Shih Tzu Training

Whether you’re bringing home a new Shih Tzu puppy or adopting an adult dog, training is an essential part of responsible pet ownership.

The Shih Tzu is a friendly, intelligent breed that is known for being good with children and other animals. They are generally easy to train, though they can be stubborn at times.

The best dog owner is always seeking to learn more about their companion. By reading this article, you will learn everything you need to know about about Shih Tzu Training.

How To Train A Shih Tzu

Since Shih Tzu is a smart and affectionate breed, training a Shih Tzu is fairly easy compared to some other small breeds.

A well-trained dog is a joy to live with, and Shih Tzus are no exception. With their lively personalities and adorable faces, Shih Tzus are one of the most popular dog breeds. They make great companions and can be trained to do a variety of tricks.

The key to training a Shih Tzu is understanding how they learn.

Like all dogs, Shih Tzus learn best through positive reinforcement. This means rewarding your dog for good behavior, rather than punishing them for bad behavior.

With patience and consistency, you can train your Shih Tzu to be a well-behaved dog.

Here are some quick tips for training a Shih Tzu:

1. Start training as soon as possible. The sooner you start training your Shih Tzu, the better. If you adopt an adult dog, you can still start training at any age.
2. Keep training sessions short. Shih Tzus have short attention spans, so it’s important to keep training sessions short. Aim for 5-10 minutes at a time.
3. Use positive reinforcement. Shih Tzus respond well to positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and petting. Avoid using negative reinforcement, such as scolding or punishment, as this can make your dog fearful or resentful.
4. Be consistent. It’s important to be consistent with your commands and rewards during training. If you vary the rewards or punishments too much, your dog will become confused and less likely to respond to training.
5. Be patient. Training a Shih Tzu takes time and patience. Avoid getting frustrated or angry with your dog if he doesn’t seem to be progressing as quickly as you’d like.

If done right, your fur friend can learn quickly than you expect.

One of the most asked questions is:

When to start training a Shih Tzu?

Socialization

Before starting any other kind of training, socialization needs to be done properly.

Start socializing your fur friend as early as possible. The younger they are, the easier it will be for them to learn how to interact with other dogs and people.

Take your Shih Tzu to different places and introduce to different people. This will help them to become more well-rounded and less fearful of new situations.

Get your Shih Tzu used to being around other dogs by taking them on walks in areas where there are likely to be other dogs present. This could be a park, beach, or even just your neighborhood.

When you are first introducing your Shih Tzu to other dogs, make sure to do so in a positive and relaxed manner. Allow them to sniff and investigate each other at their own pace.

If your Shih Tzu does show signs of fear or aggression when around other dogs, do not force him to interact. This could make the situation worse and could cause your dog to become even more fearful.

Instead, slowly and gradually expose him to other dogs in a positive and safe environment. Start with short periods of time and gradually increase the amount of time as your dog becomes more comfortable.

Be sure to provide plenty of positive reinforcement when your Shih Tzu is around other dogs. This could include treats, petting, and verbal praise. Again, if your dog is fearful or aggressive, never punish him for this behavior as it will only make the problem worse.

If you are unsure of how to properly socialize your dog, it is best to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist. They will be able to assess your Shih Tzu’s individual needs and create a customized socialization plan that is right for him.

Or…

You can enroll your Shih Tzu in a puppy class(in his early days) or obedience class. This will help him to learn how to interact with other dogs in a structured setting and will also give you some tips on how to best socialize your dog.

Crate Training

Most Shih Tzu owners are against crate training, but in some cases it can help make life easier and safer for you and your fur friend.

Crate training is also one of the most effective ways to potty train your dog. It is also a great way to keep your dog safe and out of trouble when you can’t supervise them. Crate training takes some time and patience, but it is a very rewarding process for both you and your dog.

The first step in crate training is to choose the right crate for your Shih Tzu. It should be big enough for them to stand up and turn around in, but not so big that they can use one end as a bathroom.

Once you have the crate, it’s time to start the training process.

Put your Shih Tzu in the crate with some of their favorite toys and a treat. Close the door and stay close by.

After a few minutes, let them out to potty. If they go, give them a lot of praise. If they don’t, put them back in the crate and try again in a few minutes.

Repeat this process until your dog is consistently going potty outside.

Then, you can start leaving them in the crate for longer periods of time. Begin by leaving them in for just a few minutes at a time. Then, gradually increase the amount of time they spend in the crate.

They should be able to spend up to 30 minutes in the crate without needing to potty.

If your Shih Tzu is having accidents in the house, it is important to clean them up thoroughly.

