Shih Tzu Housebreaking Part I

To successfully house-train a puppy, you must be consistent. If the puppy is ten weeks or older,a careful training program can produce results in as little as a week or two just follow these steps.

1. Paper training will not train your puppy to go out doors. It will train the puppy to use the papers (the allowed place to go). you should start and take your puppy outside at 10 weeks of age . Unless the weather does not permit this. If it is to cold to be outside without a jacket, it is to cold for a young puppy. Puppies can be trained for both, papers outdoors, the transition is fairly easy. Just place the papers near the door that puppy will use when the weather permits take them outside when they go to the paper.

2. Try to be consistent. Always take your puppy to the same spot outside, and about the same time if possible. Always keep the paper in the same area inside.

3. It is important to take your puppy out early in the morning and before going to bed at night. Also after every feeding, and when they wake up from a nap.

4. Don't take your puppy outdoors except for training. Limit your puppys time outside until they are house-trained before letting the puppy play outdoors. Otherwise they won't associate being outside with the training. Make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date prior to taking the puppy outside.

5. Always praise your puppy when the puppy goes outdoors, and scold them in a loud voice when puppy goes in the house, unless it is on the paper. Remember one front foot on the paper counts in a puppy's mind, so near misses are nothing to be upset about.

6. It may be necessary to limit nightly food and water. However, do not withold food water for extended periods of time on a young puppy, the control comes with age. Confine your puppy at night or when left alone. A crate works well for confinement.

HOUSEBREAKING TIPS

Remember that a young puppy does not have complete control over its elimination-the smaller the breed, the more often they must go. Frequent trips to the yard (or papers if you want a paper-trained dog) are very necessary in the first two weeks. Do not play or talk to the puppy on these outings, they are learning that this is the elimination time, not play time. Always take them to the same area (using an exercise pen, perhaps, to keep them wherever they are supposed to be) for this purpose. When puppy goes, lavish praise and/or treats reinforce the behavior-and then the puppy can come in and play. If puppy doesn't go, it's a good idea to put the puppy back in the crate for a short time and then try again later.

Punishment for mistakes in the house in these early weeks doesn't teach, and may cause behavior problems-the trick is to prevent the mistakes from happening in the first place! A puppy that is never left unattended will not make mistakes, if you can not watch them confinement in a safe area is best. Remember that your love and approval are the most important things you can give your puppy-they will do anything to gain them; this is the best incentive used in any training. With a little time patience you will have a puppy that understands housebreaking. Do not give complete run of the house unnattended, until you are sure they understand. Two or three days of being clean does not mean the carpet will not be a new temptation, this comes with age & training. Do not expect to much to soon, puppies may have a relapse when allowed more freedom in the house, this is normal with proper training will pass.

The above is general information always ask your veterinarian about the care of your Shih Tzu puppy or dog!