Crate Training

While housebreaking any puppy can be difficult, Shih Tzu's can be especially daunting but don't lose hope. The first problem, as with any small breed, is they are so close to the ground you can't tell when they are sitting and when they are peeing. Many times I have run with paper towels screaming like a maniac at my puppy only to look into his bemused face as he sits down.

Cute and sweet as they are Shih Tzu's are not known for being the smartest pups in the pound. Unfortunately, who you are really training is yourself.  Crate training can be your friend. Crate training is not cruel or unusual punishment and when used correctly simulates the dogs natural environment. Crate training will help you be in control of your dog's natural urges. Please do not use the crate as a punishment as this will not create the homey environment you are trying to simulate.  Use treats to reward and entice your new puppy into the crate.  I fed my puppy in the crate for the first few days, with the door open. You don't have to buy the fancy pads to make a nice place for your pet. Use towels, blankets or pads for comfort. Be careful not to choose things that your pet will destroy and possible eat, like foam filled blankets.
Our first two Shih Tzus destroyed a laundry room and a bath room before we wised up and crated them. They destroyed the molding around the door and damaged the dry wall. Crates are also for the puppies own safety. Princess our first Shih Tzu would chew on foreign objects everything from push pins to fingernail clippers, so when we left them alone we wanted to make sure they were safe.

Bandit, my two year old Shih tzu  will crate himself now, he reads my body language and knows when  I am leaving( it's really freaky the way he just knows). When I don't crate him he gets nervous and barks. Try to limit crate time to 2 or 3 hours at first. Then build up from their.