Shih Tzu: How to Train Your Shih Tzu to Be Well-Behaved

Training a Shih Tzu can feel like solving a tricky puzzle, especially with their stubborn streak. These little dogs are friendly and smart but need patience and care during training.

This guide will teach you simple steps to house train, socialize, and encourage good behavior. Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

• Shih Tzus are friendly but stubborn, needing patience and gentle training methods like positive reinforcement with treats, praise, or toys.
• Training takes time; Shih Tzus may need 20-30 repetitions to learn commands and up to 2-4 months for house training.
• Crate training helps with housebreaking while offering comfort; use soft bedding, favorite toys, and never treat the crate as punishment.
• Socialize your Shih Tzu early (3-12 weeks) to new pets, people, and environments using rewards for calm behavior.
• Stop behaviors like barking or chewing by addressing triggers early and redirecting energy to appropriate toys or playtime activities.

Understanding Shih Tzu Behavior

Shih Tzus may be small, but their personality is larger than life. To train them well, you need to understand how their minds work and what motivates them.

Common traits of Shih Tzus

Friendly and stubborn, Shih Tzus bring a bold mix of charm and challenge. They are affectionate companions who thrive on attention yet often test patience with independent streaks.

Their lively nature makes them playful, but their adaptable personalities allow them to adjust quickly to new homes or routines.

Known for being outgoing, these dogs bond deeply with families. They aim to please but may ignore commands if they feel unmotivated. Training requires understanding this balance of warmth and willfulness—leading perfectly into why temperament impacts effective training techniques!

Why temperament matters in training

Temperament shapes how a Shih Tzu learns. These dogs are known for their sweet but stubborn personality. About 10% of them show extra stubbornness, making training tricky. Patience and adaptability are key to working with this breed.

A calm nature helps build trust and reduces frustration during sessions.

Shih Tzus prefer gentle methods like positive reinforcement over strict commands. Harsh discipline can backfire, causing fear or resistance. Use treats, praise, or toys to motivate them instead.

Understanding the unique quirks of their temperament strengthens your bond while boosting obedience training results.

Next, explore basic training principles that make lessons effective.

Establishing Basic Training Principles

Training starts with kindness and clear communication. Stay steady with your methods, so your Shih Tzu feels secure while learning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awEo2sCmpIU

Positive reinforcement techniques

Positive reinforcement is a simple and effective way to train your Shih Tzu. Rewarding good behavior helps build trust and consistency in learning.

1. Use small treats as rewards. Choose soft treats that are easy for your Shih Tzu to chew, like training bites or small dog biscuits.
2. Praise with excitement. A cheerful “Good job!” or “Well done!” makes your pup happy and eager to repeat the behavior.
3. Pair treats with clicker sounds. Combine clicks with treats 10-20 times at first, so your dog links the sound with rewards.
4. Offer toys during training sessions. A favorite squeaky toy can be just as motivating as food for some dogs.
5. Reinforce immediately after a desired action. Don’t delay the reward; give it right after they follow a command like “sit” or “stay.”
6. Keep sessions short and fun. Aim for 5-10 minutes at a time to avoid boredom or frustration in your dog.
7. Be consistent every day. Always reinforce the same behaviors, so your Shih Tzu learns faster over time.
8. Avoid punishment completely during training. Negative actions confuse dogs and reduce their willingness to learn new skills.
9. Use different types of rewards occasionally, like belly rubs or a favorite playtime activity, to keep them interested.
10. Observe progress weekly but stay patient! Every Shih Tzu is unique in learning speed but thrives on kindness and motivation through positive reinforcement techniques.

Consistency and patience

Training takes time. Shih Tzus need 20-30 repetitions to learn a command. Stick to the same cues and actions every session. Use simple words like “sit” or “stay.” Change in routine confuses them, so keep lessons steady.

Stay calm if mistakes happen. House training can take 2-4 months, but progress comes with patience. Reward small improvements with treat rewards or praise right away. Training consistency helps build good habits and trust over time.

House Training Your Shih Tzu

House training takes time, but it’s worth the effort. Start with simple habits to help your Shih Tzu understand where and when to go.

