The task of housebreaking a dog is not for the impatient, or for those that are easily frustrated. It is hard work and requires perseverance, time, lots of patience, and above all, a genuine love and commitment to your pet. Among dog breeds, Shih Tzus, despite their fun and loveable personalities, are some of the hardest puppies to housebreak. They have lots of energy with which to cause trouble; short attention spans, which makes it hard for them to learn desired behaviors, and a friendly and adorable demeanor, which often makes it difficult to owners to discipline them. Add to this the fact that they’re notorious for having a desire to do whatever they please without considering the feelings of their owners, and you have a pretty big housebreaking problem on your hands.Don’t panic just yet, though. While a bit more difficult than most, the Shih Tzu puppy is not impossible to housebreak, and if you know how to go about it, it can be relatively pain free. Here are a few simple and essential Shih Tzu housebreaking guidelines that should help make your task a little easier.

Take Your Shih Tzu Puppy Outside Every 2 hours

Shih Tzus learn better through praise than through punishment. For this reason, you must begin your housebreaking task by catching your Shih Tzu doing the right thing first (i.e. eliminating outside). Take him out every 2 hours to increase your chances of catching him in the act of going potty in the right place. If you’re persistent, your every-2-hours potty breaks will pay off. When you finally catch your Shih Tzu going potty where you want him to, be sure to give him lots of praise.

Verbal Conditioning

When you catch your Shih Tzu urinating outside, say the word “potty” out loud. Continue doing this each time your puppy goes potty outside. The idea here is to begin associating the word with the action. It will take many repetitions, but if you do this early on, after a few months, whenever you say the word “potty” your Shih Tzu will understand the association, and be more inclined to go potty.

Praise Your Shih Tzu Verbally and With Physical Affection

If there’s one thing Shih Tzu puppies crave, it is love and affection. Lots of it. So when your Shih Tzu pup does something you want it to do, praise him with your voice and your touch. Give him a lot of hugs and kind words and he’ll be eager to please you again next time by performing the action that led to your coddling him, i.e. urinating outside instead of on your Persian rug.

Watch for Warning Signs

If your Shih Tzu pup is circling an area or sniffing at it, it could be a sign that it’s about to eliminate there. When your Shih Tzu is indoors, be sure to keep an extremely close watch on him or her. Identifying warning signs before it’s too late will make your job that much easier. Your Shih Tzu will obviously have no clue at first where the “right” place to eliminate is, so you’ll have to keep an eye on him or her for the first few months if you want to avoid having to clean your carpet or hardwood floor every day.

Cut Back on Outdoor Visits Gradually

Continue the routine described in the above steps for a good six weeks or until your Shih Tzu has no more accidents inside. You can then start cutting back on the frequency of outdoor visits. If you’ve done your job right, your Shih Tzu will start letting you know when it needs to go potty by standing next to the patio door and whimpering.

Accessories

Many people use synthetic grass as a way of encouraging familiarity with the appropriate places to eliminate, while others believe that puppy pads do the trick. Synthetic grass is generally a terrible idea because it creates more of a mess, with wet and stinky paws to clean, as well. While you can certainly lie things such as puppy pads down as protection, these accessories do not normally aid in the housebreaking and training procedure.

Remember That Punishment is Not as Effective as Praise

Punishment is definitely NOT something you want to use when housebreaking a dog, and especially not when housebreaking a Shih Tzu pup. Shih Tzus don’t react well to punishment. As was mentioned before, they have short attention spans. They won’t be able to remember why they were being punished. And if anything, they’ll just hide it from you next time they potty inside. Praise is a much more effective and (in the long run) a much easier method.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Yorkshire terriers are notoriously hard to housebreak. Any yorkie owner will tell you that training a yorkie not to pee in the house is the hardest hurdle to jump. However, as you’re working to housebreak your yorkie, it’s good to keep in mind that your dog is not trying to purposefully infuriate you, even if their misbehavior seems insistent or stubborn. With the right training, most yorkies will catch on, even if it takes a while. The trick here is to have patience and to give your Yorkshire Terrier lots of love and care. Here are some helpful tips that should make it easier for you to get your yorkie to do what you want it to.

