Shih Tzu Information Center

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Shih Tzu Training Tips

Shih Tzu Training Tips

While the basics of training are the same for most dogs, there are certainly short cuts and Shih Tzu training tips that will make housebreaking and command training easier for you.

When you implement the following, you will find that both your Tzu and you are happier... A well trained dog is a happy dog because they are pleasing the person that they love most: You!

Tip #1

Your Shih Tzu wants to make you happy. When you are training him or her for anything from housebreaking to command training, whenever they do something correctly, it is important to act as if you are extremely happy....as if they just did the best thing in the entire world. They not only listen to your voice, but pick up on your tone and even read your body language. Therefore, smile, give praise with a tone that shows you are very pleased, get down to their level and pat them with love.

Shih Tzu Training Tip # 2

It is 100% true that positive reinforcement works and that punishing a dog for doing something wrong works 0% of the time. While you may feel frustrated on certain days, it will do neither of you any good to yell or act upset. Remember, you WANTED to have a puppy....This means that you take on the responsibility of training them. Remember as well that pups are NOT born knowing what to do in regard to housebreaking or listening to commands. Therefore, make it clear to them that you are pleased when they do things correct and simple ignore things done wrong. This is the fastest route to success

Tip # 3

Repetition, repetition, and again we say repetition! If you sat down at a computer to learn a new software program and someone took 10 minutes to show you what to do, would you remember it all one week later? We are guessing the answer is no. Therefore, remember that your Shih Tzu needs to be told and shown what to do many times. Being shown 1 time is random, being shown 4-5 times peeks their interest a bit... Being shown all of the time for several weeks creates a routine and an understanding of what is expected and what is not acceptable.

Shih Tzu Training Tip # 4

Consistency is the partner to repetition. This is particularly important when it comes to house training. This bred is very intelligent, however if an owner is giving mixed signals, what is a dog to do? Therefore, when it comes to bathroom time, ONE area should be chosen. Within that area, the Shih Tzu should be allowed to pick out just the right spot. This can be accomplished by standing in the middle of the area, with your Tzu on harness and leash....allowing them to walk within the diameter until they are ready.

In order to remain consist ant, think about your choice of area... Will it be accessible in the winter? Does it tend to flood during heavy spring rains? It is close enough to the house so that you do not need to shovel a 50 foot pathway to it when it snows? When choosing, think about all of the seasons.

Tip # 5

Understand your Shih Tzu capabilities. A dog usually cannot learn to fetch, come or lay down until they know the basic command of Sit. They cannot heel until they understand the feel of the harness and leash and are old enough to walk out in public (after having their puppy shots)....

For house training, a puppy does not have fully developed bowel and bladder muscles until about 8 months of age. Until that time, they can only hold on for so long! A 3 month old for about 3 hours, a 5 month old for 5 hours and so on. Every Tzu, whether a pup or adult must go first thing in the morning and last thing at night. If you do not bring your Shih Tzu outside when they wake up, it is not their fault that they pee on the floor!

Tip # 6

Think of training as something that you and your Shih Tzu are doing together as a team. He or she is looking to you for instruction and guidance. They look to you to let them know if they perform a correct action. They want to please you and if you take the time and have the patience, you will both reach the same goal.