Is your Shih Tzu ignoring commands or being stubborn? These little dogs are smart but can test your patience. With proper obedience training, you can teach good behavior and strengthen your bond.
Keep reading, and we’ll show you how to make training fun and effective!
Key Takeaways
- Use positive reinforcement like treats, praise, or toys to encourage obedience. Reward your Shih Tzu immediately after they follow commands for the best results.
- Combine spoken commands with hand signals for clearer communication. Practice daily using gestures like a flat palm for “Stay” or pointing down for “Sit.”
- Crate training and a consistent bathroom routine help with potty training. Praise calm crate behavior and use enzyme cleaners to clean accidents indoors.
- Socialize your Shih Tzu early by introducing them to new dogs, people, and pets in safe spaces. Positive interactions build confidence and reduce fear.
- Patience is key during training sessions. Keep lessons short (5–10 minutes) and fun! Every puppy learns at their own pace, so stay consistent.
Key Training Methods for Shih Tzus
Training a Shih Tzu takes patience and gentle guidance. Teach them with clear methods that build their trust, focus, and curiosity.
The Shape Basic Obedience Method
The Shape Basic Obedience Method uses clickers and treats to teach commands. This method works by rewarding small steps your Shih Tzu takes toward the desired behavior. For example, if teaching “Sit,” you reward the puppy as soon as they lower their bottom, even slightly.
With patience, this shapes their full response over time.
Clickers make it clear what action earns a treat. Always pair the click with positive reinforcement like praise or a tasty snack. Many trainers swear by this process because it builds understanding without fear or aggression.
Ready for more? The next method focuses on hand signals!
The Pair Hand Signals Method
Combining spoken commands with hand signals helps your Shih Tzu understand faster. Use clear gestures, like a flat palm for “Stay” or pointing downward for “Sit.” Teach commands such as Sit, Stay, Come, Down, and Leave it by pairing the word with the movement.
Repetition is key—practice each signal daily until your pup responds without hesitation.
Consistency builds trust and reduces confusion. For example, say “Come” while extending your arm toward yourself. Reward them every time they follow through using treats or praise.
This method works well even from a distance or in noisy spaces where words might not carry through.
The Lure Basic Obedience Method
Using treats as bait works wonders for obedience training. Hold a small, tasty treat close to your Shih Tzu’s nose. Slowly move it in the direction you want them to follow—whether it’s sitting, lying down, or standing still.
As they mimic the movement and complete the action, reward immediately with the treat and praise.
For example, guide your Shih Tzu puppy into a sitting position by lifting the treat above their head. Their natural instinct will make them sit back on their hind legs to track it.
This method keeps training fun while reinforcing positive behavior through food rewards and consistency.
Essential Commands to Teach Your Shih Tzu
Teaching commands builds a bond with your Shih Tzu and improves behavior. Start small, repeat often, and celebrate every little win!
Sit
Start by holding a treat close to your Shih Tzu’s nose. Slowly raise it above their head, so they naturally lower their bottom. The moment they sit, say “Sit” and give them the treat with lots of praise.
Timing is key here—reward instantly.
Practice this in short bursts daily to avoid boredom. Use hand signals for better communication, like lifting your palm upward while saying the command. Positive reinforcement works wonders, so keep treats or toys handy during training sessions.
Stay
Teach “Stay” using a calm voice and clear hand signals. Start in a quiet spot with no distractions. Tell your Shih Tzu to sit first. Once seated, hold up your palm like a stop sign and say “Stay.” Take one step back while watching closely.
If the dog stays put, praise them right away. Use treats or toys for reward-based training. Gradually increase the distance you walk before returning. Keep sessions short to help them focus better—no more than five minutes at once works well for puppies! Consistency matters most here, so practice daily for success in obedience training!
Come
Call your Shih Tzu’s name first. Use a happy voice to say “Come!” Show a treat or toy while stepping back slightly. This grabs their attention and sparks excitement. Praise them when they take steps toward you.
Practice in short sessions daily, especially in quiet areas at first. Gradually increase distance and distractions like other dogs or sounds. Consistent reward-based training with treats keeps them motivated, helping build obedience over time.
Heel
Training a Shih Tzu to heel teaches control during walks. Start with a short leash, holding it firmly but not tightly. Walk at a steady pace, keeping your pup on your left side. Use treats and praise when the dog stays close without pulling.
This positive reinforcement keeps them focused.
If they tug or stray, stop walking immediately. Wait until they return to you before moving forward again. Repeat this process consistently in different settings for better results over time.
Moving on, teaching basic house manners is equally important for happy living together!