Dogs have a strong sense of smell and will often return to the same spot to potty if it is not cleaned up properly. Use a natural cleaner like white vinegar or baking soda to remove the odor.

It is important to crate train your Shih Tzu so that they can be properly potty trained.

Crate training may seem difficult, but it is actually quite simple. The key is to create a routine for your dog so that they know when it is time to go potty.

Here are the steps for crate training a Shih Tzu:

1. Choose the right size crate for your dog. It should be big enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down.
2. Put the crate in an area of your house where they will not be disturbed.
3. Put a soft bed or blanket in the crate. It will help your Shih Tzu lie down comfortably.
4. Take your dog outside to potty before they go in the crate.
5. When it is time for them to go in the crate, give them a treat and praise them.
6. Close the door to the crate and leave them for a short period of time.
7. When you return, let them out of the crate and praise them again.
8. Repeat this process until your dog is comfortable staying in the crate for longer periods of time.

House Training Tips

House training a Shih Tzu can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s definitely worth it in the end.

Here are a few useful tips to get most out of Shih Tzu house training:

1. Start with small, manageable steps. If you try to do too much at once, you and your fur friend will likely get frustrated.
2. Have patience. Shih Tzu learn at their own pace, so don’t expect miracles overnight.
3. Be consistent. Shih Tzu thrive on routine, so the more consistent you can be with your house training methods, the better results you will get.
4. Use positive reinforcement. Shih Tzu are more likely to respond positively to rewards than to punishment. So, whenever your fur friend does something right, make sure to praise and reward him or her.
5. Keep an eye on your Shih Tzu’s body language. They will often give you subtle clues as to when they need to go. If you see your dog sniffing around or circling, it’s probably time to take him or her outside.

With a little patience and consistency, you’ll soon have a well-trained Shih Tzu who knows exactly where to do his or her business.

Leash Training

Leash training is a necessary skill for all dogs, and it can be very rewarding.

Training your Shih Tzu to walk on a leash can be a great way to bond with your fur friend and give him some much needed exercise.

There are a few things you will need to get started with leash training: a collar or harness that fits snugly on your dog, a leash, and some treats. You will also need patience and a lot of positive reinforcement.

The first step in leash training is to get your Shih Tzu used to wearing a collar or harness. Put the collar or harness on him and let him wear it around the house for a few days. Make sure he or she is comfortable with it and that it does not rub or chafe their skin.

Once your Shih Tzu is comfortable wearing a collar or harness, it is time to start leash training.

Start by attaching the leash to the collar or harness and letting your Shih Tzu drag it around the house. This will help him get used to the feel of the leash and will also help him to understand that when they feel the leash, they need to follow you.

As your Shih Tzu gets used to the leash, start walking with him around the block. At first, he will probably pull on the leash and try to go where he want to go. But with patience and consistency, you can train him to walk calmly by your side.

Here are a few tips to help with leash training:

• Be patient and consistent with your commands. Dogs learn best when they are given clear and consistent commands.
• Use positive reinforcement. When your Shih Tzu does something you want him to do, such as walking calmly by your side, praise him and give him a treat.
• Avoid using punishment. Yelling at your dog or pulling on the leash will only make them more likely to pull on the leash in the future.
• Be prepared to walk at your dog’s pace. Some dogs will want to go slow and smell everything. Others will want to walk quickly. Go at the pace that your dog is comfortable with and don’t try to force them to go faster.

With patience and consistency, you can leash train your Shih Tzu and enjoy walks together.

Final Training Tips

1. Shih Tzus are notorious for being stubborn, so be prepared for a bit of a battle when it comes to training. Be firm but loving, and don’t give up – they will eventually come around.
2. Start with the basics and socialize your Shih Tzu early. Get them used to being around people and other animals so they are comfortable in any situation.
3. Housebreaking is key with any puppy, and Shih Tzus are no different. Be patient and consistent with your methods, and they will learn soon.
4. As with any dog, proper obedience training is a must. Shih Tzus can be particularly challenging in this area, but it is important to stick with it. A well-trained Shih Tzu is a joy to have around.
5. Grooming is another important aspect of owning a Shih Tzu. They require regular brushing and bathing, and their hair needs to be trimmed on a regular basis. Get them used to this process early on so it is not a struggle later on.
6. When it comes to teach commands to Shih Tzu, it is best to start training your Shih Tzu as a puppy, as they are more likely to learn and respond to commands at this age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Checkout some of the most asked questions below.

If you still have any question regarding Shih Tzu training, let me know in the comments section below.