Is your Shih Tzu puppy acting stubborn or hard to train? These little lapdogs are sweet but can be a bit moody at times. With the right approach, you can teach them good habits and commands easily.
Stick around—it’s easier than you think!
Key Takeaways
- Use positive reinforcement like treats and praise for good behavior. Avoid yelling or punishment, as Shih Tzus are sensitive.
- Stick to short training sessions (5-10 minutes). Repeat commands daily to match their attention span.
- Create a consistent routine with clear potty breaks, feeding, and playtimes to build structure.
- Socialize your Shih Tzu early using quiet spots and short introductions to people, pets, and new sounds.
- Start leash and crate training gently with soft harnesses, cozy bedding, and reward-based methods for comfort.
Preparing for Training
Getting ready to train is like setting the stage for a show; it’s all in the prep. Start by creating a calm, predictable space, so your Shih Tzu feels secure and focused.
Gather essential supplies
Training a Shih Tzu starts with having the right supplies. This sets you and your puppy up for success.
- A comfortable crate is key. It should be small, cozy, and well-ventilated to make your pup feel safe.
- Get a treat pouch for quick rewards during training. Fill it with smelly treats that your Shih Tzu will love.
- Use a soft collar or a well-fitted harness along with a 2-meter training lead for leash training.
- Provide a soft mat for resting after exercises or play sessions.
- Buy two identical toys to keep your dog curious and engaged during playtime or reward-based training.
- Invest in grooming tools like brushes and nail clippers. Shih Tzus need regular grooming due to their long fur.
- Add chew toys to the list to prevent unwanted chewing on furniture or shoes. Choose sturdy ones designed for puppies.
- A playpen keeps your puppy safe when unsupervised, while also limiting them from accessing forbidden areas.
Proper tools make consistent training easier for both of you! Next, focus on creating a reliable schedule for sessions.
Create a consistent training schedule
Once you’ve got all the supplies ready, stick to a routine. Puppies thrive on structure. Set clear times for potty breaks—every 1.5-2 hours for adult Shih Tzus or every 20-30 minutes for puppies.
Keep feeding, walks, and playtime consistent daily too. A steady schedule helps with housebreaking faster.
Week one can focus on name recognition, toilet training, socializing, and grooming habits. Break tasks into short sessions of about 5-10 minutes three to five times a day using apps like Zigzag Puppy Training to keep your pup engaged without overwhelming them!
Basic Training Principles
Training takes time, but it can be fun if done right. Keep sessions short, use kindness like a leash, and watch your Shih Tzu thrive!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awEo2sCmpIU
Use positive reinforcement
Treats and kind words work like magic on a Shih Tzu puppy. Reward good behavior immediately, like sitting calmly or going potty in the right spot. Use small, soft treats or exciting praise—whatever makes your pup wag its tail faster.
Ignore bad habits instead of scolding. Jumping or biting loses appeal without attention. Stay consistent with rewards to teach commands like “sit” or “stay.” Positive reinforcement turns training into a fun game for both of you!
Be patient and consistent
Positive reinforcement works best when paired with patience and consistency. Shih Tzus respond well to routines, but they need time to learn. Stick to a daily schedule for dog commands and training sessions.
Short repeatable lessons are better than long ones.
Your puppy might have setbacks or seem stubborn some days. Don’t give up or get frustrated. Overprotective behavior can lead to small dog syndrome, making your Shih Tzu harder to train later on.
Stay calm, reinforce good habits, and celebrate progress, even if it’s slow!
Housebreaking Your Shih Tzu
Potty training a Shih Tzu takes patience and a bit of routine. Start early, stay consistent, and celebrate every win with treats or praise.
Establish a potty area
Pick a quiet, accessible spot outside for your pup to use. Consistency is key in housebreaking your Shih Tzu. Always take them to the same area at the same time daily. A strict walking schedule reduces accidents inside the home.
Use items like litter boxes indoors if needed, especially for younger puppies or during harsh weather. Keep this space clean to encourage regular potty habits. Reward all successful attempts immediately with treats and praise—positive reinforcement works wonders!
