Information About Shih Tzu Litter Box Training

The Shih Tzu is a proud and regal breed of dog that would prefer to do things their own way rather than listen to any one else, including you. You can imagine that a dog with that kind of an attitude will probably be difficult to train and that includes housebreaking.

So do not be surprised when tasks like housebreaking seem to take forever because remember that you are on the dog's schedule and not yours. This is probably why some people resort to Shih Tzu litter box training as opposed to waiting for their dog to be housebroken.

Right off the bat, let us say that the litter box for a Shih Tzu should be an absolute last resort and that you may want to exercise more patience while trying to house break your Shih Tzu before you turn to a litter box. Even a well trained and responsive Shih Tzu can take up to six months to learn how to go where you want it to, so even if you are three months into it and your Shih Tzu doesn't seem to get it you need to hang in there because it just takes time. A litter box should be your absolute last resort.

A Shih Tzu thinks of things in very broad terms and it needs to be taught that certain things are for outside and other things are for inside. If you let your Shih Tzu know that going to the bathroom inside is okay with Shih Tzu litter box training then it may not always associate the litter box with that activity, it may only associate being indoors with that activity. This is why it is not a good idea to give up on housebreaking in lieu of a litter box.

The size of the dog can also determine whether or not you want to consider the litter box. The Shih Tzu is a toy breed but it can grow to sizes that are much too big to be using a litter box with. Consult your breeder, or your vet, on their advice about whether or not a Shih Tzu the size of yours should be considered for litter box training or not. A bigger dog is going to have problems with a litter box so be sure before you start training.

If Shih Tzu litter box training is the way you want to go then get a large enough litter box and put it where your Shih Tzu has been soiling the most in your house. If you have been trying to housebreak your Shih Tzu correctly then this will probably be somewhere near the living area you set aside for them.

Punishment confuses a Shih Tzu and causes any training already completed to have to be done over. Watch your Shih Tzu and take it to the litter box when it displays the signs of getting ready to go to the bathroom, like sniffing in a spot or circling.

Never give up on housebreaking until you have tried everything there first or you may regret it later on in your dog's life.

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