Shih Tzus are genuinely harder to potty train than most breeds
Yes, shih tzus are notoriously difficult to housetrain. They rank among the hardest breeds to potty train, alongside chihuahuas, dachshunds, and other small breeds. The difficulty is not because they lack intelligence—shih tzus are smart dogs—but because of their temperament and physical traits. They are stubborn, independent, and have small bladders that fill quickly. They also have a lower drive to please their owners compared to breeds like golden retrievers or border collies, which means food rewards and praise alone often do not motivate them the way they do other dogs.
Small breeds in general take longer because their bladders are proportionally smaller and they need to go out more frequently. A shih tzu puppy may need to urinate every two to three hours, and even adult shih tzus often need four to five outings per day. Their coat also works against training: owners sometimes miss accidents because urine soaks into their long fur rather than showing up on the floor, so the dog never learns that the behavior is wrong.
Key Takeaways
- Shih tzus have small bladders and stubborn personalities, making them slower to housetrain than larger or more people-pleasing breeds.
- Puppies need to go out every two to three hours, and even adult shih tzus typically need four to five bathroom breaks daily.
- Consistency matters more with shih tzus than with other breeds—missing even a few days of routine can reset weeks of progress.
- Crate training works better than punishment because shih tzus naturally avoid soiling their sleeping space, but only if the crate is the right size.
- Most shih tzus are not reliably housetrained until 6 to 12 months old, and some take longer depending on the individual dog's temperament.
Why their small bladder and stubborn nature slow progress
A shih tzu's bladder capacity is straightforward smaller than a labrador's or a german shepherd's. This is not a training problem—it is a physical fact. A shih tzu puppy cannot hold urine for eight hours the way a larger breed puppy might. This means you cannot wait for the dog to "get it" on its own timeline. You have to take the dog out frequently enough that it succeeds, and then reward that success.
The stubborn part is the real obstacle. Shih tzus were bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty, not as working dogs. They were not selected for obedience or a strong desire to please. A shih tzu will often decide that going outside in the rain is not worth the effort, or that the spot behind the couch is perfectly acceptable. They do not respond to scolding or punishment the way some breeds do. In fact, punishment often backfires: a shih tzu that has been yelled at for an accident may become afraid to go to the bathroom in front of you at all, which makes training even harder.
The timeline: when shih tzus typically housetrain
Most shih tzus are not reliably housetrained until between 6 and 12 months old. Some take longer. This is significantly slower than many other breeds, which can be reliably housetrained by 4 to 6 months. The variation depends on the individual dog's temperament, how consistent the owner is, and whether the dog has had any setbacks.
Even after a shih tzu seems housetrained, accidents can happen. A change in routine, a new person in the house, or a stressful event can trigger regression. Some shih tzus remain prone to marking indoors (urinating in small amounts on furniture or corners) well into adulthood, especially if they are not spayed or neutered. This is different from a full accident and requires a different approach.
Crate training works better than punishment for this breed
The most effective method for shih tzus is crate training combined with frequent outdoor breaks. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping space, so a properly sized crate teaches the dog to hold its bladder. The crate must be small enough that the dog cannot urinate in one corner and sleep in another—if it is too large, the dog will use part of it as a bathroom.
The routine is straightforward: take the shih tzu out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, before bed, and whenever it shows signs of needing to go (sniffing, circling, whining). When the dog goes outside, reward it when ready with praise or a small treat. When you cannot supervise, the dog goes in the crate. When you are home and watching, the dog can be in a confined area like a kitchen or bathroom with puppy pads or a designated potty spot.
Punishment—yelling, rubbing the dog's nose in an accident, or spanking—does not work with shih tzus and often makes housetraining take longer. The dog learns to hide to go to the bathroom, not to go outside. If you find an accident after the fact, do not punish it. The dog will not understand what it is being punished for.
Consistency is more critical with shih tzus than other breeds
Shih tzus are sensitive to changes in routine. If you take the dog out on a strict schedule for two weeks and then switch to a looser schedule, the dog may regress. If one family member is consistent and another is not, the dog will learn that it can get away with accidents when that person is in charge. This breed requires everyone in the household to follow the same routine.
Vacation, a new job, or a change in the household can disrupt progress. Some owners find that their shih tzu was housetrained for months, then had an accident during a stressful period, and suddenly needed to start over. This is frustrating but normal for the breed. The dog is not being difficult on purpose—it is straightforward more sensitive to disruption than other breeds.
Medical issues that can complicate housetraining
Before assuming your shih tzu is just stubborn, rule out medical problems. Urinary tract infections, diabetes, and incontinence are more common in small breeds and can cause accidents even in a housetrained dog. If your shih tzu was housetrained and suddenly starts having accidents, or if it is drinking much more water than usual, see a veterinarian.
Shih tzus are also prone to ear infections and skin issues that can cause stress and behavioral changes, including regression in housetraining. A vet can check for these problems and rule out any physical cause before you assume it is a training issue.
Puppy pads and indoor potty spots: when they help and when they hurt
Puppy pads can be useful for shih tzus, but they can also confuse the training process. If you use pads, pick one specific spot and always put fresh pads there. The dog will learn to go to that spot, which is progress. However, the dog may also learn that going to the bathroom indoors is acceptable, which makes the transition to outdoor-only bathroom breaks harder later.
Some owners use pads as a bridge: pads indoors for the first few months, then gradually move the pad closer to the door, then outside. Others skip pads entirely and take the dog out frequently instead. Both approaches work, but the pad approach takes longer overall. If you use pads, plan to phase them out by 4 to 6 months old, or the dog may never fully housetrain outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times a day does a shih tzu need to go outside?
Puppies need to go out every two to three hours, plus after meals, naps, and playtime. Adult shih tzus typically need four to five outings per day. Some need more if they have a smaller bladder or are prone to marking. Older dogs may need additional breaks as their bladder control weakens.
Will my shih tzu ever be fully housetrained?
Most shih tzus become reliably housetrained by 12 months, though some take longer. Even then, occasional accidents can happen during stressful periods or changes in routine. Some shih tzus remain prone to marking indoors throughout their lives, especially if not spayed or neutered early.
Is my shih tzu housetrained if it has not had an accident in a week?
Not necessarily. One week without accidents is progress, but shih tzus can regress quickly if routine changes or if you relax supervision too soon. Most trainers recommend waiting at least four to six weeks of consistent success before reducing the frequency of outdoor breaks or giving the dog more unsupervised indoor time.
What should I do if my housetrained shih tzu suddenly starts having accidents?
First, see a veterinarian to rule out a urinary tract infection or other medical issue. If the dog is healthy, the accident is likely due to a change in routine, stress, or a lapse in supervision. Go back to the crate-and-schedule method for a few weeks until the dog is reliable again.
Can I housetrain a shih tzu without a crate?
Crate training is the most effective method for shih tzus, but it is not the only way. You can housetrain without a crate if you supervise constantly and take the dog out on a very strict schedule. However, this requires more time and attention than crate training, and most owners find crate training faster and easier.