Struggling to train your Shih Tzu? These adorable dogs can be stubborn, but with patience, they’ll learn fast. This guide will walk you through step-by-step tips—covering housebreaking, basic commands, and socialization.
Training can be fun. Keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Training a Shih Tzu requires consistency, patience, and short sessions (5-10 minutes) to match their attention span. Stick to daily practice for better results.
- Housebreaking can take up to 8 months. Use crates for structure, follow fixed routines, and reward good potty habits with treats and praise.
- Start basic commands like “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Come” early using positive reinforcement with small treats and verbal praise.
- Socialization is key. Introduce your Shih Tzu to new people, pets, sounds, and environments gradually in calm settings. Reward calm behavior during these experiences.
- Grooming builds trust while keeping your dog clean. Begin with gentle handling of paws or ears daily. Use rewards during short grooming sessions (5–10 minutes).
Preparing to Train Your Shih Tzu
Training starts with planning, like setting goals and gathering tools. Keep things simple, clear, and fun for both you and your Shih Tzu.
Setting realistic expectations
Training a Shih Tzu puppy takes time. They are smart but can be stubborn, so progress may come in small steps. Housebreaking could take up to 8 months, requiring persistence and patience every day.
Don’t expect them to pick up commands overnight or follow each instruction right away.
Your dog might ignore a command one day but obey it the next. This behavior is normal for Shih Tzus due to their independent nature. Focus on consistency in training sessions without expecting perfection each time.
Stay flexible while celebrating small wins!
Gathering essential training tools
Training a Shih Tzu puppy is easier with the right tools. These items help make the process smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your dog.
- Buy a non-slip collar or harness that fits snugly but comfortably. A 2-meter leash works well for walks or outdoor training.
- Use a soft mat or blanket to create a cozy spot for rest during breaks. This helps them feel secure while learning.
- Get plenty of small, soft training treats to use as rewards during positive reinforcement sessions. Choose something your Shih Tzu loves to eat!
- Consider using a crate or playpen to assist with housebreaking and sleeping routines. Crates help promote safety and structure.
- Have a slicker brush and comb ready for grooming practice, as Shih Tzus need their coat brushed daily to prevent tangles.
- Pick durable chew toys to keep their attention and reduce boredom when not actively training.
- Use poop bags or litter boxes while teaching potty habits indoors or on walks.
- Stock up on patience—it’s the most valuable tool in any training toolbox!
Housebreaking Your Shih Tzu
Patience is key when teaching your Shih Tzu about bathroom habits. Stick to a steady routine, and they’ll catch on faster than you think!
Establishing a consistent routine
Set fixed times for meals, sleep, and bathroom breaks. For example, feed your Shih Tzu puppy at the same time daily. After eating, take them outside to avoid accidents indoors. Puppies thrive on predictable schedules.
Create a morning and evening routine as well. Begin each day with potty breaks and follow up with short training sessions or playtime. Stick to this plan consistently to help your dog feel secure while learning faster!
Tips for crate training
Crate training helps your Shih Tzu feel safe. It also makes housebreaking much easier.
- Choose a crate that fits your Shih Tzu. The crate should be big enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably but not too large. Puppies do better in smaller spaces to avoid accidents.
- Make the crate cozy and inviting. Use a soft blanket or bed inside. Add a favorite toy or two to make it feel like home.
- Start slowly by letting your puppy explore the crate while leaving the door open. Don’t rush this step—let them get used to it at their own pace.
- Feed meals inside the crate if possible. This builds positive feelings toward the space since mealtime is always enjoyable for dogs.
- Avoid using the crate as punishment, as this creates fear instead of trust in their safe spot.
- Offer treats every time they go into the crate on their own. Positive reinforcement encourages good behavior and strengthens trust.
- Keep initial periods short when closing the door, about 5-10 minutes at first, gradually increasing over time.
- Stick to a consistent schedule with bathroom breaks outside right after exiting the crate to prevent accidents and confusion.
- Place the crate in a quiet spot where family activity can still be seen or heard so they won’t feel isolated or develop separation anxiety.
- Never leave puppies crated longer than 3-4 hours during daytime hours since they can’t hold their bladder that long yet.
Consistency matters during housebreaking!
Teaching Basic Commands
Training a Shih Tzu to follow commands can build trust between you and your dog. Start simple, stay consistent, and use rewards to make learning fun!
Sit
Hold a treat close to your Shih Tzu’s nose. Slowly move it up and over their head. As their nose follows, their bottom will naturally lower to the floor. The moment they sit, say “Sit” clearly and give them the treat right away.
Practice this for 5-10 minutes daily, keeping sessions short but consistent. Positive reinforcement works wonders during puppy training, so don’t forget verbal praise like “Good job!” This simple command can set the foundation for more advanced dog training later on!
