About Shitzu's & Training?

Question

I have a 7 month old Shitzu, he is my fisrt dog i have ever owned, but i have a problem with the training, he does go outside but sometimes he just goes in the corner , is it because he is lazy or is he seeking attention? How do i work with him in solving this problem?
Also how do i teach him to give paw or stay? I have repeated to him several times but a no go and he looks at me like i am from mars lol Please help. Thank You

Answer 1

Shitzus are not one of the smartest breeds though they are cute and can be very loving. All toy breeds tend to have problems with training to go outside because their bladders are so small. Are you taking him out enough? At 7 months old, you should be taking him out atleast once every hour if you are serious about training him to go outside. Patience is also crucial. Once he goes, give him tons of praise and even a little treat. Go to the same area so he learns that is his toilet area. Never yell or him him for accidents indoors. This just makes them nervous and will actually make them have more accidents. Just clean it up with a product designed to deter them away from the area (pet stores sell these). Keep an eye on him for warning signs like sniffing around and take him out ASAP. As far as teaching him tricks, patience is again important. I'm lucky that I have Shelties and they honestly learn something after only being shown a few times at the most. I'm not being mean but Shitzus aren't known for their obedience skills. There was a couple in one of my puppy classes that I took and their owners would get so frustrated. I do like them though and they are very cute and sweet. If you want him to paw, simply pick up his paw and say "Paw or shake or whatever" and give him a small treat (like a Cherrio). Keep doing this for about 5 minutes a couple times a day. This is a very easy command so he should learn it quickly. As far as stay goes, that's a more advanced command and I recommend taking him to a basic obedience class for this. Try to take a class with other toy breed puppies or slower learners so you don't feel overwhelmed by ending up in a class with quick learners like Aussies and Shelties which will frustrate you. Remember, patience is the key to everything when it comes to dog training. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

It isn't that Shih-tzus are not smart, they are just very stubburn. Positive reinforcement works very well. But before he will learn not to go in the house, you have to make sure his scent is gone from the house. Use an enzyme cleaner, I use Nature's Miracle. It's available in most pet stores. You didn't say the "corner" was a floor or carpet. It will work on both, but carpets take a little longer. You have to make sure it soaks into the carpet, and padding and actually the floor underneath to get the scent out completely. That is the key. Out completely. Wood floors are easier, a few applications should take care of it.

He is still a puppy, and needs to be taken out often. As he gets older, he will be able to hold it longer, so have patience, he will learn.

As I said positive reinforcement works particularly well with Shih-Tzus because they want your love and attention. (good attention) When he goes outside, like a good puppy, praise him, pay lots of attention to him, and treats work very well. If he goes in the house, be angry and upset at what he does, NOT THE DOG. He knows what he did,and needs to know you don't like what he did. So be angry at the paper towel you have to use to soak it up...be upset about cleaning it up.. And make sure you clean it with the enzyme cleaner.
Most pet stores also carry "belly bands" for smaller dogs. It wraps around their belly, and over their little "winkie" so it absorbs the urine, and your floor is protected. They usually don't like it, and it will also help re-affirm your displeasure with peeing in the house. If when it is dry when you take it off, be happy, praise and reward. When wet, make an angry fuss when you take it off and throw out the pad.
All these wonderful dogs want is to make and keep their "human" happy. It won't take him long to learn what makes you happy, and what upsets you. And the older he gets the better he will be.

Teaching him tricks is basically the same thing. Only don't be angry if he doesn't do the trick. Attention and reward when he does what the command is. Ignore it when he doesn't. Consistancy and time is the key to both.

Answer 3

I have two purebred shih-tzus. I got my youngest at 6 weeks and took care of her because her mom wouldn't do it anymore. I paid a decent price for her. She went on the potty pad right away, and every hour and a half I take her outside. I tell her to Pee and she does. I tell her to "poop" and she does. I'm very lucky she potty trained herself pretty much. These type of dogs LOVE praise. So use the same word for potty time, and for baths, treats eating etc. They love to know that you love them. She will eventually listen to you. Keep her in your site at all times if possible. You will begin to realize potty time for your dog. Good luck.

Answer 4

We had the same problem. But heres what we did: we put him in his bed and closed the area around him, then a few times a day we took him outside and he just had to go so bad. You see, they wont go to the bathroom in their bed because they don't want to make it smell bad or be dirty, so just try that because they'll hold it if you make them go in their bed. I hope this helps