Training a Shih Tzu: Easy Steps for Beginners

Training a Shih Tzu can feel like a big challenge, especially for first-time dog owners. These little pups are smart but often stubborn, needing special care and patience. In this guide, you’ll find simple steps to tackle key training tasks like housebreaking, teaching commands, and socialization.

Stick around—it’s easier than you think!

Key Takeaways

• Start training with the right tools like a crate, leash, harness, and small treats. Use these to help with housebreaking and teaching commands.
• Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) but repeat often during the day. Routine and consistency are key for faster learning.
• Focus on positive reinforcement by using treats, praise, or toys to reward good behavior instead of punishment.
• Teach basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” step by step in quiet spots to avoid distractions.
• Address issues early like barking or separation anxiety through crate training, redirection, and calm handling.

Preparing for Training

Start with the right mindset and a little patience; training takes time. Gather what you need, set a plan, and stay consistent.

Gather essential supplies

Training your Shih Tzu starts with having the right tools. These items make teaching easier and keep things smooth for both you and your pup.

1. Crate
   Pick a small, well-ventilated crate. It should be just big enough for your dog to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably. Crate training helps in housebreaking and provides a safe space for your Shih Tzu.
2. Harness and Leash
   Use a harness instead of a collar to protect their neck from strain. A sturdy leash is ideal for leash training during walks or outdoor sessions.
3. Training Treats
   Get small, high-value treats that motivate them. Soft treats often work because they can be eaten quickly without distraction.
4. Dog Clicker
   A training clicker works well for positive reinforcement. The sound marks good behavior and helps your dog learn faster.
5. Gates or Playpens
   Use gates or playpens to block off unsafe areas like stairs until they’re more confident in moving around.
6. Litter Box (Optional)
   Some Shih Tzus adapt well to indoor potty training with litter boxes if outdoor access isn’t always convenient.
7. Chew Toys
   Choose toys durable enough for teething puppies but soft enough on their gums. Chewing helps redirect nipping behavior.
8. Grooming Tools
   Stock up on a brush, nail clippers, and ear-cleaning supplies early on—Shih Tzus need frequent grooming to stay neat.
9. Comfortable Bed
   Provide a soft bed where they can rest after active training sessions or playtime.
10. Notebook or App
    Keep track of progress with daily notes about commands learned or behaviors improved during puppy training sessions!

Create a consistent training schedule

Training a Shih Tzu puppy works best with routine. Start by setting specific times for feeding, potty breaks, and play. Puppies thrive on knowing what to expect each day. Keep training sessions short—5 to 10 minutes is ideal—and repeat them several times daily.

This prevents boredom while helping lessons stick.

Stick to the same schedule for commands like “sit” or leash training practice. Use mornings or evenings when your dog is more alert but not overly energetic. A predictable plan builds trust and helps with housebreaking too.

As they say:.

Housebreaking Your Shih Tzu

Potty training takes patience, but it’s worth every effort. Start with small steps and celebrate your pup’s progress along the way.

Establish a designated potty area

Pick a quiet, consistent spot in the yard for your Shih Tzu to use as their potty area. Take them there right after waking up, eating, or drinking. Puppies often need frequent bathroom breaks, so be patient and watch for signs like whining or circling.

Use gates or playpens to limit access inside until they are housebroken. Praise and reward with high-value dog treats when they go in the correct spot. Positive reinforcement helps build strong habits quickly.

Use a reward-based system

After choosing a potty area, praise your Shih Tzu every time they use it. Offer small dog treats or toys as an instant reward. Positive reinforcement makes training fun and helps them learn faster.

Use excited phrases like “Good job!” or “Well done!” in a happy tone for encouragement.

Shih Tzus respond best to kindness, not punishment. Avoid scolding or raising your voice if accidents happen. Stay calm and redirect them to the right spot next time. Consistency is key here; repeat this routine daily until it sticks!

Teaching Basic Commands

Start with simple words and actions your Shih Tzu can grasp easily. Use training clickers or dog treats to encourage their progress step by step.

Sit

Teaching your Shih Tzu the “sit” command is simple and important. It’s one of the first steps in obedience training for a well-behaved companion.

