[RileyPuppy]

My friend has a new shih tzu puppy and its her first dog. She is having some troubles with her, and is looking for any advice that might help. I suggested finding a shih tzu forum, since I have found this GRF so helpful...but she's found them to be mostly "frufru people who have cute little bows in their hair and are mostly concerned with "showing" discussions."

I know how awesome everybody here is, and just know I can find her some help. Here's her current issue:

We moved her crate into our room last night and she slept all night. But we have a poop problem - whenever we leave the house she poops in her crate. I left for an hour this morning, poop. We left for 17 minutes this evening, poop. I let her out before we left but she just peed. It's like she's afraid to #2 in front of us and holds it until we're not around. Or maybe she's just mad that we left and is trying to make a statement, but that seems so unnatural, considering they're not supposed to go where they sleep. She doesnt have much room in her crate, enough to turn around and lay down, and I've never given her trouble for an accident, so I don't understand the fear part. But she's had a bath almost every time she's done it, you'd think she would give it up by now! Please let me know if you have any advice.

Many many thanks!!

 

[CHANCE]

Hi - I had a shih tzu and she did the same as a puppy you have to remember "puppy" as the key word here with my girl she would poop in her crate to I learned to feed her and wait an hour then take her out she would always go poopy . I think being young that you may try and stay out a little longer and let puppy explore more sometimes they just need to find a spot LOL As far as baths go my dog loved water and would jump in the tub so I have a feeling puppy enjoys baths

 

[BeauShel]

bumping up

 

[HovawartMom]

Tell her to have a look at this forum:
http://shihtzuchattertwo.sunlitesplace.com/forums/index.php?
They are very helpful!.

 

[mylissyk]

And she does need to remember that this is a tiny baby and she will need to grow some before she has much control of when she potties. It will just take time.

It will help if they keep track of her potty times so they can start to see a pattern, and give her more time when they take her out and make sure she poos before bringing her back in.

 

[jwemt81]

Is she giving her enough time outside to have a chance to go #2? Our nexdoor neighbors just got a new Shih Tzu puppy about a month or two ago and they sometimes have to stand out in the yard for a good half an hour or so before he will finally relieve himself. He also has problems with leash walking and likes to stop in the middle of a walk and not move. I had to laugh because their new puppy and my DH have the same name (Matt). DH was just thrilled when he found out the puppy's name! :bowl:

It sounds like she needs to work on giving the puppy a bit more time outside and walk around until the pup finds a place where she feels comfortable relieving herself. Once she does, she needs to give the puppy all the praise in the world.

 

[Hali's Mom]

Is she giving her enough time outside to have a chance to go #2? Our nexdoor neighbors just got a new Shih Tzu puppy about a month or two ago and they sometimes have to stand out in the yard for a good half an hour or so before he will finally relieve himself. He also has problems with leash walking and likes to stop in the middle of a walk and not move. I had to laugh because their new puppy and my DH have the same name (Matt). DH was just thrilled when he found out the puppy's name! :bowl:

It sounds like she needs to work on giving the puppy a bit more time outside and walk around until the pup finds a place where she feels comfortable relieving herself. Once she does, she needs to give the puppy all the praise in the world.

And bring her immediately back inside! (very important)

 

[RileyPuppy]

Thanks for the suggestions so far, I've passed them along.

I have given her all my ideas that worked with Riley, but just one look at her tiny 3.5lb baby (compared to my 48.6lb baby) tells me that "different rules may apply" when dealing with smaller breed puppies.

Thanks again, and keep them coming!

 

[Loisiana]

If it's only 3.5 lbs it must truly be a baby still. How old exactly is it? It probably is just so young that it can't hold it yet.I have a Lhasa Apso, which I understand is very similar to a Shih Tzu. My Lhasa liked to go in closets, other crates, etc. He doesn't like to go outside so would rather find a secret place inside to go. He is never allowed out of my sight in the house unless crated.