Shih Tzu puppies are adorable and playful, and teaching them tricks can be a fun way to bond with your furry friend while also providing mental stimulation. Training your Shih Tzu puppy tricks can also help with obedience and socialization, making them a well-rounded and well-behaved companion. In this article, we will discuss the steps you can take to train your Shih Tzu puppy tricks.
Understanding Your Shih Tzu Puppy
Before you start training your Shih Tzu puppy tricks, it’s important to understand their temperament and personality. Shih Tzu puppies are known to be curious, energetic, and eager to please, which means they can learn quickly with the right approach.
It’s also important to note that Shih Tzu puppies have short attention spans, so training sessions should be kept short and engaging. Additionally, Shih Tzu puppies have small bladders and may need frequent potty breaks, so it’s essential to schedule training sessions around their bathroom needs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Training Your Shih Tzu Puppy Tricks
Step 1: Start with Basic Commands
Before you can teach your Shih Tzu puppy tricks, 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 puppy is focused and ready to learn.
Step 2: Choose a Trick
Once your Shih Tzu puppy has mastered the basic commands, it’s time to choose a trick to teach them. Some popular tricks for Shih Tzu puppies include “shake,” “high five,” and “spin.”
Step 3: Break the Trick Down into Steps
Once you’ve chosen a trick, it’s time to break it down into steps. For example, if you’re teaching your Shih Tzu puppy to “shake,” the steps may include:
Hold a treat in your closed hand and let your Shih Tzu puppy sniff it.
Close your hand around the treat and wait for your Shih Tzu puppy to paw at your hand.
As soon as your Shih Tzu puppy paws at your hand, open your hand and give them the treat while saying “shake” or “good shake.”
Step 4: Practice Each Step
Once you’ve broken the trick down into steps, it’s time to practice each step individually. Start with the first step and repeat it several times until your Shih Tzu puppy understands what you’re asking them to do. Then move on to the next step and repeat the process.
Step 5: Put the Trick Together
Once your Shih Tzu puppy has mastered each step, it’s time to put the trick together. Start by asking your Shih Tzu puppy to perform the first step, then move on to the second step, and so on until they have completed the entire trick.
Step 6: Practice and Reinforce
Now that your Shih Tzu puppy understands the trick, it’s time to practice and reinforce the behavior. Practice the trick several times each day, and always reward your Shih Tzu puppy with a treat and praise when they successfully perform the trick.
Tips for Successful Training
Keep training sessions short and positive. Shih Tzu puppies 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 Tzu puppies 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. Training your Shih Tzu puppy tricks 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.
Use positive reinforcement. Shih Tzu puppies respond best to positive reinforcement, so always reward good behavior with treats and praise. Avoid using physical punishment or negative reinforcement, as this can damage the trust and bond between you and your furry friend.
Socialize your Shih Tzu puppy. Socialization is crucial for Shih Tzu puppies, so make sure to expose them to different people, animals, and environments from a young age. This will help them become well-adjusted and confident adult dogs.
Common Tricks to Train Your Shih Tzu Puppy
Shake
Teaching your Shih Tzu puppy to shake is a simple and fun trick that can be easily learned. Start by holding a treat in your hand and letting your Shih Tzu puppy sniff it. Once they are interested in the treat, close your hand around it and wait for them to paw at your hand. As soon as they do, open your hand and give them the treat while saying “shake” or “good shake.” Repeat this process several times until your Shih Tzu puppy associates the action of pawing with the verbal cue.
High Five
High five is another easy trick that can be taught using a similar method to shake. Hold a treat in your hand and raise it slightly above your Shih Tzu puppy’s head. As they reach up to grab the treat, say “high five” and give them the treat. Repeat this process several times until your Shih Tzu puppy associates the action of reaching up with the verbal cue.
Spin
Teaching your Shih Tzu puppy to spin is a bit more challenging than shake or high five, but it can still be learned with patience and practice. Start by holding a treat in your hand and luring your Shih Tzu puppy in a circle. As they follow the treat, say “spin” and give them the treat when they complete the circle. Repeat this process several times until your Shih Tzu puppy associates the action of spinning with the verbal cue.
Roll Over
Teaching your Shih Tzu puppy to roll over is a more advanced trick that requires patience and persistence. Start by having your Shih Tzu puppy 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 puppy understands that rolling over equals a treat and praise. Once they have mastered this, you can add a verbal cue such as “roll over” to the trick.
Conclusion
Training your Shih Tzu puppy tricks 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 puppy tricks and create a strong bond with them. Remember to be patient, consistent, and always use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. With time and practice, your Shih Tzu puppy can become a well-trained and well-behaved companion.
