Shih Tzu Stubborn Behavior

Overview

Shih Tzu dogs, with their adorable appearance and affectionate nature, are beloved companions in homes around the world. However, their charming personalities can sometimes be accompanied by a streak of stubbornness that can be challenging to address.

This trait, often misunderstood, is not a reflection of defiance but rather a characteristic of their independent spirit. In this article, we dive into the roots of stubborn behavior in the Shih Tzu breed, providing insights into why this occurs and offering practical strategies for managing and redirecting their willful tendencies.

So, whether you're a new Shih Tzu owner facing training hurdles or a seasoned pet parent looking to refine your approach, this article will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the nuances of stubborn behavior in endearing Shih Tzu puppies and dogs.

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Prevalence of Stubborn Behavior: How Common is it?

We here at AllShihTzu conducted a poll of site members; there were 2,749 respondents. Regarding the Shih Tzus they owned, the number of males (54%) to females (46%) were almost equal. The ages of the Shih Tzu dogs were 40% young adult (1 to 3-years-old), 34% adult (4 to 8-years-old), 13% puppy (under 1-year-old), and 12% senior (9+ years).

Part of the poll was regarding behavior, and we asked pet parents, 'What is the biggest challenge you've had with your Shih Tzu?'. Unsurprisingly, 22% of them reported 'Refusing to listen'. This was the third most reported issue, with only separation anxiety and housebreaking topping it.

So, if your Shih Tzu is stubborn, you certainly aren't alone, as this breed can be strong-willed; but this can also be a selective behavior that only occurs in certain situations.

Why are Shih Tzu Dogs Stubborn: Nature vs Nurture

In the context of nature versus nurture in canine behavior, it's important to recognize the inherent abilities and emotional complexities of canines. Let's take a look at how this relates to the Shih Tzu breed.

The Influence of Nature: Some traits are ingrained, from over a thousand years of development.

Unique History: Shih Tzu dogs were bred as Tibetan 'holy dogs', distinct from breeds developed for specific work tasks such as guarding or herding. This unique background impacts their temperament and behavior.
Luxurious Past: For centuries, the Shih Tzu has been cherished as indoor companions, living in luxury and reverence, without the need for strong obedience traits that are required in working breeds.
Tendency Towards Stubbornness: The breed's historical lack of breeding for obedience can contribute to a natural stubborn streak.

The Influence of Nurture: Yet, the upbringing of a Shih Tzu influences their behavior:

Training and Socialization: Early and consistent training can mitigate stubborn tendencies. Even older Shih Tzu dogs can learn to obey with patient, dedicated training.
Establishing Leadership: It's crucial for to set clear rules and expectations, teaching a Shih Tzu to listen and respect human authority.
Loving Leadership: Training should always be conducted with love and kindness; aim to be a fair and considerate leader to your canine family member.

In Summary: The behavior of Shih Tzu dogs is shaped by both their genetic lineage and the way they are raised. Their historical status as revered companions contributes to their independent and sometimes stubborn nature, while the nurturing environment, including training and socialization, plays a pivotal role in molding their responsiveness and obedience.

Understanding the balance between nature and nurture will allow you to approach training your Shih Tzu with empathy and effectiveness, fostering a relationship based on mutual respect and love.

4 Elements that Contribute to Stubborn Behavior with Shih Tzu Dogs

#1 Not understanding what is expected. A dog cannot do what is not understood. For example, if you’ve never taught your Shih Tzu how to heel, chances are low that they will naturally walk to your left and follow your lead for pace.

#2 No motivation to listen. While a dog may randomly and/or coincidently do as you wish, in many cases, a dog needs a reason to listen to his human. There are two parts to this:

Listening as canine instinct. When a dog sees their human as their leader, there is a strong instinct to obey out of respect for the ‘Alpha’ and to carry out their role as a member of the ‘pack’ (more ahead).
Listening for reward. Until a level of respect is gained for a dog to instinctively obey, good behavior should be rewarded. Training treats are the fastest, most clear-cut method of letting a dog know that an action was correct. If it’s the right type of treat, a dog will go out of their way to repeat that desired behavior. More on this is ahead as well.