1. Hold a small dog treat close to their nose to get their attention. Use high-value treats like tiny bits of boiled chicken or cheese for better results.
2. Slowly move the treat above their head, so they tilt it back naturally. This action shifts their weight, encouraging them to sit.
3. As soon as their bottom touches the ground, say “Sit” clearly and calmly. Speak with a firm but friendly tone.
4. Immediately offer the treat as a reward while giving lots of verbal praise like “Good job!” Keep your energy positive and engaging.
5. Practice this in short sessions lasting about 5–10 minutes daily to avoid frustrating your dog.
6. Gradually reduce treats over time, but continue reinforcing the behavior with praise or petting every time they follow through.
7. Be consistent with commands and rewards to help them learn faster. Repetition builds confidence and understanding in puppy training.
8. Avoid pushing your Shih Tzu into sitting if they don’t respond right away—patience matters here! For stubborn learners, you might need more frequent practice sessions.
9. Once mastered indoors, increase difficulty by practicing outside with distractions like other pets or background noise.
10. Always end on a positive note by giving them affection even if progress is slow some days! Training works best when fun for both you and your furry buddy!

Stay

Teaching your Shih Tzu to stay is important. It helps keep them safe and well-behaved.

1. Start in a quiet spot without distractions. This makes focusing easier for your Shih Tzu puppy.
2. Tell your dog to sit first. A sitting position works best when learning stay.
3. Hold your hand out like a stop sign. Say “stay” firmly but calmly.
4. Pause for 1-2 seconds before praising them if they don’t move. Give them a treat right away as a reward.
5. Increase the time you ask them to stay gradually. Add just a few seconds each session for progress.
6. Take one step back, then return quickly while they stay still. Reward them again with praise or a small dog treat.
7. Practice daily for short 5-10 minute sessions with patience and consistency.
8. Try training in different spots over time, like the backyard or living room, so they learn to stay anywhere.
9. If they get up too soon, guide them back gently without scolding. Repeat the command calmly instead of showing frustration.
10. Always end training on a positive note, even if it takes multiple tries! Dogs respond better to encouragement over correction

Come

Training your Shih Tzu to respond to “come” is vital. It helps keep them safe and strengthens your bond.

1. Choose a quiet spot for the training sessions. Limit distractions to help your Shih Tzu focus.
2. Use a leash to gently guide them toward you at first. This encourages proper movement without confusion.
3. Hold high-value dog treats in your hand while calling their name followed by “come.” Use a happy, inviting tone.
4. Reward them with the treat and verbal praise as soon as they reach you. This builds positive reinforcement quickly.
5. Practice this multiple times daily for 5–10 minutes during puppy training. Short sessions are best for focus.
6. Gradually move farther away once they master shorter distances. Increase the challenge slowly.
7. Introduce mild distractions over time, such as toys or other people nearby, to test their response consistency.
8. Never punish them if they don’t come immediately; stay patient and encouraging instead.
9. Keep sessions fun and engaging by making it feel like a game every time you say “come.”
10. Use this command often outside of training, like during leash training or at playtime, so it becomes second nature!

Down

Teaching the “down” command helps with control and discipline. It also makes your Shih Tzu more focused during training.

1. Start in a quiet spot with no distractions. This lets your Shih Tzu focus better.
2. Hold a treat in your hand near their nose. Let them sniff it but not take it yet.
3. Slowly lower the treat toward the ground, sliding it out in front of them to encourage lying down. Move at their pace, so they follow naturally.
4. Once their belly touches the ground, say “Down” clearly and calmly. Timing is key here for connecting the action to your words.
5. Immediately give the treat as a reward and offer lots of praise like “Good dog!” This shows them that listening brings rewards.
6. Practice for 5-10 minutes daily, repeating when they’re calm and alert—puppies learn faster during shorter sessions.
7. Avoid forcing or pushing your dog into position; this might scare them or cause resistance instead of trust.
8. If they seem confused, be patient and try again slowly without frustration—it’s all part of puppy training!

Socialization Tips for Your Shih Tzu

Introduce your Shih Tzu to different sights, sounds, and faces early to help them grow into a confident companion.

