Shih Tzu Puppy Training: How Easy is it?

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How to discipline a shih tzu puppy — Shih Tzu puppy training should begin as early as possible.

Shih Tzus are brilliant dogs. Their most important goal is to please their owners so they know about their successes and failures regarding Shih Tzu puppy training. However, unlike most other breeds. They are flighty and easily distracted up until about 10 weeks of age. You can begin training most puppies right away. But you must wait until your Shih Tzu puppy is 10 to 12 weeks old before beginning serious potty training.

Shih Tzu puppies are highly excitable and have little bladder control until 10 weeks old.

Shih Tzu Puppy Training Takes Time

Shih Tzu potty training book — Shih Tzu puppy training

Attempting Shih Tzu puppy training too early can cause you to become discouraged, which could lead to you allowing the puppy to control the results of the sessions. Many dog trainers believe that the Shih Tzu can begin learning simple commands (not potty training) between 6 and 9 weeks. However, it depends on how complex the commands are.

Up to this point, you are better served by keeping them in a controlled area with newspapers or potty training pads on the floor while you regulate their eating and drinking times of the day.

When you find your puppy urinating or defecating at regular times of the day, it is time to begin potty training. For example, your puppy should want to defecate right as it wakes up and again within 10-15 minutes after it eats its morning meal.

Do not try to limit when they go by; only give them water twice a day. Your puppy needs access to lots of water throughout the day.

Feed them once in the morning and once about 3 hours before bedtime.

Because they are high-energy pets, you must spend lots of time playing with them in these early weeks. While this may not seem like training, it establishes a bond between you and your pet.

Because you control where they can go in the house (perhaps by putting up a child safety gate), they will quickly understand you are the “alpha” in their pack.

shih tzu puppy training using a crate — Do not overlook the importance of Shih Tzu puppy training

So, when it comes time to train them, they will be ready to accept your commands and eager to please. When you do start training. Avoid negative feedback. Again, your Shih Tzu is very sensitive to your desires, and displeasing you can cause them great grief.

Praise your puppy when it does something right. A simple but firm “no” should suffice when it does something wrong.

Or try using a loud rattle to startle the puppy. A tin can with marbles in it works well. This should stop them from doing what they are doing, and you can lead them to do it somewhere more appropriately.

Almost all puppies have issues at first with potty training or housetraining. However, this lasts only a little while. This dilemma is especially true for this breed. Shih Tzus has tiny bladders that can cause accidents when training.

Crate training is a simple but effective method of potty training your dog. However, it will require a lot of patience, praise, and positive reinforcement. Shih Tzus are relatively clean dogs and do not want to soil their crates, but due to their small bladders, accidents will happen.

Correctly starting Shih Tzu puppy training from the first day you bring him home ensures that training goes smoothly. Your new puppy is nervous about being in strange surroundings and away from his mom and littermates.

Getting accustomed to a new home will take time. Try to make it as stress-free as possible.

DISCLAIMER: The information on shihtzudoginformation.com is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only. The content is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have regarding your dog’s health or medical condition.