Training a Shih Tzu can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time dog owners. These adorable dogs need patience and proper guidance to learn good habits. This guide will walk you through easy steps to train your Shih Tzu puppy with confidence.
Stick around—it’s easier than you think!
Key Takeaways
- Use positive reinforcement, like treats and praise, to teach commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Start with short training sessions daily.
- Set a consistent schedule for feeding, potty breaks, and training. Routine helps Shih Tzus learn faster and feel secure.
- Socialize your puppy early by introducing them to people, calm dogs, and different environments after vaccinations. This builds confidence.
- Prevent problem behaviors like barking or chewing by redirecting focus with toys and using gentle correction methods without yelling.
- Grooming starts early—teach your Shih Tzu to stay calm during brushing or nail trimming using soft words, patience, and rewards.
Preparing to Train Your Shih Tzu
Starting with training can feel like teaching a toddler who only speaks bark. Set the stage right, and your Shih Tzu will soak up lessons like a sponge!
Gather essential training supplies
Training a Shih Tzu puppy starts with the right tools. Having the essentials ready makes teaching easier and stress-free.
- Get a soft collar and harness to keep your puppy safe on walks. They prevent pulling or discomfort during training.
- Buy a 2-meter training lead. It gives enough freedom while keeping control.
- Use a non-slip mat for activities that need stability, like learning “sit” or “stay.”
- Find strong-smelling treats that grab your pup’s attention quickly. Cheese or chicken bits work well.
- A grooming brush is key for their long coat. Start brushing early to get them used to it.
- Offer chew toys during teething periods to avoid furniture damage. These save your sofa!
- Consider a crate or playpen if you plan crate training. It helps teach boundaries and provides a resting spot.
These items are simple but effective tools every dog trainer needs!
Choose a quiet training space
Place your Shih Tzu puppy in a calm spot away from distractions. Loud TVs, barking dogs, or busy rooms can ruin focus. A quiet corner or a small room works best. Keep it free of toys that might tempt your pup to play during training.
Make the space cozy but not overly relaxing. Your Shih Tzu should feel comfortable yet ready to learn. Using crates during breaks nearby can help create a safe environment for resting between lessons.
Establish a consistent training schedule
Train your Shih Tzu at the same time every day. Dogs thrive on routine, and this helps them learn faster. Start with short sessions, about 10-15 minutes long. This keeps their attention sharp without overwhelming them.
Pick times when your puppy is calm but alert, like after a nap or before meals. Keep feeding and potty routines consistent too—this makes housebreaking easier. A steady schedule builds trust and sets clear expectations for your companion animal.
Teaching Basic Commands
Teaching commands builds trust and strengthens your bond with your Shih Tzu. Start small, stay patient, and make sure it’s fun for both of you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awEo2sCmpIU
Sit
Hold a treat close to your Shih Tzu’s nose. Slowly lift it upward, making sure their head follows the movement. Their bottom will naturally touch the ground as they look up at the treat.
The moment they sit, say “Sit” firmly but gently. Hand over the treat as a reward and shower them with praise. Strong-smelling treats work like magic here! Repeat this daily for about 8 weeks to reinforce learning.
It’ll soon become second nature for your pup.
Stay
Training “stay” helps your Shih Tzu gain control. Start in a quiet spot without distractions. Hold a treat near their nose, then say “stay” firmly. Step back one step and wait a moment.
If they stay put, reward them with the treat and praise like “Good job!”.
Gradually increase how far you move away. Keep sessions short—no more than 5 minutes at first. Repeat this daily for consistency, using positive reinforcement to strengthen learning.
With time, your puppy will master staying even in busy settings!
Come
Teach the “come” command with patience. Start in a quiet space, free from distractions. Hold a treat your Shih Tzu loves, crouch down, and call their name followed by “come.” Use a cheerful voice to grab attention.
Once they come to you, reward them immediately with treats or praise.
Practice this daily for short periods. Gradually increase distance or introduce mild distractions, like another person nearby. Recall training works best during Week 2 of basic dog training routines.
This skill keeps your Shih Tzu safe and helps with off-leash control as they grow older.
Leave it
Start with a treat in your hand. Hold it close to your Shih Tzu but don’t let them grab it. Say “leave it” firmly. The moment they stop reaching for the treat, give them a different one and praise them.
This helps them link leaving things alone with rewards.
Practice this often using toys or other objects they might try to chew on, like shoes or furniture legs. Positive reinforcement is key here—treats and kind words work wonders! A strong “leave it” command can prevent accidents or chewing disasters at home and outside on walks.
Now let’s talk about housebreaking your Shih Tzu!
Housebreaking Your Shih Tzu
Potty training your Shih Tzu takes time, patience, and a bit of strategy. Accidents will happen, but each one is a chance to guide them better.
Potty training techniques
Start by setting a consistent routine. Take your Shih Tzu puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime. Stick to the same spot for potty breaks. The familiar scent will guide them.
