Puppy Training Your Shih Tzu

Put your Shih Tzu in his crate at night. He will learn to sleep in his crate once he discovers that his whining and carrying-on lead to nothing. During the day, your Shih Tzu will use his crate for naps and playtime. Some trainers recommend feeding the dog in the crate so that he associates it with happy times, but keep your potty-training goals in mind. Give him one small biscuit when he goes into his crate. One! Don't think you're doing him any favors by giving him a dozen treats, because he'll have to relieve himself and, thus, you're defeating your purposes of using the crate.

Every time you release the puppy from his crate, bring him outside to his potty area (or to the newspaper, if you live in a high-rise apartment or don't have a convenient outdoor area). Praise him for every drop! He'll understand and want to please you.

Remember that puppies need to go out much more frequently than adult animals, certainly immediately after waking and meals. In fact, to take your pup outside every hour while he is awake is not a bad idea at all. Always keep your eyes and ears open, for a youngster will not be able to wait those extra two or three minutes until it is convenient for you to let him out. If you delay, accidents will certainly happen, so be warned!

It surely sounds like half of your day will be spent leading your Shih Tzu outside for his potty trips. Welcome to dog ownership—it's not all glamor owning a Shih Tzu.

Next step: Basic Obedience for Shih Tzu Puppies

Reprinted from Breeders Best: Shih Tzu © 2004. Permission granted by Kennel Club Books, an imprint of BowTie Press.

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