Shih Tzu House Training
Bruno, at 3 months old, photo courtesy of Meghana
Overview
Housebreaking your Shih Tzu may be one of the biggest challenges that you take on as a pet parent. However, it does not need to be stressful or frustrating. In fact, it can build self-confidence; both for you as a trainer and for your Shih Tzu as a student.
The actual fundamentals of house training a Shih Tzu are not overly complicated. Your level of success is directly related to how much effort you put into this and how closely you follow the training guidelines. If you’re hoping to get your Shih Tzu potty trained as soon as possible, let’s dive right in.
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Pre-training FAQ
How long does it take to housebreak a Shih Tzu puppy?
This depends quite a bit on how much effort you put into the training. If you follow the steps closely, work on this every day, and there are very few missed opportunities (which can cause a backslide), a Shih Tzu can be fully housebroken in 2 to 4 months.
What age can you start housebreaking a Shih Tzu puppy?
Puppies as young as 8-weeks-old are ready to start being potty trained. Though there may be claims of pups younger than this being paper trained, it’s usually a matter of there being no other choice (pup is kept in a crate lined with newspaper).
Keep in mind that pups should have all of their puppy vaccinations before being brought outside (check with the vet; usually the 12 to 16-week mark).
Are training rules different for older adult dogs?
No. All steps are the same when housebreaking an adult Shih Tzu. Just note that senior dogs may have incontinence issues that could interfere with potty training.
Indoor vs. Outdoor House Training
Which is best?
Both can work. We recommend outdoor training which better matches with a Shih Tzu’s natural canine instincts; it is generally easier and faster and leads to fewer accidents in the future.
Indoor tips:
Full house training instructions are ahead; however, these are some extra tips to keep in mind:
1. Do not assume you can skip over potty training instructions;
most are still applicable (using a leash, timing, keeping the pup in the designated bathroom area [where pee pads or a grass mat is set up] for up 15 minutes, giving rewards, etc.).
2. Consider what sort of indoor method you want to use.
For Shih Tzu pups kept in a defined area such as a playpen (more ahead), pee pads usually work best. In some cases, an artificial grass mat or even a real one like the DoggieLawn Real Grass Dog Potty
can work well and is also a popular option when setting up a secondary area that is only used during inclement weather.
can work well and is also a popular option when setting up a secondary area that is only used during inclement weather. 3. Take advantage of the opportunities if the pee pads are missed. For bowel movements, place the feces on the pad temporarily to transfer the scent. For urine, before cleaning with enzyme cleaner, blot the puddle with paper towels and put them on the pad to transfer the scent.
4. For temporary indoor training (like during extreme cold), set up in a mudroom or attached garage. This leads your Shih Tzu away from their usual living area to a specific bathroom spot, maintaining consistency and aiding housebreaking when you return to normal conditions.
Baxter, photo courtesy of Sandra Drake
The 6 Housebreaking Prep Steps
There are 6 things to set up in advance that can facilitate potty training your Shih Tzu.
#1 Choose a designated area.
For outdoor training, never allow your pup to go just anywhere in the yard. One specific area that is ideally an 8 to 10-foot diameter with relativity easy access year-round is best.
#2 Set up a defined area, but not a small crate.
When you can't supervise your Shih Tzu or they're home alone, place them in a defined area to prevent housebreaking accidents. Instead of a crate, which can be too confining and distressing for a puppy, use a more spacious indoor canine playpen like the
IRIS 4-Panel Pet Playpen with a Door
.
. This method restricts the area for accidents and is comfortable for the puppy. Equip the playpen with pee pads (use a holder if necessary), a bed, water bowl, and toys. For indoor training, keep pee pads in the pen and leave the door open when you're at home.
#3 Use a tethering system for supervision.
Effective supervision of a puppy goes beyond just 'keeping an eye on them', as they can quickly have an accident when you're distracted. Therefore, when your Shih Tzu is out of their designated area and you can't provide constant, close supervision, use a tethering method with a leash and harness to keep them nearby and prevent unnoticed accidents.
