Top Tips for Potty Training Shih Tzus
Written by Alain Courchesne, founder of Doggy Bathroom — designer of the original indoor potty system for small dogs.
Short Summary
Potty training Shih Tzus works best with simple cues, steady routines, and gentle praise. Their small size and independent nature mean they learn quickly when the schedule is consistent and stress-free.
Quick Takeaways
- Frequent potty breaks prevent accidents and build confidence.
- Clear, repeated cues help your Shih Tzu understand expectations.
- Indoor potty setups make training easier for weather-sensitive small dogs.
Top Tips for Potty Training Shih Tzus
A Practical Guide for an Independent, Charming Breed
Potty training a Shih Tzu can be a quirky adventure. This breed is sweet, clever, independent, and occasionally stubborn. This explains why Shih Tzu potty training sometimes takes extra patience. But the good news is simple: once you build a routine that makes sense to them, they follow it faithfully.
This guide helps you understand Shih Tzu housebreaking. This will help house train and reduce Shih Tzu accidents. Puppy classes and also help build a predictable bathroom routine for puppies and adults. No matter if you train your Shih Tzu outdoors or indoors with the Doggy Bathroom, consistency is key.
For more breed insights, the American Shih Tzu Club offers reliable resources.
Understand the Shih Tzu Mindset
Shih Tzus were bred to keep royalty company, not to work. That history appears during Shih Tzu training, where they often “go at their own pace.” They learn best when routines are predictable, communication is gentle, and rewards feel worth the effort.
Common potty-training traits:
- Independent thinkers → classic stubborn Shih Tzu potty training tendencies
- Small bladders → more frequent potty breaks
- Indoor comfort preference → ideal candidates for Shih Tzu indoor potty training
- Need structure → thrive with steady daily patterns
When training feels calm and consistent, Shih Tzu puppy training becomes much easier.
Shih Tzu housebreaking often feels slow at first, but once the routine is clear, progress comes quickly. Understanding their independence is key to successful Shih Tzu training.
Create a Reliable Potty Schedule
A predictable structure is the backbone of effective Shih Tzu potty training. A strong schedule also supports Shih Tzu crate training, especially for puppies still learning bladder control. During early Shih Tzu puppy training, keeping breaks close together prevents confusion and accidents.
Helpful timing for a Shih Tzu puppy training schedule:
- Morning wake-up
- After each meal
- After play
- Before bedtime
- Every 1–2 hours for puppies (they need frequent potty breaks)
This routine reinforces good habits and reduces Shih Tzu accidents. For extra help: Tips for Maintaining Consistency in Dog Potty Training.
Use Clear, Simple Training Cues
Overcomplicating training slows progress. Pick one cue — “go potty” — and use it every time you bring your dog to the bathroom area. Clear cues support:
- how to potty train a Shih Tzu
- building a steady Shih Tzu bathroom routine
- easier Shih Tzu crate training transitions
Praise right after they finish. Timing matters. Most owners who want to potty train a Shih Tzu find that consistency is key. Simple cues, regular timing, and frequent potty breaks help a lot.
Indoor Options Work Beautifully for Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus are indoor-oriented and sensitive to weather. They thrive with systems that remove distractions, cold, or wet surfaces. Indoor setups are helpful for apartment living, where strong Shih Tzu indoor potty habits reduce stress for dogs and owners. When done well, Shih Tzu indoor potty training keeps things clean even on busy days.
If your dog dislikes going outdoors, combining pads with a tray is an excellent small dog potty training strategy. Indoor potty systems like the Doggy Bathroom support:
- reliable Shih Tzu indoor potty routines
- smooth Shih Tzu pee pad training
- transitions to a tidy dog litter box for small dogs
- dependable indoor potty training for Shih Tzus
For many owners, adding positive reinforcement to an indoor setup becomes the best potty training method for Shih Tzus. For guidance: 🔗 Pee Pad Holder for Small Dogs: Easy Indoor Training
Spot Their Subtle Signals
Shih Tzus rarely make a big scene when they need to go. Some need time to break old habits, but most Shih Tzu training problems improve when you watch for early signals and adjust the routine. Early signs include:
- quiet sniffing
- wandering to corners
- slowing down
- sitting and staring
Redirecting your dog at the right moment reduces Shih Tzu accidents and speeds up learning.
Train With Gentleness — Never Punishment
Shih Tzus are sensitive and shut down easily. Harsh tones do not correct behaviour; they create anxiety and slow progress. If an accident happens, stay calm:
- Interrupt gently
- Guide them to the potty area
- Praise when they succeed
A calm approach supported by positive reinforcement is the foundation of all effective Shih Tzu potty training.
