Shih Tzus are intelligent and affectionate dogs, but they can also be stubborn. One of the most challenging aspects of owning a Shih Tzu is housetraining them. With patience and consistency, however, you can teach your Shih Tzu to poop outside in no time.
Here are some tips on how to train your Shih Tzu to poop outside:
1. Choose a consistent potty spot.
It’s important to choose a specific spot in your yard where you want your Shih Tzu to go potty. Once you’ve chosen a spot, take your dog there every time you take them outside. This will help them to learn that this is the place where they’re supposed to go.
2. Take your dog outside often.
Puppies have small bladders and need to go potty frequently. In the beginning, you’ll need to take your Shih Tzu outside every 2-3 hours, even if they don’t seem to need to go. As they get older, you can gradually increase the time between potty breaks.
3. Watch for signs that your dog needs to go potty.
Puppies will often give you signs that they need to go potty. Some common signs include:
- Whining
- Licking their lips
- Sniffing the ground
- Pacing
If you see your dog exhibiting any of these signs, take them outside immediately.
4. Praise and reward your dog when they go potty outside.
When your dog goes potty outside, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. This will help them to associate going potty outside with positive things.
5. Don’t punish your dog if they have an accident inside.
Punishing your dog for having an accident inside will only make them afraid of you and less likely to want to go potty in front of you. Instead, simply clean up the accident and take your dog outside.
With patience and consistency, you can train your Shih Tzu to poop outside in no time. Just remember to be patient, positive, and consistent, and your dog will eventually get the hang of it.
Here are some additional tips that may help you train your Shih Tzu to poop outside:
- Use a crate or playpen to restrict your dog’s access to the house when you can’t supervise them. This will help to prevent accidents.
- Keep your dog’s feeding schedule consistent. This will help to regulate their bowel movements.
- Avoid giving your dog too much water before bed. This can make them more likely to have an accident in the middle of the night.
- Clean up any accidents with an enzymatic cleaner. This will help to remove the odor and prevent your dog from wanting to go potty in the same spot again.
With a little time and effort, you can teach your Shih Tzu to poop outside like a pro!
