How to House Train Shih Tzu Dogs
- 1). Immediately take your Shih Tzu out when you wake up, after all meals, after all naps and before your dog goes to sleep. This is especially important if your Shih Tzu is a puppy, as she will most likely have to relieve herself during these times.
- 2). Praise your Shih Tzu with words and treats when he relieves himself outside. This positive reinforcement makes it more likely that your dog will repeat the behavior, according to The Humane Society of the United States.
- 3). Immediately pick your Shih Tzu up and take him outside if you catch him in the act of relieving himself in the house. Tell him "no" when doing so but don't forget to praise him if he goes outside, too.
- 4). Crate your Shih Tzu. Crating dogs helps with house training because dogs are naturally clean animals and try their best to not go to the bathroom inside their "den." So a crate will protect against the chance of accidents when you cannot watch your dog.
- 5). Thoroughly clean up accidents. Dogs are attracted to the smell of their own urine and they are more apt to relieve themselves where they've done so before. Make sure you use an odor eliminator in all cleanups.
- 6). Feed your dog dry food. Canned food has a high water content, which in turn makes your Shih Tzu urinate more.
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