#3 Listening brings about bad results. If a Shih Tzu sees that something negative happens as a result of following along, they are sure to be stubborn about it in the future. This may include calling your dog over to you only to raise your voice about something they've done or asking for a ‘sit’ only to immediately attempt a grooming task they're not thrilled about.

#4 Being stubborn brings about a ‘win’. Whether it takes you a minute or an hour, if you eventually give in to your Shih Tzu being stubborn, you are inadvertently teaching them that being persistent brings about their desired goals.

How to Train a Stubborn Shih Tzu to Listen Better

#1 Establish proper hierarchy:

For everything else to fall into place, this should be done first. Canines see the world as so: Within the den (house) lives the pack (family) of which there is an Alpha (leader; this needs to be you) who oversees the Betas (everyone under the Alpha). If your Shih Tzu does not see you as a strong Alpha, there will be very little listening and obeying.

The basic method to accomplish proper hierarchy is to expect your Shih Tzu to obey a ‘sit’ before any meal or snack is given. In addition, a ‘sit’ should be expected before you give your dog anything that is wanted, such as a new toy, to have the harness placed on for a walk outside, etc.

Secondary to this, but important as well, is that the leader (you) enters and exits the house first and that your Shih Tzu never walks ahead of you while on leash (literally leading the way as opposed to you taking your place as leader to control the walk).

For dogs with more serious listening issues and especially for those that show any aggression, stronger hierarchy rules will need to be in place, such as always maintaining a superior physical stance (you do not sit on the floor with your dog, your dog does not sit up on the sofa with you, etc.) and giving time-outs for bad behavior.

#2 Ease into things:

If your goal is something new, like at-home dental care, do a gradual desensitization of short sessions, with reward given at the end. Slowly work your way up to longer sessions.

#3 Teach all basic commands:

This includes sit, which is perhaps the most important yet easiest-to-teach command, plus come, down, and stay. In addition, is the vital ‘heel’ in which your Shih Tzu walks to your immediate left no further out than the extension of your foot while you walk, and you control the direction and pace.

#4 Have a buffer zone:

For certain things, let there be a pause between calling your Shih Tzu over and then initiating the reason for it. For example, if you’re playing with your Shih Tzu in the yard and it’s time to head inside, but your dog is stubbornly refusing to follow your lead, offer some water, along with some pets and praise, for coming over to drink it; then bring them in. Or, if you’re calling your Shih Tzu over to be brushed, first give a few pets and perhaps play fetch for a few minutes before sitting them down for the grooming task.

#5 Stand your ground:

When you know what is best for your Shih Tzu, do not let their stubbornness get in the way of that. Any sign of weakness coming from you will be interpreted as a reason to keep holding out.

#6 Give proper reward:

As you are taking your place as leader and teaching your Shih Tzu what is expected, be sure to offer proper motivation for listening. While praise is certainly needed, it is training treats that immediately send a clear signal to a dog and prompts them to want to repeat the behavior that leads to that reward.

Training treats should be moist, small (these may be handed out in succession; so, you do not want something that will spoil their appetite for dinner), extra tasty (quick burst of strong, desired flavor), and something that is not given out as a normal snack (reserve it for training).

If you're looking for a good training treat, one of our favorites is Zukes Salmon Mini Training Treats. Salmon is often a high-valued flavor and these are all-natural and made in the USA.

And for Shih Tzu dogs of all ages, you can't go wrong with Wellness Puppy Bites Grain-Free Training Treats.

Tip: When giving the reward treat, say the word ‘good’ along with the action that was displayed. For example, ‘Good sit!’ or ‘Good, brush your teeth, good job!”. The typical canine family member knows 165 words, so never think your Shih Tzu doesn’t get the gist of what you’re saying.

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