Crate training tips

Crate training helps your Shih Tzu feel safe and comfortable. It also teaches them good habits and makes house training easier.

1. Choose a crate that fits your Shih Tzu’s size. It should be big enough for them to stand, turn, and lie down.
2. Add soft bedding, water, and their favorite toys inside the crate. This creates a cozy spot they will enjoy.
3. Place the crate in a busy area of the house, like the living room or kitchen. This helps them feel like part of the family.
4. Introduce your dog to the crate slowly. Let them sniff it and explore without forcing them inside.
5. Use treats to reward your dog every time they go inside the crate willingly. Positive reinforcement encourages trust.
6. Start with short periods of crate time while you stay nearby. Gradually increase this time as they get comfortable.
7. Never use the crate as punishment for bad behavior. It should remain a pleasant space for your pet.
8. Set a daily schedule for crating that matches their bathroom breaks, meals, and playtime needs.
9. Close the door only after they are relaxed inside the crate on their own—with no barking or whining.
10. Be patient if accidents happen early on during training sessions in the crate—praise progress instead of focusing on mistakes!

Setting a bathroom schedule

Dogs thrive on routine, and Shih Tzus are no exception. A good bathroom schedule helps them learn faster and avoid accidents indoors.

1. Take your Shih Tzu outside every 1.5-2 hours during the day. Puppies may need to go out every 20-30 minutes since they have smaller bladders.
2. Always take your dog out first thing in the morning. This prevents them from soiling the house overnight or developing bad habits.
3. Feed your Shih Tzu at consistent times each day. Dogs often need to relieve themselves right after eating, so sticking to a meal schedule helps with timing bathroom breaks.
4. Watch for signs that your pet needs to go outside, like sniffing, circling, or whining softly near doors or corners.
5. Take your dog to the same spot outdoors every time for potty breaks. Familiar smells encourage them to do their business there faster.
6. Reward them immediately after they go in the right place by using treat rewards or lots of praise—this builds positive reinforcement effectively.
7. Keep nighttime trips short and quiet if needed; no playtime should happen then—it confuses dogs into thinking it’s time for fun instead of sleep.
8. Use a crate if potty accidents persist at night or when unsupervised during training periods—as dogs avoid soiling their sleeping area naturally!

Teaching Basic Commands

Teaching commands like “sit” or “stay” can feel tough at first, but with treats and patience, your Shih Tzu will catch on fast. Build trust through simple steps, and soon they’ll follow your lead like pros!

Sit, stay, and come

Training a Shih Tzu to sit, stay, and come is simple with practice. Use treats, praise, and patience for best results.

1. Start with “sit.” Hold a treat close to their nose. Slowly move it upward so their head follows, and their bottom lowers to the ground. Once they sit, say “sit” firmly and give the treat immediately.
2. For “stay,” ask them to sit first. Then, show your open palm like a stop sign and say “stay.” Take one step back. If they stay put for even a second, reward them with a treat and calm praise.
3. Use repetition daily for “sit” and “stay.” Practice 10-15 times a day in short sessions.
4. Teach “come” by standing a few feet away from your Shih Tzu. Call their name excitedly followed by the word “come.” Use an inviting tone while crouching down to make it fun.
5. Give them small treats or extra cuddles when they obey your commands quickly.
6. Transition over time from using treats to verbal commands and hand gestures only.
7. Maintain consistency in both words and tone during training sessions for clarity.
8. Be patient if they don’t get it right away; repetition builds memory over time.
9. Avoid long sessions; keep training light-hearted but effective to match their short attention span.
10. Incorporate positive reinforcement regularly so learning becomes enjoyable for you both!

Using treats and praise effectively

Use small, soft treats that smell good. Shih Tzus respond well to tasty rewards during training sessions. For example, reward your dog immediately after it obeys a command like “sit” or “stay.” Pair the treat with cheerful words such as “Good job!” or a pat on the head.

This positive reinforcement helps them link commands with rewards.

Keep sessions short but consistent. Too many treats can upset their stomachs, so use tiny pieces just for taste. Over time, taper off using food and lean more into verbal praise and affection.

