[xochanelox]

i have a 7 month old male shih tzu who constantly do his "business" on the carpet. due to my business schedule i was unable to potty train my shih tzu while he is still a puppy. Now that he's 7 month old, are there still possiblities to potty train him? If yes, then HOW? this is my first dog so i'm quite confuse.

[skelaki]

Simple:

1 Buy and start using a crate. He's allowed NO unsupervised freedom.
2. Put everything including food, water, play,training -- everything on a strict schedule so that you'll have a better idea as to when he'll need to go out..
3. Take him out to his designated potty area. Walk back and forth with him, repeating a phrase such as "Get busy" over and over, don't stop until he finishes his business and then praise him to the high heavens. Then have a play session, followed by a return to the potty area to see if he needs to take care of more business. Then it's back to the crate or he's tethered to you.
4. If for some reason you see him starting to go in the house you must immediately correct him, pick him up (mid stream even) and carry him outside to finish.
5. Thoroughly clean all accident areas with an enzyme cleaner such as Nature's Miracle.

[Sawyer]

There really is not much to write after the last post - pretty much says it all! But I'd like to add that I adopted an adult dog several years ago who had to be potty trained and she got it - so don't worry - he'll get it! Supervision is so important and I know it's hard sometimes but hang in there.

[blackgavotte]

What I want to add is, before you buy the crate, think of these things. If you are working all day long and the dog will be locked in the crate while you are away, consider getting a fully wire crate rather than a plastic box, and as large a crate as you can afford or have the room for. Shihtzus can easily overheat in the plastic ones if they get stressed out, which he might since he is not used to being crated. If you have the full coat on him its that much more dangerous. Even if he is clipped down he is still a bracycephalic breed.

Also you might want to consider using an exercise pen if you are working all day, and long days. He is 7 months old but its a long day to be kept in a crate where a dog can only just stand, turn around, whatever. If you are not working all day its different, but I personally do not believe dogs should be living in plastic boxes all day, every day.

I agree totally that he cannot have the run of the place and this should have been attended to before he got into the habit., but it can be turned around if you are consistent. Re-read the first post, and just think about the type of crate.

[xochanelox]

thank you so much for all your replies, i will try my best..

[blackgavotte]

I would also recommend that you go read Lovelilly's posts to this problem. She has a couple of excellent ones. Just find her in the members list, and there is an option for seeing all her posts. She has done an excellent job with her young Pap, and really makes clear, concise, detailed posts for this problem.