House Training Tips
Teaching bathroom habits takes patience, but it’s worth it to keep your home tidy. A good routine and a cozy crate can make all the difference for your Shih Tzu puppy.
Crate Training
Crate training helps with potty training and keeps your Shih Tzu safe. A crate acts like their little den, giving them comfort and a sense of security. Caitlin Crittenden recommends using crate and tethering methods for better control during potty breaks.
Start by choosing a small crate where your puppy can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Shih Tzu puppies respond well to positive reinforcement. Praise or give treats when they enter the crate willingly or stay calm inside it. Avoid forcing them in or using it as punishment.
Keep sessions short at first—5 to 10 minutes is great for beginners! Over time, extend this period while keeping a close eye on their body language for stress signals.
Establishing a Routine for Bathroom Breaks
Take your Shih Tzu to the same spot outside each time. Use a consistent command, like “go potty,” so they link the words with the action. Stick to a schedule—first thing in the morning, after meals, and right before bed work best.
Puppies need breaks every 2-3 hours since their bladders are small.
Watch for signs like sniffing or circling. If accidents happen inside, don’t scold them harshly; it can cause fear. Clean messes with enzyme cleaners to erase any lingering smell that could confuse them later.
A steady routine helps prevent setbacks during training phases as they grow stronger in commands like “sit” and “stay.
Socialization Techniques
Your Shih Tzu needs to meet other dogs and people early. This helps build their confidence and good behavior in social settings.
Introducing Your Shih Tzu to Other Dogs
Start with calm, neutral settings. Let your Shih Tzu meet one dog at a time. Use short leashes for both dogs to keep control. Avoid high-energy places like parks initially, as they may overwhelm your puppy.
Watch their body language closely during introductions.
Encourage positive interactions with treats and praise. Pair this step with socialization in obedience classes around puppies of similar size once they turn eight weeks old. Over time, this helps your Shih Tzu gain confidence and improve their social skills with other dogs.
Positive Interactions with Humans and Other Animals
Expose your Shih Tzu puppy to people of all ages early. Let friends, family, and even strangers pet them gently. This teaches them that humans bring comfort and safety. Handling is key too—touch their paws, ears, and tail often to reduce fear during grooming trips or vet visits.
Introduce your dog to other pets slowly. Start with a calm, leash-controlled meeting in neutral spaces like parks. With larger dogs, stay close by until trust builds. Praise good behavior with rewards like treats or soft praise.
Positive reinforcement helps solidify friendly habits quickly!
Reward-Based Training Strategies
Treats, toys, and praise work wonders for training a Shih Tzu puppy. Dogs are more likely to repeat good behavior when rewarded quickly. For example, give a small treat right after your dog sits on command.
Don’t wait too long—timing matters! Balance is key here; mix treats with verbal praise like “Good job!” to avoid making food the only motivation.
Switch up rewards based on what your dog loves most. Some might prefer squeaky toys over snacks, while others respond better to pets or belly rubs. Positive reinforcement encourages obedience without fear or stress.
If they ignore commands, use small corrections paired with encouragement instead of punishment. Crate training also benefits from this method—reward calmness in the crate instead of rushing out eagerly!
Next: teaching essential commands every Shih Tzu needs!
Conclusion
Training a Shih Tzu takes patience, kindness, and a bit of creativity. Every pup learns at their own pace, so stay consistent and use positive reinforcement. Practice commands daily, give praise often, and make it fun for both you and your dog.
With time and effort, your fluffy friend can become an obedient companion. Enjoy the journey—it’s worth it!
FAQs
1. How can I start obedience training for my Shih Tzu?
Begin with simple dog commands like “sit” and “stay.” Use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, to reward good behavior. Short sessions work best for a Shih Tzu puppy.
2. What is the best way to potty train a Shih Tzu?
Potty training takes patience. Crate training helps teach them where to go. Take your Shih Tzu outside often and reward them immediately when they do it right.
3. Should I take my Shih Tzu to puppy classes?
Yes, puppy classes are great for socializing your dog and teaching basic obedience skills in a group setting. Look for trainers approved by the American Kennel Club or the American Shih Tzu Club.
4. Can leash training help reduce bad behavior during walks?
Absolutely! Leash training teaches your dog how to walk calmly beside you instead of pulling ahead or getting distracted by everything around them.
5. What should I do if my Shih Tzu has separation anxiety?
Try leaving them with toys or puzzles that keep their mind busy while you’re away. If it’s severe, consult a behaviorist who understands dog discipline techniques specific to small breeds like the Shih Tzu.