Start with a consistent schedule and designated spot

Shih Tzus learn fastest when they go outside at the same times every day. Take your dog out first thing in the morning, after meals (usually 15 to 30 minutes later), after naps, before bedtime, and several times during the day—roughly every two to three hours for puppies under six months old. Pick one specific spot in your yard or on the street where you always take them, and stay there until they go.

The familiar location and routine trigger their instinct to eliminate in that place. When your Shih Tzu goes in the right spot, praise them when ready and enthusiastically, then give a small treat. This connection between the action, the location, and the reward is what makes the training stick. Most Shih Tzus begin to understand the pattern within two to four weeks of consistent repetition.

Key Takeaways

  • Take your Shih Tzu outside on a fixed schedule—after waking, eating, and playing—so they learn when and where to go.
  • Stay outside with your dog until they eliminate, then reward when ready with praise and a small treat to reinforce the behavior.
  • Confine your dog to a crate or small room when you cannot watch them, because Shih Tzus naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area.
  • Clean accidents with enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent, or your dog will return to that spot repeatedly.
  • Expect setbacks during teething (around four to six months) and remain patient—punishment teaches fear, not bladder control.

Use a crate to prevent accidents when you are not watching

Shih Tzus have a natural instinct not to soil the space where they sleep. A properly sized crate—large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not so large they can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another—becomes a powerful training tool. When you cannot supervise your dog directly, confine them to the crate. This forces them to hold their bladder until you let them out.

Never use the crate as punishment. Your dog should view it as a safe den, not a jail. Leave the door open during calm times so they can rest there voluntarily. When you do confine them, take them directly outside when ready after opening the crate. A Shih Tzu that has been crated will almost always need to eliminate within minutes of release.

Clean accidents thoroughly with enzymatic cleaner

When your Shih Tzu has an accident indoors, the smell matters more than you might think. If you clean the spot with regular soap or ammonia-based cleaner, the dog can still smell urine or feces there and will return to that location to eliminate again. Enzymatic cleaners break down the uric acid and bacteria that cause the odor, removing the scent completely.

Spray the affected area generously with enzymatic cleaner, let it sit for the time recommended on the bottle (usually 10 to 15 minutes), then blot or wipe it up. Do not use vinegar or baking soda as a substitute—they mask the smell temporarily but do not eliminate it. Common enzymatic cleaners include Nature's Miracle, Rocco & Roxie, and Rockin' Green. You can find them at most pet supply stores or online.

Recognize signs your Shih Tzu needs to go outside

Before your dog has an accident, they usually show warning signs. Watch for sniffing the ground, circling, whining, scratching at the door, or sudden restlessness. Puppies and young dogs may also squat or assume a posture that looks like they are about to go. The moment you see these signs, take your dog outside when ready to the designated spot.

Some Shih Tzus are subtle about signaling—they may straightforward walk to the door and wait quietly. Others are more obvious. Learn your individual dog's pattern. If you miss the signal and an accident happens, do not scold or punish. Punishment teaches fear and confusion, not bladder control. straightforward clean the spot with enzymatic cleaner and move on.

Adjust your expectations for age and health

A Shih Tzu puppy under 12 weeks old cannot physically hold their bladder for more than a few hours. Expect to take them out every one to two hours, including during the night. Between three and six months, they can usually hold it for three to four hours. By six months, most Shih Tzus can wait four to six hours. Adult dogs (over one year) can typically hold it for six to eight hours, though twice-daily outings are still the standard.

Some Shih Tzus take longer to train than others—the breed is known for being independent and sometimes stubborn. If your dog is over six months old and still having frequent accidents despite a consistent schedule, consult your veterinarian to rule out urinary tract infections, kidney issues, or other medical problems. Older Shih Tzus (over seven years) may lose bladder control naturally and may need more frequent outings.

Expect a setback around four to six months

Many Shih Tzus that seemed fully trained suddenly start having accidents around four to six months of age. This often coincides with teething and a growth spurt, when their body is changing rapidly and their focus shifts. Do not assume your training failed—this is a normal phase. Stick to your schedule, increase outdoor trips if possible, and remain patient. Most dogs move past this phase within a few weeks to a couple of months.

During this period, confine your dog to the crate more often when unsupervised, and do not leave them alone for extended stretches. If your Shih Tzu was doing well before the setback, they understand the concept. They are not regressing because of something you did wrong.

Avoid common mistakes that slow progress

The biggest mistake owners make is punishing accidents after the fact. If you find a puddle an hour after it happened, your dog does not connect the punishment to the accident. They only learn to fear you or to hide when they need to go. Punishment never teaches a dog where the correct place is.

Another common error is taking your dog outside but not staying long enough. Some Shih Tzus take five to ten minutes to settle and go. If you bring them back inside after two minutes, they may eliminate indoors shortly after. Stay outside until they go, even if it takes longer than you expected. Inconsistency also derails training—if you sometimes take your dog out on schedule and sometimes do not, they cannot learn the pattern. Stick to the same times every single day, including weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to potty train a Shih Tzu?

Most Shih Tzus show consistent progress within four to six weeks of a fixed schedule, but full reliability often takes three to six months. Some dogs train faster, and some take longer—the breed can be independent. Consistency matters more than speed. A dog trained slowly with a rock-solid routine will be more reliable than one trained quickly with an inconsistent schedule.

Can I use puppy pads to speed up training?

Puppy pads can confuse your dog about where it is acceptable to eliminate indoors. If you use them, place them in the same spot every time and gradually move them closer to the door and outside. Most trainers recommend skipping pads entirely and going straight to outdoor training, because it teaches the correct behavior from the start. If you must use pads, treat them as a temporary bridge, not a permanent solution.

What if my Shih Tzu refuses to go outside in bad weather?

Some Shih Tzus dislike rain or cold because their coat gets wet and uncomfortable. Use a dog raincoat or sweater to keep them dry and warm, and stay outside with them for encouragement. If they still refuse, bring them back inside and crate them. Check again in 15 to 20 minutes. They will eventually need to go and will do so when the urge is strong enough. Do not let weather become an excuse to skip outdoor trips.

Is my Shih Tzu too old to potty train?

Adult and senior Shih Tzus can learn or relearn outdoor elimination at any age, though it may take longer than training a puppy. Use the same schedule and reward system. If an older dog suddenly starts having accidents after being housetrained, see a veterinarian first—this often signals a medical issue rather than a training problem.

Should I use a bell on the door to teach my dog to signal?

Teaching a Shih Tzu to ring a bell when they need to go is possible but not necessary for basic potty training. Focus first on the schedule and the outdoor spot. Once your dog is reliably trained, you can add a bell if you want. Hang it at nose height on the door, ring it yourself before taking them out, and reward them for touching it. This is an advanced step, not a foundation step.