Training Instructions for Shih Tzu Puppies

The Shih Tzu is an ancient toy dog breed that originated in China. Its gentle temperament and loyalty make the Shih Tzu ideal as a companion pet. A Shih Tzu spends most of its time indoors, therefore it is essential to train it to ensure that it is well socialized and balanced in human company. The period between seven and 16 weeks of age is a critical time to socialize your Shih Tzu puppy.

Things You'll Need

  • Pet sling
  • Dog treats
  • Leash
  • Dog toys
  • Collar
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Instructions

  1. Training a Shih Tzu

    • 1

      Carry your Shih Tzu puppy with you in a pet sling on short trips to parks, pet stores and other places where dogs are allowed to teach it socialization skills. Enhance its outgoing nature by exposing the puppy to amiable people, dogs and different sights, sounds and smells. This will acclimatize your Shih Tzu to a variety of experiences and help it overcome any inherent fears.

    • 2

      Allow friendly people to pet your Shih Tzu. Provide them with dog treats and encourage them to offer the treats to your dog. Supervise all encounters, especially with children, and ensure that your puppy is on a leash that prevents it from jumping on other dogs and reinforces good canine etiquette.

    • 3

      Teach your Shih Tzu to recognize and respond to its name. Call out your puppy's name loudly and simultaneously get its attention by clapping. Repeat this exercise regularly until the puppy responds to its name.

    • 4

      Teach basic commands such as "come," "here," "sit" and "down." Use the game method to teach different commands. For instance, teach the "come" command by running away from the Shih Tzu. Stop, turn around and call out its name along with the command "come," beckoning it to run toward you. Play this game for 10 minutes each day until the Shih Tzu learns the verbal command.

    • 5

      Be firm, yet gentle while reprimanding your Shih Tzu for undesirable behavior. For instance, if it shreds and chews up a newspaper, reprimand it by saying no and take it away. Reinforce correct behavior by replacing the newspaper with one of its toys. Praise it for chewing the toy and reward it with a dog treat and a loving hug.

    • 6

      Leash train your puppy by fitting it with a collar. Allow for a space between the collar and the puppy's neck that is two fingers wide. Train the Shih Tzu to lead by attaching the collar to a leash and following behind it during strolls outside. Once the puppy is accustomed to the collar and leash, persuade it to move forward by gently pulling on the leash and using the command "walk" or "move."

    • 7

      Try different training and positive reinforcement approaches such as using treats, toys or clicker training to train your Shih Tzu at home. Observe your puppy's responses to each training method and use the method that offers the most positive response.