Reward successful attempts
Praise your Shih Tzu immediately after they succeed. Use a happy voice and give small treats or gentle pats. Positive reinforcement builds trust and encourages them to repeat good behavior.
Avoid yelling, even if they make a mistake—Shih Tzus are sensitive dogs.
For potty training, reward right after using the designated spot. Timing matters; don’t wait too long, or they might not connect the action with the reward. Treats like soft biscuits work well but avoid overfeeding to prevent weight issues in your companion animal!
Teaching Basic Commands
Teaching commands builds trust and boosts your Shih Tzu’s confidence. Start simple, keep sessions short, and watch their curiosity shine.
Sit
Start with a treat in your hand. Hold it close to your Shih Tzu’s nose so they sniff it. Slowly raise the treat above their head. Their instinct will make them lower their bottom to the ground while watching the treat.
The moment their butt touches the floor, say “Sit” clearly and reward them right away with that tasty treat.
Repeat this process several times each day for about 5-10 minutes at a time. Always mix treats with praise or petting as rewards for success. Positive reinforcement speeds learning and builds trust between you and your dog during Shih Tzu training sessions! Use patience, as some puppies might adapt slower than others—but all can learn this command!
Stay
After learning “Sit,” teaching “Stay” builds control. Start by asking your Shih Tzu to sit. Hold up your palm like a stop sign and firmly say, “Stay.” Step back one step, then return quickly and reward with praise or a treat if they don’t move.
Practice this in short bursts daily.
Increase the distance slowly. Take two steps back next time, then three, rewarding each success with positive reinforcement like treats or petting. Patience is key—rushing confuses them! Use consistent commands so they connect the action to the word “Stay.” Always end on a positive note to reinforce good progress.
Come
Teaching “come” builds trust and safety. Start in a quiet space indoors, using a cheerful tone. Say “come” while showing a treat or favorite chew toy. Reward your Shih Tzu immediately when they approach you.
Use positive reinforcement like pats or praise to make it fun.
Practice daily for short periods, keeping sessions light-hearted. Gradually increase the distance as they improve. Consistency is key to avoid confusion—always use the same word and tone.
Avoid scolding if they hesitate; patience helps lower fear or separation anxiety during training.
Socialization Techniques
Expose your Shih Tzu to different places, sounds, and smells early. Keep it fun and relaxed, like a doggy adventure!
Introduce your Shih Tzu to new environments
Start with quiet spots before busy areas. Take your Shih Tzu to parks, streets, and pet-friendly stores. Let them sniff and explore at their own pace. Puppies should hear various sounds starting by 3 weeks old, like doorbells or traffic noises.
By 5 weeks, they can feel safe near bigger dogs.
Carry treats for positive reinforcement during outings. Reward calm behavior often. Gradually expose them to stairs, elevators, and grass if new to them. Socialization helps build confidence and reduces aggression later on.
Keep interactions short so they don’t become overwhelmed!
Encourage interaction with other pets and people
Exposing your Shih Tzu to other pets and people boosts their social skills. Begin at eight weeks old, if vaccinations are complete. Puppy classes, like those promoted by the American Kennel Club, help with controlled introductions.
These settings prevent nervous habits and build confidence.
Invite friends or family over to meet your puppy. If they have well-behaved dogs, arrange playdates in a safe space. Keep sessions short but fun with chew toys close by for comfort.
Positive reinforcement—giving treats or praise—works best during these interactions!
Addressing Problem Behaviors
Every Shih Tzu has quirks, but barking or chewing can drive you up the wall. Stay calm, set boundaries early, and tackle bad habits head-on.
Barking control
Ignore barking if it’s not urgent. Giving attention can make it worse. Instead, reward your Shih Tzu for staying calm. Use treats or praise to reinforce good behavior. Timing is key—offer rewards as soon as your dog stops barking.
Consistency is a must during training. Stick to the same rules every day. Avoid yelling; it can confuse or scare your pup. If barking becomes too much, consult a dog trainer for help with obedience training techniques.
