Small Breed Puppy Training: Shih Tzu, Dachshund, Chihuahua and Yorkie

Small breed puppies are clever, affectionate, and full of personality. They are also a little different to train than their bigger cousins. Their bladders are tiny, their bodies are delicate, and people often let them get away with behavior they would never accept from a Labrador. The result can be a small dog who barks at everything, refuses to come when called, and has the occasional accident well into adulthood.

None of that is inevitable. Small dogs are brilliant learners when they are trained with the same kindness and consistency as any other dog. This guide covers the general principles of small breed puppy training, then specific tips for four of the most popular small breeds: the Shih Tzu, Dachshund, Chihuahua, and Yorkshire Terrier.

Why Small Puppies Need a Slightly Different Approach

Tiny Bladders

Small breed puppies physically cannot hold on as long as large breeds. They need more frequent toilet breaks, and accidents can be harder to spot because they are smaller. This is the main reason small breeds have a reputation for being slow to house train. It is usually about management rather than ability.

Delicate Bodies

A fall from a sofa or a pair of arms can seriously injure a tiny puppy. Safe handling and preventing jumping from heights matter more for small breeds.

The “Small Dog Syndrome” Trap

Many small dogs develop habits like constant barking, jumping up, or snapping when picked up, simply because nobody taught them otherwise. Behavior that seems cute in a three-kilogram dog is still worth shaping. Consistent rules make for a happier, more confident small dog.

Confidence Matters

To a tiny puppy, the world is enormous. Feet, cars, bigger dogs, and loud noises can be genuinely intimidating. Gentle, positive socialization builds the confidence that prevents fearful barking and nervousness later.

Universal Tips for Small Breed Puppies

• Take them out very often. Every 30 to 60 minutes while awake for young puppies, plus after eating, drinking, napping, and play. My potty training schedule has a full timetable.
• Consider an indoor option. A grass patch or pad area can be useful for tiny puppies, especially in apartments or cold weather. See potty training a puppy in an apartment.
• Use a harness rather than a collar for walks. Many toy breeds are prone to delicate tracheas, and a harness spreads pressure more safely.
• Feed small, frequent meals. Very small toy puppies can be prone to low blood sugar. Follow your vet’s feeding advice closely.
• Use tiny treats. Small dogs fill up fast. Cut rewards into crumb-sized pieces. My homemade puppy training treats are easy to portion small.
• Get down to their level. Kneel or sit on the floor when training, so you are less looming and your puppy can see your signals.
• Do not carry them everywhere. Let your puppy walk and explore safely. Being carried constantly can prevent confidence building.
• Teach a polite pick-up. Say a cue like “up,” scoop gently with support under the chest and bottom, and reward. Puppies who know what to expect are less likely to resist being picked up.

Shih Tzu Puppy Training

Shih Tzus are affectionate, relaxed companion dogs who love being with their people. They are generally gentle and adaptable, though they can be a little stubborn.

• Be extra patient with house training. Shih Tzus are known for taking a little longer to get it. A strict routine, frequent trips outside, and huge rewards for success make the difference.
• Start grooming early. Their long coat needs regular brushing. Short, gentle grooming sessions with treats from day one make it a pleasant routine. Handle paws, ears, and face daily.
• Mind the heat. With their shorter muzzles, Shih Tzus can struggle in hot weather. Keep training and walks short on warm days.
• Use high-value rewards. If your Shih Tzu seems uninterested, try a tastier treat. Motivation is usually the issue, not intelligence.

Dachshund Puppy Training

Dachshunds are clever, loyal, brave, and famously independent. Bred to hunt badgers, they have a strong nose and a mind of their own.

• Protect their back. Dachshunds are prone to spinal problems. Discourage jumping on and off furniture, use ramps or steps, and always support their back and bottom when lifting them. Keep them at a healthy weight.
• Expect independent thinking. Dachshunds are smart but not always eager to please. Keep sessions short, fun, and full of rewards, and avoid repetitive drills that bore them.
• Work on recall early. Their scent-hound nose can override everything. Practice recall in safe spaces from day one and use a long line outdoors. See my recall training guide.
• Address barking kindly. Dachshunds have a big bark. Teach a calm alternative and reward quiet. My stop barking guide helps.
• Channel the digging. A digging box or snuffle mat gives their natural instinct a safe outlet.

Chihuahua Puppy Training

Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of all, with huge loyalty and big personalities. They often bond very closely with one person.

• Prioritize socialization. Chihuahuas can become fearful or defensive if they are not gently introduced to people, places, and other dogs. Positive, gradual exposure in the first months is vital. Use the puppy socialization checklist.
• Introduce them to several people. Encourage other family members and friends to feed treats and train with your Chihuahua, so they do not become overly attached to just one person.
• Keep them warm. Chihuahuas feel the cold. A sweater on chilly days and an indoor toilet option in winter can help house training.
• Handle with care. Supervise closely around young children, and teach kids to sit on the floor to interact rather than pick up the puppy.
• Do not reward snapping by backing off dramatically. Instead, work on building trust with handling and read your puppy’s body language to avoid pushing them past their comfort zone.

Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Training

Yorkies are tiny terriers with all the spirit that word implies: brave, curious, clever, and sometimes bossy.

• Stay consistent with house training. Yorkies can be slow to house train. A strict schedule, close supervision, and an indoor option for bad weather help.
• Give their terrier brain a job. Yorkies are clever and love to learn. Short training sessions, tricks, and training games prevent boredom barking.
• Manage barking early. Reward quiet and teach alternative behaviors before barking becomes a habit.
• Begin grooming from day one. Their silky coat needs regular brushing, so make grooming a positive routine early.
• Teach polite greetings. Yorkies can be bold with bigger dogs. Supervise interactions and build calm greetings gradually.

Common Small Breed Mistakes

• Skipping training because they are small. Every dog benefits from good manners and clear communication.
• Letting jumping slide. Jumping up can hurt tiny dogs and annoy guests. The stop jumping guide works for small dogs too.
• Picking them up to avoid every problem. Lifting your dog away from every worrying situation can stop them from building confidence. Help them cope at a comfortable distance instead.
• Expecting large-breed bladder control. Plan for frequent toilet breaks and be patient.

Troubleshooting Small Breed Problems

My Puppy Was Doing Well, Then Started Having Accidents Again

This is very common and usually means you relaxed the routine a little too soon. Go back to frequent trips outside, supervise closely indoors, and reward every success generously for a couple of weeks. Clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner so the smell does not draw your puppy back to the same spot. If accidents appear suddenly alongside drinking more or straining, check in with your vet, since a urinary infection can look like a training problem.

My Puppy Refuses to Walk on the Lead

Many tiny puppies plant their feet the first few times they wear a harness. Let them wear it indoors during play and meals until they forget it is there. Then attach the lead and follow them around the house before asking them to follow you. Scatter a few treats ahead to encourage forward movement, and keep early outdoor walks very short and quiet. My leash training guide breaks it down further.

My Puppy Growls When I Pick Them Up

Growling is communication, so never punish it. It tells you something about being lifted feels uncomfortable or scary. Check with your vet that nothing hurts, then rebuild the experience slowly: say your pick-up cue, touch gently under the chest, reward, and let go. Progress to a brief lift only when your puppy is relaxed with each earlier step.

My Puppy Barks at Bigger Dogs

For a tiny dog, a large dog bounding over can feel like a real threat, and barking is a way of saying “please stay back.” Work at a distance where your puppy can see bigger dogs without reacting, and reward calm looking. Choose calm, gentle adult dogs for introductions, and avoid busy dog parks where your puppy could be overwhelmed.

Gear That Makes Small Breed Training Easier

• A well-fitted harness designed for small dogs, adjusted so two fingers fit under the straps.
• A lightweight lead, since heavy clips and thick leads can be a burden for toy breeds.
• Pet steps or a ramp for sofas and beds, especially for Dachshunds.
• A small treat pouch so tiny rewards are always within reach.
• A puppy pen to give your puppy a safe space when you cannot supervise.
• Soft brushes and a comb for coated breeds like Shih Tzus and Yorkies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to house train a small breed puppy?

Many small breed puppies take longer than larger breeds, sometimes six months or more to be fully reliable. Consistency matters more than speed, and every puppy is different.

Should I use puppy pads?

Pads or an indoor grass patch can be helpful for tiny puppies, apartments, and bad weather. If you eventually want your dog toileting outside only, move the pad gradually toward the door and then outside.

Are small breeds harder to train?

Not at all. Many small breeds are quick learners. They simply need smaller rewards, shorter sessions, gentle handling, and the same clear rules we would give a bigger dog.

When should my small breed puppy start puppy class?

Ask your vet, but many classes welcome puppies a week or so after their first vaccinations. Look for a positive-reinforcement class that separates small puppies from boisterous large ones during play.

Putting It All Together

Whatever small breed you choose, the foundations are the same: house training, crate training, socialization, bite inhibition, and attention. Start with Puppy Training 101, follow the puppy training schedule by age, and if you are still choosing a breed, see the best small dog breeds. The printable checklist below keeps every step organized.

Want a Step-by-Step Program?

Small dogs have big brains, and mental stimulation is one of the best cures for barking and bossiness. Brain Training for Dogs by Adrienne Farricelli, a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA), offers positive, reward-based brain games that work perfectly in small spaces, with a video demonstration for every exercise.

The Bottom Line

Small breed puppies are wonderful learners who deserve the same kind, consistent training as any dog. Plan for frequent toilet breaks, handle them safely, socialize them gently to build confidence, and avoid letting small dog habits take root. Shih Tzus need patience and early grooming, Dachshunds need back protection and recall work, Chihuahuas need careful socialization and warmth, and Yorkies need a job for their terrier brain. Get those basics right, and your little dog will grow into a confident, well-mannered companion with a very big heart.

Written by Milica J.
Dog lover and devoted owner of a Golden Retriever named Poki, sharing what she has learned raising him with kind, positive methods. Learn more about Milica.