Both encourage obedience while building trust between you and your companion animal.

Socializing Your Shih Tzu

Expose your Shih Tzu to new sights and sounds early. This helps them stay calm and confident in various situations.

Introducing them to other pets

Socializing your Shih Tzu with other pets can help them stay calm and friendly. Early exposure improves their behavior and reduces fear or aggression.

1. Start during the socialization window, between 3-12 weeks old. This is when puppies are best at learning to accept new experiences.
2. Use a neutral meeting space for introductions, like a park. This avoids territorial behaviors from both animals.
3. Keep all pets on leashes for safety during the first meeting. Allow them to sniff each other but maintain control.
4. Watch body language closely. Signs of stress, like stiff posture or raised fur, show it’s time to slow down.
5. Reward good interaction with treats and praise frequently. Positive reinforcement builds trust and encourages friendly behavior.
6. Limit playtime initially to avoid overwhelming your Shih Tzu or the other pet. Short sessions of 10-15 minutes work best at first.
7. Avoid forcing interaction if either animal seems scared or defensive. Give them space and try again later in a calm setting.
8. Gradually increase exposure over time, allowing your Shih Tzu to adjust naturally at their own pace.
9. Introduce older pets carefully since they might be less patient with an energetic puppy’s antics.
10. Consult a dog trainer or veterinarian if consistent problems arise during introductions, especially involving aggression or fear issues.

Managing interactions with strangers

Start slow and keep the first meetings short. Let your Shih Tzu approach strangers on its own. Avoid forcing close contact, as this can create fear or nervousness. Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior during these interactions.

Treats and gentle praise work wonders.

Expose your dog to different people at a young age. Kids, adults, and even mail carriers can help broaden their comfort zone! Pair new faces with fun activities like playtime or walks.

This creates happy memories tied to meeting others, reducing anxiety over time.

Leash Training Essentials

Walking your Shih Tzu should feel relaxing, not like a tug-of-war. With the right approach, you can teach them to stroll by your side like a pro!

Teaching proper leash manners

A well-behaved Shih Tzu on a leash makes walks enjoyable. Good leash manners start with patience and the right tools.

1. Use a harness instead of a collar to protect your Shih Tzu’s neck. This breed is small, and pulling can strain their throat.
2. Start with short walks in quiet areas. Fewer distractions help them focus on learning good habits.
3. Reward your dog each time they walk beside you without pulling. Treat rewards and praise go a long way here.
4. Stop walking if they pull on the leash. Wait until the leash is loose, then continue moving forward.
5. Practice commands like “heel” during walks to guide their position next to you. Keep your tone calm but firm.
6. Switch directions without warning when they stray too far ahead or lag behind. They’ll learn to pay attention to your pace.
7. Always stay consistent in training sessions daily. Dogs thrive when routines stay predictable.

Following these steps will prepare them for socializing confidently on walks!

Avoiding pulling or leash aggression

Stop walking the moment your Shih Tzu starts pulling on the leash. Stand still like a tree. Wait for the leash to loosen before moving again. This helps them learn that pulling gets them nowhere.

Use treats and kind words as rewards when they walk calmly beside you.

If they show aggression, stay calm but firm. Switch directions or create distance from triggers like other dogs or loud noises. Keep training sessions short to avoid frustration, both for you and your dog.

Consistency will help build trust and better habits over time.

Addressing Behavioral Issues

Dealing with barking and chewing can feel frustrating, but it’s fixable. With the right steps, your Shih Tzu can learn calm habits in no time.

Reducing barking and whining

Dogs bark and whine to communicate, but too much can be a headache. Training your Shih Tzu to cut down on these habits takes patience and consistency.

