diff --git a/salt/client/ssh/shell.py b/salt/client/ssh/shell.py
index 674e9f075191..9695ff63c087 100644
--- a/salt/client/ssh/shell.py
+++ b/salt/client/ssh/shell.py
@@ -257,7 +257,9 @@ def _cmd_str(self, cmd, ssh=SSH_PATH):
         # need to deliver the SHIM to the remote host and execute it there
 
         command = [ssh]
-        if ssh != SCP_PATH:
+        if ssh == SCP_PATH:
+            command.append("-p")
+        else:
             command.append(self.host)
         if self.tty and ssh == SSH_PATH:
             command.append("-t -t")