Shih Tzu puppies love time outside, but need to learn to associate it with going to the bathroom too.
Shih Tzu puppies are cute fluff balls that can provide you with companionship in your home, should you be in the market for a small dog breed. These loyal canines are adorable as puppies, but have their flaws, such as not being housebroken. While housebreaking a Shih Tzu puppy does take patience, with enough time it can be done properly in order to get your puppy treating your home like its own.
Instructions
1. Setup a crate in your home for your Shih Tzu to stay in when you leave, and where they can sleep at night. Make sure the crate is large enough for them to move around, about 18 inches long, 12 inches in wide, and 14 inches tall. Line the bottom with foam and a soft blanket.
2. Walk your puppy frequently, about every hour or two, for the first two weeks you have it. Puppies have no bladder control at first, so frequent walks will help avoid accidents. Say a phrase like, "potty time," as you prepare for the walk, and overtime they'll learn that the phrase means it is time for a bathroom break. Congratulate them with praise or a treat anytime they go to the bathroom outside to enforce that they did what you wanted.
3. Start a strict walking schedule with your Shih Tzu puppy, after they have been in your home for two weeks and gotten used to their new surroundings. Plan to walk your puppy ten minutes after eating, three times a day, and right when you get home and let them out of their crate.
4. Stick to the schedule and avoid skipping or changing the time of walks if possible. Your Shih Tzu puppy needs to get used to knowing when it is okay for them to use the restroom and when to expect a chance to potty. Make walks only five minutes or so, to give your Shih Tzu ample time to eliminate, and also to enforce that going to the bathroom is the reason you are outside.
5. Clean up any indoor accidents with a pet odor neutralizing cleaner, or a solution of two cups white vinegar, and a fourth a cup of baking soda, which will also neutralize and clean the area. If odors aren't completely neutralized your Shih Tzu will be able to smell them, and feel inclined to go to the bathroom in that same area again.
6. Keep up with the schedule and regular feedings, and your Shih Tzu pup should be housetrained by five to six months. If you're puppy is not responding to your training and the schedule, ask your veterinarian for some suggestions. They may suggest special training courses, or test your pup to ensure it doesn't have some sort of health problem.
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