First Shih Tzu puppy

I personally don't believe that is true. I know with my two shih-poos, when they were 10 wks. old, I was lucky if they could hold it for just 1 hr. From the small breed dog owners I have spoken with, and the shelter dogs (small breed ones) that I deal with, that is definitely not the case either. I'm not trying to flame you for making the statement, just wanted to share my opinion on it. :wink:

I DEFINITELY prefer the outside option!!! But, due to certain circumstance or preferences of the owner(s), I understand why they like puppy pads/paper/litter. I thought I was going to use puppy pads with my puppies for when they were young, but I began to have problems with the use of puppy pads, and with the strong recommendation/advice from my vet and trainers, I discontinued using the puppy pads. And quite honestly, I am VERY glad I did, and would MUCH prefer that they do their business outside anyway...so, taking away the puppy pads was a GREAT change!

Some people experience problems when trying to train their dog to eliminate both indoors and outdoors due to the fact that often times the puppy is confused as to why he/she can eliminate indoors in one spot, but no where else indoors. :? (Although that is a common problem, that was not the problem I had w/ my pups, it was a little different.) But, as you can see, people here have successfully done it. So, if you want to go that route and it works, I say go for it. I just chose not to since I only want my dogs to eliminate outdoors!

Fortunately though, for most dogs that stage of needing to eliminate during the middle of the night doesn't last long!

Just my two cents on all of this!

 

I knew I'd get some great tips from you MyBaby

Thank you ~ after thinking about it this afternoon, and talking to hubby about what I read here... we would prefer our pups only going to the bathroom outside.

Having puppies is going to be new territory for me.. and I don't want to confuse them too much (or myself...hehe) :lol:

 

I do/did exactly how Alabamamom did! Bailey used the pee pads during the nite and then he was taken outside immediately in the mornings, after naps, etc....... I used to keep the pads in the kitchen with him during the day (when locked up), but then he started tearin them to shreds!! So guess what, little fella? You don't get to go potty whenever you want to now! I took the pads away and now I come home from work at lunch and take him out...... he occassionally (but rarely) will use the pads if it's really stormy/rainy and he refuses to go outside tho. Now, I'm different than Mybabyshih, cuz i swear by those pee pads!! in the very beginning they worked perfectly, cuz he only went potty on the carpet maybe TWICE! He always went to the pee pad.....

 

I have another question on this issue ~ when you first get your puppy, let's say at about 8 weeks, is that too young to take them outside? I ask b/c I just read something on the internet that said "when your puppy is too young to take outside.. use papers etc."

Are they too young to train to go outside from the start?

 

:-# hmmm...just my opinion, but I think that they probably mean initially right after they are born and aren't able to walk around freely. Probably put the pads there so they will absorb the pee and the little ones will be dry. I got Romeo at 10 weeks, and he did well at going outside then. I don't think that 8 weeks is too early b/c the pups can walk around freely and are playing already.

 

No, I do not believe so. Now would I take an 8 wk. old puppy to a dog park, a pet store, etc.? NO!!! I wouldn't (and didn't) dare take my pups anywhere such as those places until they had all their shots, and I knew that they were 100% healthy...too many health risks before that, ESPECIALLY with a real young puppy. When I first brought my pups home, my neighbor (the vet) came over to see them, and he and I actually had a conversation about this very topic. He said they were fine in my backyard, but to stay away from dog parks, pet stores (the type where people are allowed to bring their dogs in), and other places where there are a high volume of dogs who you have no idea about in regards to their current health (there are some VERY contagious diseases and illnesses out there among dogs).

I brought Mickey & Tigger home at 10 wks., and I started potty training them to go outside from the day I brought them home. I also had them outside in the backyard playing daily, and had no health problems as a result of it.

Just my opinion on the issue!

 

As always Alabamamom & MyBabyShihPoo ~ thank you for the great advice!

 

Hi! Wellcome to the forum... I also have a shi tzu he's almost a year old now. The formula for how long a dog can hold it is: 1 month old 1hour, 2 mo. 2 hrs. and so on until they are 9 months, I believe thats how it goes. Alot of people use the crate training method with a great deal of succsess, I personaly have never used one, but am not against it.

Good luck to you! and Congrats on the new addition to the family

Susan

 

REPLYING

He/she probably cant hold it that long a two month old puppy is only expected to hold it for 2 hours