how to potty train shih tzu puppy

Some Shih Tzu may pick up potty training very easily, and they may be eager to please their parent and catch on fast without much fuss. A pet parent needs to know and accept that every dog is different and how or when they do things may be different from the Shih Tzu down the street. Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. Jen has over 23 years of experience living and caring for all types of pets from axolotls, snakes, rabbits, turtles to dogs and cats. Its a learning process for the parent at this stage and can often seem like a back-and-forth game. Try not to yell or scare your puppy when you interrupt an accident. If there is a yard, they might designate a certain area of that yard. Be sure not to leave your puppy in its crate for more than two hours, and clean up any accidents as soon as you see them. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Give it a "Go potty!" Log in, Shih Tzu Poodle Mix Puppies For Sale Texas. This should be done consistently regardless of whether the puppy has to go to the bathroom. It can even delay the process of learning or cause setbacks later in the puppys life, not to mention the awful effects these attitudes have on the dogs health and wellness. Sometimes smaller dogs need 3-4 small meals a day to manage their blood sugar levels, so check with your vet. Some conditions, such as diabetes or a urinary tract infection, can make it hard for the dog to control its bladder. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. If you're having trouble housebreaking your dog, then you should take the dog to the vet to eliminate possible underlying medical issues. Add 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15cm) to get your crate dimensions. If they have an accident, the parent can shorten the duration of their bathroom breaks. When its not in its crate, keep doors closed or try using sturdy baby gates keep areas off limits. It should be a source of safety and comfort, not a means of punishing your dog. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Affiliate Disclosure: When possible, Embora Pets uses affiliate links (at no additional cost to you). Perhaps the potty training isnt consistent, or the dog has health issues, which can delay learning. This idea means that they should know where they want their puppy to use the bathroom before they begin learning. In order to prevent accidents, its best to take your puppy out every 1-2 hours. In addition to following the fifteen minute rule, you should make sure your pup gets to its potty area every couple hours during the daytime. In that case, it might mean that the puppy has to use a particular spot in that community. This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. Hi, I am Jen! 3 Must Have Books For New Pet Owners! Then, if possible, position the pad just outside of your door or in a designated potty area outside. In addition to needing training and supervision, young puppies have small bladders and havent fully developed the muscles that control when it goes to the bathroom. Potty training is a process that can seem daunting to some Shih Tzu parents, but it doesnt have to be that way. At Embora Pets we are passionate about pets and love sharing our knowledge and research with you.We strive to be the ultimate resource for you to learn all that you can about caring for your pet! With time and usually before a pet parent blinks, the dog holds their bladder longer and lets the parent know when they need to go out with minimal accidents inside the house. Make sure to reward it with verbal praise and small food treats as soon as it goes to the bathroom in the proper spot. If they just ate, they may have to go out, or if they drank a ton of water. In other scenarios, a Shih Tzu puppy may have a harder time. She has owned and cared for many breeds of dogs including her German Shepherd named Jet. To determine crate size, you should measure the dog from its nose to its tail for the length and width measurements, and from the floor to the top of its head for the height measurement. A pet parent can begin by taking them out every half hour in the beginning when they are very young. Make it matter of fact and calm so your pup doesnt think its playtime. Keep tiny pieces of a treat less than the size of a pea on hand when you take your puppy out to potty. The right mindset and attitude towards the actual learning and participants make the difference in whether its a positive experience. Shih Tzu puppies are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Pushing training, acting aggressive or abusive, mistreating the puppy, and hoping the puppy will accept the training sooner will not make the process any easier. Creating the right environment in the home during any training makes it easier and fosters healthy learning for everyone involved. Once your pup gets used to pottying on the pad outside, remove it. Other than giving a verbal potty command, avoid unnecessary distractions, like games or talking. When possible, Embora Pets uses affiliate links (at no additional cost to you). Puppies should be taken out when they first wake up in the morning and immediately when they wake up from a nap. Most Shih Tzu is potty trained in two to four months, but it really depends on the individual Shih Tzu, their home life, and how much focus the pet parent puts on the training. This article has been viewed 27,367 times. A pet parent should be prepared to devote some time and energy to potty training. Create a set routine, feed it at the same times each day, and make frequent trips to a consistent potty spot. A very important factor in any training for a puppy is time. Learn More. However, with a little time and consistency, you can train your puppy to use the bathroom correctly. Playtime might cause accidents; therefore, they should go out at some point during the fun to make sure this doesnt happen. % of people told us that this article helped them. They can also happen even after the puppy has finished potty training, and thats why they call them accidents. "It gave me helpful tips on potty training.". Shih Tzu puppies also have small bladders. Therefore if the pet parent cant take time off or has a very rigid work schedule, potty training should be delayed, or a professional should be hired to formally potty train the Shih Tzu. Whatever method is chosen, the pet parent should have a thoughtful plan. In the beginning, they should be prepared for the process to take time and there to be many setbacks. By using our site, you agree to our. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 27,367 times. As The Shih Tzu puppy matures, its body and bladder will grow, and the time between breaks can be increased because they can hold it more. A "Go Potty" command will help you get your dog to use the bathroom in unfamiliar locations in the future. That being said, pet parents should always start this process with the right mindset. If they dont have to go, the parent can lengthen the time between breaks. Even in the best-case scenarios, accidents can still happen. How Long Does It Take To Potty Train A Shih Tzu? Patience and persistence with a positive attitude and time are usually all that are needed to succeed. When the parent finds the right spot that prevents the puppy from having accidents, the process can move forward. Your email address will not be published. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. When Do Blue Heeler Puppies Stop Biting (And How Do You Stop It). At this age, the Shih Tzu may not realize when they have to go until its too late. Try to avoid playing or making overnight potty trips exciting in any way. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. The plan should also include having a schedule for when the puppy will be taken outside. Your designated area could be an indoor potty pad or spot outside, but try to. If you can't take off, ask a relative, friend, or neighbor to take the dog out. Interrupt accidents when you see them, but avoid punishing your puppy, especially for previous accidents you didnt catch. Potty training, like other training, is a process that happens at different times. Learning any new skill is a process, and every puppy will learn in their own time. It might become afraid to go to the bathroom in front of people, making the housebreaking process much more difficult. It if gets used to being in its mess, youll have a lot more trouble housebreaking it effectively. Choose a crate thats just a bit larger than a full grown Shih Tzu. They should plan and remain positive but understanding, empathetic, and patient with their Shih Tzu puppy as they learn. Be patient with your pup, and expect accidents. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These setbacks will happen for quite a while as the parent and puppy pair move through the process of potty training. Place toys and objects that smell like you in the crate so your dog develops positive associations with it. Keeping your puppy in a particular area instead of allowing it to access your entire home will help you keep an eye on it. You could also hire a dog sitter or walker. Maltese Cross Shih Tzu For Sale Melbourne. Potty training doesnt happen overnight. 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