Chewing prevention
Keep items six inches off the ground. Puppies see anything at their level as fair game for chewing. Offer chew toys like rubber bones or rope toys to keep your Shih Tzu entertained and away from shoes or furniture legs.
Redirect negative behavior fast. If your Shih Tzu starts nibbling on something they shouldn’t, swap it with a toy instead. Stay consistent so they learn what’s allowed over time.
To reduce boredom, switch out old toys often—curiosity keeps them interested!
Housebreaking will build better habits too.
Advanced Training Tips
Leash training can turn chaotic walks into peaceful strolls with your Shih Tzu. Crate training, paired with chew toys, builds comfort and trust in their safe space.
Teach leash walking
Start with a harness. It’s gentler on your Shih Tzu’s neck than a collar. Attach the leash and let them drag it around at home first. This makes them comfortable with the feeling.
Keep sessions short, about 5-10 minutes to avoid frustration. Reward calm behavior with treats or praise during walks. If they pull, stop walking until they relax. Practice regularly for better results.
Now onto crate training!
Introduce crate training
Choose a small, cozy crate with good ventilation. It should give your Shih Tzu just enough space to stand, turn, and lay comfortably. Dogs see crates as dens, so make it inviting with soft bedding or a chew toy.
Use reward-based training to encourage your pup to use the crate. Toss in treats or their favorite Shihtzu-safe toy inside and praise them when they enter. Start with short periods inside the crate while you’re nearby to build trust gradually.
Over time, this will help greatly with housebreaking and creating a safe space for rest!
Maintaining Progress
Keep sessions fresh by mixing up commands, so your Shih Tzu stays sharp. Consistency is like their favorite chew toy—comforting and rewarding!
Practice commands regularly
Regular practice strengthens your Shih Tzu’s training. Short, daily sessions work best since these dogs have limited attention spans. Fifteen minutes a day is enough to keep them sharp and engaged without tiring them out.
Use positive reinforcement every time they respond well. Offer treats, kind words, or belly rubs for their effort. If your Shih Tzu seems moody or distracted, pause the session and try later.
Their moods can shift quickly, so patience pays off!
Reinforce good behavior
Praise your Shih Tzu the moment it behaves well. Use treats, soft words, or a belly rub as rewards. Positive reinforcement works better than yelling or punishment. For example, if your puppy uses its potty area properly, give it a treat right away.
Consistency builds trust and helps reinforce habits faster.
Stick to short training sessions daily. Shih Tzus can have short attention spans like most dogs their size. Catch them being calm or quiet and reward that too—this reduces barking over time! A bag of healthy chew toys nearby can also keep them busy while teaching proper chewing habits.
Conclusion
Training a Shih Tzu takes patience, love, and consistency. Start small, celebrate wins, and keep the lessons fun. Your furry friend will learn faster than you think with positive reinforcement.
Build strong habits early for a happy and well-behaved pup. This journey is as rewarding for you as it is for them!
FAQs
1. How do I start training my Shih Tzu puppy?
Start with crate training and reward-based training methods. Use positive reinforcement, like treats or praise, to encourage good behavior. Puppy classes can also help socialize your Shih Tzu early on.
2. What is the best way to housebreak a Shih Tzu?
Consistency is key when housebreaking a Shih Tzu. Take them outside at regular times and reward them immediately after they go potty in the right spot. Patience and reinforcing good habits work wonders.
3. How can I stop my Shih Tzu from chewing everything?
Provide plenty of chew toys to redirect their attention away from furniture or shoes. Reward them when they use these toys instead of chewing things they shouldn’t.
4. Should I discipline my Shih Tzu if they misbehave?
Focus on dog discipline through positive techniques rather than punishment. Reinforce desired behaviors instead of scolding, as harsh reactions can confuse this sensitive breed.
5. Why is socializing important for a Shih Tzu’s training?
Socializing helps your dog feel comfortable around people, other pets, and new situations—this reduces fear later in life. The American Shih Tzu Club recommends starting socialization during puppyhood for long-term benefits!