Advice on Shih Tzu Paper Training

The Shih Tzu is not like many other breeds of dog in that it has a very independent attitude and likes to think for itself. Many dogs can learn an activity like housebreaking through constant repetition and with the mindful training of their owner. However a Shih Tzu needs to not only accept the activity as something it does not mind doing but it also must make it a habit and that is the most difficult thing about housebreaking a Shih Tzu. Only a Shih Tzu can teach itself habits, you just have to show it what you want and hope it understands.

Many people give up early on standard housebreaking methods and turn to Shih Tzu paper training. Housebreaking a Shih Tzu is difficult enough but if you add the newspaper element then it can get even worse. There is a way you can introduce papers into their housebreaking but you need to do it as part of a housebreaking routine. A Shih Tzu requires a long and involved process for housebreaking and if you are turning to Shih Tzu paper training then it needs to be several months after you have already tried all standard housebreaking measures. Even then you need to understand that a Shih Tzu is probably not going to react to paper training like any other breed of dog would react to it. It is so vitally important to be sure that you are doing paper training only after trying conventional housebreaking methods for at least six months.

If you have tried housebreaking for six months then you can try paper training but be persistent. You should already have a living area for your Shih Tzu and chances are that they are soiling areas around, but not in, their living area. One thing you can try is to expand their living area a little to incorporate the areas they are soiling. Maybe even move their bedding closer to the area they have been soiling as a Shih Tzu will not soil where it sleeps. Shih Tzu paper training should almost not be necessary if you are engaged in the other correct ways to housebreak your Shih Tzu but if paper training is a route you want to take then move their living area to encircle the area they are soiling the most. Cover the soiled area with layers of papers and praise the dog when it uses the papers. Keep the papers clean but keep a small amount of soiled paper with the fresh paper so the dog knows it is okay to use them. Then slowly start moving the whole thing towards the door until the dog associates outside with bathroom activities.

It is not easy to housebreak a Shih Tzu and paper training could be one of the worst things you can do when you are involved in housebreaking training. Be patient and stick with standard housebreaking as long as you can and remember that it will take months to do it right.

Rebecca Simpson is a supporter of all local animal rescue groups and some national ones as well. This article is full of helpful information about Shih Tzu training. You will be able to use this article along with dog training books to train your dog.