Shih Tzus captivate people with their charming personalities and cute looks. These sweet faces hide a stubborn streak that can test even seasoned dog owners. My experience as a professional dog trainer has shown me how many Shih Tzu owners get caught off guard by their tiny companion’s strong-willed nature.
These small dogs need a special training approach that differs from larger breeds. The path to success with Shih Tzu puppies or adult dogs depends on understanding their unique personality traits and applying effective training methods.
Let me share proven training techniques that work specifically for Shih Tzus. You’ll learn everything from simple obedience to handling common behavior issues. These practical tips and strategies come from my years of hands-on experience. They will help you raise a well-behaved companion without losing any of that lovable Shih Tzu charm.
Understanding Your Shih Tzu’s Personality
My work with Shih Tzu owners has taught me that knowing how to understand their dog’s unique personality creates the foundation for successful training. Studies show that breed accounts for only 9% of a dog’s behavioral traits. This means your dog’s individual personality matters far more than you might expect.
Natural temperament traits
Shih Tzus make affectionate and outgoing companions naturally. These dogs stand out with their bold and confident nature. They know how to form strong bonds with their families. Their adaptability makes them special – they usually get along well with people of all ages and other pets.
These core temperament traits show up consistently in Shih Tzus:
- Incredibly affectionate and loving
- Naturally social and people-oriented
- Relatively quiet compared to other breeds
- Intelligent with a dash of stubbornness
Common behavioral challenges
Separation anxiety creates the biggest challenge for Shih Tzu owners. These dogs’ breeding focused purely on companionship. This means they might develop strong attachment problems without proper socialization. Many show attention-seeking behaviors alone, and some bark excessively.
There’s another reason why training can be tricky – their natural stubbornness. Shih Tzus show cleverness and eagerness to please, but they can be strong-willed, especially if training begins late. Their mix of intelligence and determination lets them try charming their way out of training sessions.
Learning style and motivation
My years of training show that Shih Tzus excel with positive reinforcement techniques. Praise and rewards make them thrive. Treat-based training works particularly well. The sort of thing I love about their learning style is their deep connection to routines. One prominent expert notes, “Shih Tzus do what they want but they respond well to ritual”.
My clients learn to keep training sessions fun and upbeat. These little dogs naturally love being the center of attention. This trait helps during training sessions. Playtime motivates them strongly, which builds stronger bonds while making learning enjoyable.
Essential Early Training Foundations
My experience training Shih Tzu puppies has taught me that strong foundations early on are the building blocks of long-term success. The first few months play a vital role because puppies go through their most significant socialization period between 3-12 weeks of age.
Puppy socialization checklist
Proper socialization prevents behavioral issues as your puppy grows. Research shows that behavioral problems, not diseases, are the leading cause of death in dogs under three years. Here’s my checklist of essential exposures for Shih Tzu puppies:
- Different surfaces: carpet, wood, tiles, grass
- Various sounds: doorbell, vacuum, TV
- Different people: adults, children, people in uniforms
- Other animals: friendly dogs, cats, birds
- Common objects: umbrellas, wheelchairs, strollers
Basic command training schedule
Shih Tzus respond exceptionally well to ritual and routine. Your puppy should learn one command at a time without harsh corrections. Consistency is key – a Shih Tzu typically needs about 20-30 repetitions to reliably understand a command.
House training strategies
A consistent schedule leads to successful house training. Your Shih Tzu puppy needs outdoor breaks:
- Immediately after waking up
- 20 minutes after meals
- Every 2 hours for a 2-month-old puppy
- Before bedtime
Puppies under six pounds have less control of their bodies, so patience becomes essential during this process. A defined area helps prevent accidents when you can’t supervise your puppy.
Here’s a significant tip for all pet parents: punishment for accidents can create fear and anxiety in your Shih Tzu puppy. Positive reinforcement and a consistent routine work better. Most Shih Tzus can be fully housebroken in 2 to 4 months with proper guidance and patience.
Positive Reinforcement Training Methods
Positive reinforcement stands out as the most effective training approach for Shih Tzus based on my experience. This method, which serves as the life-blood of modern dog training, rewards desired behaviors instead of punishing unwanted ones.
Choosing effective rewards
Selecting the right rewards plays a vital role in successful Shih Tzu training. Your dog must find the treats high-value and suitable for training purposes. These criteria help you select the best training treats:
- Small, pea-sized pieces for quick consumption
- Soft and moist texture for easy eating
- Strong aroma to maintain interest
- Different varieties to prevent boredom
The treat size should match your Shih Tzu’s size – my clients quickly learn that even tiny pieces reward effectively.
