House Training Shih Tzu Puppies – Made Easy
House training a Shih Tzu can be very rewarding and is not a difficult task, if you have the patience. These are intelligent little dogs and even their characteristic moments of obstinacy will make you smile.
Keep the following few points in mind to make your task easier.
Choose a training method.
Shih Tzu, especially the smaller breeds is often trained to use a litter box. Many owners still prefer to train their pet to go outside. Whatever method you opt for it should be your first priority. We are lucky that we live in an age where many gadgets and aids are available to help us through this difficult time! You can, for example, purchase a pee mat which will not take up too much space and can be specially treated to keep odor to a minimum. Just remember to keep it in the same place.
Neutralize accident areas.
Not so much for your own comfort, but if the dog can smell urine he will assume it is ok to use that spot and keep on using it. For this reason it is important to introduce the puppy to the preferred spot from day one.
Use the good old system of praise and reprimand.
If reprimanding, no more than a stern voice is necessary. If the puppy gets it right he should also hear it in your voice along with a quick petting. Do not be tempted to give your dog a treat every time he does something right. This will lead to him expecting a snack every time he urinates in the proper place and this in turn will either lead to him resorting to bad habits when no treat is offered or becoming obese.
A new puppy should not be given access to the entire house.
This may seem like common sense as none of us want to clear up an accident on the bed or living room carpet. So far as training your Shih Tzu is concerned the less distraction he has the better, so try to confine him to one or two areas so he can concentrate on what he needs to learn. Use baby gates if you do not want to keep doors shut.
Have enough time available for training.
Many Shih Tzu puppies join the family at Christmas. It is important to think about this. Even if your new pet comes with a cast iron guarantee that claims he is house trained, moving in to a new home will prove stressful and accidents are inevitable. During the Christmas holidays you should introduce a new puppy to your household only if you are sure you have the time and energy to take full care of him.
Prevention is better than cure.
The frequency at which your Shih Tzu will need to urinate and defecate will depend on his age. Very young puppies have weak control and you should allow for this.
Training is all about preventing accidents. If you catch your puppy in the act, firmly tell him NO! Pick him up and take him to where he should be relieving himself. Smacking your pet or rubbing his nose in it will not work. It is also important to learn the puppy’s body language to see when he wants to go to the toilet and to quickly act before he uses the wrong spot.
Help establish a routine.
Give your puppy water regularly. As soon as he has drunk it, take him to his pee box or outside. You must have time and patience for this. You will be doing this six or seven times a day! After food allow half an hour for the food to pass through the system. If there is a long delay try a short walk.
Remember to take the puppy to his spot first thing in the morning and last thing at night and try not to allow him to drink too much just before bedtime.
Shih Tzu is a very loving breed and quick to learn. Your puppy wants to please you. Take your time and be patient with him. It will be worth it!
Chris Boshoff is a Shih Tzu lover. For more information about House Training Shih Tzu Puppies, visit his website http://www.shihtzuparadise.com
