How to Train a Shih Tzu to Do Tricks: Expert Tips Revealed

A Paw-some Journey: Training Your Shih Tzu to Perform Tricks

Training a Shih Tzu to perform tricks isn’t just about teaching commands; it’s about bonding with your furry friend, building trust, and sharing moments filled with joy and laughter. Picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon, and my good ol’ pal, Dave, brought over his Shih Tzu, Bella, to show off her latest trick. Bella, with her fluffy coat and sparkly eyes, twirled around on her tiny paws like a ballerina. It was simply enchanting🤩.

Beginning the Journey: Understanding the Shih Tzu Breed

Ah, the Shih Tzu! This little bundle of joy descended from royalty, quite literally. The breed’s name means “lion dog,” but don’t let that fool ya - they’re as gentle as can be. Known for their affectionate nature, they thrive on human interaction. But lemme tell ya, they can be stubborn as a mule too.

This adorable breed has a keen sense of smell and excellent hearing skills, which makes them intuitive and quick learners. However, their independence means they’ll only follow commands if they see it benefiting them. So, let’s dive in - how do you train a Shih Tzu to perform tricks without pulling your hair out?

Building the Foundation: Basic Training

Before diving into the world of tricks, it’s crucial to establish some basics.

1. House Training: Potty training is essential. Use positive reinforcement. When your pup does their business outside, clap and cheer as if they just won the lottery. They’ll soon associate outdoor pottying with your applause.

2. Obedience Training: Commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” lay the groundwork. Consistency is key here. Remember Sophie, my next-door neighbor? Poor thing ignored consistency and her Shih Tzu ended up training her instead. True story.

3. Socialization: Shih Tzus can be wary of strangers. Expose them to different environments, sounds, and people. It’s kinda like preparing them for a variety show.

Tricks 101: Starting Simple

Sit

Let’s kick things off with the basic “sit” command.

• Lure and Reward: Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose. Move your hand up, allowing their head to follow the treat and causing their bum to lower. Once they’re in the sitting position, say, “Sit,” give them the treat, and shower them with praise.
• Consistency: Practice this a few times a day but keep the sessions short to prevent boredom.

I remember Sam - a fellow vet - used chicken bits to train his Shih Tzu, Teddy. Boy, did Teddy learn fast! Dogs and chicken, a match made in heaven.

Advanced Tricks: Adding Flavor to Training

Roll Over

Now for something a bit more advanced. Trust me, when your little furball rolls over, it’s like a mini-acrobatics show.

• Command Sequence: Get your Shih Tzu to lie down. Hold a treat close to their nose, then move your hand slowly in a circular motion around their head. Their body will follow naturally. Say “Roll over” as they complete the action.
• Praise and Patience: This might take some time. Keep practicing, and don’t get discouraged. Sprinkle some love and patience; it goes a long way.

Play Dead

The classic “Bang!” and your pup drops like a stone. Super fun to watch!

• Training Steps: Start with your dog in a lying down position. Hold a treat by their nose, and slowly move it to the side, making them lie on their side. Once on their side, say, “Bang” or “Play Dead,” and reward them.
• Repetition: Do this often. Your Shih Tzu might take a while to master it, but hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Overcoming Challenges: A Patience Game

Shih Tzus can be stubborn. Got a little fighter on your hands? My cousin, Chloe, struggled with her Shih Tzu, Gizmo. He had a mind of his own! But with consistency, treats, and a ton of patience, Gizmo now performs tricks like a pro.

Here’s what helps:

• Positive Reinforcement: Always reward good behavior. Even if it’s just a small gesture, it counts.
• Short Sessions: Keep training sessions between 5-10 minutes. Too long, and they’ll lose interest.
• Stay Calm: Sometimes they’ll test your patience. Take deep breaths. I found yoga helps. 🧘‍♂️

Adding the Fun Element

Tricks with Props

Props can add an extra layer of fun. Think hoops, mats, and even small agility courses.

• Jump Through Hoops: Hold a hula hoop a few inches off the ground. Encourage your Shih Tzu to jump through it with treats. Raise the hoop gradually as they get the hang of it.

• Weave Poles: Set up some cones or poles and guide your dog to weave through them. This not only teaches agility but also sharpens their focus.

The Shih Tzu’s Diet: Fuel for the Tricks

An important aspect of training is ensuring your Shih Tzu has the right nutrition. After all, a well-fed dog is a happy and healthy dog.

• Balanced Diet: Incorporate meat, veggies, and grains. Avoid foods high in sugar and fat.
• Hydration: Always make sure they have access to fresh water.
• Healthy Treats: Use high-quality treats for training. Avoid anything artificial.

Random fact: Did you know Shih Tzus hail from Tibet and were bred by Tibetan monks? Makes sense why they have that serene aura about them.

Involving Family and Friends

Training your Shih Tzu shouldn’t be a solitary affair. Rope in family and friends. The more social interaction they get, the better.

• Family Training Sessions: Rotate who gives commands to ensure your dog listens to everyone, not just one person. My family would gather every Sunday afternoon for these sessions - it was like a mini circus.

• Playdates: Organize playdates with friends’ dogs. It’s an excellent opportunity for socialization and healthy competition.

Reflecting on the Journey

In closing, training a Shih Tzu to perform tricks is a journey filled with ups and downs. There’ll be moments of sheer joy when they nail a trick and times you’ll need to muster all your patience. But in the end, it’s all worth it.

Training isn’t just about the tricks; it’s about the bond you form with your furry friend. Every moment of frustration will be eclipsed by the moments of pure happiness you’ll share. So, grab those treats and get started. From Bella’s enchanting twirls to Teddy’s swift “sit” – these memories will be treasures. Thank you for reading! Keep wagging, keep training! 🐾

Random Shih Tzu Fact

Here’s something for you trivia lovers: The Shih Tzu was once the favorite breed of Chinese royals and was kept hidden from the world until the 20th century. Fancy that for a royal lineage, huh?