Introduce new environments gradually

Start with quiet spaces. Let your Shih Tzu sniff and explore at their own pace. New surroundings can feel scary to a small puppy. Slowly expose them to busier places, like parks or streets, after they’re comfortable at home.

By five weeks old, puppies should meet kids, adults, and even bigger dogs. Use short outings for exposure but avoid overstimulating them. Play calming classical music around three weeks old to help them get used to different sounds early on in life.

Keep it light and rewarding!

Encourage positive interactions with other pets and people

Introduce your Shih Tzu puppy to friendly dogs early. By five weeks, they should meet larger dogs calmly under supervision. Keep these sessions short and safe to build confidence.

Take them to quiet parks or family gatherings with kids and adults. Praise good behavior around new people using dog treats or verbal rewards like “good job!”.

Using Positive Reinforcement

Reward your Shih Tzu’s good behavior with treats, kind words, and lots of love—it works like a charm!

Choose high-value training treats

Pick treats your Shih Tzu can’t resist. Soft, bite-sized options work best for puppy training because they’re quick to chew. Cooked chicken bits, tiny cheese cubes, or store-bought dog treats labeled “training rewards” are great choices.

Avoid overly large pieces; you want them small enough to avoid filling up your pup too fast.

Mix it up if needed. Some Shih Tzus grow bored with the same treat every time. Rotate flavors like salmon, beef, or peanut butter-based snacks to keep their interest alive during sessions.

Always check ingredient lists for harmful items like chocolate or artificial sweeteners (like xylitol).

Offer verbal praise and rewards

A happy, cheerful tone works wonders during dog training. Saying “Good job!” with excitement or a warm “Yes!” boosts your Shih Tzu’s confidence. Pair these words immediately after they listen to commands like sit or stay.

Dogs connect actions with rewards quickly if timing is spot-on.

Your voice matters as much as treats. Use an upbeat tone to show approval—your Shih Tzu will love it! Combine verbal praise with gentle petting for more impact, especially during leash training or housebreaking sessions.

Positive reinforcement builds trust and makes puppy training fun for both of you!

Correcting Unwanted Behavior

Stop bad habits early, steer their focus elsewhere, and stay calm while doing it—your Shih Tzu will thank you!

Redirect attention

Distract your Shih Tzu from chewing shoes or furniture by offering a teething toy. Their teething starts early, so keep safe toys nearby. Clap gently to grab their focus if they’re misbehaving.

Quickly direct them toward an activity like leash training or fetching a ball.

Use positive reinforcement as soon as they follow the redirection. A tasty dog treat paired with verbal praise works wonders. Avoid yelling; it can confuse them or create fear. Calmly guide them to better behavior instead of focusing on what they shouldn’t do.

Avoid harsh corrections

Scolding a Shih Tzu harshly can confuse or scare them. This breed responds best to kindness and positive reinforcement. Instead of yelling, redirect their focus with a toy or treat.

Say “no” firmly but calmly if needed, then guide them back to the desired behavior.

Patience works wonders in puppy training. React quickly but gently when correcting unwanted actions like chewing furniture or barking too much. Consistent rewards make good habits stick faster than punishment ever could.

Next up: Grooming and handling tips!

Grooming and Handling Training

Start early with grooming, so your Shih Tzu feels calm when you brush their coat or check their ears later.

Introduce grooming tools early

Get your Shih Tzu familiar with grooming tools as soon as possible. Use a soft brush daily to prevent tangles in their long, double coat. Show them nail clippers and toothbrushes, letting them sniff and explore each item.

This builds trust and reduces fear over time.

Turn grooming sessions into bonding moments. Offer dog treats or verbal praise during handling to create positive associations. Regular brushing keeps their coat clean while reducing trips to groomers every 8–10 weeks.

Practice makes perfect—start with short sessions, focusing on patience and calmness before tackling more complex tasks like ear cleaning or nail trimming.

Now let’s talk about handling their paws and ears!

Practice handling their paws and ears

Touch their paws gently during quiet times. Massage each toe and press lightly on the pads. Pair this with calm words or a small dog treat to create positive feelings.

Open their ears carefully to check for dirt or smells. Use a soft cloth, not Q-tips, for cleaning. Early practice helps Shih Tzus stay calm at the vet and during grooming sessions!

