Shih Tzu House Training - Do You Make These 7 Mistakes in Training Your Puppy?

Shih tzu house training is a tedious, challenging and yet necessary task. For a new pup, house training should start at the earliest age. If you are bringing home an untrained adult dog, potty training should begin as soon as it arrives at your household.

It is better to equip yourself with some knowledge about shih tzu house training even before the puppy arrives. Otherwise, you could end up making unnecessary mistakes that may prevent your dog from being properly house trained.

Here are 7 common mistakes (you want to avoid!) that most pet owners make when house training a shih tzu.

1. Not using positive reinforcement

Puppies respond best to praises and rewards rather than yelling and punishment. When your dog has relieved himself, praise, pet or give him a treat.

2. Not spending enough time with your puppy

Puppies take at least 4 months to develop full control of their bladders and bowels. You should be around the house as much as possible during the initial few months of house training to teach, supervise and correct your pup. Never leave your pup in a crate for long hours. If you are working full time, ask someone reliable to let your puppy out for potty and to keep an eye on him in the house.

3. Scolding your puppy for eliminating in the house

If you catch your puppy in the act, firmly say "No" to interrupt him. Pick him up and bring him to his potty area to eliminate. Once he's done, praise and reward him.

Should you find 'accidents' in the house, it's too late to correct him. No point telling him off at this point as you will only confuse him. Just clean up the mess with a cleaner that removes urine stain and odor.

4. House training a shih tzu puppy to go outside and on paper

Choose either to train your puppy to eliminate outdoor or on paper(indoor). Don't try to do both at the same time. You'll only confuse your puppy and he'll take longer to become fully house trained.

5. Not using a crate or cage

Crate training is an essential part of shih tzu house training. Allowing your puppy to roam freely in the house before he is potty trained is a recipe for disaster. If you are house training your puppy to go outside or you are not able to keep a constant eye on him, a crate is useful for limiting his access to the house. The rational for crate training is that dogs do not like to relieve themselves where they sleep.

6. Not knowing the warning signs your dog needs to go potty

Watch out for signs such as sniffing in circles or heading off to a corner of a room.

7. Not taking your puppy out frequently enough

Puppies need to be taken out frequently at regular intervals during the day. Small breed dogs and puppies have small bladders and bowels. They are not able to hold themselves for too long and need to go potty often. Be sure to take your dog outside after each meal, upon waking up and before bedtime.

There are bound to be accidents in the house, so don't freak out. It's part of the learning process for your puppy. Remember, house training a shih tzu requires consistency, patience and dedication. Don't expect him to be full house trained overnight.