Things You'll Need:
- Puppy Pads
- Dog Crate
- Dog Bedding
- Chew Toy
- Leash
- Collar
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Step 1
Decide on a single word to use each time you or another family member are ready to take your Shih Tzu puppy outside to go potty. Examples of words to consider using are "outside" or "potty." Use the word every time you are getting ready to take the puppy outside to go potty.
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Step 2
Take your Shih Tzu puppy outside before placing your puppy in a dog crate, immediately after removing puppy from the dog crate and about 30 minutes after your puppy finishes eating. When you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed at night take your puppy outside to go potty. If you notice your Shih Tzu puppy pacing, dancing or sniffing a spot on the rug, hurry outside with your puppy.
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Step 3
Pet and praise your puppy every time you take your puppy outside and he goes potty. Only scold puppies for accidents when caught in the act and then take them outside immediately to reinforce the concept. Scolding when you find a potty accident later causes confusion and may actually slow the housebreaking process.
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Step 4
Place puppy pads on the floor in front of the door where you take your puppy outside to go potty because the pads are scented to encourage dogs to use them. If your puppy consistently potties in one spot, place a puppy pad there.
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Step 5
Put your Shih Tzu puppy in the dog crate when you are too busy to give your puppy your full attention. Dogs will not usually poop in their beds, so do not put a puppy pad in the crate. Your puppy will learn to hold urine and bowel movements longer, which will also help with your housebreaking. Fewer accidents will result in less scolding of your puppy, which will make everyone in the family happier.