To avoid common mistakes: 🔗 10 Mistakes in Puppy Potty Training to Avoid
Shih Tzu Crate Training (Optional but Helpful)
Crates can support strong Shih Tzu potty training habits when used gently. A proper crate helps:
- encourage bladder control
- shape a dependable Shih Tzu bathroom routine
- prevent nighttime accidents
- The crate should feel cosy, not restrictive.
Socialization Makes Potty Training Easier
Confident dogs learn faster. Socialization reduces distractions and improves success with both outdoor and indoor potty training for Shih Tzus. Introduce:
- mild outdoor noises
- new textures
- short walks
- varied indoor surfaces
The more adaptable your dog becomes, the easier Shih Tzu training feels.
Shih Tzu-Specific Potty Training Challenges
Many owners search for the best potty training method for Shih Tzus, but the formula is simple: structure plus rewards. Common challenges:
1. Stubbornness
Yes — stubborn Shih Tzu potty training tendencies are real. Solution: short, consistent training sessions.
2. Weather resistance
Use a Shih Tzu indoor potty or a dog litter box for small dogs when conditions are uncomfortable.
3. Small bladders
More frequent potty breaks help prevent accidents, especially during Shih Tzu puppy training.
4. Pad dependency
Start with Shih Tzu pee pad training, then shift to a tray or litter box if you prefer.
5. Forgetting after excitement
Take them to their spot right after greetings or play.
Best Potty Training Method for Shih Tzus
The most effective approach combines:
- gentle repetition
- positive reinforcement
- fixed routines
- one clear bathroom location
- a dependable indoor option
This balance makes it the best potty training method for Shih Tzus, especially in apartments.
Troubleshooting Common Shih Tzu Potty Training Problems
Even with a strong routine, many owners still run into Shih Tzu training problems from time to time. These setbacks are normal, especially during growth spurts, teething phases, or schedule changes. The good news? Most issues have simple fixes.
Your Shih Tzu keeps having accidents inside
This usually means the timing between potty breaks is too long. Try shortening the intervals for a week. Many Shih Tzu accidents happen due to small bladders, not stubborn behaviour. Adjusting the schedule often solves the problem fast.
Your Shih Tzu refuses to go outside
This is extremely common. Weather sensitivity, noise, and unfamiliar smells can all cause hesitation. Switching to indoor potty training for Shih Tzus — even temporarily — helps your dog stay consistent while building confidence.
Your Shih Tzu uses the potty sometimes, but not always
This usually means the cues aren’t clear yet. Go back to basics: one cue, the same location, and immediate praise. Clear patterns support the overall Shih Tzu bathroom routine and reduce confusion.
Your Shih Tzu uses pads but won’t transition
Many dogs stay comfortable with Shih Tzu pee pad training. If you want to move to a litter box or tray, place the new system beside the pads and shift them an inch at a time. Slow transitions prevent setbacks.
If you want to potty train a Shih Tzu better, keep it simple. Make the routine easy, shorten the time between trips outside, and give lots of praise. Those three steps solve 90% of issues.
Potty Training Shih Tzu Puppies vs Adult Dogs
Puppies and adult Shih Tzus learn differently. Understanding those differences makes training smoother and prevents frustration.
Shih Tzu Puppy Training
Puppies need frequent potty breaks, sometimes every hour. Their small bladders and developing muscles make accidents unavoidable at first. A good Shih Tzu puppy training schedule includes short play sessions, simple cues, and predictable meal times. Puppies also respond strongly to positive reinforcement, so celebrate each success.
Adult Shih Tzu Housebreaking
Adult dogs often learn faster, but they may arrive with old habits. Some adults may have gaps in early Shih Tzu housebreaking. You might need to start at step one.
This means using consistent cues, giving controlled freedom, and making regular potty trips. Adults also thrive with Shih Tzu indoor potty systems, especially in apartments or during winter.
How Long Does It Take?
Every dog is different, but most puppies develop a solid Shih Tzu bathroom routine within a few months. Adults often progress faster once they understand expectations.
Whether you’re training a puppy or adult, the formula stays the same: clarity, routine, patience, and praise.
Conclusion: A Calm, Consistent Routine Wins
Shih Tzus learn well when training feels predictable and supportive. With patience, structure, and a setup suited to small breeds, progress comes quickly. You'll see fewer accidents, clearer signals, and a confident dog who knows exactly what to do.
Once the routine clicks, it lasts for life.
About the Author
Alain Courchesne is the founder of Doggy Bathroom. As a designer and pet parent, he created the original indoor potty system for small dogs, trusted by thousands of owners across North America. His mission is to make pet ownership easier and more hygienic, with thoughtful solutions that adapt to modern living.
