I got my Shih Poo at 11 months and boy was he hard to housebreak. He used the bathroom in the house and cried often when left alone.

I had to remember that he was in a new environment and is like a child so patience is definitely key.

Housebreaking is very hard if you have no patience like me, but with persistent behavior and actions the outcomes will leave you pleased.

Frist, I needed to recognize which activities, food and times of the days my dog relieved himself. i found that after playing and running and drinking lots of water he peed. Also I started paying close attention to how he behaved right before we went.

After 100 spills and mistakes later, I couldn't take just watching anymore so after every mistake, I said "no," quickly cleaned it up and took him outside immediately.

He still had mistakes, so I put him on his leash and tied his leash around my waist and walked with him around the house all day just to make sure he didn't get into anything or make a mistake. This went on for about four months!

I also took note of the times and time of day I took him out - what he did when we were out and kept him on a consistent diet - no table food at all!

i took my dog out before work at 6 a.m., after work at 5 p.m. and at 8:30 p.m. soon he became aware of the timing and expected me to take him out. He also started to nudge me with his nose and whine a little. Best of all - he would run to the door if it was in between time or past time! I was amazed and happy that i paid close attention to him to catch these signs.

accidents may happen once in a blue moon because well, that's life, and certainly when you have to go, you have to go!

Just remember not to put his needs last. As soon as you wake up and come home take him out! Yes! before you use the bathroom or before you change your clothing - he has been holding it all day!

I must say I am surprised to read how many people only feed their dogs at a certain time and take the food away. I have had dogs all my life and I have two rules: I always leave the food out for them; this keeps them from over eating. think of yourself. If you can only eat three times a day and never any other time or snacks wouldn't you over eat? The second rule is I never put my dogs in a crate. remember when you were a child and your mom and dad would dump you in your room, how upset you were? It seems that a lot of people's answers to any problem is a crate. I know one breeder if you tell her you are crating your dog she won't sell you one. I also like to beg your difference that they are not just dogs, they are little people in a fur coat. Treat them with the respect you would a person and you will find your pet well respect you. Think little kid when you deal with them.

we just got a shi poo at eight weeks old. He is adorable and very smart. Already after only a few days he is very good about going outside to potty. Very few accidents in the house

Potty training with shih-poos takes a lot of time, patience and persistence. My best advice would be to avoid paper or pad training because who really wants a dog peeing in their home. Shih-Poos should be put on an eating schedule. Unlike water which should always be available for your dog, food should be distributed at the same place and time every day and only give them a certain amount of time to eat (about 15 mins) and their food must go after that! This is very important for house breaking them. After every meal take them outside immediately! It may take time for them to understand why they're going outside after food, but they're going to have to go potty either way after a meal, so eventually they'll start going because they're stuck outside. Take them to the same place every time and repeat a key phrase, such as, "go potty" and after they go, praise them a lot or even give them a treat! Puppies should always be in a crate while you're out of the house until they are fully potty trained and you're certain their is nothing hazardous they can access while you're out. When you come home, the first thing you do is take him/her directly outside to go potty. If an accident occurs let the puppy know they did something wrong (take them to the accident and point your finger at them telling them "bad" so they know you're disappointed) then direct them to the door. I scratch at my door and tell her "potty outside" over and over, so now when she has to go potty, she scratches at the door. If you don't want your pup scratching at the door, buy a small bell from the dollar store and hang it up on a string where he/she can reach. After accidents, follow the same steps except ring the bell instead of scratching while telling them they need to go outside and eventually they'll ring the bell when they have to go. One more very important thing about your puppy: they love to softly nibble on your fingers and no one really minds that, it doesn't hurt and its kinda cute. Well in the dog world that's their way of pushing you to the limit, or bullying you in a sense. If you allow them to bite on your fingers like that, they will think that they are your boss. This can have a huge impact on potty training. They are going to do whatever they please until they know who their master is. Once again, be patient and persistence with your puppy and know that it may take some time but if you put forth the effort, you'll have an amazing dog! I hope this helps someone else! Best of luck and congrats on your new puppies!

I got a shih poo when she was 14 weeks old. She is now 18 weeks old and is still not potty trained. My vet told me to take her outside and wait for 15 minutes. if she doesn't go, put her in the crate. If she goes, give her a treat. it has gotten to the point where she is starting to be in the crate because I would take her outside, nothing, then I would put her in crate then outside then nothing. It gets to point where I am like; ok, fine she doesn't have to go (also feel bad if I repeat crate thing too often). I'm thinking at that point, gosh she doesn't have to go. Five minutes later whammo. potty on the floor. I need clues from her saying, hey I changed my mind lemme out of here. She doesn't bark at all ever and she doesn't grab my attention to lead me to door (stare at me then door - nothing!) Even my vet is worried! What do I do?

i'm getting my shih-poo in november so it's three months away. i can't wait. i've wanted a dog ever since i could talk and i am now 15. i know evrything there is to know about dogs. ( i take care of family and friends' pets.)

i can't wait. :D

i have wanted a puppy for three years. that's a long time, but i am nine. how do you find the right puppy? what dog food do you buy for it. I go to school in two weeks! hurry!

i need help!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've had my Shih-Poo, Thomas, for nine days and he is amazing. I adore my little guy. He almost "trained" himself to pee and poo on the wee pad from the first day. I even caught him pulling a wee pad out the box and peeing on it. He's so smart and loves to play.