Be Consistent with Outside Potty Times

The first thing you need to do is to set up a consistent schedule of potty times for your dog. If you are only taking your yorkie out to relieve himself 2 or 3 times a day, don’t expect him/her to stop peeing inside. Take your yorkie out as soon as it wakes up and right before it goes to bed. Throughout the day, you should try to take him/her out every two hours. Hire a dog sitter if you have to during this initial training period. Again, you must be consistent with this in order for it to work. Soon, your yorkie will start catching on to the schedule. Once you see him/her going out on their own, it means s/he’s used to the routine. At this point, you can start gradually increasing the time intervals.

Give Him Praise for Good Behavior

If you are outside with your yorkie terrier, either in the backyard playing fetch or on a walk, remember to praise and show affection to your dog when s/he relieves him/herself in an appropriate place. You might want to give him/her a treat as a kind of reward that s/he can associate with their good behavior. This is all part of the process that will train him/her to pee and poop outside. It will let him/her know that outside is the place to go.

Chastising Your Yorkshire Terrier

If you’re inside and you catch your yorkie doing his business on your floor or furniture, say “NO!” firmly and loudly, pick him/her up, and take him/her outside immediately. Do not chastise him/her for mistakes unless you catch him/her in the act, otherwise s/he will not make the connection between his/her actions and your anger.

Crate Training

Crate training your Yorkshire Terrier can help in the process of housebreaking a puppy. The crate will become your yorkie’s private den, and will keep him/her from running rampant around your house while you’re gone or not looking. If a yorkie gets used to the crate, it will help alleviate their anxiety and make the whole housebreaking process easier on both of you.

Don’t Rub Your Dog’s Nose in the Mess

This is one of the biggest mistakes that people make while they’re trying to housebreak dogs. DO NOT rub your yorkie’s nose in the mess when they make one, even if it’s on your favorite Italian leather couch. This kind of abuse has absolutely no positive effects for your efforts. It will only increase your dog’s anxiety and make the whole process of housebreaking him/her much more difficult.

Clean the Mess Thoroughly When it Happens

If your yorkie keeps urinating or defecating in the same spot of your house, it could be because there is still some smell remaining from a previous time. Dogs are attracted to the smell of the same spot where they did their business before. Removing all traces of odor will make it so that they don’t have a particular spot indoors for their business.

Consult with Your Veterinarian

If the training methods you’re using are just simply not working, it could be that your yorkie has some kind of medical condition that makes it hard for him/her to control their bowels or urinary tract. If you’re housebreaking training isn’t doing the trick, try taking your dog to the vet and see what the doctor has to say.Above all, make sure that you are loving and attentive. Stay consistent in your housebreaking methods and be patient. Yorkies are intelligent and loving animals, and even though it can be difficult to deal with their initial training, anyone can do it provided they stick to the plan.

Popularity: 2% [?]

In the past years, America has seen an increase in the popularity of miniature dog breeds, like the Yorkshire Terrier and the Miniature Schnauzer. They’re cute, cuddly and make for an eye-grabbing fashion statement. But with the New Year heralding a slew of social and cultural changes, not least among them the economic recession, American families might think differently about buying a new pet this time around.

In tough economic times, a puppy could be seen as too high-end of an accessory. Housebreaking such miniature breeds can be especially taxing. They require constant attention and grooming. They can be feisty and temperamental. Teaching them to use the dog toilet, might be too much of a chore for the working family.However, there’s no underestimating the power of celebrity. While working families might choose to adopt more practical breeds of dogs, Hollywood stars will likely continue their love affair with miniature pups.

Last year, the Shih Tzu made it into the American Knnel Club’s “most popular breeds” list for the very first time. And it’s easy to see why: it’s an adorable dog. A tiny pup, with floppy ears, a round head, bushy brows and big, inquisitive eyes, the Shih Tzu has become quite fashionable among the likes of Paris Hilton and actress Jane Seymour.

