Shih Tzus are adorable and playful dogs that can be trained to do various tricks, including rolling over. Rolling over is not only a fun trick to teach your furry friend, but it can also be a useful command that can help with grooming, vet visits, and checking for any injuries or sore spots. In this article, we will discuss the steps you can take to teach your Shih Tzu to roll over.
Understanding Your Shih Tzu
Before you start training your Shih Tzu to roll over, it’s essential to understand their temperament and personality. Shih Tzus are known to be stubborn and independent, which can make training a bit challenging. However, they are also intelligent and eager to please, which means they can learn quickly with the right approach.
It’s also important to note that Shih Tzus are small dogs with short snouts, which means they can be prone to respiratory issues. As such, it’s crucial to avoid any training methods that involve putting pressure on their chest or neck, as this can cause breathing problems.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Your Shih Tzu to Roll Over
Step 1: Start with Basic Commands
Before you can teach your Shih Tzu to roll over, they need to have a solid foundation of basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. These commands will help establish your role as the leader and ensure that your Shih Tzu is focused and ready to learn.
Step 2: Introduce the “Down” Command
Once your Shih Tzu has mastered the basic commands, it’s time to introduce the “down” command. Start by having your Shih Tzu sit, then hold a treat close to their nose and slowly lower it to the ground. As they follow the treat, their body should naturally lower to the ground, and once they are lying down, give them the treat and praise them.
Repeat this process several times until your Shih Tzu understands that lying down equals a treat and praise.
Step 3: Add the “Roll Over” Command
Once your Shih Tzu is comfortable lying down on command, it’s time to introduce the “roll over” command. Start by having your Shih Tzu lie down, then hold a treat close to their nose and move it in a circular motion towards their shoulder. As they follow the treat, their body should naturally roll over onto their side, and once they are in this position, give them the treat and praise them.
Repeat this process several times until your Shih Tzu understands that rolling over equals a treat and praise.
Step 4: Add the Verbal Cue
After your Shih Tzu has mastered the physical motion of rolling over, it’s time to add a verbal cue. Choose a simple word or phrase such as “roll over” or “turn around” and say it just before you start the physical motion of rolling your Shih Tzu over. Repeat this process several times until your Shih Tzu associates the verbal cue with the physical action of rolling over.
Step 5: Practice and Reinforce
Now that your Shih Tzu understands the verbal cue and physical action of rolling over, it’s time to practice and reinforce the behavior. Start by asking your Shih Tzu to lie down and then give the verbal cue to roll over. If they successfully roll over, give them a treat and praise them. If they don’t roll over, gently guide them into the position and then give them a treat and praise them.
Repeat this process several times each day until your Shih Tzu can roll over on command consistently.
Tips for Successful Training
Keep training sessions short and positive. Shih Tzus have short attention spans and can get easily bored or frustrated, so it’s important to keep training sessions brief and upbeat.
Use high-value treats. Shih Tzus are known to be food-motivated, so using high-value treats such as small pieces of cooked chicken or cheese can help keep them engaged and focused.
Be patient and consistent. Teaching your Shih Tzu to roll over takes time and patience, so don’t get discouraged if they don’t get it right away. Consistency is key, so make sure to practice every day and reinforce good behavior with treats and praise.
Avoid physical force. As mentioned earlier, Shih Tzus can be prone to respiratory issues, so it’s crucial to avoid any training methods that involve putting pressure on their chest or neck.
Conclusion
Teaching your Shih Tzu to roll over can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. By following the steps outlined in this article and keeping the tips for successful training in mind, you can successfully teach your Shih Tzu to roll over on command. Remember to be patient, consistent, and always use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
