Potty Training.......

Most new puppy owners have a lot of questions regarding potty training.  Generally, they ask is my puppy going to arrive potty trained.  What do I have to do to potty train my puppy?  Many ask about the potty pads, the dog litter, crate training and outside potty training.  The situation depends upon the new owner and their life circumstances. 

Your new puppy will be started on potty training but will not be fully trainable until about four months of age or older.  

Here are some methods I have used.

Crate Training or Outside Training- I generally crate train all my dogs.  This helps if I have company arrive or a large family get together.  The dogs have a place to go that is their very own and out of the way.  Start by crate training for short periods of time, approximately two hours.  When it's time to bring the puppy out, take the puppy outside to potty and play for awhile.  Always walk with them into the area of the yard you wish them to potty.  Stay with them outside until they have potty.  Sometimes, this may take a few minutes.   Afterwards, offer food and water, twenty minutes later take them back outside to the same area to potty.    Do not leave the puppy unattended inside the house unless in the crate or in area that is easy to clean up.   Place toys the puppy might enjoy playing with inside the crate.  Many of the toys with areas to hide food are enticing.   If you catch the puppy in the middle of the accident say "NO" in a large voice and then take them outside to the potty area. 

Potty Pad - Potty pad training is very similar to outdoor training.  You must take the puppy to the pad until they get the ideal.  Potty pads do cost some money and have to be changed regularly.  You can purchase ones that can be washed as well.  Sometimes, the puppies find them fun to tear up. 

Dog Litter -  Litter training is similar to potty pad training.  You must take the puppy to the litter on a regular basis until they learn to use the litter.  You will need to purchase a litter pan that is stable enough to hold the puppies.  I have found they can sometimes tip these over.   

What I need to tell you all that which ever method you use the most important thing is consistency.  I never leave a puppy that is not potty trained unattended in an area that I don't want an accident.   Also, there are many good books and literature available at the library, books stores and pet stores.  The Shih Tzu's can be quick learners.