A Shih Tzu is a stubborn dog that expects things done their way and if things are not done their way then they will let you know they are unhappy. However Shih Tzu dogs are also very clean animals and you can use this fact to help you when it is time for Shih Tzu potty training. Shih Tzu dogs also prefer a concrete or stone surface to dirt or grass when they are given a toilet area, so keep that in mind as well and that should help you when you are housebreaking the animal.

There are two ways to housebreak your Shih Tzu and they are the same concept just done in a different way. You can crate train your Shih Tzu or you can choose to designate an area of your house for your Shih Tzu only and then start the training from there. Either way will work and both are very humane and acceptable.

For the crate method of Shih Tzu potty training set up a large crate as the Shih Tzu dog’s living area. Include their food and bedding and make them feel comfortable there. Close them in while you are home.

If it uses the area then praise it but do not punish the Shih Tzu if it makes a mess, as it will not understand. They will not soil their living area so if you do this right it should work.

For the other method the idea is basically the same except instead of a crate you are just using a small fence inside the house to give the Shih Tzu a small living area. All the other rules apply the same as the crate. Pick a small part of a room in your house like the kitchen or some other room where you can keep an eye on your dog.

After a while it will seem that your dog is beginning to understand Shih Tzu potty training and you can move on to the next step. Start moving their living area around the house and after a while they should begin to see that inside is for living and outside is for bathroom. They are very intelligent dogs but they are also stubborn so be very patient when you are starting to move their living area around.

One thing a Shih Tzu does not understand, or respond to, is punishment. If you punish them for making a mess you could set the whole process back to square one.

Remember that they like to make the rules so it will take you a while to get them to understand that they need to follow the rules you set.