House training a Shih Tzu puppy takes patience and consistency, but with the right approach, you can successfully teach your pup to go potty in the right places. Here are some tips for effectively house training a Shih Tzu:

1. Establish a Routine

• Take your Shih Tzu out to the same spot outside on a regular schedule, such as first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bedtime.
• Be consistent with the potty spot and verbally cue them (e.g. “go potty”) so they associate the location and command.
• Praise and reward your Shih Tzu with treats and affection when they go in the right place.

2. Crate Training

• Crate training helps teach your Shih Tzu to hold it, as dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area.
• Get your puppy used to spending short periods in the crate, slowly increasing the time over several weeks.
• Only let them out of the crate when you can directly supervise them or take them outside to their potty spot.

3. Supervision and Recognizing Signs

• Keep a close eye on your Shih Tzu puppy when they are out of the crate, watching for sniffing, circling, or other “gotta go” behaviors.
• Immediately take them outside when you see these signs or at regular intervals to maximize success.
• Limit access to carpeted areas and provide easy-to-clean surfaces until house training is complete.

4. Cleanup and Consistency

• Thoroughly clean any accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors that can attract the puppy back to the same spot.
• Be patient and consistent – house training takes time, so stick to a routine and avoid punishing accidents.
• Provide plenty of positive reinforcement when your Shih Tzu goes in the right place.

With diligence, patience, and a consistent approach, you can effectively house train your Shih Tzu puppy.