Shih Tzu – Housebreaking Process For Your New Shih Tzu Puppy

House training a shih tzu puppy is very important for the well
being of both the shih tzu puppy and the owner. The number one
reason that dogs are surrendered to animal shelters is problems
with inappropriate elimination, so it is easy to see why proper
house training is such an important consideration.

It is important to establish proper toilet habits when the shih
tzu puppy is young, since these habits can last a lifetime, and
be very hard to break once they are established. It is very
important for the owner to house break the shih tzu puppy
properly. In most cases, true house training cannot begin until
the shih tzu puppy is six months old. Puppies younger than this
generally lack the bowel and bladder control that is needed for
true house training.

Shih Tzu puppies younger than six months should be confined to a
small, shih tzu puppy proofed room when the owner cannot
supervise them. The entire floor of the room should be covered
with newspapers or similar absorbent materials, and the paper
changed every time it is soiled. As the shih tzu puppy gets
older, the amount of paper used can be reduced as the shih tzu
puppy begins to establish a preferred toilet area. It is this
preferred toilet area that will form the basis of later house
training.

The Do’s of House Training Your Puppy: Always provide the shih
tzu puppy with constant, unrestricted access to the established
toilet area. When you are at home, take the shih tzu puppy to
the toilet area every 45 minutes.

When you are not at home or cannot supervise the shih tzu puppy,
you must be sure the shih tzu puppy cannot make a mistake. This
means confining the shih tzu puppy to a small area that has been
thoroughly puppy proofed. Puppy proofing a room is very similar
to baby proofing a room, since puppies chew on everything.

Always provide a toilet area that does not resemble anything in
your home. Training the shih tzu puppy to eliminate on concrete,
blacktop, grass or dirt is a good idea. The shih tzu puppy
should never be encouraged to eliminate on anything that
resembles the hardwood flooring, tile or carpet he may encounter
in a home. Praise and reward your shih tzu puppy every time he
eliminates in the established toilet area. The shih tzu puppy
must learn to associate toileting in the established areas with
good things, like treats, toys and praise from his owner.

Always keep a set schedule when feeding your shih tzu puppy, and
provide constant access to fresh, clean drinking water. A
consistent feeding schedule equals a consistent toilet schedule.

Using a crate can be a big help in helping a shih tzu puppy
develop self control. The concept behind crate training is that
the shih tzu puppy will not want to toilet in his bed area.

And finally, it is important to be patient when house training a
shih tzu puppy. House training can take as long as several
months, but it is much easier to house train right the first
time than to retrain a problem dog.

The Don’ts of House Training Your Shih Tzu Puppy Never reprimand
or punish the shih tzu puppy for mistakes. Punishing the shih
tzu puppy will only cause fear and confusion.

Do not leave food out for the shih tzu puppy all night long.
Keep to a set feeding schedule in order to make the dog’s toilet
schedule as consistent as possible.

Do not give the shih tzu puppy the run of the house until he has
been thoroughly house trained.

House training is not always the easiest thing to do, and some
dogs tend to be much easier to house train than others. It is
important, however to be patient, consistent and loving as you
train your shih tzu. A rushed, frightened or intimidated shih
tzu will not be able to learn the important lessons of house
training. Once you have gained your shih tzu puppy’s love and
respect, however, you will find that house training your shih
tzu puppy is easier than you ever expected.