Shih Tzus are small, intelligent, and affectionate dogs that make great companions. However, they can also be stubborn and willful, which can make training challenging. With patience and consistency, however, you can train your Shih Tzu to be a well-behaved member of your family.
1. Start training early
The best time to start training your Shih Tzu is when they are puppies. Puppies are more impressionable and easier to train than adult dogs. Start by teaching your puppy basic commands such as sit, stay, and come.
2. Be consistent
Consistency is key when training any dog, but it is especially important when training a Shih Tzu. If you are not consistent with your commands, your puppy will become confused and less likely to obey.
3. Use positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train any dog. When your puppy does something that you want them to do, praise them and give them a treat. This will help them to associate good behavior with positive consequences.
4. Avoid punishment
Punishment should be avoided when training a Shih Tzu. Punishment can make your puppy fearful and less likely to trust you. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and redirection.
5. Be patient
Training a Shih Tzu takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your puppy doesn’t learn a command right away. Keep practicing and eventually they will get it.
Here are some specific tips for training your Shih Tzu:
- Housetraining: Shih Tzus are relatively easy to housetrain. Start by taking your puppy out to go to the bathroom every 2-3 hours. Reward them with a treat and praise when they go outside. If they have an accident inside, clean it up immediately and do not punish them.
- Crate training: Crate training can be helpful for housetraining and for keeping your puppy safe when you are not home. Start by putting your puppy in the crate for short periods of time, such as when you are taking a shower or going to the store. Gradually increase the amount of time that they spend in the crate. Make sure the crate is comfortable and that your puppy has access to water and food.
- Basic commands: The basic commands that every dog should know include sit, stay, come, down, and heel. Start by teaching your puppy one command at a time. Once they have mastered one command, you can move on to the next.
- Advanced commands: Once your puppy has mastered the basic commands, you can start teaching them more advanced commands such as shake, roll over, and play dead. These commands can be fun for you and your puppy, and they can also help to keep your puppy entertained.
With patience and consistency, you can train your Shih Tzu to be a well-behaved member of your family.
Here are some additional tips for training your Shih Tzu:
- Make training fun: Training should be fun for both you and your dog. If your puppy is not having fun, they are less likely to want to learn.
- Break training sessions into short segments: Puppies have short attention spans, so it is important to break training sessions into short segments. Aim for 10-15 minute sessions at a time.
- End training on a positive note: Always end training on a positive note. This will help your puppy to associate training with positive experiences.
With patience, consistency, and a little bit of fun, you can train your Shih Tzu to be a well-behaved and loving member of your family.
