Shih Tzu Crate Training
There are several techniques people use to house train their puppies, but the crate remains one of the more popular and for good reason.
But before we get to the main reason why a crate is so successful, let’s look at what you want to achieve with house training.
One thing only: your puppy must use the same area to do his business every time. The opposite is also true: the Shih Tzu should not use the wrong area to relieve himself. If you can achieve this the battle is won.
In order to prevent your puppy from using the wrong area you need to watch your dog. The big dilemma is that most people do not have the time to watch their dog the whole time and a crate is a great tool to control your puppy when you cannot watch him.
Now what prevents the puppy from using the crate as a bathroom you may ask? Great question. I am glad you asked.
That brings us to the main reason why crate training is so successful….
All dogs have a natural instinct not to use their own dens as a bathroom. Dogs know it is unsanitary to do so and will hold it in until they are in a position to relief themselves.
Just a word of caution. Even though your puppy may not want to use the crate as a toilet, no dog, and especially a puppy that does not have the bladder control of a fully grown dog, can hold it in forever. For this reason it is important not to leave your puppy in the crate for too long.
And there is of course another reason.
If you leave your puppy in the crate the whole day he will begin to hate it. Remember, a Shih Tzu has been bred for companionship and need more attention than the average dog. Once your dog sees the crate as a sort of jail sentence you will find it much harder to train him in the future. For this reason it is a good idea to put his favorite toy as well as some treats in the crate to keep your puppy occupied and happy.
After a session in the crate you should take your Shih Tzu puppy directly to his potty spot and you should obviously watch your dog to make sure he does not use the wrong area. After a while your puppy will know what area he should use as his bathroom.
Goal achieved.
What if your dog uses the crate as a toilet?
There may be a few reasons and one not to overlook is separation anxiety. Just as some dogs cope better than other when their owners go on leave, so some Shih Tzu will cope better than others when they are left in the crate alone.
Another reason can be that your dog has a urinary infection. Ask your vet to check out your dog.
Click the link to learn more about potty training Shih Tzu puppies using the paper technique.