Use a crate during housebreaking. Dogs avoid soiling their sleeping area, making this an effective method. Praise your puppy immediately when they go outdoors or on a pad. Treats and kind words reinforce good behavior quickly.
Avoid scolding for accidents inside the house. Clean up promptly using enzyme cleaners to remove odors completely.
Pad training tips
Place the pad in a quiet spot, away from food and bedding. Introduce your Shih Tzu puppy to the pad by guiding them there after eating or drinking. Use a command like “potty” when they step on it.
Praise with treats immediately after success.
Move the pad closer to an outdoor door as they learn. Gradually transition them outdoors if possible. If accidents happen, clean thoroughly to remove odors that might confuse your pup later.
Stay consistent and patient for quicker progress!
Handling accidents effectively
Accidents happen during potty training, but stay calm. Never punish your Shih Tzu puppy for accidents; harsh corrections can cause fear or confusion. Use positive reinforcement instead by praising good behavior like using the pad or outdoor spot.
Clean messes thoroughly with an enzyme-based cleaner to remove all smells. Lingering odors might invite your dog to repeat bad habits. Stay consistent with housebreaking routines, and patience will make your Shih Tzu housebroken over time.
Socialization for Shih Tzus
Socializing your Shih Tzu early helps them feel safe and calm around others. A well-socialized puppy grows into a confident, friendly dog that loves adventures.
Introducing your puppy to new people
Start early to help your Shih Tzu puppy feel comfortable around people. Invite friends over in small groups when your puppy is calm. Let them approach slowly and avoid loud noises or sudden movements.
Offer treats or toys to create positive associations. Exposure to both adults and children, starting at about 8 weeks, builds trust and confidence.
Keep interactions short at first, so your pup doesn’t get overwhelmed. Watch for signs of fear, like hiding or barking, and give space if needed. Pair social time with gentle praise—your dog will learn that meeting new faces can be fun!
Exposing your puppy to other dogs
Introduce your Shih Tzu to calm, friendly dogs after its vaccinations. Week 4 is a good time for this step in training. Meeting older dogs teaches better behavior and helps socialization.
Keep the first interaction short and positive. Watch for signs of fear or aggression.
Use a leash during these meetups for control. Pick safe places like dog parks or playdates with trusted pets. Avoid overwhelming situations with too many dogs at once. Positive experiences build confidence and reduce separation anxiety later on.
Next, help your puppy explore different environments while staying secure!
Familiarizing your Shih Tzu with different environments
Take your Shih Tzu puppy to quiet parks, busy streets, and pet-friendly stores. Let them experience different surfaces like grass, wood floors, or carpet. Play soft classical music at home; it helps them adjust to new sounds.
Cartoons can also help with sound exposure.
Start this process in week 2 for best results. Avoid overwhelming your pup by keeping outings brief and positive. Reward calm behavior with treats during each outing. Socialization builds confidence and reduces fear over time!
Managing Problem Behaviors
Tackling bad habits like barking or chewing early will save you a world of stress, so let’s solve these hiccups together!
Addressing barking
Teach your Shih Tzu quiet commands early. Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior. For example, give treats or praise when your puppy stays quiet after a sound triggers barking.
This helps them learn that silence earns rewards.
Avoid yelling at your dog if they bark too much. Harsh corrections may cause fear and worsen the problem. Instead, distract them with toys or by redirecting their focus to you. Consistency helps reduce excessive barking over time in most Shih Tzus.
Discouraging biting and nipping
Use chew toys to redirect biting. If your Shih Tzu nips, say “ouch” firmly and stop playing. This teaches them biting hurts. Avoid using hands as playthings; it confuses the puppy.
Reward calm behavior with treats or affection. Consistency is key in stopping this habit. Move on to preventing chewing on furniture next!
Preventing chewing on furniture or objects
Chewing often starts due to teething. Offer your Shih Tzu puppy chew toys to soothe their gums. This keeps them busy and away from furniture legs or shoes. Rotate the toys so they stay interesting.
Teach the “leave it” command early on. Reward with treats or praise when they follow it. Move tempting items out of reach, like cords or small objects. Crate training can help limit access during unsupervised moments—a safe spot prevents trouble!
Using Positive Reinforcement
Reward your Shih Tzu for good actions, and you’ll see those behaviors grow. A little treat or extra hug can go a long way in teaching them.
Rewarding good behavior with treats
Use small, strong-smelling treats. A treat should be bite-sized and easy to chew. For example, tiny pieces of chicken or store-bought training treats work great. Hand it over right after your Shih Tzu obeys a command like “sit” or “stay.” Timing matters—reward immediately so they connect the treat with their action.
Pair each treat with cheerful praise. Say something like, “Good job!” while giving them the snack. This doubles the reward and keeps them excited to learn more commands. Avoid overfeeding; break big treats into smaller bits to keep sessions healthy yet productive.
Incorporating praise and affection
Treats may make tails wag, but kind words and cuddles work wonders too. Shih Tzus crave connection. Say “good job” with a happy tone or pet them gently when they behave well. A quick scratch behind their ears or a soft belly rub can boost morale faster than any food reward.
