No matter how cute, charming, or charismatic your little Shih Tzu is. They must understand that the new family carpet is not a personal toilet. This reason alone is why Shih Tzus need training too.
Your Shih Tzu must also learn that your children’s fingers are not finger toys for nipping or that running outside as soon as the doors open is unsafe.
No matter how cute or polite a dog is, it must still be trained. You must also understand that your Shih Tzu is a dog and must not assume the homeowner’s role.
He or she needs to know and understand the rules; therefore, you must enforce them, or you could have an unruly Shih Tzu.
Remember, Shih Tzus need training; do not let them train you. Unfortunately, humans are just too easy to train.
For example, your Shih Tzu may have already had you trained to give him or her treats on consignment, give them a soft lap to lounge on, and show them affectionately when needed.
Most dog owners are easily controlled when it comes to cute little dogs.
Therefore, it is best to ask yourself before training your Shih Tzu: Who is training whom?
Shih Tzus Need Training: Here are Some Tips on How to Get Started
When training your Shih Tzu, you must start when they are as young as possible. Also, you want to teach at a pace your Shih Tzu can handle. Every puppy is different, and they learn and mature at different rates.
If your dog does not comprehend specific commands but seems to follow others, it might be too early for those particular tricks or commands. Do not yell or punish your Shih Tzu by striking or hitting her.
Harsh treatment will only frighten your dog, and you will not realize why you are angry and mean. Also, mistreating your Shih Tzu will undoubtedly affect the bond between you.
Yelling at puppies and hitting them will only make them timid dogs in the future. In other instances, battered dogs tend to become nervous and aggressive. Although Shih Tzus need training, they do not deserve mistreatment.
Puppies trained using positive reinforcement, treats, rewards, and lots of love, patience, and attention will develop into friendly, responsive, and extremely social Shih Tzus.
Before the training begins, you will need some supplies. These supplies include:
- A perfect, soft fabric collar that is adjustable in size. Make sure that the collar fits securely around the puppy’s neck but is slack enough that you can get two fingers between the collar and the back of the neck without it being too tight for the puppy.
- You will also need a standard form or retractable leash or lead. Retractable leads are much easier to work with because they allow the puppy more freedom, depending on the situation.
- The final item you will need is some highly flavorful and tasty treats for your Shih Tzu. Try to get healthy food not high in carbs, fats, or sugars. You can make great doggy treats with beef hotdogs, and dogs love them. Go to your icebox and take out a few hotdogs, thinly slice them, then put them in the microwave until they dry out and resemble the consistency of chips. You also have the option to cut them into ½ rounds or ¼ rounds if your Shih Tzu is still tiny. When it comes to treats for training, smaller ones are better, so remember to hand them out sparingly.
With your essential supplies, you are ready to start your Shih Tzu training.
Frequently Asked Question
Shih Tzus are known as stubborn. Is there a specific training method that works best for them?
Positive Reinforcement is Key: Shih Tzus responds exceptionally well to positive reinforcement. This means rewarding desired behaviors with treats, praise, or playtime. Punishment or harsh methods can backfire, making them more resistant.
Science-Backed: Studies in animal behavior consistently show positive reinforcement is more effective than aversive training methods.
Expert Tip: Keep training sessions short and frequent (5-10 minutes several times daily). This keeps their attention engaged and prevents frustration.
My Shih Tzu is incredibly food-motivated. How do I use this to my advantage without overfeeding?
High-Value Rewards: During training, use small, highly desirable treats. These can be cut-up pieces of their favorite snack or even a few kibbles from their daily meal.
Variety: Rotate the types of treats to keep them interesting.
Expert Tip: Consider using a portion of their daily food allowance for training treats.
Housebreaking is a challenge. What’s the most effective approach for a Shih Tzu?
Consistent Schedule: Take your Shih Tzu out at predictable times (after meals, naps, playtime).
Crate Training: A crate can be a safe space and a helpful tool in housebreaking.
Accident Management: If an accident happens, clean it thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate odors that can attract them back to the spot.
Expert Tip: Reward triumphant potty breaks outside with praise and a treat.
My Shih Tzu barks excessively. How can I curb this behavior?
Identify the Trigger: Is it boredom, anxiety, territoriality? Once you know the cause, you can address it.
Training Alternatives: Teach commands like “quiet” or “speak” to give you more control.
Desensitization: Gradually expose them to the trigger in a controlled way, rewarding calm behavior.
Socialization seems important, but how do I do it safely with a small dog?
Early Start: Puppy classes are a great way to introduce your Shih Tzu to other dogs and people in a supervised setting.
Controlled Environments: Arrange playdates with well-behaved dogs of similar size.
Positive Experiences: Make sure interactions are upbeat and fun to build their confidence.
Shih Tzus needs training, but can they learn tricks beyond the basics?
Absolutely! Shih Tzus are intelligent and eager to please. They can learn various tricks, from fetching to more complex agility exercises.
Are there any breed-specific health concerns that might affect training?
Brachycephalic Syndrome: Shih Tzus, with short snouts, can have breathing difficulties. Be mindful of this during exercise and training, especially in hot weather.
Eye Issues: Their prominent eyes are prone to injuries. Monitor for any signs of discomfort and avoid activities that could put their eyes at risk.
What’s the ideal age to train a Shih Tzu puppy?
As early as 8 weeks: You can start with basic commands and socialization. Puppies have a remarkable capacity to learn.
How do I know if I need professional training help?
If you’re struggling: Don’t hesitate to consult a certified dog trainer or behaviorist. They can offer personalized guidance and address specific issues.
Where can I find more resources on Shih Tzu training?
Reputable Sources: Get information from certified dog trainers, veterinary behaviorists, and breed-specific organizations.
DISCLAIMER: The information on shihtzudoginformation.com is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only. The content is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have regarding your dog’s health or medical condition.
References
- The Efficacy of Positive Reinforcement Training for Dogs: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6284367
- ASPCA – Barking: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/barking
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior – Puppy Socialization: https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Puppy_Socialization_Position_Statement_Download_-_10-3-14.pdf
- American Kennel Club – Shih Tzu: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shih-tzu
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers: https://www.ccpdt.org
