Shih Tzus are friendly, social lapdogs who are less prone to excessive barking than other small dog breeds. They are also, however, notoriously stubborn and difficult to housebreak. The key to proper Shih Tzu training is consistency, gentleness and a basic understanding of dog behavior. These dogs also require lots of attention and are prone to separation anxiety when away from their owners. With proper -- and, if possible, early -- training, your Shih Tzu will become a calm, friendly, well-behaved companion.
House training is one of the most difficult obstacles owners of Shih Tzus face, because these dogs have small bladders and are prone to anxiety. To properly house train your dog, begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. Take them outside every two to three hours, after eating, after a nap and after play sessions. If your dog has an accident, take them outside immediately to help them learn the association between using the bathroom and going outside. Clean up accidents using a urine scent remover to discourage future soiling. Give them a treat and lots of praise every time they go outside. When you cannot supervise your dog, crate them to prevent accidents until they are fully trained. Each accident teaches your dog that going inside the house is acceptable, so reducing accidents is key to preventing house training problems. Never yell at your dog for having an accident; this increases anxiety and teaches them that they get attention -- something Shih Tzus crave -- for going inside the house.
Shih Tzus are naturally sociable, but can become skittish if they are not exposed to a wide variety of people and dogs. It is easiest to socialize a puppy between eight and sixteen weeks. Socialize your dog by taking them to lots of places, and giving them a treat and lots of praise for every new interaction. Older dogs may be more difficult to socialize. Start slowly, in friendly, non-threatening environments, and gradually increase your dog's exposure to new stimuli as their comfort level increases.