Consistency is key. Praise immediately after good behavior so your pup links the action to the affection. Smile, clap softly, or use an excited voice—they’ll soak it all in! For example, if they sit on command, say “Good boy!” right away with enthusiasm.
This shows love matters as much as treats do in training success.
Avoiding harsh corrections
Harsh corrections can scare your Shih Tzu. Fear-based training leads to nervous or aggressive behavior. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement. Use treats or praise for good behavior.
For example, if your puppy chews the wrong item, redirect them calmly to a toy without yelling.
Stay patient and keep calm during mistakes. Scolding confuses puppies and makes training harder. A gentle approach builds trust quicker, making commands like “sit” or crate training smoother over time.
Training for Grooming and Handling
Grooming time can be tricky without training. Teach your Shih Tzu to feel safe and calm during regular care sessions.
Teaching your Shih Tzu to stay calm during grooming
Start grooming early to help your Shih Tzu feel at ease. Regular sessions build trust and make the process less stressful for both of you. Use positive reinforcement like treats or gentle praise when they stay calm during brushing or bathing.
Pick a quiet spot free from distractions. Let them sniff the tools, like brushes or nail clippers, before starting. Keep sessions short—around 5-10 minutes—to avoid overwhelming your puppy.
If they squirm, stop and try again later with patience and kindness.
Getting your puppy used to being handled
Handle your Shih Tzu daily to build trust. Gently touch their paws, ears, and mouth during week 5-8. This prepares them for nail trimming and ear cleaning later. Use soft words and treats to keep them calm.
Hold your puppy while brushing or checking their teeth. Lightly stroke their back or tummy often, so they stay relaxed around vets or groomers. Make it fun with praise and small rewards!
Introducing nail trimming and brushing
Start slow by showing your Shih Tzu the nail clipper or brush. Let them sniff it and feel safe. Use positive reinforcement, like a treat or gentle praise, each time they stay calm.
Begin brushing in short sessions to avoid stress. Focus on one part of their coat at a time.
For nail trimming, hold their paw gently but firmly. Clip only the tip to avoid cutting too deep. If they fuss, stop and try again later to keep things stress-free. Make grooming fun with rewards so they look forward to it!
Tips for Long-Term Training Success
Stick with training, even when progress feels slow; patience and small wins make a big difference, so keep at it!
Staying patient and consistent
Training a Shih Tzu takes time. Puppies, especially during adolescence, test limits and forget learned behavior. Stick to routines for eating, sleeping, and playing. Consistency builds trust and helps your Shih Tzu feel secure.
Patience is key when progress feels slow. It’s normal for setbacks to happen during housebreaking or teaching commands like “sit” or “leave it.” Stay calm and avoid harsh corrections—positive reinforcement works better in the long run.
Gradually move into “Teaching Basic Commands” with confidence!
Gradually increasing training difficulty
Start with simple tasks, like teaching the sit command. Once your Shih Tzu masters a skill, move to harder ones. For example, after “sit,” teach “stay” for longer times or in busier spaces.
Add distractions slowly—a toy rolling by or another person walking around.
Switch up locations to challenge your puppy’s focus. Practice commands outside, near other dogs, or during grooming sessions. Use positive reinforcement every step of the way—treats work wonders! Keep sessions short but effective at 5-10 minutes each day.
Progress takes time; don’t rush it!
Monitoring progress over time
Gradually increasing training difficulty helps you see where your Shih Tzu stands. Keep track of how quickly they learn new commands or improve their behavior. For example, if they master the “sit command” within a week but struggle with staying still, adjust your focus.
Regularly assess their habits and reactions during housebreaking or crate training. If accidents happen less often, it shows progress. Use tools like a simple notebook to jot down patterns or improvements weekly.
This makes it easier to tweak techniques when needed while reinforcing long-term success!
Conclusion
Training a Shih Tzu takes time, patience, and love. Start small, celebrate wins, and stay consistent. Your pup will soon learn the ropes with positive reinforcement and care. A well-trained Shih Tzu is happy, confident, and a joy to be around.
Stick with it—you’ve got this!
FAQs
1. How do I start crate training a Shih Tzu puppy?
Begin by introducing your Shih Tzu puppy to the crate as a safe space. Place soft bedding inside, and let them explore it on their own. Use positive reinforcement like treats or gentle praise when they enter the crate willingly.
2. Can Shih Tzus be trained to use litter boxes?
Yes, you can train a Shih Tzu to use litter boxes with patience and consistency. Start by placing the box in an easy-to-access spot and guide your puppy there after meals or naps.
3. What is the best way to teach a Shih Tzu the sit command?
Use positive reinforcement for teaching “sit.” Hold a treat above their nose and slowly move it back over their head until they naturally sit down, then reward them immediately with praise or the treat.
4. Should I take my Shih Tzu puppy to a veterinarian during training?
Yes, regular visits to a veterinarian are important during training. A vet can check your puppy’s health and offer advice if behavioral issues arise while you’re working on commands like “sit” or housebreaking routines like using litter boxes.