breaks, please remember that young puppies that have not yet received a full vaccination schedule should be kept away from direct contact with other pets. Keep a close eye on your puppy.

While your dog should learn how to let you know when its time to go outside, if you adopt a potty schedule throughout their life, they may never need to do so.

2. Think of It Like Potty Training a Toddler

The thing about puppies like Shih Tzus due to their size is that they are just like 2-year-old toddlers when it comes to potty training. When they have to go to the bathroom, they have to go! They do not understand the concept of holding it, as older kids and dogs do. So, while you should have a potty schedule in place, expect to break the schedule with unanticipated bathroom breaks. You cant expect your little one to hold it for more than a minute or so once they start showing signs of needing to use the bathroom.

3. Look for Signs That a Potty Break Is Needed

Puppies often show signs that they need to use the bathroom before they actually go. You just need to know what signs to look for in the first place.

• Sniffing the Floor When a puppy has to use the bathroom, they tend to start sniffing around for a good place to go. You might notice them sniffing around the edge of the couch or near an exterior door.
• Pacing in Circles When a puppy feels the need to use the bathroom but doesnt know where to go because they know that theyre supposed to go outside, you might spy them pacing in circles to try to get rid of their potty anxiety while they look for an appropriate spot.
• Squatting Both male and female puppies might squat down to get into position for using the bathroom. There is not much time to get them outdoors once they start doing this, as the action means they are ready to go!

Take your dog out as soon as you spot any signs of them needing to use the restroom. If you wait too long, it could result in an accident inside the house and unnecessary frustration for everyone involved.

4. Establish Official Potty Locations

Even though your dog can go potty just about anywhere outdoors, it is a good idea to establish specific locations both outside and indoors (if youll be allowing such behavior there) so they know where to go when the time comes. Establishing a place or two to go outside will make it easier for you to clean up after your dog and ensure that they understand where they are expected to go when they head outside for a potty break.

Establishing a potty location indoors will help ensure that no accidents happen on the carpet and furniture. Place potty pads on the floor wherever you want them to go, and then train them in what the pads are for. You may have to take the pads outside where your dogs potty areas are so they can understand what the pads are supposed to be used for inside the house.

5. Adopt Potty Language

Its a good idea to adopt language that is specific to potty breaks so you can effectively communicate with your dog as they grow from puppyhood into adulthood. Phrases such as lets go potty and potty break will signal to your dog that its time to go outside and take care of business.

After a while, your pup will understand the phrases and head right to the door whenever you use them. You can utilize potty language while on walks and adventures outdoors to signal when its a good time for your dog to relieve themselves. Eventually, your dog will likely relieve themselves anytime you use the potty language, which will come in handy when its late at night and the weather isnt so nice outside.

6. Consider Crate Training

Training your dog to hang out in a crate is a great way to keep them from using the bathroom in the house where you least want them to. Whether you must be away for a couple of hours of work tasks or run to the grocery store, the last thing that you want is a puppy that isnt fully potty trained to have full reign of the house without supervision.

Dogs dont want to relieve themselves in an area where they must spend their time. Being in the crate, they are more likely to hold it until you get home and can take them outside for a potty break. Being in a crate while youre away can also help relieve separation anxiety, which Shih Tzus are prone to and can lead to bathroom accidents. The less stress experienced, the fewer potty accidents there will be to contend with.

7. Always Praise Good Potty Behavior

Negative reinforcement, including yelling at or scolding your dog for having a potty accident, can result in even more accidents. Positive reinforcement will encourage your puppy to learn the rules and let you know when they need to go outside for a pee or poop break. Therefore, its a good idea to forego the yelling and opt for praise instead. Consider giving your dog a small treat whenever they follow the potty rules or praising them with loving words and snuggles.

8. Keep an Eye Out for Signs of Bladder Infections

If your puppy gets a bladder infection, they may start to have accidents in the house, and it can seem like they are regressing in their potty training. The problem is that a bladder infection can make it impossible to hold it when the need to go has arisen. Make sure to schedule regular veterinarian checkups, and keep an eye out for signs of a bladder infection:

• Straining to urinate
• Bloody urine
• Urine that smells offensive
• Cloudy urine
• Reduced urine quantity during potty breaks
• Increased household accidents

If you notice any signs of a bladder infection, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. They can diagnose the problem and prescribe treatments as necessary.

9. Clean Up Potty Accidents as Soon as Possible

Cleaning up potty accidents as soon as they happen or as soon as you possibly can, will help deter your dog from going potty in that spot again. The longer that urine stays on flooring, the more opportunity it has to seep into that flooring, whether its wood, carpet, or laminate.

If you clean it up quickly, it wont have an opportunity to seep in, so your pup wont smell it embedded in the floor and assume that its a safe place to relieve themselves. The quicker you clean up accidents, the better your home will smell too.

You can spray a concoction of white vinegar, warm water, and baking soda on the accident area to neutralize the scents and avoid the encouragement of peeing there. The spray can help neutralize other bad odors in the home too.

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10. Remember That Consistency Is Essential

Consistency is the key to successful potty training for your Shih Tzu. If you falter in the process, it can set you back and create a frustrating situation that is hard to progress from. Be consistent with your words, actions, and praises to ensure the best outcome from your potty training efforts.

Make sure youre on time with the potty schedule. Praise your dog in the same way each time. Clean up consistently. Use the same potty phrases throughout the day. Dogs are creatures of habit, so they rely on us humans to maintain consistency for them. It will give your dog the confidence that they need to take their potty training seriously and make accomplishments that result in praise.

Summary

There are various ways to potty train your Shih Tzu, and hopefully, the tips and tricks outlined here will help you succeed no matter what training methods you choose to implement. Professional help can be sought via in-person training sessions, instructive DVDs, and online lessons. Shih Tzus can be stubborn, so consistency and patience are crucial to achieving success.

Featured Image Credit: Ilina Yuliia, Shutterstock