Shih Tzu potty training is probably one of the most frustrating things you will ever have to do as a Shih Tzu owner. Shih Tzu dogs are very elite animals that are comfortable when things are going the way they want them to go. But they are also very clean animals that prefer concrete or stone surfaces to dirt and grass as their toilet area and you can use this information to your advantage and as a way to possibly shorten the housebreaking process.

Housebreaking a Shih Tzu takes months so be prepared and remain patient. You can choose to use the crate method of housebreaking or you can set aside a small piece of your home for your Shih Tzu. Either way is fine just be sure you pick one way and stay with it because you are in for the long haul and if you change anything then you will undo all you have done.

The crate method of Shih Tzu potty training is where you get a large crate and set up their food, water, and bedding in their crate and then close them up in the crate when you are home. Every 45 minutes you need to take the Shih Tzu out to the designated toilet area and wait to see if they do anything. Shower them with praise if they go in the designated toilet area. The crate is their living space and they will not soil their own space. Play with them while they are in their crate so they know it is their space. Remember that a Shih Tzu will not understand punishment they only understand praise.

The method of giving a piece of the house is pretty much the same as a crate except instead of a crate you are closing the Shih Tzu into their living area in one room of the house. Choose a room that has low traffic but someplace you can keep an eye on the dog and then use the same procedure as the crate. Do not leave the Shih Tzu confined for long periods, as they will react negatively to that.

Once you feel like the dog is getting the hang of Shih Tzu potty training then it is time to move their living area to other parts of the house. Once they understand that they have living areas all over the house then they will not soil in the house. It takes a long time and requires a great deal of patience, so if you don't think you are up to it then a Shih Tzu may not be for you.

Shih Tzu dogs do not understand punishment and punishing the dog for making a mess where it is not supposed to will only confuse it. If you have started to move the living area around the house and the dog starts to make a mess then return to the original living area and start over. Be patient and good luck. Remember that it is nothing personal, you just need to get them to understand the rules and Shih Tzu dogs are terrible with rules.