Shih Tzus are friendly, social lapdogs who are less prone to excessive barking than other small dog breeds. They are also 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
House training a Shih Tzu involves several key components, including crate training, housebreaking, and reinforcing good behavior. Starting the training process at an early age can ensure your Shih Tzu develops desired behaviors and adapts well to household rules. Below are detailed steps and tips to help you successfully house-train your Shih Tzu.
Starting training at an early age is crucial for Shih Tzus. Puppies are more adaptable and can learn desired behaviors quickly. Begin house training as soon as you bring your Shih Tzu home. Early training helps establish routines and prevents the development of unwanted behaviors.
Crate Training
Crate training is an effective method for house training a Shih Tzu. A crate provides a safe and comfortable space for your puppy. It helps prevent accidents around the house and teaches your Shih Tzu to hold their bladder.
- Introduce the Crate: Place the crate in a common area where the family spends time. Make it inviting with soft bedding and toys.
- Encourage Entry: Use treats and positive reinforcement to encourage your Shih Tzu to enter the crate.
- Gradual Acclimation: Start with short periods in the crate and gradually increase the duration as your puppy becomes comfortable.
- Crate at Night: Place the crate in your bedroom at night. This will help the puppy feel secure and reduce nighttime accidents.
Housebreaking
Housebreaking 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, a nap, and 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.
- Establish a Routine: Take your Shih Tzu outside frequently, especially after meals, playtime, and naps.
- Choose a Potty Spot: Designate a specific spot in your yard for potty breaks. This helps the puppy associate the spot with bathroom activities.
- Use Commands: Use a consistent command to signal it’s time to relieve.
- Reward Success: Praise and reward your Shih Tzu immediately after they eliminate outside. This reinforces the desired behavior.
Reinforcing Good Behavior
Reinforcing good behavior is essential to house training. Positive reinforcement encourages your Shih Tzu to repeat desired behaviors.
- Positive Reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and affection to reward your puppy for good behavior.
- Consistency: Be consistent with commands and rewards. Inconsistency can confuse your puppy and slow down the training process.
- Supervision: Keep a close eye on your Shih Tzu, especially during the initial stages of training, to prevent accidents and reinforce good habits.
Managing Chewing
Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, but it needs to be directed appropriately to avoid damage to your belongings.
- Provide Chew Toys: Offer a variety of chew toys to satisfy your Shih Tzu’s urge to chew.
- Discourage Inappropriate Chewing: If you catch your puppy chewing on something they shouldn’t, redirect them to a chew toy.
- Praise Appropriate Chewing: When your Shih Tzu chews on their toys, praise them to reinforce this behavior.
Basic Commands
Teaching basic commands is part of house training. Commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” help manage your Shih Tzu’s behavior and keep them safe.
- Start with Simple Commands: Begin with simple commands like “sit” and “stay.” Use treats and positive reinforcement to encourage compliance.
- Short Training Sessions: Keep training sessions short and engaging to maintain your Shih Tzu’s interest.
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps reinforce the commands and ensures your Shih Tzu remembers them.
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.
Socialization
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 3 to 16 weeks. Socialize your dog by taking them to lots of places and giving them a treat and 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.
Other Dogs
Introducing Shih Tzu puppies to other dogs in a controlled and positive manner is necessary. Puppies should meet dogs of different sizes, ages, and breeds to learn appropriate canine communication and behavior. Supervised playdates and puppy classes provide excellent opportunities for these interactions. Positive experiences with other dogs help prevent fearfulness and aggression in adulthood.
Exposure to various dog breeds is beneficial for Shih Tzu puppies. Each breed has its own play style and temperament, and learning to interact with a diverse range of breeds helps Shih Tzus become more adaptable and less likely to react aggressively to unfamiliar dogs. This variety also aids in developing their social skills and confidence.
Other Animals
Beyond dogs, Shih Tzu puppies should also be introduced to other animals, such as birds, rabbits, and small rodents. These introductions should be gentle and closely supervised to ensure the safety of both the puppy and the other animals. Positive encounters with different species broaden a Shih Tzu's socialization experience and prevent future fear or prey-driven behavior.
Introducing Shih Tzu puppies to cats requires patience and careful management. Start with short, positive encounters where both the puppy and the cat can observe each other from a distance. Gradually increase their time together, always ensuring the cat has an escape route. Positive feedback, like treats and gentle praise, encourages the puppy to view the cat as a friend rather than a foe.
Humans
Shih Tzus generally get along well with children, making them great family pets. However, it is important to teach the puppy and the kids how to interact respectfully. Supervised play and positive reinforcement help build a trusting relationship. Ensure that children understand how to handle the puppy gently to prevent accidental injuries or fear-based aggressive behavior.
Socializing Shih Tzu puppies with various humans is essential for their development. Puppies should meet people of different ages, sizes, and appearances to become comfortable around strangers. Positive experiences with humans build a Shih Tzu's confidence and reduce the likelihood of fearful or aggressive reactions later in life.
