Shih Tzu Information Center
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Training a Shih Tzu
Training Overview
Training your Shih Tzu will be a step-by-step process that spans over years. A responsible owner will cover all aspects:
- Showing a puppy their new home
- Teaching basic commands
- Housebreaking
- Advanced commands
- Tricks
Training a Puppy
A dog that has a regular schedule will always be better behaved and easier to train than a dog that does not have a routine to depend on.
Housebreaking
Housebreaking your Shih Tzu may begin as early as 8 to 10 weeks. A dog can only physically hold their elimination for a certain amount of time. A 3 month old puppy can last for about 3 hours, a 4 month old puppy about 4 hours and so on. To ensure that your Shih Tzu understands that eliminating outside is the only acceptable area, you must take the lead. A dog must be brought outside:
If you are brining home a new Shih Tzu puppy or a dog of any age for that matter, you will need to train your new canine family member to understand the home and the rules set forth. Puppies should not be taken from their mothers until they are at least 8 weeks old; therefore we will assume that your Shih Tzu is this age or older. When first brining home your little ball of fluff you will want them to become accustomed to certain elements. A puppy must be able to depend on several thing:
- Where their food and water is kept
- Where their bed and sleeping area is
- That you will be taking them outside to eliminate each morning, after each meal and each evening
A dog that has a regular schedule will always be better behaved and easier to train than a dog that does not have a routine to depend on.
Housebreaking
Housebreaking your Shih Tzu may begin as early as 8 to 10 weeks. A dog can only physically hold their elimination for a certain amount of time. A 3 month old puppy can last for about 3 hours, a 4 month old puppy about 4 hours and so on. To ensure that your Shih Tzu understands that eliminating outside is the only acceptable area, you must take the lead. A dog must be brought outside:
- When they first wake up
- Every hour that relates to their age, i.e. every 2 hours for a 2 month old
- 20 minutes after each meal
- In the evening before bedtime
It is suggested to use the tether method to train your Shih Tzu. This simply involves attaching the lease to your dog and the other end to you, thus allowing you to be able to keep an eye on your dog at all times. Each time they make a motion to eliminate, you will bring them to the designated area to do so.
When you bring your Shih Tzu outside, be sure to have them on a leash. You may choose the larger area of where you wish for them to eliminate; however your dog must be given the freedom of choosing the exact location. Your leash should extend out approximately 6 feet and within this radius your dog should be allowed to sniff, smell and take their time to find the perfect spot. By the time your dog is 7 months old, they should be fully housebroken.
Basic Commands
Training for basic commands is vitally important; as your dog will need to understand certain words that you say; this will eliminate potential stress. If your Shih Tzu does not know what you want, they are not able to please you. A frustrated owner does not make for a peaceful and happy household. Therefore, teaching your Shih Tzu some easy and simple commands will be best for both canine and owner.
Beginning at 12 weeks old and up to any age, you should teach your dog to:
By the time your Shih Tzu is 1 year old, he or she should have a clear understanding of basic commands. Adding on some advance commands may be taught after the basic ones are learned. Training should always be done is in a calm environment with patience and love.
Tricks
Again, at the 1 year mark, your dog will be ready to learn some tricks if you wish. Learning to perform amusing tricks is optional; as the above elements will help your dog to grow up emotionally healthy, tricks are simply something you may teach if you wish to. Some dogs love to perform for their owners, as the praise, smiles, laughs and treats make the dog happy in return.
When you bring your Shih Tzu outside, be sure to have them on a leash. You may choose the larger area of where you wish for them to eliminate; however your dog must be given the freedom of choosing the exact location. Your leash should extend out approximately 6 feet and within this radius your dog should be allowed to sniff, smell and take their time to find the perfect spot. By the time your dog is 7 months old, they should be fully housebroken.
Basic Commands
Training for basic commands is vitally important; as your dog will need to understand certain words that you say; this will eliminate potential stress. If your Shih Tzu does not know what you want, they are not able to please you. A frustrated owner does not make for a peaceful and happy household. Therefore, teaching your Shih Tzu some easy and simple commands will be best for both canine and owner.
Beginning at 12 weeks old and up to any age, you should teach your dog to:
- Sit
- Stay
- Come
- Heal
By the time your Shih Tzu is 1 year old, he or she should have a clear understanding of basic commands. Adding on some advance commands may be taught after the basic ones are learned. Training should always be done is in a calm environment with patience and love.
Tricks
Again, at the 1 year mark, your dog will be ready to learn some tricks if you wish. Learning to perform amusing tricks is optional; as the above elements will help your dog to grow up emotionally healthy, tricks are simply something you may teach if you wish to. Some dogs love to perform for their owners, as the praise, smiles, laughs and treats make the dog happy in return.
