Choose a crate big enough for your Shih Tzu to comfortably stand and turn around in. You can make your Shih Tzu’s crate more comfortable by putting toys, bedding, and water in the crate. Crate training plays on a dog’s natural instincts. In the wild, dogs sleep in dens. Your dog may actually enjoy being in her crate. Keep the crate out and open during the day, allowing your dog to go in and out of the crate as she chooses. This will make your dog more willing to enter the crate when you need to put her away. [1] X Expert Source Jaimie ScottDog Owner Trainer Expert Interview. 16 June 2020. The crate is a tool for potty training, but it should not be used as a form of punishment. A dog is unlikely to soil her crate as she sees it as part of her home and territory. Therefore, you can use the crate to keep your dog from eliminating in the house. [2] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source

While a schedule is important, you should not withhold water from your dog to prevent her from urinating overnight. Limiting your dog’s access to water can be unhealthy; dogs should be provided with fresh water at all times. [3] X Research source

If you’re potty training a puppy, keep in mind young dogs need to go out more often. Take your Shih Tzu out every 20-30 minutes when she’s young. Puppies don’t have the restraint to wait 2 hours between bathroom breaks. [5] X Research source Puppies, much like babies, have little control over accidents. Therefore, vigilance is important. Accidents are inevitable with young dogs, but you can lessen their frequency by taking the dog out frequently. [6] X Research source

As stated, with a young dog you’ll have to schedule a walk every two hours. Once you start to notice you’re Shih Tzu eliminating less, you can space out the time between walks. [8] X Research source You should always let your Shih Tzu out in the morning, shortly after feeding your dog. Make sure to let the dog out just before going to bed as well. This will lessen the likelihood of overnight accidents.

If you do not have a backyard, having a potty spot can be more difficult. However, you may find there’s a particular patch of grass your Shih Tzu goes for on walks. You could try walking your Shih Tzu near this patch of grass to encourage elimination. If you can’t designate a potty spot, do not worry too much. While a designated potty spot can be helpful for a Shih Tzu, it is only one component of training. A regular feeding and walking schedule, as well as positive reinforcement, are also effective means of potty training a Shih Tzu.

Praise and treats are the main forms of rewards you can use. You can carry a small bag of treats with you and offer your dog a treat when she goes outside. You can also praise the dog after she eliminates outside. [10] X Expert Source Jaimie ScottDog Owner Trainer Expert Interview. 16 June 2020. Say something like, “Good girl!” and then pet your Shih Tzu. [11] X Research source You may want to use treats at first, when your Shih Tzu is first learning. However, many owners wean their Shih Tzus off treats as they get accustom to a new bathroom schedule. You may not want your Shih Tzu to always expect a treat for basic behavior. Consider tapering off the treats as your Shih Tzus begins to learn to go to the bathroom outside. [12] X Research source

Say “Go potty!” when you know your Shih Tzu is about to eliminate. If you see her squatting or sniffing, for example, say, “Go potty!” Eventually, your Shih Tzu will learn “Go potty!” means she should use the bathroom. If your Shih Tzu is dawdling on a walk, saying “Go potty!” may encourage her to eliminate.

Never put your dog in her crate as a form of punishment. You should never use physical violence, like hitting the dog, as a form of punishment. [17] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source You should never yell at a Shih Tzu. The only form of scolding you should use is a firm “No!” Raising your voice can startle your dog, creating an environment of fear. This can make training more difficult. [18] X Research source