[nikkiusweet]

We have a 2 year old male Shih-Tzu. From day 1 of having him (we got him 8 weeks old) we have consistently tried potty training him. He goes for 2 -20 minute walks about 30 minutes each after eating his breakfast and his dinner. Through out the day we let him out side to go to the bathroom at least once an hour.
No matter how many times he would mark his territory outside, or if he pooped, he would come in and go inside of the house. It has become very frustrating to us.
Recently, we have bought a baby gate and have him confined to a small space . He has not once, not once , peed or pooped in this area. He can go 8-9 hours at night with out an accident. Before, when we allowed him out at night, he would go all over the house! I am to the point of having tried everything, I feel, I could do, I am not even enjoying our little guy. I expect a very clean house and cleaning up pee and poo is not making me happy at all. I shampoo the carpet immediately if he goes on the carpet, if its on the linolieum (sp?) I will use cleaner and then use my steam mop on the area.
I just do not know what more I can do. He goes outside more than most dogs, and yet he can't help but going in our house. I would love any suggestions anyone may have that will help us out. Thank you.

[shazamataz]

Oh gosh, I have been down that road... With a Shih Tzu too! My little Bliss could never be house trained no matter what I tried, she had me completely baffled.

Her breeder had a lot of issues with her Tzu's as well. For her males she used belly bands to stop them marking. They are just a stretchy cloth that goes around their waist with an absorbent pad underneath. When they lift their leg, the pad catches all the mess.
For females you can use modified baby diapers.

Many dogs when wearing a belly band or diaper will find themselves not wanting to mess while they have it on because it feels strange to them and will only go when you take it off so they can toilet outside.