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 tips and tricks for potty training your Shih Tzu. We will also advise you on how to handle 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, there’s another puddle or pile of poop to clean up. If you’re 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 don’t want to use a crate, you can establish 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 consistently take your Shih Tzu to this area 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 going potty inside, interrupt them with a loud noise and immediately take them to their designated potty area.
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 take your Shih Tzu to their designated potty area at the same times every day. Your Shih Tzu will eventually learn to go potty in the designated area with patience and consistency.

Outdoor Potty Training Tips for Shih Tzus

Choose the right training tools: Several tools can be helpful in potty training your Shih Tzu, including a crate, a dog door, and a designated potty area. A crate can help prevent 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 helpful, as it allows your Shih Tzu to go outside to potty without your assistance. A designated potty area can also be beneficial, as it gives your Shih Tzu a specific spot to go potty.
Establish a routine: Consistency is one of the most important aspects of potty training. Establishing a routine for feeding, watering, and going potty can help your Shih Tzu understand what is expected of them. Try to take your Shih Tzu outside to go potty at the exact 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 whenever you take your Shih Tzu outside to potty.
Reward good behavior: Whenever your Shih Tzu goes potty outside, 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 essential to be patient with your furry friends as they learn and adjust to their new routines. Accidents and setbacks are normal along the way, so don’t get discouraged. Your Shih Tzu will eventually learn how to potty outside with patience and consistency.

Shih Tzu Potty Training Problems

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

1. Lack of consistency

It’s 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. It’s 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 you’re 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 they’ve 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. Don’t 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, it’s 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 dog’s accident, it’s 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, Don’t 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 you’ve 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 you’ve cleaned up the initial mess, it’s 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, it’s 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 he’s feeling dirty or uncomfortable.

Conclusion

Potty training a Shih Tzu can be easy with the right tips. We’ve 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 don’t forget to share this post with all of your friends who own a Shih Tzu – they will appreciate the tips.

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