How to Obedience Train a Shih Tzu Puppy: Ultimate Guide for Success

How to Obedience Train a Shih Tzu Puppy: A Comprehensive Guide from a Veterinary Expert

Alright, let me walk you through this. So, picture this—I’ve got this adorable little Shih Tzu named Bella. I remember when she was just a fluff ball, causing chaos all around the house. Um, yeah. Training her felt like wrangling a tiny tornado. But oh, the results were so worth it. Let’s deep dive into how you can train your Shih Tzu puppy to be the well-behaved pup of your dreams! 🌟

Understanding Shih Tzu Psychology

Shih Tzus are super friendly and affectionate, but don’t let those cute faces fool you—they can be stubborn too! Knowing their psychology is key. Shih Tzus were bred to be companions, not working dogs, so their attention span might not be as strong as, say, a Border Collie’s. I mean, imagine trying to get a toddler to focus on algebra—it’s kinda like that!

Setting Realistic Expectations

First things first, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations. Trust me, patience is your best friend here! Your Shih Tzu won’t master a trick overnight. You might get frustrated—heck, I did! There were days Bella just didn’t get it. But keep the faith. 😊

Puppy Pads or Outdoors? Decide Now.

You gotta decide early on whether you’re using puppy pads or heading outdoors. I mean, imagine the confusion if you switch midway—poor pup wouldn’t know what’s happening. Bella had her share of accidents inside because I wavered. Learned my lesson the hard way!

Getting Started with Basic Commands

Okay, now for the nitty-gritty stuff. Let’s start with the basics: sit, stay, and come. Use positive reinforcement—always have treats handy. Every time Bella did something right, she’d get a little nibble of her favorite snack. Oh, and don’t forget to use a joyful tone! Dogs can totally sense your mood.

Sit, Stay, and Come

“Sitting pretty” isn’t just a phrase. Start with ‘sit.’ Show your Shih Tzu a treat, and slowly move it over their head until they naturally sit down. It’s like a little magic trick! Practice makes perfect. Next up, ‘stay.’ This command can be a bit tricky, especially for excitable pups. Use a firm “stay” while holding your hand up, like you’re stopping traffic. And ‘come’—get exciteeed! Use an enthusiastic voice, and always reward them when they run to you.

Socialization is Key

It blew my mind when I read that lack of socialization is one of the leading causes of behavioral issues. Shih Tzus need to meet other dogs, different people, and experience new environments. It’s like giving them the world tour! I started taking Bella to dog parks; she was unsure at first but soon made some fur-iends.

Crate Training and Housebreaking

Crate training… ah, this can be a controversial one! Some say it’s cruel, but when done correctly, it’s a life-saver. Bella saw her crate as her safe space. Start slow. Leave the door open, let them explore. Add some cozy blankets and a few toys, and make the crate as inviting as possible.

Consistency is Crucial

Consistency, consistency, consistency—that’s your mantra! Keep meal times, potty breaks, and training sessions at the same time every day. I remember I slipped a few times and paid the price with a pee puddle. Routine helps your pup understand what’s expected of them.

Dealing with Stubbornness

Oh boy, speaking of expectations, let’s chat about the notorious Shih Tzu stubborn streak. Sometimes, Bella would just give me the Shih Tzu “judgment face" and ignore commands. When this happens, take a break. Pushing too hard can lead to frustration for both of you.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Seriously, it’s gold! Always reinforce good behavior with treats, praises, or a fun playtime. Negative reinforcement just doesn’t work well with these little fluff balls; they can get defensive or even more stubborn. Does anyone else say “duh!” here? No? Just me? 🤷‍♀️

Specific Challenges and How to Overcome Them

One of the biggest challenges with Shih Tzus is housebreaking. They have small bladders, and well, accidents happen. A lot. Invest in some enzyme cleaners—trust me, you’ll need them.

Surface Preferences

Some Shih Tzus develop a preference for certain surfaces. Bella, for instance, decided that the bathroom rug was her go-to spot 🤦‍♀️. Try to catch them in the act and gently redirect them to the correct spot.

Handling Barking and Chewing

Barking can be another hurdle. Shih Tzus love to voice their opinions. Make sure they’re getting enough physical and mental stimulation. Boredom can often lead to a bark-a-thon. And chewing—oh man, don’t get me started. Provide plenty of chew toys to save your furniture and shoes.

Advanced Commands and Tricks

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to teach some fun tricks! ‘Paw,’ ‘rollover,’ and even ‘play dead!’ These are not only fun parlor tricks; they mentally engage your dog which is essential for their well-being. Bella’s favorite? Playing dead. She’s a drama queen, I swear.

Utilizing Clicker Training

Clicker training can be super effective, especially for Shih Tzus. The clicker helps to mark the exact moment your pup gets it right and makes the learning faster. It was a game-changer for Bella, especially with the more complex tricks.

Joining a Training Class

Sometimes doing it all alone can be daunting. Consider joining a puppy training class. It allows your Shih Tzu to learn in a different environment and you can pick up new tips from professionals. Plus, it’s a social outing for your pup.

Incorporating Playtime

Training shouldn’t be all work and no play. Incorporate games like fetch or tug-of-war into your training sessions. For Bella, these games served both as a reward and a training tool. She learned to ‘fetch’ and ‘drop it’ in no time!

Building Trust and Strengthening Bonds

Training is about building trust as much as it is about obedience. Spend quality time with your pup outside of training sessions to strengthen your bond. Take walks, cuddle on the couch, and make every moment count. These dogs are companions above all.

Knowing When to Seek Professional Help

There might come a point when you hit a wall in training. That’s okay. If you’re struggling, it’s perfectly fine to seek professional help. A professional trainer can provide personalized guidance and might see things from a different angle.

Celebrating Small Wins

Every small achievement should be celebrated. Don’t just wait for the big milestones. The first time Bella didn’t pee in the house? We had a mini-party! Keep an optimistic and exciting vibe around training sessions.

Patience, Patience, Patience

Finally, and most importantly, be patient. Training a Shih Tzu pup can take time. They might test your limits, but with consistent effort and lots of love, you’ll get there. The bond you’ll establish with your well-trained Shih Tzu is incredibly rewarding.

Final Thoughts and Personal Reflection

Overall, training a Shih Tzu puppy isn’t a walk in the park—but it’s incredibly fulfilling. There’ll be days when you feel like giving up. Don’t. The joy and companionship a well-trained Shih Tzu brings are unmatched. I look back at the early days with Bella and can’t help but smile. Every challenge was worth overcoming.

Thank y’all so much for reading! Hope this helps you on your journey with your furry friend 🐾. Until next time, keep loving your pets and sharing those smiles! Ta-ta for now!