About the harness:
It is always recommended for Shih Tzu dogs to wear harnesses, not collars, since they are a brachycephalic breed and collars can transfer tension from the leash onto the windpipe which can impede breathing ability. And for the purposes of housebreaking, a harness will additionally help prevent potential neck injuries as your puppy tags along beside you.
A recommended harness is the Puppia Soft B Harness Vest
which is easy to put on (it’s a step-in design, so nothing has to be put over the head) and it starts at size extra-small.
which is easy to put on (it’s a step-in design, so nothing has to be put over the head) and it starts at size extra-small. About the leash:
Unlike the outdoor leash you may be using, this should be lightweight and soft-handled. The soft handle makes it easy to slip it around your wrist or slip it through a belt loop on your slacks. Something simple like the PetSafe 3/8" x 6' Leash
will work just fine for this.
will work just fine for this. #4 Have highly-valued training treats.
Training treats are crucial in housebreaking a Shih Tzu, as they provide positive reinforcement when the puppy uses the designated area for elimination. Without rewards, the puppy has no incentive to repeat the behavior. It's important to give the treat immediately after the puppy pees or poos in the right spot, reinforcing that they've done something correct. The treat should be one that they do not receive at other times and a flavor that's highly valued.
To ensure consistency, keep treats readily accessible, perhaps in a zipped plastic bag near the exit door, so you can quickly reward your Shih Tzu during potty training outings.
#5 Choose the cue words.
When housebreaking your Shih Tzu, establish a consistent cue word to signal it's time for bathroom breaks. Common phrases like ‘Potty’, ‘Potty time’, ‘Bathroom’, or ‘Get busy’ work well. Use the chosen term both as a cue and during praise (e.g., “Good potty!”). Ensure everyone in the household uses the same terminology for consistency.
#6 Use a quality enzyme cleanser.
Urine and stool enzymes aren't fully removed by soap and water. While humans might not notice them, a Shih Tzu's keen sense of smell can detect these lingering odors where accidents have occurred, signaling to them that it's an acceptable bathroom area. This can lead to even more accidents. To effectively clean these spots, first use soap and water to remove the bulk, then apply an enzyme cleaner like
TriNova's Natural Advanced Enzyme Cleaner Spray
to thoroughly eliminate the odors.
to thoroughly eliminate the odors.
Lily, at 8 months old, photo courtesy of Lovely and Sheen Lopez
How Often to Take a Puppy Out
To maximize housebreaking training for your Shih Tzu, ensure regular outdoor trips:
- After Waking Up: Take them out immediately after they wake up from a nap or nighttime sleep.
- Leaving Defined Area: Right after they come out of their designated area.
- Post-Meal: 20 minutes after eating a meal.
- Pre-Bedtime: 20-30 minutes before going to bed.
- Walks: Before and after every walk (to help prevent bathroom breaks during the walk).
- Age-Based Schedule: Every 2 hours for a 2-month-old, increasing the interval by an hour each month for developing bladder control.
- Immediate Reaction: If they show signs of needing to go, take them out immediately, even if it means carrying them.
Exact Instructions
1. Keep your puppy by your side as often as possible.
This is to be able to react quickly to bathroom attempts. If there is a motion to pee or poo, clap your hands loudly and give a firm ‘Oh!’ (not ‘No’) to cause them to pause.
2. Exit the house with your pup on leash and harness.
Note that if you are reacting to an attempt and if the pup is dribbling pee, carry them if you must. You will be taking the small plastic zipped bag of treats on your way out.
3. As you bring your Shih Tzu to the potty area
and again as your puppy is doing the deed, repeat the cue words (example, “Let’s go potty”, “You’re going potty!”) in a happy, confident tone.
4. Stay in the designated area only; do not allow your Shih Tzu to roam. Now is not the time to run around or play.
5. Remain there for up to 15 minutes.
It can take puppies some time to sniff around to find the ‘perfect spot’ and for their bowel and bladder muscles to relax. And, don't rush back in after your puppy pees; remain for at least 5 more minutes in case they also need to poo.
6. As soon as the deed is done, give praise (Good potty, good dog!) and a highly-valued training treat (see previous 'Have highly valued training treats').
