Housebreaking a Shih Tzu Puppy
Honest, step-by-step potty training guidance — what works, what doesn't, and how to set your puppy up for success.
Why Shih Tzus Can Be Challenging to Housebreak
Let's be honest: Shih Tzus are not the easiest breed to housebreak. They have small bladders, are easily distracted mid-potty by interesting smells and sounds, and do not have the same desperate-to-please drive that makes Golden Retrievers so easy to train. This does not mean it is impossible — thousands of Shih Tzus are perfectly housebroken. It just means you need to be more consistent, more patient, and more systematic than you might be with a Labrador.
The good news: the method that works is simple. It just requires commitment.
The Core Method: Schedule + Supervision + Crate
Successful housebreaking rests on three pillars working together simultaneously:
1. Strict Schedule
Take your puppy out at the same times every single day. After waking, after meals, after naps, after play, and every 1–2 hours in between. Eliminate guesswork.
2. Active Supervision
When your puppy is not in the crate, you are watching them. Full attention. The moment you see sniffing, circling, or squatting, interrupt and go outside.
3. Crate Training
When you cannot actively supervise, the puppy is in a properly-sized crate. Dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area, making the crate your greatest housebreaking tool.
Daily Potty Schedule for a Shih Tzu Puppy
| Time / Trigger | Action |
|---|---|
| Immediately upon waking | Take outside — do not stop for anything |
| After every meal | Outside within 10–15 minutes of eating |
| After every nap | Outside the moment they stir |
| After every play session | Outside — excitement stimulates elimination |
| Every 1.5–2 hours | Routine trip outside regardless of behavior |
| Last thing before bed | Outside for final opportunity |
| During the night (young puppies) | Set a routine suited to the puppy’s age and individual needs. |
Meal timing directly affects potty timing — a consistent feeding schedule makes when your puppy needs to go out far more predictable.
Crate Training Step by Step
- 1Choose the right crate size — large enough to stand, turn, and lie down, small enough that they cannot use a corner as a bathroom. For most Shih Tzus, a 24" crate is ideal.
- 2Make it positive — put their blanket, a few toys, and high-value treats inside. Let them explore freely before ever closing the door.
- 3Build up duration gradually — close the door for 30 seconds, then a minute, then 5 minutes. Always return before they get distressed.
- 4Never use the crate for punishment — it must feel like their safe den, not a jail.
- 5Age-appropriate limits: puppies can hold it approximately one hour per month of age, plus one (e.g., a 3-month-old can hold it ~4 hours max).
- Offer a potty break after crate time and watch for your puppy’s cues.
Handling Accidents
Accidents are inevitable. They are not a sign of failure — they are a sign that your supervision slipped or the schedule was missed. Here is how to handle them:
- →If you catch them in the act: Calmly say "outside" and immediately carry or guide them out. Reward enthusiastically if they finish outside.
- →If you find it after: Clean silently and thoroughly. Scolding after the fact does nothing — your dog cannot connect the punishment to the act that happened minutes ago.
- →Clean with enzymes: Use an enzyme-based cleaner (Nature's Miracle, etc.). Regular cleaners do not break down the scent markers that draw dogs back to the same spot.
Also see our full Training Guide for commands, leash training, and socialization. If you're still setting up your home, our guide to preparing your home covers crate selection and setup in detail.
Home-Raised Shih Tzu Puppies Housebreak More Easily
A predictable routine may support house-training, but progress varies by puppy.
See Available PuppiesRelated Articles
Shih Tzu Training Guide
Once housebreaking is underway, build on that foundation. Learn sit, stay, come, leash manners, and socialization using positive reinforcement methods.
Read moreShih Tzu Feeding Schedule by Age
A consistent feeding schedule makes potty training much easier — your puppy will need to go out at predictable times. See the full age-by-age feeding guide.
Read moreShih Tzu Grooming Guide
While you're building routines with your new puppy, start grooming early too. Desensitizing them young makes a lifetime of coat care far easier.
Read moreFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to housebreak a Shih Tzu?
House-training progress varies; some puppies learn sooner than others, and consistency and patience matter.
Why is my Shih Tzu hard to potty train?
Shih Tzus have small bladders and can be distractible. They are also not highly motivated by pleasing you in the same way retrievers are — they need more repetitions and more consistent rewards to build the habit.
Should I use pee pads or go straight to outdoors?
This depends on your lifestyle. If you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor access, pee pads offer a practical indoor solution. For most homes, going directly to outdoor training avoids the extra step of transitioning off pads later.
How often should a Shih Tzu puppy go out?
Potty-break frequency varies by puppy. Offer breaks after waking, meals, play, and crate time, and adjust the routine to the puppy’s cues.
What should I do when my Shih Tzu has an accident?
Do nothing — unless you catch them in the act, in which case calmly interrupt and take them outside. Never scold after the fact. Clean with an enzyme-based cleaner to eliminate the scent marker that draws them back.
Is crate training cruel?
No — done correctly, crate training is one of the kindest things you can do for a dog. Dogs are den animals and feel safe in a cozy, appropriately-sized space. The crate must always be a positive place — never used for punishment.