Shih Tzu Barking

Overview

Addressing a barking issue in Shih Tzu puppies and dogs can be challenging, often leading pet parents to feel overwhelmed and stressed. Without a clear strategy, it's common to react in ways that unintentionally worsen the problem.

This article offers comprehensive insights into barking behavior, specifically with the Shih Tzu breed. We'll explore the prevalence of excessive barking and provide effective training techniques to manage and reduce vocalization in both puppies and adult dogs.

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This section includes:

Shih Tzu Barking Statistics: Based on a large survey we conducted.

Training for Barking While Out on Walks: With the triggers of cars, other dogs and more

Training for Barking at Visitors: Barking at people entering your home.

Training Aids: Some are required for effective results. Recommendations.

Shih Tzu Barking Statistics

Shih Tzu Barking at Nothing
Prevalence of Shih Tzu Barking: If you are thinking about getting a Shih Tzu puppy or currently have a barker, you may be curious to know if this breed, in general, is known for being barkers or ‘yappers’, as some would say. And the answer may surprise you. 

In 2017, we here at AllShihTzu sent out an online survey that 2,749 Shih Tzu owners answered regarding behavior, health, appearance, and other aspects. The full results are included in AllShihTzu’s GIANT Book of Shih Tzu Care.

Participants were from the US (68%), UK (13%), Canada (7%), and a variety of other countries. There were 54% male Shih Tzu to 46% females. And the ages of the Shih Tzu were 40% young adults (1 to 3 years old), 34% adult (4 to 8-years-old), 13% puppy (under 1-year-old), and 12% senior (9+ years).

One of the questions we asked was, ‘Is your Shih Tzu a barker?’ and the answers were as follows:
  • 78% Yes, but only when something triggers him/her 
  • 19% No, not at all   
  • 3% Yes! It’s non-stop!
As you can see, the vast majority of those 2,749 Shih Tzu dogs (78%), only barked when triggered by something. Common barking triggers include someone ringing the doorbell, another dog passing by while out on a walk, birds in the yard, and other random stimuli. 

And, a good number of Shih Tzu dogs (19%) reportedly were not considered to be barkers at all. 

Just a very small 3% of Shih Tzu dogs were reported to be non-stop barkers. That’s just 3 out of 100 and is considered just a minor segment when compared to other breeds that can be much more vocal.

The Top 4 Reasons a Shih Tzu Barks

While there can be many triggers and barking can occur any time of the day or night, when it comes down to it, there are 4 main reasons why a Shih Tzu puppy or adult dog will bark up a storm: 

1. To get your attention (Look at me or come play with me)
2. As an alert (I sense danger, I see something)
3. As a warning (Keep away)
4. Distress, varying from minor to severe (I'm bored, I’m lonely, I'm in physical or emotional trouble) 

Training for Barking While Out on Walks

Train to Walk without Barking Image
What to know: Shih Tzu dogs commonly bark at other dogs, especially during walks, and may react boldly even towards larger breeds. Their barking can also be triggered by squirrels, birds, or passing cars. While some reaction to moving objects and animals is normal, issues arise when a Shih Tzu lunges or barks aggressively at these triggers. The aim is not to stop their reactions entirely, which is unrealistic, but to teach them self-control.

Prep: You’ll need:
  • Training treats
  • Treat training pouch (optional)
  • A harness
  • A retractable leash
(See ‘Training Aids’ below for details and recommendations).

Training:

#1 Have your Shih Tzu on a harness and retractable leash and in a heeling position. Have them to your immediate left, no further ahead than your foot's extension. Attach the leash to the harness, holding the handle in your right hand and gripping it near your left hip, allowing the leash to cross your body. This setup ensures complete control without putting straining your Shih Tzu's neck. 

#2 To start off, choose a walking route with a low level of distractions. Too many distractions in the beginning will make it difficult for your Shih Tzu to learn the new rules. Once they are doing well with not barking at a few dogs or other outdoor triggers, you can progress to busier route. 

# 3 When your Shih Tzu barks, do not respond. It’s normal to automatically tense up or stop. But the goal is to show your Shih Tzu that barking does not produce any results at all. In fact, the trigger is so unimportant that you, their alpha leader, are not phased by it at all. The harness and heeling position will allow you to keep your dog moving along at a brisk pace. 

#4 As you move away from the trigger, barking will naturally cease. The goal is to reward this quiet behavior, regardless of whether or not they put effort into it (that comes later). As soon as the barking stops, slow down your pace (but do not stop) and palm a reward treat while giving praise (Good dog). 

#5 Throughout the walk, when your Shih Tzu is not barking, randomly give praise and reward in the same fashion as the previous step. 

