Shih Tzu puppies are incredibly adorable, but one mistake most new owners make is thinking these puppies are like most other breeds regarding training and not waiting for the right Shih Tzu potty training age.
Shih Tzus are extremely eager to please their owner and can be heartbroken when they think they have failed. So, when training your puppy, you must offer lots of encouragement and positive reinforcement with little to no negative feedback.
Are Shih Tzu puppies easy to potty train? The answer is no. Their small bladders make them prone to accidents, so anyone wanting to own a Shih Tzu should be patient, loving, caring, and understanding.
Shih Tzu Potty Training Age
Another aspect of training Shih Tzu puppies is their inability to control their bladder until they are 10 to 12 weeks old, at this point, they become Shih Tzu potty-training age.
Until then, attempting to potty train your pet will only create anxiety in your pet and frustration in you. Cover the floor area they live in with newspaper or potty training pads and spend lots of time playing with them.
It will mean a fair amount of cleanup until they are ready to learn, but if you wait until they are ready, they will learn quickly!
Putting them on a feeding schedule can help control when they need to go. After 12 weeks, you should find that they will defecate first thing in the morning and then again right after eating their morning meal.
You may also find they want to urinate within minutes of drinking water. Being aware of this can save you frustration in caring for your puppy.
If you need to leave your Shih Tzu unattended, put up a child safety gate. This will allow them to see more than just their room and keep them from getting into trouble.
Never allow your puppy free rein of the house until they are at least a year old. They are very curious and can be highly destructive by chewing on table legs, shoes, or the carpet.
This is not acting out of frustration; it is just their natural character. Like a baby likes to put things in its mouth, Shih Tzu chews on things.
If you catch your puppy doing something you don’t want them to do, just startle them with a loud noise. Eventually, with training, you can cure your puppy’s desire to chew, but that takes time.
Although Shih Tzu puppies are relatively comfortable in crates, they may whimper the first few nights.
This is not because of the crate but because their siblings are lonely. Putting a warm water bottle and a ticking clock in their crate with them should help.
It is no secret that most puppies will have issues getting accustomed to housetraining or potty training. Shih Tzus, more so than most larger breeds, have difficulty adapting to potty training because they have small bladders.
Nevertheless, one way to help your Shih Tzu puppy is to use the simple yet effective crate training method. This method is highly effective, but you must show a lot of patience and positive reinforcement. Shih Tzus are susceptible dogs and do not do well with harsh treatment.
Treating your puppy harshly while potty training can cause Shih Tzu potty training regression, which can cause them to forget everything they learned up to that point. Shih Tzu ownership is not for everyone.
Few people will wait for the proper Shih Tzu potty training age. Therefore, they lose patience with the puppy and subject it to harsh handling. This behavior is a surefire way to destroy your puppy’s confidence and its love and trust for you.
Your Shih Tzu housebreaking problems will go away if you take your time and shower your little puppy with praise, love, and plenty of treats. These dogs want to do nothing but please you. Therefore, if you are patient with them, they will reward you when they are correctly potty trained. However, it is still crucial that you pay attention to the right Shih Tzu potty training age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most effective methods for Shih Tzu potty training?
Consistency and Routine: Establish a constant schedule for taking your Shih Tzu outside, preferably after meals, playtime, and naps.
Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and praise to reward your Shih Tzu immediately after they eliminate in the appropriate spot.
Crate Training: Utilize a crate to encourage control and prevent accidents, as dogs generally avoid soiling their sleeping area.
How long does Shih Tzu potty training typically take?
Average Duration: Potty training a Shih Tzu can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the dog’s age, temperament, and consistency in training.
Factors Influencing Time: Young puppies often learn faster due to adaptability, while older dogs might require more patience and persistence.
What common challenges might I face during Shih Tzu potty training?
Small Bladder Capacity: Shih Tzus has smaller bladders, leading to more frequent bathroom needs.
Stubbornness: This breed can be somewhat independent and stubborn, requiring persistent and gentle guidance.
Accidents Inside the Home: Accidents are common, especially in the initial stages, so patience and consistent training are crucial.
Do specific signs indicate my Shih Tzu needs to go potty?
Behavioral Cues: Look for sniffing, circling, whining, or scratching at the door as indicators that your Shih Tzu needs to go potty.
Routine Awareness: Knowing your dog’s routine and schedule will help them anticipate their needs better.
How can I prevent my Shih Tzu from having accidents inside the house?
Frequent Breaks: Take your Shih Tzu outside frequently, especially after meals and naps.
Supervision: Keep a close eye on your Shih Tzu when they are inside, especially during the early stages of training.
Confined Spaces: When you cannot supervise them directly, use baby gates or a crate to limit their roaming area.
What role does diet play in Shih Tzu potty training?
Consistent Feeding Schedule: Feed your Shih Tzu at the same times daily to regulate their digestive system.
High-Quality Diet: Provide a balanced diet that suits their needs, avoiding foods that might cause digestive issues or irregular bowel movements.
How can I handle setbacks during Shih Tzu potty training?
Patience and Persistence: Understand that setbacks are normal. Maintain a positive attitude and continue reinforcing good behavior.
Reevaluation: If accidents continue, reevaluate the training schedule, the dog’s diet, or potential health issues.
Is there a difference between potty training for male and female Shih Tzus?
Marking Behavior: Male Shih Tzus might exhibit marking behavior, which can complicate potty training. Neutering can help reduce this behavior.
Training Approach: The potty training approach generally remains the same, focusing on consistency and positive reinforcement for both genders.
Can professional trainers help with Shih Tzu potty training?
Expert Guidance: Professional trainers can provide tailored advice and techniques based on your Shih Tzu’s specific needs and behavior.
Problem Solving: They can help address persistent issues or unique challenges that arise during the training process.
Are there health issues that can affect Shih Tzu potty training?
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can cause frequent urination and accidents. Consult a vet if you suspect a health issue.
Digestive Problems: Diarrhea or constipation can affect potty training. Ensure a balanced diet and monitor for any dietary intolerances.
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.
References
- American Kennel Club (AKC) – https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-potty-train-a-shih-tzu-puppy
- PetMD – https://www.petmd.com/dog/puppycenter/training/evr_dg_potty_training_your_puppy
- VCA Animal Hospitals – https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/house-training-your-puppy
- The Humane Society of the United States – https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-house-train-your-dog-or-puppy
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) – https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/house-training-your-dog