The first three nights he woke me about every three hours, but now only once at about 4 a.m. He is very predictable and since we feed him three times a day at the same time, he poops three times at around the same time. We still need to take him to the vet for the remaining shots, therefore his trips outside have been short, but he pooped outside since the second day we got him.

He loves to play and can already sit on command (i use a treat to reward him). Now we are working on stay. He doesn't act crazy jumpy when we come home from work and he doesn't beg for our food. When we eat we give him a chew toy and we make sure we play with him several times a day.

So far, so good.

My only concern is that his ears are so hairy, I worry that he will get an ear infection.

I recommend you take time to train, exercise, play and discipline your puppy right from the start. He will feel safe and loved. And remember no matter how cute and adorable they are still puppies/dogs, not babies.

Please please help, I have had my Shih Poo for a week and 2 days now, and we go out and nothing. as soon as I put her down she pees and poos. Should I leave her in the crate all the time, let her out and if she pees and poos outside praise her and let her play. But if she does not pee or poo, put her back in the crate and try again in a few minutes? I love this little baby, but not sure I can handle much more of this, I go back to school in 2 weeks. Help!

I have a 6 month old male shih-poo who has been the most amazing doggy! He was easy to train, and picks up new tricks within a day or two! Everyone comments on how calm he is for a puppy, as he gets along great with other dogs, and won't get excited or scared if they bark or jump at him. The biggest advice I have for Shih-poo owners is avoid the temptation of giving yours table scraps! We had ours trained against begging and within one weekend of visiting well-meaning relatives, our puppy has gone on a kibble hunger strike!

Hello Shih-Poo lovers! After the death of our big dog at the age of 12, we decided not to ever go through the pain of loosing a beloved pet again. Six months later, our daughter surprised us with a tiny fur ball, a Shih-Poo girl. Sammy-Poo trained herself like in three days with the puppy pads (Hart brand – We buy them at Big Lots for $20.00 per box of 100). We change the pads in the morning and again in the evening before her dinner. While we are at work, she stays confined in the laundry room with her bed, puppy toys (and her pad). She is 6 months old now, and a bundle of energy. We love her dearly and fight for the time to play and hold her. She thinks she is human, and that’s perhaps why she refuses to walk on a leash. Any suggestions other than obedience training? (it didn’t work).

I'm amazed at all the questions on paper training and crate training.

I would highly recommend everyone pick up the book "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete. The book was my dog bible when I was raising a puppy.

All puppies play with the paper on the floor or the pee pee pads...normal! They love to play and paper is so much fun!! Make sure your puppy has some toys to play with.

As for the woman with the puppy that is shedding a lot...are you certain it is part shih tzu/ part poodle??? I've never had a problem with our pups shedding. If you are positive and you've not been duped, you should bring your little one to the vet as there may be health issues or nutrition issues.

I have a shihpoo and he potty trained real quickly. Crate training works amazingly. we made him go potty before bed, then put him in his room, and did not let him out until a few hours later when he whined. Then they say not to let them walk outside, but carry them outside to pee, and then carry them back in and put them back in their room. If they romp around too much, or they will think it is time to play.

Then, when he woke up in the morning, do the same thing. Also start taking them out *right* after they eat, because it helps them connect the eating/potty going. Our shihpoo soon just started going to the door when he was ready to go, and he would only have accidents if no one was there when he was ready to go out. He is a wonderful pup who is now 8 months and he never has any accidents.

They say that dogs do not want to go potty where they sleep, so if you crate train, it speeds this process, because they will never mess in their crate, then when they sleep in the room, they will not mess in the room, then the house, and they are potty trained!!

I have a wonderful ShihPoo named Moe who will be 4 years old on the 29th. He has been the best dog I could have ever dreamed of having. He is more than my dog he is my son. He is so wonderful with my 2 children. My children were 2 and 3 when we bought Moe. He has been dragged around by my wild son and has never once snapped at him. Moe is truly a blessing and I love him so much. I recommend highly for anyone to get a ShihPoo.

I've never had a pet before and I just got my shih poo(girl) a week ago and shes 8 weeks old. I'm trying to paper train her but she pees/poos on the floor instead. Is it safe to try to train her to go outside even though she hasn't had all of her shots yet(She's only had one so far)? Also, she bites anything she can get, any tips on how to make her stop?

My shih poo sheds *a lot*. I thought they weren't supposed to. This is causing my many problems. Also for the past week she's been eating the potty pad and then pees on the floor. I thought we were making such great progress with her potty training. I love her so much- I've had her for 8 weeks now.

What are the steps to housebreaking a shih poo puppy? I want to use the crate training method. Also, when I take her home with me, what items should I have on hand?