#6 Over time, with barking being ignored and times of no barking being rewarded, a dog usually learns to choose the most beneficial of the two options. When you feel that your Shih Tzu has caught on to this, it’ll be time to progress to a busier route. Just keep in mind that every dog has their limitations and walking routes with lots of cars, dogs, and other triggers may be too overwhelming; look for an alternative location.  

Training for Barking at Visitors

Shih Tzu with Visitors Main image
What to know: This behavior is typically rooted in territorial instincts, a common canine trait. It's unrealistic to expect a dog with a protective nature to stay silent when strangers approach or enter the home. However, you can train your Shih Tzu to understand that a few alert barks are sufficient and that non-stop barking at guests is unnecessary for home protection. 

Prep: You’ll need:
  • Training treats
  • Treat training pouch (optional) 
  • A harness
  • A retractable leash or short 6-foot leash
  • Helpers (friends and/or extended family that can play the role of the guests) 
  • Behavior corrector device 
  • Your Shih Tzu should know the ‘sit’ command
(See ‘Training Aids’ below for details and recommendations).

Training:

#1 Ask a helper to take the role of the visitor, following your cues in regard to entering the house and interaction with your Shih Tzu. 

#2 Have your Shih Tzu 10 to 15 feet from the front door in their harness. Have the door unlocked and training treats (See 'Training Aids' below) in a treat training pouch (easiest for fast dispensing) or your pocket. A minute or so before you know the doorbell will ring, bring your dog to your side, order a sit, connect the leash, and while standing, place your foot on the leash to keep your Shih Tzu in their sitting position (without causing any tension on it). 

#3 Say ‘Come in’ and have your visitor enter several feet into the house. 

#4 Your Shih Tzu will undoubtedly bark. After 2 or 3 barks, say ‘Okay’ in a firm voice and palm over a training treat. This lets them know that you appreciate the alert but that you, the leader, approve of the guest. 

#5 Have your helper slowly step forward. If your Shih Tzu barks, firmly say ‘No’ followed by a prolonged ‘Shhhhh’. If they don’t comply, briefly use the Behavior Corrector device (refer to ‘Training Aids’ below). In the momentary quiet after barking stops, praise them (Good dog!) and offer a training treat. Meanwhile, have your helper enter and sit with you, demonstrating a non-threatening posture and signaling to your dog that you are comfortable with the visitor.

#6 From this point on, every bark is met with an immediate interruption (a firm ‘No’ or a quick depression of the behavior corrector) and every period of 1 to 2 minutes without barking is rewarded via a training treat. 

#7 Any growling, jumping up or otherwise aggressive behavior should be immediately responded to with a time-out in which your Shih Tzu can see you and others but is 100% utterly ignored (temporary social isolation). A gated playpen works very well for this. This timeout should last for 5 minutes passed the time that they show they are bothered by it. Then, they are given a chance. Aggressive barking means another time-out. 

#8 As you go about spending time with your visitor, if your Shih Tzu is interested in your guest, have that person interact in a friendly way by tossing a ball or toy for a small session of fetch to show that everyone can get along.
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Training for Random Barking at Home

Shih Tzu Barking Indoors Training Image

What to know: Random and incessant barking at home can stem from various triggers, often unseen, such as wildlife outside, high-pitched noises like sirens or alarms audible to dogs but not humans, people passing by, or household disturbances like the TV or active children.

Pre-training tips: 

1. Try to ensure that any pent-up energy is released in a healthy way. Keep your Shih Tzu on a regular exercise schedule with a minimum of two walks per day for 20 to 45 minutes and ideally a session of fetch or another light to moderate cardio activity. 

2. Provide enough mental stimulation. This includes things that you can do with your dog, such as puzzle games, playing hide n’ seek, heading out to explore new places, and command training. 
This also involves things a dog can do by independently such as playing with treat-release toys and interactive toys. 
3. Keep the house peaceful and calm. Blaring TVs or music, children taunting a dog, lots of foot traffic or other chaotic vibes will get a dog riled up and barking. If you expect your Shih Tzu to be relatively quiet, the house will need to be so as well. 

4. Establish yourself as the leader. Dogs listen to their leaders, so if your Shih Tzu doesn’t obey you, this most likely means you’ll need to work on making your position clear. One of the most effective ways to take your place as leader is to order a ‘sit’ before any food is given; this includes both meals and snacks. After the sit is held for a count of 5, place the bowl down or offer the snack. 

Prep: You’ll need:
  • Training treats
  • Treat training pouch (optional) 
  • Behavior corrector device 
  • A time-out area (this can be a canine playpen or a small gated-off area)
  • Your Shih Tzu should know the ‘sit’ command
(See ‘Training Aids’ below for details and recommendations).

Training:

#1 Have training treats ready in a training treat pouch clipped to your belt or in your pocket. Have the behavior corrector device nearby (if your house is large, you may want to have 2 or more strategically placed). 

