How do I get my 4 1/2 month old shorkie to stop eating off the ground and sniffing everything on the ground and just go outside and take care of his business?

When I had my dog he would do the same. I would do the following things:

-Go outside with a leash
-Let him sniff around for 15 seconds [count one Mississippi, two Mississippi, etc.]
If at this point he wasn't done "looking"
-Yank on the collar [not too hard but hard enough to break his 'concentration']
-Lift his leg [or if it's a girl make her squat down] and say sternly "PEE"

It'll take a while but precistence is key.

Once they pee make sure you praise them and say "PEE- GOOD BOY/GIRL".

It'll take a week or two.

MRS.S

How often do you take him for walks just so that he can sniff around and explore? Do you take him immediately back in? If you do not let him have frequent outside time or take him right back in then many dogs will learn to hold it as much as they can just so they get the chance to explore which they otherwise wouldn't.

If you do find yourself guilty of this then the solution to that part is easy, begin letting him have a few minutes after he potties to sniff about. Take him out for fun a few more times. You should also work on the "Leave it" command for his habit or picking things up.