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Ok, so now you have your little
bundle of joy and can’t seem to get the upper hand on potty
training. The little rascal is determine to find his own spot to
relieve himself.
Shih Tzu puppies are smart. If your puppy has an accident in the
house, you must be able to catch him in the act for discipline to
make an impression on him. It is always best to supervise your young
puppy at all times while he is learning.
One of the first steps to potty training your puppy is to take
into consideration how often you are feeding him. Puppies between
the ages of 8 to 16 weeks old should be fed three times a day. After
16 weeks of age, you should be able to feed them twice a day.
It is a good idea not to give them full access to their food all
day long. This teaches them to eat at appropriate times and keep
them at a healthy weight. It also helps to control their potty training
as input equals output.
A puppy at 8 weeks old cannot hold it until morning, so have a
spot within their caged or enclosed area where they can do their
job during the night. You may also choose to set your alarm clock
and get up to take your puppy outside in the middle of the night.
Shih Tzu puppies are smart and they don't want to go potty in
the same place they sleep. I would suggest you not give them full
access to a room throughout the night. This will teach them to wait
until morning when they can.
Taking your puppy outdoors to relieve himself immediately in the
morning when he wakes up helps prevent accidents. Typically when
your puppy is outdoors for the first time in the morning, it gives
him a good stretch and teaches him to wait until morning to relieve
himself.
Then bring your puppy in, feed him, and take him right back outdoors
to do his duty again. Watch your puppy and if he does not go potty
immediately, bring him back into the house. You are teaching him
that this is not playtime.
After your puppy returns to the house, then play and interact
with your puppy. Always supervise your puppy, because he will test
you or become distracted and try to do his job in the house while
playing.
The best and easiest potty training is the one with little or
no accidents. When your puppy starts to get in position to potty
in the house, or starts sniffing and turning in circles, say a command
like, “NO, NO” or “AHHH NO” to get his attention.
Pick him up quickly and say. "Outside" or something that
relates to where he is to go potty.
Some people will have a specific area where the puppy is to go
outdoors, and this can be taught at the same time. Always pick the
puppy up after he is outdoors and take him to the designated area.
Tell him, "Go potty” or "Get busy”.
Shih Tzu's learn very well by voice command. If you are having
trouble try a little treat, but try to avoid treat training all
the time. If your puppy has an accident in the house, you must be
able to catch him in the act for discipline to make an impression
on him. It is always best to supervise your young puppy at all times
while you are potty training.
When a potty accident occurs in the house, clean it up with disinfectant
or white vinegar to neutralize the odor. This will keep your puppy
from thinking this is the correct spot to relieve himself in the
future.
It is suggested to crate your puppy in a kennel appropriate to
its size. It is best to get a crate that can be adjusted by adding
a separator panel. This will avoid accidents in the kennel. Also
it is good to place your puppy in the kennel after play, much like
a child you are putting in a cradle to nap. Puppies require lots
of sleep and by having his own kennel he will learn that this is
his quiet time and enjoy his spot.
Usually puppies at the age of 8 weeks can play for about 30 to
60 minutes at a time. After playtime, it is best to take your puppy
to his sleeping place with maybe a soft toy that he will associate
with as a sleep toy. In an hour or two, check to see if your puppy
is up. If he is awake, immediately take him outdoors to go potty.
Again, if he does not potty right away, take him back indoors.
If your puppy doesn’t show any signs of having to go potty
after playing indoors for awhile, feel free to take him outdoors
to play if it is appropriate. Always praise him when he goes potty
outdoors. This will encourage him to do his job outdoors.
When praising your puppy, it is not only the words but the tone
of voice you are using that make an impression. If more than one
person is actively training your puppy, consult each other in what
and how all of you are saying it!
Kennel or Crate training can be made easy by not using it as a
discipline area. Never put your puppy in a crate when he is bad.
Instead, have a specific place for him to go, much like a time-out
with a child. Keep the time-out short, no longer than 5 minutes.
For the most part in discipline areas, it is best to use praise
when your puppy does what you wish and don't give him any recognition
when he is bad. The praise will out win the neglect every time.
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