Shih Tzu puppies are charming little creatures. Their majestic hair, expressive eyes, and friendly demeanor make them one of the most loved dog breeds in the world.
But like all puppies, Shih Tzus require consistent training from a young age to ensure they grow up into well-behaved and socially adjusted dogs.
This blog post will guide you through the essential steps in Shih Tzu puppy training.
1. Start Early and Be Consistent
The earlier you start training your Shih Tzu puppy, the better. Puppies are like sponges – they absorb everything quickly. Starting early ensures that your dog develops good habits right from the beginning.
But remember, consistency is key. Make sure you are consistent with your commands, rewards, and discipline.
2. House Training
House training is one of the most crucial aspects of raising a puppy. Here’s how to do it:
- Set a Routine: Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime. Regularity helps them understand when it’s time to go.
- Choose a Spot: Designate a specific spot outside for your puppy to do their business. This will make it easier for them to understand where to go over time.
- Praise and Reward: When your puppy does its business outside, reward them with treats or praise.
- Accidents Happen: If your puppy has an accident inside, don’t scold them after the fact. Instead, interrupt them if you catch them in the act and take them outside immediately.
3. Socialization
Socialization is paramount for a well-rounded and friendly Shih Tzu.
- Expose to Different Situations: Introduce your Shih Tzu puppy to various people, animals, sounds, and environments. This will ensure they become accustomed to different situations without fear or aggression.
- Attend Puppy Classes: Puppy classes are an excellent way for your dog to interact with other dogs and people, further enhancing their social skills.
4. Basic Commands
Training your Shih Tzu to understand basic commands will make your life and theirs much easier.
- Start Simple: Begin with commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.”
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Always reward good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime. This reinforces the behavior you want to see.
- Practice Regularly: Just like any other skill, the more you practice, the better your puppy will become.
5. Bite Inhibition
Like all puppies, Shih Tzus will go through a teething phase where they will want to bite and chew on things.
- Offer Chew Toys: Make sure your puppy has plenty of chew toys to satisfy their biting urge.
- Teach “No Bite”: If your puppy bites too hard during play, yelp loudly to let them know it hurt, and cease play for a moment. This will teach them to be gentle.
6. Grooming Training
Shih Tzus have long, flowing coats that require regular grooming. It’s essential to get your puppy accustomed to grooming sessions early on.
- Regular Brushing: Start brushing your Shih Tzu puppy regularly to get them used to the sensation.
- Bathing: Introduce your puppy to baths in a calm and positive manner.
- Nail Trimming and Ear Cleaning: Make these activities routine, so your Shih Tzu becomes comfortable with them over time.
Read this article on Shih Tzu Puppies Barking Guide
Final Thoughts
Training a Shih Tzu puppy requires patience, consistency, and lots of love. Remember, every puppy is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The key is to be understanding, observant, and adjust your training methods as needed.
With time and effort, your Shih Tzu will grow into a well-behaved and delightful companion.
FAQs on Shih Tzu Puppies Training
Q: At what age should I begin training my Shih Tzu puppy?
A: Start as early as 8 weeks old. While they are still young, they can begin to learn basic commands and habits. It’s easier to instill good behaviors at this tender age.
Q: How often should I train my Shih Tzu puppy daily?
A: Short, frequent sessions work best for puppies. Aim for 5-10 minute sessions, 3-4 times a day. This keeps training fun and prevents overwhelming your puppy.
Q: My Shih Tzu puppy seems very stubborn. Is this typical for the breed?
A: Shih Tzus are known for their independent and sometimes stubborn nature. However, with consistent training, positive reinforcement, and patience, they can learn commands and behaviors just like any other breed.
Q: What’s the best way to house train a Shih Tzu puppy?
A: Consistency and routine are crucial. Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime. Always praise and reward them when they do their business outside.
Q: How important is socialization for Shih Tzus?
A: Extremely important! Socialization helps your Shih Tzu be more adaptable and less fearful or aggressive in new situations. Expose them to various environments, sounds, people, and animals from a young age.
Q: My Shih Tzu keeps biting everything. How can I control this behavior?
A: Teething is normal for puppies. Provide plenty of chew toys to satisfy their biting urges. If they bite hard during play, yelp or use a firm “no” to teach them bite inhibition.
Q: How often should I groom my Shih Tzu during training?
A: Shih Tzus have a long coat that requires regular maintenance. Start grooming habits early so they get used to it. Brushing should be done every other day, if not daily. Baths can be given once a month or as needed.
Q: Are Shih Tzus food motivated? Can I use treats in training?
A: Most Shih Tzus are food motivated, making treats an excellent tool for training. However, always ensure you’re giving dog-safe treats and account for these treats in their daily calorie intake to prevent overfeeding.
Q: My Shih Tzu seems to forget the commands taught. What am I doing wrong?
A: It’s not uncommon for puppies to forget or test boundaries. Consistency is key. Keep practicing the commands regularly, and over time, your Shih Tzu will retain them better.
Q: Can I train my Shih Tzu for agility or other dog sports?
A: Absolutely! While they may not be as fast as some breeds, Shih Tzus can participate in agility, obedience, and other dog sports. Their intelligence and desire to please make them good candidates, as long as the training is fun and engaging.
