Potty training a Shih Tzu puppy can feel overwhelming—especially for first-time dog owners.
When I brought my Shih Tzu puppy home, I had one big concern:
👉 “How long will it take to potty train him?”
I had heard stories:
- “It takes months…”
- “Small dogs are harder to train…”
- “Accidents will happen forever…”
But I decided to approach it differently.
Instead of guessing, I followed a simple system based on:
- A fixed schedule
- A reward system
- Total consistency
The result?
👉 My Shih Tzu puppy was fully potty trained in just 7 days.
Yes, really.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what I did—step by step—so you can get the same results.
Why Potty Training a Shih Tzu Can Be Challenging
Before we jump into the method, let’s understand the challenge.
Shih Tzus are:
- Small (tiny bladder)
- Sensitive
- Easily distracted
This means:
- They need frequent bathroom breaks
- They respond best to gentle training
- They need a clear routine
But once you understand this, training becomes much easier.
The 3 Core Principles That Made It Work
Everything I did was based on these three rules:
1. Fixed Schedule 🕒
Dogs learn through repetition.
Feeding and bathroom times must be predictable.
2. Reward System 🎉
Positive reinforcement is powerful.
Reward good behavior immediately.
3. Consistency 🔁
No skipping. No confusion.
Same routine every single day.
My 7-Day Potty Training Plan
Here’s the exact system I followed.
Day 1–2: Building the Routine
This is the most important stage.
✔ Step 1: Set a Feeding Schedule
Feed your puppy:
- Morning (7–8 AM)
- Afternoon (1–2 PM)
- Evening (6–7 PM)
Why?
👉 Food timing controls potty timing.
✔ Step 2: Take Them Out Frequently
Take your puppy to the potty area:
- After waking up
- After eating
- After playing
- Every 2–3 hours
Even if they don’t go—still take them.
✔ Step 3: Use One Specific Spot
Always use the same place.
This helps your puppy associate that spot with potty time.
Day 3–4: Reinforcing the Habit
Now your puppy starts understanding the pattern.
✔ Step 4: Introduce a Command
Use a simple phrase like:
👉 “Go potty”
Repeat it every time.
Eventually, your puppy connects the command with the action.
✔ Step 5: Reward Immediately
The moment your puppy finishes:
- Give a treat
- Use praise (“Good boy!”)
- Show excitement
Timing matters—reward within seconds.
✔ Step 6: Watch for Signs
Learn your puppy’s signals:
- Sniffing the floor
- Circling
- Whining
When you see these—act fast.
Day 5–6: Reducing Accidents
At this stage, accidents decrease.
✔ Step 7: Supervise Constantly
Don’t give too much freedom yet.
Keep your puppy:
- In your sight
- In a small controlled area
✔ Step 8: Handle Accidents Properly
If accidents happen:
❌ Don’t punish
❌ Don’t yell
Instead:
- Clean the area thoroughly
- Stay calm
Punishment creates fear—not learning.
Day 7: Full Routine Established
By now, your puppy should:
- Understand where to go
- Respond to your schedule
- Expect rewards
This is when everything clicks.
👉 My Shih Tzu had almost zero accidents by Day 7.
My Daily Potty Schedule (Example)
Here’s what a typical day looked like:
- 7:00 AM – Wake up + potty
- 7:30 AM – Breakfast
- 8:00 AM – Potty
- 11:00 AM – Potty
- 1:00 PM – Lunch
- 1:30 PM – Potty
- 4:00 PM – Potty
- 6:30 PM – Dinner
- 7:00 PM – Potty
- 10:00 PM – Final potty
Consistency is everything.
Indoor vs Outdoor Potty Training
Outdoor Training
✔ Cleaner
✔ Natural habit
Indoor Training (Pee Pads)
✔ Useful for apartments
✔ Easier during bad weather
Choose one method and stick to it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Inconsistent schedule
❌ Skipping potty breaks
❌ Punishing accidents
❌ Not rewarding good behavior
❌ Giving too much freedom too soon
Avoid these—and your training will be much faster.
Tips to Speed Up Potty Training
✔ Use Crate Training
Dogs avoid soiling their sleeping area.
✔ Keep a Routine
Same time. Every day.
✔ Limit Water at Night
Reduces nighttime accidents.
✔ Be Patient
Every puppy learns at their own pace.
Signs Your Shih Tzu Is Fully Trained
✔ No accidents indoors
✔ Goes to the door or signals
✔ Follows the schedule
✔ Responds to command
Once you see these—you’re done!
What If It Takes Longer Than 7 Days?
That’s okay.
Not all puppies are the same.
Factors that affect training:
- Age
- Previous habits
- Environment
If needed, just continue the same method.
It will work.
Final Thoughts
Potty training doesn’t have to take months.
With the right system, it can be fast, simple, and stress-free.
For me, the secret was clear:
- Structure
- Rewards
- Consistency
That’s it.
Conclusion
If you follow this method, you can dramatically speed up your Shih Tzu’s potty training.
Stick to the routine. Stay consistent. Reward success.
And within just a week—you’ll see amazing results.
Your future self (and your clean floor 😄) will thank you 🐶
FAQ Section
How long does it take to potty train a Shih Tzu puppy?
It usually takes a few weeks, but with proper training, it can be done faster.
Are Shih Tzus hard to potty train?
They can be—but consistency makes it much easier.
Should I use pee pads or outdoor training?
Both work. Choose one and stay consistent.
What if my puppy keeps having accidents?
Review your schedule and increase supervision.