Introduction
Shih Tzus are small, adorable dogs that make great companions. However, like all dogs, they need to be potty trained. Potty training a Shih Tzu can be a challenge, but it is definitely possible with patience and consistency.
In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in teaching your Shih Tzu where to pee. We will also provide some tips and tricks to help make the process go more smoothly.
Step 1: Choose a Potty Spot
The first step in potty training your Shih Tzu is to choose a potty spot. This could be a specific spot in your yard, a designated area in your home, or even a patch of grass outside your apartment building.
Once you have chosen a potty spot, mark it with a flag or a piece of brightly colored tape. This will help your Shih Tzu to learn where they are supposed to go.
Step 2: Take Your Shih Tzu to the Potty Spot Regularly
The next step is to take your Shih Tzu to the potty spot regularly. This means taking them out every two to three hours, as well as after they wake up from a nap, after they eat or drink, and after they play.
When you take your Shih Tzu to the potty spot, stay there with them for a few minutes. This will give them time to sniff around and find a spot that they like. If they do go to the bathroom, be sure to praise them and give them a treat.
Step 3: Be Patient and Consistent
Potty training a Shih Tzu takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if they have an accident. Just keep taking them to the potty spot regularly and praising them when they do their business outside.
It is also important to be consistent with your potty training routine. If you take your Shih Tzu to the potty spot at different times each day, it will be more difficult for them to learn where they are supposed to go.
Step 4: Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to train a dog. When your Shih Tzu goes to the potty spot, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. This will help them to associate going to the bathroom outside with positive experiences.
Step 5: Clean Up Accidents Immediately
If your Shih Tzu has an accident inside, be sure to clean it up immediately. This will help to prevent them from smelling their own urine or feces, which can encourage them to go in the same spot again.
When you clean up an accident, use an enzyme cleaner to remove the odor. This will help to prevent your Shih Tzu from being able to smell the accident, which will discourage them from going in the same spot again.
Tips for Potty Training a Shih Tzu
Be patient and consistent.
Use positive reinforcement.
Take your Shih Tzu to the potty spot regularly.
Clean up accidents immediately.
Crate train your Shih Tzu.
Use a bell to signal when your Shih Tzu needs to go to the bathroom.
Take your Shih Tzu for regular walks.
Conclusion
Potty training a Shih Tzu can be a challenge, but it is definitely possible with patience and consistency. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help your Shih Tzu learn where to go to the bathroom in no time.
Additional Tips
If your Shih Tzu is having trouble learning where to go to the bathroom, you may want to try crate training them. This will help to keep them from having accidents inside and will also give them a designated spot to go to the bathroom.
You can also use a bell to signal to your Shih Tzu when they need to go to the bathroom. This can be a helpful way to teach them to go outside on their own.
Finally, be sure to take your Shih Tzu for regular walks. This will help them to get used to going to the bathroom outside and will also help to keep them healthy and active.
With patience and consistency, you can potty train your Shih Tzu and have a happy, well-behaved dog.