Stay
Use a firm voice and clear hand signal to teach “Stay.” Start in a quiet space with no distractions. Tell your Shih Tzu to sit, then say “Stay” while holding up your hand like a stop sign.
Step back one step, pause for 2-3 seconds, and return. Reward with treats immediately if the dog stays in place.
Repeat this process daily for 5-10 minutes per session. Gradually increase distance and duration over time. Keep sessions short to hold their attention since Shih Tzus can get bored quickly! Move next into teaching the “Come” command after they master staying still.
Come
After teaching “Stay,” shift to the “Come” command. Keep a short leash handy or let your Shih Tzu roam in a safe, fenced area. Call their name once with a cheerful tone. Add “come” immediately after, like, “Buddy, come!” Use clear words and avoid shouting.
Offer a treat the moment they approach you. Pair it with gentle praise like “Good job!” Repeat this for 5-10 minutes daily. Never punish if your dog doesn’t respond right away—it may confuse them during puppy training.
Stay consistent; practice builds memory!
Socialization Techniques
Introducing your Shih Tzu to new faces and furry friends can feel like opening a window to their world. Stay calm, steady, and patient—your companion animal will take cues from you.
Introducing your Shih Tzu to new people and pets
Socializing your Shih Tzu puppy helps them grow into a friendly and confident companion. Early exposure to people and other pets makes all the difference in shaping their behavior.
- Take short walks in parks where dogs gather. Keep a safe distance at first, then slowly let your puppy observe and get closer.
- Invite friends or family over to meet your Shih Tzu. Allow both kids and adults to handle them gently, so they feel safe around different people.
- Arrange playdates with other small dogs. Choose calm, well-behaved pets for these sessions to keep things stress-free.
- Use treats during introductions. Reward calm behavior when meeting new faces or furry companions.
- Start visits to the groomer or veterinarian early on. These trips help them adjust to different environments and interactions with professionals.
- Expose your puppy to different sounds and sights at home too—like doorbells, vacuum cleaners, or even hats—to reduce fear of new experiences later.
- Watch for signs of anxiety during meetings, like trembling or whining. Offer verbal praise while giving space if needed until they relax again.
- Keep every session short but frequent, about 15 minutes daily, to avoid overwhelming their little minds while reinforcing progress each time!
Managing fear and anxiety during socialization
Fear during socialization can make your Shih Tzu uneasy. Keep sessions short and positive. Use treats or verbal praise to reward calm behavior. If your pup seems scared, back off a little and let them adjust slowly.
Forced interactions can increase anxiety.
Introduce new people or pets one at a time in quiet spaces. Avoid crowds early on, as they may overwhelm your dog. A good tip is to bring their favorite toy; it helps them feel secure.
Patience is key—training takes time but builds confidence over days and weeks!
Positive Reinforcement Training
Reward your Shih Tzu for good behavior, and they’ll want to do it again. Praise works like magic—it builds trust and makes training fun!
Using treats effectively
Treats work like magic during Shih Tzu training. Use small, soft treats that are easy to chew. This keeps your dog focused and avoids distractions. Give the treat right after your puppy obeys a command.
Timing is key! Aim for training sessions of 5-10 minutes to hold their attention without overwhelming them.
Alternate between treats and verbal praise so they don’t rely solely on food rewards. Phrases like “Good job!” or a cheerful tone make a big difference. Keep the environment calm and free of competing smells or sounds, which can steal their focus faster than cookies disappear in milk!
Offering verbal praise and rewards
Praise your Shih Tzu with an upbeat voice. Say, “Good job!” or “Well done!” right after they do something right. Dogs love the sound of happy tones and will connect it to their good behavior.
Use rewards like treats during puppy training sessions. Keep them small, no bigger than a pea, so you don’t overfeed your dog. For example, give a treat each time they sit on command or stay in their crate quietly.
Verbal praise combined with food works wonders for keeping them motivated!
Addressing Behavioral Issues
Every Shih Tzu has quirks, and some can test your patience. Tackling bad habits early makes life smoother for both of you.
Preventing excessive barking
Use positive reinforcement to curb barking. Reward your Shih Tzu when they stay quiet in situations that usually trigger noise. Small treats and verbal praise go a long way, especially during puppy training.
Redirect attention if barking starts. Toss a favorite toy or engage them with commands like “sit” or “stay.” Avoid yelling—it can make them bark more. Patience, consistency in training, and calm energy help reduce unwanted behavior over time.
Managing chewing and biting behavior
Chewing and biting often come with your Shih Tzu puppy’s teething stage. Puppy-proof your home by removing items within six inches off the ground. This includes shoes, cables, or anything they might chew on.
Offer safe chew toys instead to redirect their focus and ease gum discomfort.
If the puppy nips while playing, stop immediately. Don’t pull away too quickly; it can excite them more. Let out a short “ouch” noise to mimic how littermates react in play-biting situations.