And while the Shih Tzu usually landed in the lower end of the last year’s top ten lists, it’s very possible that it will rise further up in 2009. Sometimes, in hard times, you need a little cuteness to cheer your spirits, even if said cuteness can be a bit difficult to housebreak, toilet train, groom, or generally keep up with. Now, traditionally popular “family” dogs have always held top spots in most-popular-dogs lists of years past, and they are likely to remain there.

The German Shepherd is an excellent example of a dog that exemplifies loyalty, family friendliness and hard work, ideals that many would consider essential in tackling the challenges that Americans are facing now.As the name implies, the German Shepherd hails from Karlsruhe, Germany. It was brought to the States in 1907 and became hugely popular thanks, in part, to its depictions in family shows like Rin-Tin-Tin and Stongheart. The GS is the top police dog working today. He is strong, dependable and fearless when it comes to the line of duty. But the GS is also a very good family dog. It is approachable and friendly. It is loyal, protective, and can form very strong bonds with children. Housebreaking and training a GS is not hard. Additionally, he does not require nearly as much grooming as the smaller and/or fluffier canine breeds.

The Boxer dog is another breed that will likely remain popular in 2009. With its flat snout and muscular build, it can appear to be perpetually serious or even angry, but the Boxer remains one of the most playful and friendly breeds of dog out there. The American Kennel Club praises this dog for forming excellent bonds with children and being relatively low maintenance, the latter quality being especially desired in our current economy.

The Boxer, like the German Shepherd, was also developed in Germany in the 1800s, and used for hunting and as a courier in war. They are protective of their human families and absolutely love being around people.

Now, there are other popular family dogs that we could talk about. There’s the playful Beagle, the gentle Bulldog, and many others. But the dog that will definitely take the top spot in 2009 is the same one that’s been at the top in the past: The Labrador Retriever.

With its sun-kissed coat, the Labrador remains the classic, all-American dog. Although it requires regular grooming, it is still one of the best family pets in the country, as it is easy to housebreak and train. The Lab is excellent with children and loves to exercise and be active, a perfect motivator for Americans who are trying to get back into the swing of life.The Lab has a water resistant coat that makes him perfect for outdoor play. It has a very calm, even temper, something which is direly needed in times of stress and hardship. It is loyal, dynamic and always up for fun. With a new president in office and new uncertainties and challenges facing the nation, families are bound to feel some of the patriotic vigor that’s circulating. And the Labrador retriever, with its knack for adaptability and friendly individualism, can compliment the search for this new vigor quite well.

Popularity: 100% [?]

If you are looking to share your home with a dog, and your home happens to be in a large metropolitan city, you would be wise to do a little research before you bring any old pup home. Some dogs are not suitable for city life, either because they have a strong need for outdoor activities like running and playing, they are prone to barking, or because they are simply too big to be comfortable in a small apartment or condo.

So what dogs are good for city life? Below is a list of top dogs for the city, but be sure to look into any breed you want to take home to make sure you can provide them with a happy and healthy home.

Dachshunds are great small dogs. They are usually well tempered, and even though they are energetic, their small size doesn’t require a large space to run. Just be sure to give this dog some exercise and watch the liver snacks, because they can easily become overweight. This dog is commonly referred to as a wiener dog or a sausage dog.

Pugs are very popular today, and are perfect for even a family living in the city. They are very affectionate, well-behaved, and they generally don’t demand much exercise. Another one to go along with the pug is the French Bulldog, a smaller breed than the better-known English Bulldog. Both the French Bulldog and the pug are pretty sedentary dogs, but they are loving and fun to watch and interact with.

The Basenji is a less common dog, but because it does not have a bark, it is growing in popularity among city dwellers. Originally trained for hunting this hound will compliment any family by providing some lively energy to the home. They can be trained easily, hence the reason they’ve been used for hunting. They are very passionate and loving dogs and we highly recommend these young pups.

The Whippet is a shy dog that looks like a miniature Greyhound. They are smart, affectionate, very playful, and with regular walks they could be a great asset to city life. They average anywhere from 25 to 40 lbs depending on age and gender. These dogs are quick so if you’re out of shape and can’t keep up, I’d stay away from this breed (laugh).

