what is the best way to house train your dog (shih tzu) ?

Answer 1

When she pees or looks like she needs to, carry her to a litter box or outside right away so she knows where to go. If she makes too many mistakes, put her nose close to it and then put her outside so that she associates the two.

Answer 2

Potty training should start right away. It is easier to train then it is to re train. These potty training tips can be used for
any aged dog and should always be started from the beggining and advance only as fast as the dog or puppy allows you
to. If there is an accident, take two steps backwards and continue at a slower pace.

I highly reccomend crate training. This works with the dogs natural instinct not to want to soil her area or den. Crate
training isn't cruel, it's by far the oppisisite. Denning is natural for dogs and it gives a secure place. Many dogs continue to
use the crate thru out their lifes as a sleeping or resting area. It should be off limits to kids and toehrs and be a happy place.
For more on crate training see the above links.

Pooch will need to go out always after sleeping, playing, eating and before bedtime. Take pup out to the place you want
him to use. Give him about 5 minutes and stay with him. If she goes, praise, treat and have a quick playtime. If she doesn't
go it's straight back into the crate or tehtered to you by a leash.

The playtime after the potty time is very important. This teaches the pup that potty doesn't equal straight back into the
house. And the tether to you is also important, it helps you supervise the puppy while your in the house. It's much easier to
show the puppy how to be good, rather then get mad at the pup when bad.

Always ignore the accidents. They are going to happen. If you catch the accident just say nope, outside. and take
pooch outside. If you do not catch the pup in the act then just clean up the mess and make a note that pup needs to go
out sooner next time. Use something with an enzyme cleaner in it like Natures Miricle for clean ups. This also works on other
stains as well.

It's also important to take pup out about every 20 minutes until you get a feel for his schedule. Adjust accordiong to the
pup. As well as setting an alarm clock for the wee morning hours, say 2AM to take pup out. If there is an accident when you
wake up for this then you know to set the time sooner. Also if there is still an accident when you get up you will know
another wake up call is in order. Again, you can adjust these times according to how you pooch advances. Stay consistant
and soon you will have a good pooch slleping thru the night.

Answer 3

Feed meals on a regular schedule (dogs that eat all day, poop all day)
Be prepared to take the puppy outside to eliminate 10 – 20 minutes after eating, possibly sooner after drinking.
A puppy should have 1 cup (8 oz) water per 8# of body weight each day.
No water after 7 pm. An ice cube or two will quench pup’s thirst without the attendant need to urinate.

Take, don’t put, puppy outside on leash to your chosen spot, then drop the leash and stand on the handle (as in Settle) and ignore her. Keep her in sight out of the corner of your eye, and as soon as she eliminates, calmly praise and/or pop a small treat in her mouth.

Use a specific command such as “Hurry Up.”

As soon as puppy finishes, PLAY! At least 1-2 minutes, up to 5 (depending on the weather.)

Now bring puppy inside. Play a little more then put in her safe area/crate.
Clean up your yard daily. It’s like flushing your dog’s toilet for her.

If you catch pup eliminating inside, clap hands to startle & stop her, quickly but gently bring outside to her spot, then give her the ‘potty’ command.

Never punish accidents! When ya gotta go, ya gotta go!

Use an odor neutralizer such as Nature’s Miracle or Spot Shot to eliminate the odor and any staining on carpet. For liquids, put paper towel over the spot, then cover towel with a plastic bag, then stand on it. The plastic bag prevents the liquid getting on your shoe/slipper and is right there to pick up the paper towel without soiling your hand. If you wish to use newspaper to absorb, put paper towel on spot before newspaper to prevent ink getting on floor or carpet. You can wipe tile or other hard floor surfaces (test a hidden area first) with the neutralizer just to be safe.

Answer 4

you can go to the pet store like petsmart and buy puppy training pads so the dog can use them while you're not home instead of your carpet and while you're home take the dog out every couple of hours and let him walk around for a while and he'll get used to going outside and as the dog gets older stop putting the pads down on the floor and he'll get used to waiting until you get home to walk him.

Answer 5

Take her outside every hour or 2 and give lots of praise for going outside. Do no scold accidents, it's not a big deal. When she starts to go, immediately take her outside. Good luck!

Answer 6

Get a crate. Keep her in it when your not home. When you let her out take her outside immediately to re-leave herself.

Don't leave her in the crate so long that she starts going in the crate. It defeats the purpose.

As she gets to know she is to go outside to use it. She will not have to be crated all the time.

Answer 7

You need to train your puppy to go to the bathroom on puppy pads!

http://www.wiggle-n-waggle.com/servlet/the-147/Clean-Go-Pet-Puppy/Detail

And you will need some stain and odor remover as well.

http://www.wiggle-n-waggle.com/servlet/the-156/Nature%27s-Miracle-Stain-%26/Detail

The best thing to do is give your puppy a meal, then keep your puppy in a crate ( http://www.wiggle-n-waggle.com/servlet/the-141/Pet-Gear-Home-%27N/Detail ) and take him out about 20-30 mins after their meal. Then put the puppy directly on the pad, and be sure to praise your puppy and give them treats when they do eliminate on the pad. If your puppy doesnt go, simply put them back in the crate, and take them out after 10 mins or so... again, take them directly to the pad. Be sure to use the stain and odor remover to clean up any messes (dogs are creatures of habit and will go to the restroom where they have gone before if they can smell their scent... and standard household cleaners do not always eleminate it. Remember... just because you cant smell it doesnt mean your puppy can't!

Again, the products you need are as follows:

A Crate: http://www.wiggle-n-waggle.com/servlet/the-141/Pet-Gear-Home-%27N/Detail

Puppy Pads: http://www.wiggle-n-waggle.com/servlet/the-147/Clean-Go-Pet-Puppy/Detail

A Pet Stain and Odor Remover: http://www.wiggle-n-waggle.com/servlet/the-156/Nature%27s-Miracle-Stain-%26/Detail