| House training a shih tzu puppy is very important for | | | | eliminate on concrete, blacktop, grass or dirt is a good |
| the well being of both the shih tzu puppy and the | | | | idea. The shih tzu puppy should never be encouraged |
| owner. The number one reason that dogs are | | | | to eliminate on anything that resembles the hardwood |
| surrendered to animal shelters is problems with | | | | flooring, tile or carpet he may encounter in a home. |
| inappropriate elimination, so it is easy to see why | | | | Praise and reward your shih tzu puppy every time he |
| proper house training is such an important | | | | eliminates in the established toilet area. The shih tzu |
| consideration. | | | | puppy must learn to associate toileting in the |
| It is important to establish proper toilet habits when the | | | | established areas with good things, like treats, toys and |
| shih tzu puppy is young, since these habits can last a | | | | praise from his owner. |
| lifetime, and be very hard to break once they are | | | | Always keep a set schedule when feeding your shih |
| established. It is very important for the owner to house | | | | tzu puppy, and provide constant access to fresh, clean |
| break the shih tzu puppy properly. In most cases, true | | | | drinking water. A consistent feeding schedule equals a |
| house training cannot begin until the shih tzu puppy is | | | | consistent toilet schedule. |
| six months old. Puppies younger than this generally lack | | | | Using a crate can be a big help in helping a shih tzu |
| the bowel and bladder control that is needed for true | | | | puppy develop self control. The concept behind crate |
| house training. | | | | training is that the shih tzu puppy will not want to toilet |
| Shih Tzu puppies younger than six months should be | | | | in his bed area. |
| confined to a small, shih tzu puppy proofed room when | | | | And finally, it is important to be patient when house |
| the owner cannot supervise them. The entire floor of | | | | training a shih tzu puppy. House training can take as |
| the room should be covered with newspapers or | | | | long as several months, but it is much easier to house |
| similar absorbent materials, and the paper changed | | | | train right the first time than to retrain a problem dog. |
| every time it is soiled. As the shih tzu puppy gets older, | | | | The Don'ts of House Training Your Shih Tzu Puppy |
| the amount of paper used can be reduced as the shih | | | | Never reprimand or punish the shih tzu puppy for |
| tzu puppy begins to establish a preferred toilet area. It | | | | mistakes. Punishing the shih tzu puppy will only cause |
| is this preferred toilet area that will form the basis of | | | | fear and confusion. |
| later house training. | | | | Do not leave food out for the shih tzu puppy all night |
| The Do's of House Training Your Puppy: | | | | long. Keep to a set feeding schedule in order to make |
| Always provide the shih tzu puppy with constant, | | | | the dog's toilet schedule as consistent as possible. |
| unrestricted access to the established toilet area. | | | | Do not give the shih tzu puppy the run of the house |
| When you are at home, take the shih tzu puppy to the | | | | until he has been thoroughly house trained. |
| toilet area every 45 minutes. | | | | House training is not always the easiest thing to do, |
| When you are not at home or cannot supervise the | | | | and some dogs tend to be much easier to house train |
| shih tzu puppy, you must be sure the shih tzu puppy | | | | than others. It is important, however to be patient, |
| cannot make a mistake. This means confining the shih | | | | consistent and loving as you train your shih tzu. A |
| tzu puppy to a small area that has been thoroughly | | | | rushed, frightened or intimidated shih tzu will not be able |
| puppy proofed. Puppy proofing a room is very similar | | | | to learn the important lessons of house training. Once |
| to baby proofing a room, since puppies chew on | | | | you have gained your shih tzu puppy's love and |
| everything. | | | | respect, however, you will find that house training your |
| Always provide a toilet area that does not resemble | | | | shih tzu puppy is easier than you ever expected. |
| anything in your home. Training the shih tzu puppy to | | | | |