Start with a consistent schedule and designated potty 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 playtime, before bedtime, and once in the middle of the day if possible. Choose one specific spot in your yard or on the street where you always take your dog to eliminate—dogs naturally want to use the same place, and the scent will remind them what to do there.
The consistency matters more than the exact times. If you take your dog out at 7 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 9 p.m. every single day, your Shih Tzu's bladder will start to sync with that rhythm. Shih Tzus are small dogs with small bladders, so they cannot hold urine for as long as larger breeds—expect to take a young dog out at least four to six times daily.
Key Takeaways
- Take your Shih Tzu to the same outdoor spot at the same times each day, especially after meals and naps, because consistency trains the bladder faster than any other method.
- Reward your dog when ready after elimination outdoors with praise, treats, or play so your dog learns that going outside is the goal.
- Confine your dog to a small space (crate, pen, or single room) when you cannot watch them, because dogs naturally avoid soiling where they sleep and eat.
- Accidents will happen—clean them with enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent, or your dog will keep using that spot.
- Shih Tzus can take 4 to 6 months to be reliably housetrained, and some take longer; patience and repetition work better than punishment.
Reward when ready after your dog eliminates outside
The moment your Shih Tzu finishes urinating or defecating outdoors, give a reward. This can be a small treat, enthusiastic praise ("Yes! Good potty!"), a few minutes of play, or a combination. The reward must come within seconds—your dog needs to connect the act of going outside with something good happening right then.
Do not wait until you get back inside to reward. If you reward indoors, your dog may think the reward is for coming inside, not for eliminating outside. Keep small, soft treats in your pocket during potty trips so you can reward when ready. After a few weeks of consistent rewards, many Shih Tzus will start to anticipate the reward and will eliminate faster when they go out.
Use a crate or confined space when you cannot supervise
Dogs naturally avoid soiling the space where they sleep and eat. A crate that fits your Shih Tzu snugly—large enough to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not so large that your dog can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another—teaches bladder control. When you cannot watch your dog, put them in the crate. When you can watch, let them out.
A typical Shih Tzu crate is 24 to 30 inches long. Never use the crate as punishment. Make it a comfortable, positive space with a bed or blanket. A young Shih Tzu can usually hold urine for one hour per month of age, plus one—so a three-month-old can hold it for about four hours. If you work long hours, use a pen instead of a crate, with a potty pad in one corner and a sleeping area in another, so your dog has an option if they cannot hold it.
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 with regular soap and water, the urine scent lingers invisibly to your nose but not to your dog. Your dog will return to that spot and eliminate there again because it already smells like a potty place.
Use an enzymatic cleaner—a product that breaks down the uric acid in urine—on any accident spot. Common brands include Nature's Miracle, Rocco & Roxie, and Angry Orange. Spray the cleaner on the spot, let it sit for the time the label recommends (usually 10 to 15 minutes), and then blot or wipe. Do not punish your dog for accidents. Punishment teaches fear, not bladder control, and may cause your dog to hide to eliminate.
Recognize that Shih Tzus have small bladders and may need extra patience
Shih Tzus are toy dogs, and their bladders are proportionally small. Even a fully grown Shih Tzu may need to urinate more frequently than a medium-sized dog. Some Shih Tzus are also stubborn or easily distracted, which can slow training. If your dog gets distracted by smells or other dogs during a potty trip, gently redirect them back to the designated spot and wait patiently.
Most Shih Tzus are reliably housetrained between 4 and 6 months of age, but some take longer—up to a year or more. This is normal and does not mean your dog is not learning. Consistency over months, not weeks, is what works. If your Shih Tzu is over one year old and still having frequent accidents indoors, talk to a veterinarian to rule out a urinary tract infection or other medical issue.
Avoid common mistakes that slow progress
Do not let your Shih Tzu have unsupervised access to the whole house while training. Confine them to one room or use a baby gate to limit their space. Do not assume your dog will tell you when they need to go out—young dogs do not have that control yet, and even adult dogs may not signal clearly. Stick to the schedule instead of waiting for a signal.
Do not use potty pads as a long-term solution if your goal is outdoor training. Potty pads teach your dog that eliminating indoors is acceptable, which can confuse the message that outside is the only correct place. If you must use pads temporarily (for example, if you live in a high-rise apartment), gradually move the pad closer to the door and then outside over several weeks.
Transition from frequent outings to a normal adult schedule
Once your Shih Tzu has gone at least two weeks without an accident, you can start spacing out potty trips slightly. Most adult Shih Tzus do well with four outings a day: morning, midday, evening, and bedtime. Some can manage three if they have access to a yard during the day. The goal is a schedule that works for your household and keeps your dog comfortable.
Even after your dog is fully trained, stick to regular times. Dogs thrive on routine, and a consistent schedule prevents accidents from returning. If you travel or your routine changes, your Shih Tzu may regress temporarily—this is normal and usually resolves within a few days of returning to the regular schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to potty train a Shih Tzu?
Most Shih Tzus show progress within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent training, but reliable houstraining usually takes 4 to 6 months. Some take longer. The timeline depends on your consistency, your dog's age (puppies learn faster than adult dogs), and your dog's individual temperament. Patience and repetition matter more than speed.
Should I use potty pads or train only for outdoor elimination?
If your goal is outdoor-only training, avoid pads—they teach your dog that indoor elimination is acceptable. If you live somewhere that makes frequent outdoor trips difficult, pads can help temporarily, but gradually move them toward the door and outside over weeks. Pads work best as a transition tool, not a permanent solution.
What if my Shih Tzu keeps having accidents in the same spot?
The spot still smells like urine to your dog even if you cannot smell it. Clean it with an enzymatic cleaner and let it dry completely. If accidents keep happening in that spot, block your dog's access to it temporarily, or place a potty pad there and gradually move it outside. Your dog may also have a medical issue—talk to your veterinarian if accidents continue after thorough cleaning.
Can I punish my Shih Tzu for accidents?
No. Punishment teaches fear and may cause your dog to hide to eliminate or become anxious around you. Dogs do not connect punishment to past behavior—your dog will not understand why you are angry. Focus on preventing accidents through confinement and schedule, and reward outdoor elimination instead.
Do male and female Shih Tzus train differently?
Training methods are the same for both. Some people report that males mark territory indoors more often than females, especially if not neutered, but consistent outdoor training and rewards work for both. If marking is a problem, neutering or spaying usually helps, along with the same schedule and reward system.