Follow up with verbal praise or a treat when they switch to better behavior. Stay consistent so they understand biting is not okay but chewing appropriate toys is encouraged!
Advanced Training Tips
Training can move beyond the basics with patience and creativity. Leash skills and fun tricks keep your Shih Tzu sharp and excited to learn.
Leash training basics
Start with a lightweight, comfortable leash for your Shih Tzu puppy. Attach it and let them drag it around indoors to get used to the feeling. Keep sessions short—about 5-10 minutes—to match their attention span.
Practice gentle guidance instead of pulling. Hold treats in your hand to keep them by your side as you walk together. If they pull or resist, stop moving and wait until they calm down before continuing.
Use verbal praise like “good job” along with small treats to encourage good behavior on walks.
Teaching fun tricks like “roll over” or “shake”
After leash training, teaching tricks like “roll over” or “shake” can strengthen your bond with your Shih Tzu puppy. Use positive reinforcement to make the learning process fun and rewarding.
Hold a treat close to their nose, then guide them into position. For “roll over,” gently move the treat from their nose toward their side, encouraging them to roll onto their back.
For “shake,” hold out your hand while saying the command. Gently lift their paw if they don’t respond at first and give praise when they do it right. Keep sessions short—five minutes is plenty—to match their shorter attention span.
Repetition helps cement these tricks in their memory!
Grooming as a Training Opportunity
Grooming is not just about keeping your Shih Tzu clean; it’s a chance to build trust. Turn brushing or nail trims into bonding moments with calm words and gentle actions.
Making grooming sessions stress-free
Start slow to help your Shih Tzu puppy stay calm. Let them sniff the brush or comb before using it. Keep sessions short, around 5-10 minutes at first. Use treats as rewards for good behavior during grooming.
Speak softly and praise often to ease anxiety.
Pay attention to sensitive areas like their eyes and ears. Clean their eyes gently with a damp cloth daily, as Shih Tzus are prone to dryness. Check ears weekly for redness or odor, which can signal infection.
Regular care prevents stress during visits to groomers later on!
Teaching your Shih Tzu to stay calm during grooming
Calmness during grooming starts with early exposure. Begin by letting your Shih Tzu puppy sniff and explore the brushes, combs, and clippers. This builds trust. Handle their paws, ears, and tail gently every day so these actions feel normal later.
Offer plenty of treats as positive reinforcement during sessions. Praise them warmly for staying still even for a few seconds. Keep grooming short at first—five to ten minutes is enough.
Puppies under six pounds need extra care when handling fragile feet or cleaning around delicate areas like the eyes.
Maintaining Consistency in Training
Stick to a steady routine to help your Shih Tzu learn faster. Patience and daily practice will make training smoother over time.
Repetition and patience
Training a Shih Tzu puppy demands time and effort. Repeating commands helps your dog learn faster. Stick with one command until it’s mastered, then move to the next. For example, saying “sit” consistently during every practice builds understanding for your pup.
Patience is key since housebreaking can take up to 8 months. Stay calm if mistakes happen; frustration won’t help either of you. Keep sessions fun and short—about 5-10 minutes—to match their attention span.
Set a schedule that works daily, so training feels natural over time.
Next up: setting realistic expectations for long-term success!
Setting a training schedule
Plan mealtimes, naps, and potty breaks at the same times every day. A consistent schedule helps your Shih Tzu puppy feel secure and learn faster. For example, feed them at 7 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m., then take them outside shortly after meals.
Short training sessions work best—about 5 to 10 minutes each. Puppies under six months have short attention spans. Practice basic commands like “sit” or “stay” twice daily.
Stick to this rhythm for better results over time!
Conclusion
Training a Shih Tzu takes effort, patience, and plenty of love. Stick to simple steps like housebreaking, teaching commands, and using treats wisely. Stay consistent—it’s the secret sauce! With time, your little pup will amaze you with their progress.
Make training fun for both of you, and enjoy the journey together!
FAQs
1. How do I start training a Shih Tzu puppy?
Begin with crate training and positive reinforcement. Keep sessions short and consistent to match the attention span of your Shih Tzu puppy.
2. What is the best way to housebreak a Shih Tzu?
Use patience and consistency in training. Take your puppy outside regularly, reward good behavior, and stick to a routine.
3. Can positive reinforcement really help with Shih Tzu training?
Yes! Rewarding your dog with treats or praise encourages them to repeat good behaviors during their training.
4. Should I hire a dog trainer for my Shih Tzu?
If you’re struggling or need guidance, working with an experienced dog trainer can make the process easier for both you and your pet.
5. Why is consistency so important in puppy training?
Shih Tzus learn through repetition and clear rules. Consistency helps them understand what’s expected, making their learning smoother over time.