1. Teach the “quiet” command. Reward your dog with treat rewards or praise when they stop barking after hearing the command.
2. Avoid yelling. Raising your voice may excite or scare them, making the barking worse.
3. Provide mental exercise. Puzzle toys or interactive playtime keep their busy brains focused on fun instead of noise.
4. Stick to routines. A consistent schedule helps reduce separation anxiety, which often causes whining.
5. Ignore attention-seeking barks. Staying calm shows that noisy behavior doesn’t lead to positive reinforcement.
6. Address triggers early. If a doorbell sets them off, train them to associate it with calm behavior using treats or clicker training.
7. Tire them out with playtime or walks. A tired Shih Tzu is less likely to bark excessively from boredom.
8. Use gradual exposure for noises outside, like cars or other dogs barking, to desensitize fears that cause whining or excessive barking.
9. Monitor their needs closely by checking if hunger, thirst, or discomfort is causing vocalizations.
10. Stay patient throughout the process while celebrating small wins daily!

Preventing destructive chewing

Chewing can drive any dog owner up the wall, but it’s a normal behavior for puppies and even adult dogs. Training your Shih Tzu to chew only on safe items takes some effort, but it’s 100% doable.

1. Provide plenty of dog toys that are tough and safe. Toys keep their mouths busy and redirect their energy away from furniture or shoes.
2. Use positive reinforcement when they chew on the right items. Offer treat rewards and lots of praise immediately after they choose a toy over something off-limits.
3. Keep forbidden objects out of reach. Place shoes, books, or cables in drawers, bins, or shelves where they can’t access them easily.
4. Distract biting puppies with interactive playtime using approved toys like squeaky ones or rope tugs.
5. Spray un-chewable surfaces with pet-safe deterrents that taste bitter or unpleasant for them.
6. Don’t scold them harshly if you catch them chewing the wrong thing; simply replace the item with something acceptable like their favorite chew toy.
7. Set up a consistent training routine to guide good behavior daily—consistency helps reinforce habits faster.
8. Exercise your Shih Tzu regularly to burn excess energy that may lead to boredom chewing at home.
9. If teething is an issue for younger dogs, offer frozen treats or cold toys to soothe their gums instead of letting them gnaw on furniture legs.
10. Always monitor their environment during crate training sessions as stress-related chewing often stems from separation anxiety left unchecked!

Advanced Training Tips

Take training up a notch by trying clicker techniques for smarter tricks. Keep their mind sharp with interactive games and new challenges!

Clicker training for complex behaviors

Clicker training makes teaching tricky commands easier. Click the device as soon as your Shih Tzu does what you want. Then, give a treat right after the click. Repeat this 10-20 times to pair the sound with rewards.

The click tells your dog they did well.

For example, if teaching them to spin, wait until they start turning in a circle naturally. Click and reward that movement instantly. Over time, add a word like “spin” along with gestures for clarity.

This method boosts learning speed while encouraging trust through positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise!

Encouraging interactive playtime

Use dog toys like puzzle feeders to engage your Shih Tzu’s mind. A short 10-minute scent work game can greatly improve their cognitive function. Hide treats around the house, and let them sniff out the rewards.

This activity excites them and helps burn extra energy.

Teach games like hide-and-seek or simple problem-solving tricks using clicker training and treat rewards. Interactive play strengthens bonding while improving obedience. Rotate activities weekly to keep things engaging for your pup’s intelligence!

Conclusion

Training a Shih Tzu takes effort, love, and patience. These little dogs are smart but can be strong-willed. Stay consistent with praise, treats, and routines. Small steps lead to big results over time.

With dedication, your Shih Tzu will grow into a happy and well-mannered companion!

FAQs

1. How do I start Shih Tzu training?

Begin with simple commands like the “sit command.” Use positive reinforcement, such as treat rewards or praise, to encourage good behavior. Consistency is key during dog training.

2. What’s the best way to house train a Shih Tzu?

House training can include crate training or even using litter boxes for smaller spaces. Stick to a schedule and reward your Shih Tzu when they are housebroken.

3. Can clicker training work for my Shih Tzu?

Yes, clicker training is effective! Pair the sound of the clicker with treats or toys to reinforce desired behaviors in your dog.

4. How do I handle separation anxiety in my Shih Tzu?

Use gradual crate training and provide comforting dog toys while you’re away. Keep departures calm and short at first to help ease their stress.

5. Why is consistency important in dog training?

Training consistency helps your Shih Tzu learn faster by reinforcing habits daily. Mixed signals can confuse them, so stick with clear rules and routines every time you train!