If you have your mind set on a larger dog, there are a few large breeds that are not very active, but they do come with their share of challenges. For example, the Newfoundland and the Mastiff are great big, friendly dogs that don’t require much exercise. However, you should expect these dogs to weigh over 100 pounds, they both tend to drool, and the Newfoundland will need regular grooming because of its long coat.

In addition to those listed above, there are a few more breeds that are worth mentioning. These breeds are great all-around dogs, but can be especially good for city life. These dogs are generally very smart and easy to train, and while they might require daily walking, they won’t run circles around your apartment: Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, West Highland Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Below are some sample pictures of the small dog breeds mentioned above:

Popularity: 24% [?]

For dog lovers there is no list more revered than the American Kennel club’s Most Popular Breeds of the year. And while there are some pooches who seem to top the list decade after decade, each edition of the list always manages to deliver a few surprises.

1. Retrievers (Labrador) – The classic American dog. Labrador retrievers are smart, lovable and great with kids. They are the most popular “family” dog according to several breeder surveys. Although they technically hail from the “Working Group” of dogs as classified by the AKC, Labs love to have fun and will knock you over in pursuit a good tennis ball.

2. Retrievers (Golden) – Golden Retrievers sit next to Labradors atop the “American Family Dog” pyramid of popularity. Goldens are big, active dogs that love to play in the water with their favorite dog toys. Males and females can grow as large as 90 pounds, so clear out an extra room in the house if you’re thinking about bringing one home.

3. Yorkshire Terriers – The Yorkshire Terrier, or “Yorkie” as it is commonly called, is the smallest breed of terrier in the world. These little pocket rockets are actually some of the bravest dogs you will ever meet, and are fiercely loyal when it comes to their home and family. Knock on the door of someone with a Yorkie, hold your ears and you’ll see what we mean!

4. German Shepherd Dogs – One of the most loyal breeds in the world, German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and temperament. The most popular police dog breed, Shepherds can sniff out a bomb, a criminal or a shipment of drugs with equal ease. Overbreeding and genetic issues have caused a large percentage of these dogs to develop hip problems, specifically dysplasia, over the past several years.

5. Beagles – Ever since Snoopy became a national icon (and MetLife pitch-dog) the Beagle has been a staple in American households. A medium-sized dog that was originally bred to hunt game such as rabbits and fox, the Beagle is a deceptively strong animal. Don’t look for any beagle to be finding work as guard dogs any time soon – their kind, gentle demeanor just wouldn’t be suited for the job.

6. Dachshunds – Dachshunds or “Weiner Dogs” have always remained a fascination with dog owners because of their unique appearance. But don’t let their odd look fool you, these dogs will run and play with the best of them, and can really get a head of steam going when in pursuit of a ball or another dog. The Dachshund is one of the most aggressive dogs on this list, and has been known to nip or bite at strangers or other dogs with some regularity.

7. Boxers – This dog always seems to be wearing a serious expression, but in actuality it is one of the most fun-loving, energetic breeds on this list. AKC reports extol the virtues of the boxer, stating that they have a great rapport with children, are relatively low maintenance and are “honest and loyal”. Sounds more like a good husband than a great dog breed, but so it goes. Boxers are extremely headstrong animals and as such require obedience training at a very young age.

8. Poodles – Standard and miniature poodles were the rich person’s dog of choice long before Paris Hilton ever stuffed a Chihuahua into a Fendi purse. Now, these incredible animals are popular with all socio-economic groups because of the beauty and loyalty.

9. Shih Tzu - A dog everyone loves, with a name that only a fifth grade boy could love. The Shih Tzu has been growing in popularity for years, and has finally cracked the “most popular breeds” list of the American Kennel Club. This little wonder has even found a home in Hollywood, in both the mansions of the ultra-wealthy, and on the silver screen in Christopher Guest’s mockumentary Best in Show.

10. Miniature Schnauzers - Another miniature dog breed that is relatively new to the list of most popular breeds, having just cracked the top ten in 2008. Miniature Schnauzers are obedient and rarely too-aggressive. The generally engage in gentle play, which makes them ideal companions for children and chew toys alike. The breed originated in Germany where they were originally raised as farming dogs used to chase mice and other vermin out of the area.

Popularity: 70% [?]