Maintaining Consistency

Stick with the same training schedule daily, or your Shih Tzu may get confused and stray from progress.

Stick to a routine

Dogs like routines. Shih Tzus are no different. Feed them, walk them, and train at the same times daily. This rhythm helps them feel secure and learn faster. Puppies need structure to grow into well-behaved pets.

Set short training sessions, around 5–10 minutes each. Repeat these several times a day for better results. Use positive reinforcement with dog treats or kind words during sessions.

Consistency makes commands like “sit” or leash training easier over time!

Reinforce training daily

Repetition builds habits. Practice basic commands like “sit” or “stay” several times each day for 5–10 minutes. This keeps your Shih Tzu focused and helps them learn faster. Use dog treats or verbal praise right after they follow a command.

Stick to the same routine daily, as dogs thrive on it. For example, always train before meals or walks to keep their energy in check. Consistency makes training easier and avoids confusion for your pup.

Troubleshooting Common Training Challenges

Training hiccups happen, but simple tweaks can nip barking or anxiety in the bud—stick around for smart fixes!

Address barking issues

Barking can be a sign of boredom, fear, or excitement. Keep your Shih Tzu busy with toys and activities to avoid this. If they bark at noises or strangers, calmly redirect their attention with a treat or toy.

Praise them when quiet to reinforce good behavior.

Avoid yelling; it adds stress and confusion. Instead, stay calm but firm in teaching acceptable sounds and limits for barking. Move on to managing separation anxiety next for better peace at home.

Handle separation anxiety

Separation anxiety can often go hand-in-hand with barking problems. Start by crate training your Shih Tzu. Crates create a safe, cozy spot that feels like their own den. Use positive reinforcement and dog treats to encourage them to enjoy being in the crate.

Place a favorite toy or blanket inside for comfort.

Practice short departures first, even just stepping into another room. Gradually extend the time away as they adjust. Avoid big goodbyes or emotional reunions; this can make anxiety worse.

Stick to a routine, so your Shih Tzu knows what to expect each day. Patience is key during puppy training, especially with sensitive breeds like Shih-Tzus!

Final Tips for Training Success

Stay patient, keep sessions fun, and celebrate every win—big or small!

Be patient and realistic

Puppy training takes time, especially with a Shih Tzu puppy. These little dogs can be stubborn and need patience. Expecting perfect results in just a few days will only lead to frustration.

Training sessions should last 5–10 minutes each, so your pup doesn’t lose interest. Repeating multiple short sessions daily works better than one long session.

Some behaviors may take weeks or months to improve. Housebreaking and learning the sit command won’t happen overnight. Stay calm if progress seems slow; every dog learns differently.

Celebrate small wins like obeying simple commands or staying calm on a leash during walks! Being realistic makes the process more enjoyable for both you and your furry companion animal!

Make training sessions fun and engaging

Use dog treats your Shih Tzu loves. High-value snacks like cheese or tiny chicken bits work wonders. Mix in toys for variety. Short sessions, about 5–10 minutes, keep things exciting and prevent boredom.

Turn commands into games. Teach “sit” during a game of fetch or hide-and-seek while practicing “come.” Add cheerful praise whenever they succeed. A routine full of positive energy helps create happy training days! Move on to basic commands next!

Conclusion

Training a Shih Tzu takes patience, love, and consistency. Keep sessions short but effective. Reward progress, no matter how small. Your puppy will grow into a well-behaved companion with time.

Stick to the plan and enjoy the journey!

FAQs

1. How do I start training a Shih Tzu puppy?

Begin with crate training to help your Shih Tzu feel safe and secure. Use positive reinforcement, like dog treats, to reward good behavior during puppy training.

2. What is the easiest command to teach a Shih Tzu?

The “sit” command is simple and effective for beginners. Keep sessions short, use treats as rewards, and repeat often for success.

3. How can I make leash training easier for my Shih Tzu?

Start indoors or in a quiet area where your Shih Tzu feels comfortable. Let them get used to wearing the leash before practicing walking calmly beside you.

4. Should I consult a veterinarian or dog trainer during puppy training?

Yes, both can provide helpful advice tailored to your Shihtzu’s needs—veterinarians check health concerns while trainers guide proper techniques for better results!