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Not being successful crate training my 4 month old Shih Tzu. Help!
I bought my Shih Tzu puppy when he was 13 weeks old. I have been trying to crate train him ever since. I take outside to do his business. Once he has done it I let him inside and allow him to run around for about 30-45 min. while he eats and gets his exercise. Then I take him back outside for him to relieve himself once more. I then take him back inside and crate him till it is time for his next outing, around 3-4 hours later. He never has accidents in his kennel, but if I don't take him out immediately once he has eaten he will sneak somewhere and poop without my noticing. He won't just sit and eat till he is finished, he runs around, eats a few nibbles, runs around, eats a few....till it is all gone, sometimes it takes him 10-15 min. to finish so I get sidetracked and don't notice when he runs off and poops. HELPPP........I need specific instructions. I wish someone could do it for me....lol
Asked by
Tucker
on Feb 26th 2008
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in Crate Training
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- This question is closed.
Answers
I went through this exact same thing with my Tiffy when she was around that age. The key is consistency. Is Tucker being punished or scolded when he does poop in the hose? I used to give my Tiffy a light pop on the butt. She soo learned that poopoing in the house was not the right thing to do because she would get popped. Just keep at it with Tucker, he will learn eventually. But you have to give some form of punishment when he poops in the house.
♥Tiffy♥
answered on 2/26/08.
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Well like tiffy said consistency is best. However shih tzu's are one of the harder dogs to potty train, i have 3 of them and most of the time they go outside to do their business, but sometimes weather here in manitoba canada just doesn't let that happen, also i too get side tracked with the children and other things around the house, you can get an all natural spray that helps if tucker is going in the same place all the time also you can get puppy training pads if needed, hope this helps, good luck. It did take a while for ours to train too, just stick with it.
Winnie
answered on 2/26/08.
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First, don't despair. It is tough, but the key is consistency and being extra vigilant.
I have a basic housetraining guide in Jack's diary (you will have to scroll back through more recent entries to find it) and I think it might help you out with the specific info you asked for.
Bascially, dogs have the ingrained desire to poop and pee AWAY from their "den." It can take a dog a while for this instinct to kick in, especially in a new home. After all, they have to get used to your home being their "den."
Puppies don't really have the ability to hold it very long. As soon as he is out of his crate, you should be taking him outside, carrying him if possible. He doesn't quite get it yet and you'll need to help him by not allowing him a chance to have an accident.
I would never advocate hitting a dog, even very, very lightly. There is no need since dogs respond better to positive reinforcement, anyway, and also because it will only cause other problems.
Jack
answered on 2/26/08.
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I think you should do what we did. We kept our puppy in the kitchen not a crate. It helps if you take him out EVERY HOUR it sounds crazy but it works.
Guest 290306
answered on 2/26/08.
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Feed him in the crate. That running off with food drove me crazy, to say nothing if the bother of having to pick up the ocassional dropped piece.
Lily eats in her crate and in 20 minutes is taken out. A 2 1/2 year old unhousebroke dog isn't much different than a pup in that respect. But, four months is a little young for total housebreaking. Let him know you are displeased and then move on.
Lots of patience.
Lily
answered on 2/26/08.
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Shih Tzus can be stubborn dogs. Especially males. It took me almost 6 months to housebreak my Shih Tzu and almost 9 months to get him to stop pooping in the house. (He was almost 4 months when I got him) My Shih Tzu also won't stand still and eat his food in one sitting and he's almost 4 years old now. It takes him almost an hour to finish one meal, no matter what brand of food he eats. (and I've tried everything!) Just continue what you've been doing, but taking him out on a leash and walking him instead of letting him go by himself may help. That way he doesn't come back in until he uses the bathroom. That's how I finally broke Gizmo.
Gizmo
answered on 2/27/08.
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