[mstewart_21]

I have a 7 week old Shih tzu named princess and I really need info on how to pott train her. I work in the am and am not at home with her what should I do.

[Dr1757]

We trained ours by using the large size pee pads available at any pet store. It helps to put a little of her urine on it, and in about three or four days she will be use to using it.

[Wondergirl]

If she learns to use pee pads, then she will think it's okay to pee on anything soft.

We have dog experts here on site who will give you hints and helps for potty training her, so check back for future responses. Also, look for older threads on this subject and the appropriate stickies.

[Dr1757]

Wondergirl we never had a problem with our Shih Tzu using anything other than the pee pad once he trained to use it.

[Wondergirl]

Wondergirl we never had a problem with our Shih Tzu using anything other than the pee pad once he trained to use it.

You are very, very lucky.

[Alty]

First, at 7 weeks she should still be with her mother. She's way to young to be away from her pack.

Second, at 7 weeks it's highly unlikely that she'll be potty trained. She's still a baby. Most dogs don't gain bladder control until 4 months of age. Expect accidents for a long while yet.

Pee pads are the worst invention ever. There are people that have had luck with them, but they're the exception to the rule, not the norm. Put a pee pad down and train to pee there, the dog can't differentiate between the pad and your carpet, a towel, a blanket, etc, etc. You're setting your dog up for failure, and I highly recommend that you don't use pee pads.

At 7 weeks of age your puppy will need to potty frequently. If no one is there to take her out to potty, potty training will be a failure. She will likely need to relieve herself every 2 hours.

The best way to potty train is to be there. When she eats or drinks, take her out around 10 minutes to 20 minutes after. Pick a command word like "Potty", and say it over and over again. When she does her thing, lots of praise, a treat, and a hug. Let her know she did something you want.

When she has an accident, and at her age she'll have many, do not scold. A firm no, and then take her outside, use your command word, and then praise if she does her thing. Clean the spot with vinegar or bleach.

This will take some time. Do not expect this to happen quickly. At her age she's very young to be fully potty trained, and it likely won't happen for many more months to come. The more you're with her the better the training will go. She will need frequent potty breaks throughout the day, so hiring someone to come and relieve her while you're gone is a must.

[Alty]

We trained ours by using the large size pee pads available at any pet store. It helps to put a little of her urine on it, and in about three or four days she will be use to using it.

Your advice is very unrealistic.

A 7 week old puppy is not likely to be potty trained in 3 - 4 days. Also, pee pads are not a good idea for any dog, and only confusing to a very young puppy.

At 7 weeks of age this is a very young puppy that shouldn't even be away from her litter mates and mother yet. Potty training is not going to happen any time soon.

[Lucky098]

***sigh**** 7 weeks is too young to expect perfect training. You are going to have to figure out a way to have someone, or yourself, be home for her.

If there is absolutely no way for you to be there for your dog, I would first suggest to rehome your dog and get an adult that is already house trained. Doggy daycare is out of the question right now due to her age.

Potty pads are aweful.. I agree with every single world Alty said about them.

There is a new invention that I have heard good things about. Its called the Potty POD... it's a grass simulation box that has fake grass on top and a drainage system that drains on to those aweful potty pads. It does have sent on it for the dog to go pee and poo on it AND it also teaches the dog to potty on grass-type surfaces, not towels, carpet, etc.. They are expensive, but they do work.

Since your dog is home alone, I would also suggest to leave her in a room that is easy to clean up with the potty POD.. give her lots of toys, water and leave the TV or radio on. It will give you a dog that isn't going nuts..

When dealing with a dog or puppy, always imagine how you would feel locked up in a tiney roon, with no noise, no light and no contact with anyone/thing else. Once she is of age, please take her to doggy day care 1-2 times pers week. There are people there that will work with your dog with basic manners and I'm sure if you pay for it, obedience.