I have a shih-poo that is 10 months old. It only took about 2 weeks to potty train her. She still made mistakes of course but she learned really fast. we did crate training with her. Whenever we left we put her in the crate and every time we let her out we took her right outside. Also, when she did go inside we took her straight outside so that she would associate going to the bathroom with going outside. I think that worked! She is the cutest and best dog ever!

I read some of the posts about how hard of a time people are having training their shih-poos. I don't know how old the posts are but hopefully this helps.

Have you tried treat/crate training? My shihpoo is 6 months old now, for the most part, he is house broken. He may have an accident if I have a long day at work and he's excited to see me or my 6 year old ignores his signs; but it's not common. I took him to potty after he ate, after a nap, after playing, and after long periods of being in the kennel. Also, I don't leave food in his bowl. He must eat or I take it away after a certain reasonable amount of time. I do leave water out but cut it at a certain time if puppy isn't getting the job done. I give him a treat every time he goes to the door to let me know. And then I treat him if he does something outside upon his return to the house. Also, if he's not playing or eating, he's in the kennel. If I can't watch him closely, he's in the kennel. Every time he comes out, he goes potty first. They learn real well with consistency. It does help if your dog will not soil the kennel. I used the divider also to make sure he does have a hiding spot in the kennel.

I have NOT unfortunately been able to get him to bark or give my 6 year old a louder signal of pottytime. Any tips on that? Over all, he's doing well. He will learn pretty much anything with a treat. I was worried becuase this is my 1st pet and I'm really not a pet person but my son loves them, he is a smart pup.

Our Shih-Poo came into our family as a stray - literally we found him on the side of a busy road. He had tags, and when we called the owner they told us they no longer wanted him and we could take him to the pound. I finally got his purchase papers and medical history from them, and we decided to keep him. I've always been a 'big dog' person, but this dog has brought so much joy to out family I can't believe someone would just discard him. He is smart, affectionate, and just wants to be around you all the time. Great dog!

It took about 2 years to completely potty train my shih-poo. Be patient, they will eventually get it. They're such sweet and cute dogs that its worth the wait! Once we started crate training him, that was what made it work.

I have a shih-poo near 3 months old, female. Just bring her home for 4 days. She very playful and still pees and poos everywhere. Every night, she very happy and does not want sleep. Is it ok to put her in cage? morning no people at home, i plan to put her in cage but she's barking. Besides that paper training also failing. she eats the news paper.

I just picked up my shih-poo yesterday. He is great and I love him already. I am a teacher and am planning on paper training him so that it is easier when I go back to work. Any advice for me? We just got home last night and he he's not eaten much yet. Any advice on helping me get him acclimated to his new home?

Thanks

My little shih poo is now 1 year old. She is incredible! I got her at 6 weeks and it took one week for her to be housebroken. Now she uses the doggy doors and hangs out in our back yard whenever she feels like it. She knows numerous tricks and is eager to learn more. She is my 5 year old daughter's best friend. What a joy!!! Sherri

Hello, I don't know when the other posts were posted :) but I got my little shih-poo boy (Bobby)about two months ago. He is now 16 weeks. I thought he would never get the hang of doing his business outside. I would take him out every half hour on the dot and walk around the backyard for a long time. The second he walked into the kitchen he would pee or poop, looking right at me like you said :)

I tried crate training, but he would, against everything I've heard, pee under himself. So that didn't work. After about 6 weeks, I've heard him bark in a high voice. I took him out, and low and behold, pee and poop! I don't know what clicked. No accidents now. Perfect potty trained puppy.

My girl shihpoo is now 24 weeks old and I've had her for 8 weeks. She learned some bad habits with her former owners and only goes outside when she feels like it. We regulate her food/water intake, but she doesn't have a set schedule for going to the bathroom. It ranges from 15 min-1.5 hour. She stares at us as she pees in the middle of the kitchen. She doesn't respond to scolding or sharp tones. Like the previous post, I feel like I've made no progress since I've gotten her. Help!

my 16 week old shihpoo female does not like to go outside to relieve herself. we spend 10 minutes at a time outside with her every 45 minutes to one hour and she will still run inside after that and go on the floor. it is very frustrating. any one have any ideas what we are doing wrong? We've had her 5 weeks and feel as though we have made no progress in this matter.

I just purchased a shih-poo a few days ago (cutest dog ever!!) & we've been having a tough time paper training. I have two other dogs (bigger dogs) who are trained to go outside, but our shih-poo can barely get down the porch steps to follow the other dogs. We're trying to paper train, but he seems to want to go on the carpet (not in bed, thank goodness). How did you two (anonymous writers) so quickly potty train your shih-poos? help :-)

I just recently bought a shih poo. She is very smart. she is 7 weeks old. and has not had but two accidents in the house. She comes to us and whimpers when she needs to go out. If we do not hear her right off, she barks at us. she is a very smart little girl.

This article is extremley helpful.

I just got a Shih Poo a few days ago. It's extremley adorable, and is 10 weeks old. I knew Shih Poo's were hypo-allergenic, but I never knew that they had so many other benifits too! Not only are they adorable,they are intelligent too! (My little puppy was paper trained in less than 3 days!)

This was a real help!

Thanks.