#2 The goal will be to react to what you consider excessive barking (since dogs have to be allowed to be vocal to some degree). This will be an episode of rapid consecutive barks that lasts more than 20 seconds to 30 seconds. 

#3 Interrupt and refocus.

How to interrupt: Sometimes, a loud hand clap and a quick firm ‘Hey’ or ‘No’ works. However, if you find that it does not, use the behavior corrector device (see ‘Training Aids’ below). 

How to refocus: Once the barking has paused and you have your Shih Tzu’s attention, distract them by working on a few commands, playing a short game of fetch, or directing them to an interesting toy. 

No matter what you choose as the new focus, if your Shih Tzu remains quiet after 30 to 60 seconds, reward for this with praise and a training treat. 

Training Aids

Shih Tzu Training Checklist
Details and recommendations for the training aids mentioned in the previous training instructions. 

Training treats. Rewarding any certain behavior or action with a treat that a dog considers to be high-value is one of the most effective methods to teach lessons. Because training treats are given out in succession, they should be small. And to be seen as high-value, they should be soft (as opposed to dry), packed with flavor, and reserved just for training (not given as a regular snack). 

A recommended reward treat is Zuke's Natural Mini Training Treats. 
A treat training pouch. It’s important to mark the exact moment of desired behavior, so you’ll want the training treats to be on you and ready to dispense. If you have large pockets that you can easily reach, this can work. If not, a treat training pouch can really come in handy. 

A recommended pouch is the Chuckit 1 cup Treat Tote which can clip to your belt and has an easy drawstring that lets you open it with one hand for quick access.  
A harness. As mentioned, it is recommended for all Shih Tzu to have a harness, not a collar, as to not impede the windpipe. And, for any instances that involve physically controlling a dog, it makes things much easier.  

A recommended harness is the Puppia Soft B Harness Vest which is easy to place on and is make of a breathable air-mesh for year-round comfort. 
A retractable leash or short 6-foot leash. As with the harness, this helps when you need to physically control a dog. A short 6-foot leash can work but a retractable leash like the Peteast Retractable Tangle-free Leash for Small Breeds that lets you adjust the length is ideal. 
Behavior corrector device. As mentioned, sometimes a firm ‘No’ and/or a loud hand clap can get a dog’s attention. But with barking, you may be ignored or not even heard over all of the ruckus. This is when a certain type of training device like the The Company of Animals Pet Corrector (which comes in a 2-pack) can help. This works by releasing a short burst of air that causes dogs to take pause. It’s harmless for all dogs and effective for many. 

Related Article:

My Shih Tzu Does Not Bark - The age that puppies start to vocalize and what it means if a Shih Tzu is super quiet. Also, cases of an older dog that suddenly becomes quiet. 

Helpful Lists:

Top Treats for Shih Tzus with Sensitive Stomachs – If your Shih Tzu has a tummy that’s quick to protest, finding the right treat can feel like a guessing game. Thankfully, there are gentle options made just for sensitive systems. These picks feature limited ingredients, are easy to digest, and skip the fillers that often cause trouble. Whether you’re managing occasional upsets or daily sensitivities, these calming, belly-friendly treats let you spoil your pup without the worry.

The Best Fish-Based Treats for Shih Tzus – If your Shih Tzu could write their own menu, fish would definitely be in the rotation. These treats aren’t just tasty—they’re packed with natural omega-3s, which can support healthy skin, a glossy coat, and even joint comfort. Whether you're working around allergies or just looking for a lean, protein-rich option, check out these top fishy picks that are perfect for small dogs with big appetites.

Healthiest Cheesy Treats for a Shih Tzu - Is your Shih Tzu a true cheese connoisseur or the kind who wants to be, but struggles with dairy? Either way, there’s great news! Take a look at our picks for the Best Cheese Treats to discover flavorful, tummy-friendly options, including one long-lasting lactose-free chew that’s safe to savor and loved by even the pickiest pups.

The Best-Scented Coat Sprays for Shih Tzus - Looking to keep your Shih Tzu smelling as sweet as they look? We’ve rounded up the best top coat sprays with irresistible scents that leave your cutie-pie soft, fresh and huggably clean between baths.

You May Also Like:

Shih Tzu Feeding Guidelines - Details of all food-related topics. Schedules, wet vs dry, grain vs grain-free, homemade foods, top recommendations and more. 

I'm Allergic to My Shih Tzu - Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to be allergic to a Shih Tzu. Learn the 11 things you can do to decrease or remove allergens.
How to Keep a Shih Tzu Clean - Shih Tzu puppies and dogs can get messy rather quickly. Tips to keep your little guy or gal smelling nice and looking tidy. 
External: Maltese barking |