How to React to Housebreaking Accidents
When following these housebreaking guidelines, your Shih Tzu should be in their playpen when unsupervised or closely monitored otherwise, minimizing accidents. However, a few mishaps can still occur. Here's how to handle them:
- Reassess if Multiple Accidents Occur: Frequent accidents may indicate the need for more time in the defined area or closer supervision.
- If you catch them in the act, interrupt gently (e.g., with a loud clap) and take them outside immediately. Praise and treat if they finish there.
- Avoid Punishment: Don't scold or punish for accidents. It's ineffective and can cause fear or anxiety.
- Proper Cleaning: Clean accident areas first with soap and water, followed by an enzyme cleanser to remove lingering odors.
- Consider Underlying Issues: Multiple accidents might suggest territorial marking or health problems, like a UTI or bladder infection.
Lolly Pop, at 8 weeks old, photo courtesy of Sandy McDonald
Summary of House Training Instructions
As you head off to potty train your Shih Tzu, keep this short summary in mind:
- Prep by choosing a designated bathroom area, setting up a defined indoor area for when you can’t watch your puppy, closely monitoring your pup (using a tethering method, if needed), having a supply of training treats on hand, and choosing which cue phrase you will use.
- Plan on taking your Shih Tzu out many times a day, including whenever they wake up, after meals, and before bed.
- Use a harness and leash to bring your pup outside and remain in the potty area with them for up to 15 minutes. Give enthusiastic praise and special treat reward when they have gone pee or poo.
- Clean up any accidents with an enzyme cleanser to help prevent repeats.
Addressing Common House Training Hiccups
My Shih Tzu pees when I greet them.
Excitement urination is common with young puppies but can even happen with older dogs. It can help to keep greetings short and calm while moving quickly to bring them outside. Playtime should only be initiated after a bathroom visit. And when picking the pup up, kneel down and gently roll them onto your lap as opposed to suddenly sweeping them up.
My Shih Tzu pees or poops as soon as I bring him back inside.
Give your dog a full 15 minutes for bathroom breaks, even if it feels long, especially in bad weather or when you're in a rush. Prepare by dressing appropriately, and consider bringing a book and setting up a chair for comfort. Keep your Shih Tzu focused on the task by using a leash and staying with them without playing. If your Shih Tzu habitually pees soon after returning indoors, hold them on your lap for 10-15 minutes, as few dogs will pee on their owner, and then take them outside again. This often encourages them to fully empty their bladder.
My Shih Tzu pees or poos very early in the morning.
If your Shih Tzu is in a defined area, like a playpen, morning bathroom needs can be deposited on the pee pads. But, if your little guy or gal is waking you up too early by barking up a storm or is pooping and then eating their feces, that’s a different matter.
It can help to offer the last meal of the day 1 or 2 hours earlier or later, which can alter the time of the following day’s first bowel movement. If you do this, offer a small dry snack at the time that your Shih Tzu usually had dinner.
Encourage longer sleep with a robust exercise session 2 hours before bed and by providing suitable and supportive dog bed. Reassess if certain noises are waking your Shih Tzu up early (birds chirping, etc.) in which case you may want to relocate their sleeping area and/or use a white-noise machine.
My Shih Tzu rips apart/moves their pee pads.
A pee pad holder can help prevent any chewing and keep the pad in place. One like the Richell Paw Trax Mesh Training Tray
is pretty durable and has a simple snap system to make switching pads super easy.
is pretty durable and has a simple snap system to make switching pads super easy.In addition, be sure that your Shih Tzu has a good collection of toys
to satisfy their chewing urges and that you are bringing your little guy or gal outside for 2 to 3 walks per day and a 15 to 20-minute session of cardio to release pent-up energy that may be manifesting as restless behavior.
Related:
Shih Tzu Puppy Care Tips - A list of the most important care tips to follow if you have a Shih Tzu puppy (under the age of 1 year old)
How to Stop a Shih Tzu from Marking
- While some housebreaking rules do come into play, there are additional steps to take if your Shih Tzu is displaying territorial marking.
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External: House Training a Maltipoo