Regular exercise is important for Shih Tzu's physical and mental well-being. Daily walks and playtime not only help them burn off energy but also provide opportunities for socialization. During these outings, Shih Tzus can meet new dogs and people, further enhancing their social skills and ensuring they remain well-adjusted pets.
Positive Experience
Ensuring that all socialization experiences are positive is crucial. Treats, praise, and play create a pleasant association with new encounters. This positive reinforcement helps build a Shih Tzu's confidence and encourages them to approach new situations with curiosity rather than fear.
Positive feedback during socialization includes using rewards to reinforce good behavior. When a Shih Tzu puppy interacts calmly and positively with other dogs, animals, or people, immediately rewarding them with treats, toys, or praise reinforces this behavior. Consistent positive feedback helps shape a friendly and well-socialized adult dog.
Addressing aggressive behavior early is vital. If a Shih Tzu puppy shows aggression, consult a professional trainer or behaviorist. Proper socialization and training can often prevent aggressive tendencies, but early intervention is key to correcting these behaviors and ensuring the puppy grows into a well-mannered adult.
Leash Training
Because Shih Tzus are so small, owners are often unconcerned by inappropriate leash behavior such as pulling. However, dogs are most comfortable when they can behave on a leash, and good leash behavior makes exercise pleasant for both dog and owner. Hold a treat in your hand to keep your dog's attention on you, and give them a treat every few minutes for walking close to you. If your dog begins pulling, stop walking. This teaches them that pulling slows down a walk.
Leash training a Shih Tzu requires a gentle approach, considering their small size and sensitive nature. Introduce your Shih Tzu to the leash and collar indoors, allowing them to get accustomed to the feel. Gradually, start taking short walks around the house, praising and rewarding your Shih Tzu for staying calm and walking beside you. As they become more comfortable, move the training sessions outdoors. Remember to keep the initial outdoor walks short and progressively increase the duration as your Shih Tzu adapts to the leash.
Jumping is a common issue that many Shih Tzu owners face. While it can be a sign of excitement, managing this behavior early on is essential to prevent it from becoming a habit. When your Shih Tzu jumps, refrain from giving them attention, as this can reinforce the behavior. Instead, wait for all four paws to be on the ground before engaging with them. Teaching the "sit" command can be particularly helpful in controlling jumping. When your Shih Tzu begins to jump, instruct them to sit and reward them for obeying.
Agility training your Shih Tzu can be an excellent way to channel their energy and enhance their physical and mental stimulation. Start with basic agility exercises like weaving through poles or jumping over small obstacles in your yard. The yard can be an ideal space for leash training and practicing obedience commands.
Reward-Based Training
Shih Tzus are highly sensitive to punishment and yelling and may misbehave when frightened. Consequently, reward-based methods are best. Use a training clicker and treats to teach your dog commands such as "Sit" and "Stay." Click the clicker when your dog exhibits the right behavior, and then give her a treat. Because Shih Tzus can be stubborn, it is important to practice new commands several times each day and to continue practicing obedience throughout your dog's life. Placing your dog on a leash when they are learning a new command can help them keep their attention on you.
Positive reinforcement training is an effective method for teaching your Shih Tzu desired behaviors while strengthening your bond. Keep training sessions short, consistent, and enjoyable, starting with simple commands like "sit" or "stay" before progressing. Always reward good behavior with treats and praise, avoiding punishment to maintain trust.
Clearly communicate desired behaviors with consistent cues and signals, reinforcing them with immediate rewards. Your role as the trainer is crucial; stay patient, supportive, and celebrate your Shih Tzu's progress. Use high-value treats sparingly to maintain motivation and adjust their diet accordingly. With patience and positivity, your Shih Tzu will thrive in learning and become a well-behaved companion, enriching your relationship along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Shih Tzu dogs easy to train?
Yes! This dog breed’s high intelligence makes them very trainable. Young children can train these affectionate, friendly, and charismatic dogs that make great therapy dogs.
What is the best age to train a Shih Tzu?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends that 8-week-old puppies are the easiest age to give obedience training. Bigger dogs can be intimidating, and a class with dogs of the same size is also best, according to American ShihTzu Club’s 40-year Shih Tzu breeder and raiser Nancy Broz.
How do you discipline a Shih Tzu?
You must take your time to find the best approach before tackling personalized dog discipline like a pro! Get to know your new pup. Be consistent and firm with reward and punishment. For example, when giving timeouts, you might find that your dog responds to time in their crate, time in a corner, or just pure silent treatment. In terms of reward, your dog might desire a treat (e.g., dried duck, chewable, etc.), playtime at the park with another doggie friend, or just alone time with you. The absolutely wrong ways to discipline your dog are to use physical or verbal punishment. You are their pet parent, and they are your baby! For example, they might become “hand-shy” and, therefore, won’t know if you are raising your hand to pet them or to slap them. When you are disciplining a Shih Tzu, frequent the “click, treat, and come” method.
How do I train my Shih Tzu puppy to pee and poop outside?
Give it a treat every time it goes potty in its special area or just outside. Inside, redirect to outside but don’t give the dog a treat.
References & Resources
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