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Shih Tzu - Housebreaking Your Shih Tzu Using A Crate
Crate training is one of the most effective ways of house
breaking shih tzu puppies or shih tzu dogs. Crate training is
very efficient, and very effective, since it uses the natural
instinct of the dog to achieve the desired result of a clean
house and a well trained dog. The concept behind crate training
is that a shih tzu naturally strives to avoid soiling the area
where it eats and sleeps. By placing the shih tzu dog in the
crate, this instinct is enhanced. The shih tzu will come to see
the crate as its den, and it will try to avoid soiling its den.
The key to successful crate training for a shih tzu puppy or an
older shih tzu , as with other forms of dog training, is to
establish a good routine. This routine will enhance the ability
of the shih tzu to do its business in the right place, and avoid
eliminating in the wrong place. It is important to shower the
shih tzu with praise each and every time it eliminates in the
established toilet area, and not to express frustration or anger
when the dog makes a mistake.
It is important to confine the shih tzu or shih tzu puppy to a
small part of the house, generally one puppy proofed room, when
you are not at home. The room should contain a soft bed, fresh
water and some favorite toys to prevent the shih tzu from
becoming bored and frustrated.
Crate training is different from confining the shih tzu to one
room, however. With crate training, the shih tzu puppy or shih
tzu dog is confined to a crate when unsupervised. The idea is
that the shih tzu will think of this crate as its home, and not
want to soil his home. When crate training, it is important to
remove the shih tzu from the crate as soon as possible after
returning home, and to take the shih tzu promptly to the
previously established toilet area. When the shih tzu does its
business in this toilet area, be sure to provide lots of praise
and treats. It is important that the shih tzu learn to associate
proper toilet procedures with good things like treats and toys.
It is important to never leave the shih tzu in its crate for
long periods of time, as this will confuse the shih tzu and
force it to soil its sleeping area. The crate is simply a tool,
and it should not be abused by leaving the shih tzu in it for
extended periods of time. If the shih tzu is left in the crate
for too long, it could set back the training program by weeks if
not months.
The shih tzu should only be confined to the crate when you are
at home. Except for nighttime, the shih tzu should be given the
opportunity to relieve itself every 45 minutes or so. Each time
the shih tzu is taken out, it should be put on a leash and
immediately taken outside. Once outside the house, the shih tzu
should be given three to five minutes to do its business. If the
shih tzu does not eliminate in this time period, it should be
immediately returned to the create. If the shih tzu does its
business during the set time period, it should be rewarded with
praise, food, play, affection and either an extended walk or a
period of play inside or outside the home. During the crate
training period, it is important to keep a daily diary of when
the dog does its business each day. If the shih tzu is on a
regular feeding schedule, the toilet schedule should be
consistent as well. Having a good idea of when the shih tzu
needs to eliminate each day will be a big help during the house
training process. After the shih tzu has used his established
toilet area, you will be able to give the shih tzu free run of
the house to play and enjoy himself.
Dealing with accidents during crate training It is very
important to not punish the shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog when
it makes a mistake or has an accident during the crate training
process. If there has been an accident, simply clean it up.
Accidents during house training mean that you have provided the
shih tzu with unsupervised access to the house too quickly. The
shih tzu should not be allowed unsupervised access to the home
until you can trust her bowel and bladder habits. If mistakes do
occur, it is best to go back to crate training. Taking a couple
of steps back will help move the house training process along,
while moving too quickly could set things back.
About the author:
Connie Limon is a shih tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly
newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health
and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to
subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com
Written by: Connie Limon
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