Shih Tzu puppies are so adorable. However, Shih Tzu training can be a little challenging due to the fact that they have a very short attention span. Do not be scared or discouraged, although they have a short attention span, they’re also very intelligent and with a lot of patience and tender loving care, you can have that perfectly well behaved Shih Tzu you’ve always wanted.
When you bring a Shih Tzu puppy into your home, you will have to train your little puff of fluff to be accustomed to its new surroundings. You will have to set general rules upfront and enforce them.
Training these regal dogs is not so much unlike training techniques for other dogs. The techniques and methods involved are almost similar. In order to succeed when training your Shih Tzu, consistency and patience are values that will help. A regular schedule will help your Shih Tzu learn easily and quickly.
Shih Tzu training problems
When a Shih Tzu puppy is brought into its new home, it experiences a difficult time adjusting to the new environment. This can get in the way of your training for a while, and problems –large and small alike- are bound to set in.
Training problems will range from excessive barking, biting of things to housebreaking issues. It is of utmost importance that you strive to understand your dog to help them stay calm and comfortably blend in.
Housebreaking problems are the most common problems in the Shih Tzu breed. You may also find it hard to achieve potty training at first, but they soon take up the task. Shih Tzus were bred for royalty, and they know how to take care of their quarters. All you need to have is a little patience.
This breed of dogs requires a lot of attention and companionship. In the absence of much-needed attention, they can be very annoying. They develop tendencies such as biting shoes or anxiety issues.
Care Training
Shih Tzu puppies can be wonderful to own as long as you can care for them. They require a lot of love, companionship, and attention. Shih Tzu care training isn’t a challenging task since they are fast learners. After some time of training, they can be able to follow simple commands without much difficulty.
When your pups are teething, they will start rubbing their paws pretty much on anything and chew on shoes, wooden furniture, and clothing. Providing something like raw bones and toys for them to chew on will help.
Since the puppies learn fast, they can know where they sleep, where their food is placed, and where they need to eliminate – even if it is their first week in the house. Use potty pads to facilitate puppy elimination.
Housetraining
Notoriously, Shih Tzu puppies and adults have a hard time when it comes to house training. Shih Tzu housetraining is of the essence because these little pups have tiny bladders and bowels. Without proper training, they should never be allowed freedom in the house!
Set a strict schedule for house and crate training and always stick to the program until they learn. Also, you will have to be strict on their elimination schedule. If you are consistent and patient, they will soon follow this routine without being commanded.
Potty training
Shih Tzus are very clean canines. They have a natural instinct to keep their quarters clean. This quality helps when it comes to Shih Tzu potty training.
The crate technique of potty training helps speed up progress. A large crate is used to hold the pups in one place. Food, water, and beddings are provided. The crate will be their quarters for some time until their potty training is completed. While they are in the crate, playing with them, so they don’t feel abandoned is essential.
Every 30 minutes or so, the pups are taken to a designated toilet area. At first, they will be shy, but soon they learn what they have to do. Whenever they break new ground, shower them with lots of praise – you may even offer them rewards.
Shih Tzu Commands
To establish a communication platform with your dog, you need to train them on how to understand and follow commands. From 3 months onwards, you can teach the basic Shih Tzu training commands on how to Sit, Stay, Come and Heal.
Training your dog to understand these basic commands is essential. Your dog will be able to communicate with you. Shih Tzus are very social, and they will want to please their owner – who they regard as pack leader. If they are not able to communicate with you, they feel disappointed because they cannot please you. Also, you may end up getting frustrated if they cannot do what you wanted. Training your Shih Tzu to understand commands is the best thing for you and your dog.
Here are some Shih Tzu training tricks to help you in your training.
Even as your Shih Tzu is innately well-behaved, some annoying tendencies and lousy behavior may creep in. Nip these tendencies in the bud and replace them with good habits. Be consistent, and they will soon get in line.
Use the “good boy” command to let your dog know whenever they please you. Behavior that is pleasing to you will help you and your little Shih Tzu bond. If your dog can associate the words “good boy” with good behavior, then you will have an easy training. Enforce your terms with rewards and a pat on the head, which will ultimately make you become good friends.
Training tips
Here are some tips that are sure to help you connect well with your Shih Tzu during training.
1.) Do not excessively punish or scold the pup
Scolding and punishing your puppy when training will only hurt the chances of achieving success. Every once in awhile, let them know they have done something that doesn’t please you but do not be too hard on them
2.) Reward good behavior right
Treats and rewards enhance your Shih Tzu training if adequately used. Do not use goodies as bribes. Instead, use them as rewards for good behavior demonstrated by your puppy. Let other factors inspire them to do well.
3.) Do not take your training too far
Because of their short attention span, learn to understand whenever they are not willing to continue training or when they want to switch to something else. It is crucial to make training sessions short enough for them to handle. Allowing Shih Tzu training to become smooth and natural will help you bond well with your little bundle of joy.
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