Do Shih Tzu Pee A Lot: 10 Expert Tips For Outdoor Potty Breaks

As a small breed with a big personality, Shih Tzus are a popular choice for many pet owners. However, one thing that may surprise new Shih Tzu owners is just how often these little dogs need to go outside to pee.

Do Shih Tzu pee a lot? It’s common for Shih Tzus to go out every couple of hours, especially when they’re young or still need to be fully potty trained. This frequent need for outdoor potty breaks can be a hassle for owners, primarily if they work long hours or live in an apartment without easy access to a yard.

In this article, we’ll provide ten expert tips for managing your Shih Tzu’s outdoor potty breaks and helping them learn to go where they’re supposed to. Whether you’re a new Shih Tzu owner or just looking for helpful advice, these tips will make your pet’s potty training journey easier. Let’s find out how!

How To Train Your Shih Tzu To Go Outdoors

If you want your Shih Tzu to learn to pee outdoors as other dogs do, there are a few things you can do:

1. Start with short visits outdoors

One of the first things you’ll want to do when training your Shih Tzu to go potty outdoors is to start with short visits. When you first bring your Shih Tzu home, they may need to be used to going outside to do their business, so taking things slowly and giving them time to adjust is essential. Start by taking your Shih Tzu out for short visits every hour or so, and gradually increase the length of these visits as they get more comfortable.

2. Reward your dog for good behavior

Training your Shih Tzu to do his business outdoors is a great way to keep your home fresh and clean. All dogs do pee a lot, especially Shih Tzus. Whenever your pup makes it outside, you should give him a treat or verbal praise – like ‘good boy’ – to ensure he associates going potty with something positive. It will make the potty time a rewarding experience, and he will likely want to do it again.

3. Avoid Punishment

When training your Shih Tzu to go potty outdoors, avoiding punishment is essential. Shih Tzus, like all dogs, are highly sensitive and can become anxious or fearful if punished for going potty indoors. Instead of punishing your Shih Tzu, focus on positive reinforcement and rewards.

If you catch your Shih Tzu in the act of going potty indoors, interrupt them with a loud noise and immediately take them outside to finish going. Don’t scold or punish them; this will only worsen the problem.

4. Be patient

Training a Shih Tzu to do their business outside can take some dedication, so it’s essential to be consistent and keep up the momentum. Generally speaking, expect little progress too fast as Shih Tzus do pee a lot and are unfortunate champions at housebreaking accidents – patience is key!

Staying consistent with the same training routine for each potty trip will offer better results. If you start to see signs of improvement, even if it seems incremental, celebrate your small successes – these are significant indicators that your doggy understands. Fewer accidents should follow from there on.

5. Keep up with regular vet visits

Any pet owner needs to take their pet to the vet regularly, mainly when introducing a Shih Tzu to do his business outdoors.

Due to Shih Tzus’ smaller size and vulnerability, regular check-ups ensure they do not have any underlying urinary problems that could make the training process challenging. The vet will be able to answer questions concerning your pup’s diet, habits, and any suspicious changes in behavior, which could further aid the training process – something that could be essential if your dog has an abnormally large amount of pee accidents due to a medical condition.

A healthy dog will help you get through the potty training journey with fewer headaches.

6. Use a leash when first starting out

Taking your Shih Tzu outside is a great way to give him some exercise and take care of doggie doo, but it’s essential to do it safely. A leash can keep your Shih Tzu close by and prevent any unexpected escapes while giving you peace of mind.

As he gets more confident with going potty outdoors, you can reduce the length of his leash or even let him off in a secure area. Checking if your dog has done its doo-doo when he returns indoors is also a good idea.

Taking it slow and doing things step-by-step will ensure you and your pup have a pleasant outdoor experience.

7. Choose an appropriate spot for potty breaks

When selecting a spot for your Shih Tzu to do his business, try to find a quiet area away from high-traffic areas where he won’t feel threatened by passing people or animals. Remember that, considering the size and breed of these dogs.

Even if it’s just marking their territory, you’ll want to ensure you’re providing him with an area where he can do so without any disturbances. Once he learns to do his ‘thing’ in one specific spot, gradually start taking him out and introducing him to different places and surroundings. Soon enough, you’ll be free to take him out anytime.

8 . Supervise your dog when he’s outside

Supervising your Shih Tzu when he’s outside is essential for teaching him what behaviors are expected of him and forming positive behavior habits. It also allows you to correct or praise him immediately and even spare you from doggie messes. Shih Tzus do pee a lot, after all.

But if you can’t supervise him, consider using a dog-proof fence or tie-out, so he doesn’t wander off during potty time. With supervision comes responsibility, which allows you and your pup to enjoy the great outdoors with peace of mind.

9 . Consider using a doggie door

Training their pups to do their business outdoors can be challenging for Shih Tzu owners. Investing in a doggie door is a great way to help do this.

With the doggie door, your furry friend can go out independently as needed, even if you’re away from home or want to take him out; only sometimes he needs to do his business. Just ensure the doggie door is big enough for him to fit through, and it leads to a safe area for the pup.

It’s also helpful to remember that Shih Tzus tend to pee a lot, so having easy access outdoors could help with potty training them.

10 . Have realistic expectations

When training your Shih Tzu to go potty outdoors, setting realistic expectations is essential. Some of these dogs can learn quickly, while others require more time and patience before they receive the hang of it.

However, consistency is key when training a Shih Tzu, as they pee a lot! As long as you remain positive in your approach and do not give up easily, eventually, your pup will understand what is expected of them and do a great job of using the bathroom outdoors.

Conclusion

Shih Tzus are lovable companions who bring joy into our lives with their spunky personalities. But just like any other pet, they require some potty training to know where and when it is appropriate to go potty. Taking your Shih Tzu on regular walks and providing positive reinforcement when they go outside for business can help teach them good habits and ensure their bladder control remains healthy and robust. If you suspect something is wrong with your pet’s health-related frequent urination, though, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian immediately for assistance.

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