How can I Potty train my shih tzu?

Question

I have a 4 month old shih tzu and I have tried everything to get him potty trained. It just doesnt seem to work. I am so sad The little puppy even peed on my mother I was so embarrassed. I just dont know what to do.

Answer 1

I'm sure you've tried everything, but here's a suggestion. In the pet department of your local grocery store, or mass-merchandiser, like Wal-Mart, they actually make potty training pads for puppies.

The key is to be consistent! When you're not home and when you go to bed, you must crate your dog. Don't worry about the dog not liking it. She will get used to it, and will actually like it, as it becomes her "den".

When you return home, or when you wake up, your FIRST priority is to take the dog outside to do her business.

Good luck, sweetie.

Sandy

Answer 2

A Shih Tu is a small dog = very small bladder. consistency is the key as well as understanding of why your dog is peeing. I would first recommend a crate to keep him/her in when you cannot be there to watch, IE while you are at work, get the size that you will need when he is full grown. also remember that at 4 months this is a puppy! Puppies need to pee within 20 minutes of eating, 45 minutes of play, every 4 hours minimum, probably even less since your puppy is so small. I cam a bit concerned that you called your dog IT, not a he, she or even a name....does this little one mean anything to you? I'm not trying to hurt your feeling or belittle you, just making note of what I saw in your question. Invest in a good training book and find a dog training instructor - someone that will teach YOU how to train your dog in classes so that your puppy can be socialised with other dogs, this is invaluable as well as a lifetime investment - the lifetime of your dog...he or she is going to live for up to 16 yrs, small dogs live longer than larger ones, I hope you fully understand what this means. Seek professional training help asap! Do not wait, it is important that your puppy gets this training now before they get to be too much of a handful for you and you REALLY won't know what to do.
I wish I could offer more advice, but yahoo doesn't allow for a whole lot in such a short space. Look for a group in your area, see if there is an on line dog group for shih tzu's...I'm sure there is! Again, find a dog training instructor...not a dog trainer, you need to learn to deal with the problems not dump them on a trainer, plus a trainer can only help so much with wee wee issues. Most likely it is because your puppy is not being taken out to wee often enough, which is often the case with puppies and small dogs. Best of luck to you!

Answer 3

Shih Tzu's aren't the easiest to potty train, but they can be train lol Lot of patience..

This is from an ID name of peachesdeese.She gave me premission to include this in my puppy kit..I think it is worth wild to repeat it here everytime this question get ask which is a lot.

The best time to get a puppy is when your going to be home for a couple of days. (Like the weekend.) That way they have a little time to bond with you and they tend to listen a little better.

Potty training a puppy isn't a matter of time....its a matter of timing.

Instead of thinking....."Take the baby out every couple of hours" Do it this way....

When it wakes up.....take it out
When it finishes eating.... take it out
When its done playing... take it out right then

A puppy lives in the "right now" state.....
When it wakes up...al it knows is its gotta pee! And if you don't take it right then it will pee where ever!

Same thing goes for playing and eating.

Regardless of what people say, crate training is bad for a dogs mental state. The perfect way to confine your pet from roaming your home while your gone is to put it in the kitchen/laundry room/bathroom with a baby gate. Don't close the door. A baby get will make your baby feel less confined and the puppies mind set will be better. Give them plenty of toys and a bed on one side of the room, peepee pad on the other side of the room and food and water in the middle. (Puppies don't normally like to poop where they sleep!)

It is possiable....with patience....to teach a puppy to use the peepee pad AND go outside.

Answer 4

As the little guy peed on your mom, I am wondering if we are dealing with excitement urination, submissive peeing, or plain lack of learning house manners? Can you describe what you have tried, and when and where he pees inappropriately? I will check back to see if you have added details..
Well, I waited for you to post more details, so I could be of more help. It sounds to me as if he doesn't have a fully developed bladder control.
ROUTINE is the most important aspect of potty training. Feed 4 times per day, at the same times, and put the bowl up after he eats for a few minutes..Then take outside shortly after eating, and keep him out until he pees and poops. Take out each time he wakes from a nap, and during any rowdy play.
Watch for signs of restlessness, and take him out when he sniffs the floor or turns circles, or seems stressed..If he is kept on a strict routine (same times daily) he will soon have a trained bladder.
Meanwhile, use the belly band when you have company..Your mom will appreciate it..lol (available at any pet supply)
If he continues to dribble, have him checked by a vet for UTI.

Answer 5

Start by putting them on a leash and tethering them to you. That way you can be aware of them when they start sniffing the ground (usually a cue the puppy needs to go potty). Pick them up and carry them outside.

When they go potty, tell them "good potty" and give a cookie as a reward. Do not let your puppy off leash until they have finished going so they get into the habit of going potty, then playing. Many puppies will want to go outside just to play if you let them off leash first.

Answer 6

There is an article on the Countrywide website on how to houe train your dog that you may find useful. You can find it at Hope it helps - Good Luck!

Answer 7

I have the same problem with my bichon. Apparently,small dogs have this problem. Have you tried wee wee pads that have a scent that attracts them to go on the pad ?

Answer 8

u take it outside when it wants to go potty

Answer 9

still too young to be reliably housetrained.. small dog, small bladder,, this pup needs to be take out frequently

Answer 10

ground it for a mth!!!!