Clicker training techniques
Clicker training works exceptionally well with Shih Tzus. A small mechanical device produces a distinct clicking sound to mark desired behaviors.
My proven approach to clicker training includes:
- Start by “loading” the clicker – pair the click with treats 10-20 times
- Click at the exact moment your Shih Tzu performs the desired behavior
- Always follow the click with a reward
- Keep training sessions short and fun
Building training routines
Consistency leads to successful Shih Tzu training. Your training routines should emphasize repetition and timing. Each dog needs different numbers of repetitions based on age and the complexity of the behavior.
Short, engaging training sessions make a significant difference. My clients see great results with 5-minute sessions that include about 5 repetitions of each exercise. This approach prevents your Shih Tzu from feeling overwhelmed or losing interest.
These tips help maximize your training success:
- Mark and reward behaviors immediately
- Use specific praise like “good sit” instead of general praise
- Maintain consistency in commands and rewards
- Practice in different locations and situations
Note that positive reinforcement extends beyond treats – it creates an environment where your Shih Tzu feels motivated to learn. Even the most stubborn Shih Tzus transform remarkably when owners apply these methods consistently.
Addressing Common Behavioral Issues
My extensive work with these adorable companions has taught me that Shih Tzus’ behavioral problems often stem from their unique personality traits. Let’s look at the most common challenges and their solutions.
Dealing with stubbornness
Shih Tzus have what I call an “independent streak.” Recent surveys show about 10% of Shih Tzus don’t listen to their owners consistently. This stubbornness isn’t defiance – your pet might need better motivation or clearer communication.
Here’s what works best:
- Use high-value rewards consistently
- Break commands into smaller, manageable steps
- Keep training sessions short and focused
- Skip harsh corrections or punishment
Note that: Your Shih Tzu’s apparent stubbornness might just be their way of saying, “Show me why I should do this!”
Preventing excessive barking
Barking issues affect about 8% of Shih Tzus. These dogs are generally quieter than other breeds, but certain triggers can make them bark excessively. Doorbells, visitors, and outdoor sights top the list of common triggers.
The “quiet” command works well when you:
- Wait for a brief pause in barking
- Mark and reward the silence right away
- Build up the duration of quiet time
- Stay calm throughout
Managing separation anxiety
Separation anxiety affects about 12% of Shih Tzus. These dogs’ breeding as companion animals makes them vulnerable to distress when left alone.
Watch for these signs:
- Excessive vocalization right after you leave
- Destructive behavior near exits
- Constant following from room to room
- Clear distress during pre-departure routines
My training programs emphasize positive associations with alone time. A predictable routine and gradual increase in separation duration help substantially. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys and good exercise before departure reduce anxiety symptoms.
Severe cases need an integrated approach:
- Desensitization to departure cues
- A safe, comfortable space
- Structured exercise routines
- Possible vet consultation for extra support
These strategies have helped many Shih Tzus overcome their behavioral challenges while keeping their loving, companion nature intact.
Advanced Training and Enrichment
Your Shih Tzu can learn advanced skills once they master the simple commands. My experience shows that advancing their training deepens their bond with you and stimulates their mind. I’ve trained hundreds of Shih Tzus and can tell you these smart dogs pick up complex behaviors with the right motivation.
Teaching complex commands
My advanced training sessions build upon simple commands with more sophisticated variations. Shih Tzus typically need 20-30 repetitions to grasp a new command. Complex commands need extra patience. Here’s what I suggest to teach advanced skills:
- Start with command combinations (sit-stay-come)
- Progress to distance work
- Add duration challenges
- Incorporate distractions
- Practice in different environments
Mental stimulation exercises
Mental exercise tires Shih Tzus as much as physical activity. I’ve created a complete set of enrichment activities that keep these clever dogs busy:
- Puzzle feeders and interactive toys
- Hide-and-seek games with treats
- Scent work exercises
- Problem-solving challenges
- Memory games with hidden objects
Dogs that get regular mental stimulation show less hyperactivity and destructive behaviors. The key is consistency – just 5-15 minutes of daily training exercises can tire your Shih Tzu mentally.
Agility and trick training
Shih Tzus can excel in performance sports with proper preparation. They should be at least 18 months old before starting agility training. This gives their bodies time to develop and builds a solid obedience foundation.
My approach to successful agility training focuses on:
- Building confidence through positive experiences
- Teaching body awareness exercises
- Developing flexibility through specific movements
- Introducing equipment gradually
Shih Tzus love learning complex behaviors like figure eights, bow commands, and weaving patterns. These activities stimulate their minds and improve their flexibility and coordination.
Training sessions should stay upbeat and happy while marking incorrect behaviors appropriately. Shih Tzus respond well to problem-solving challenges. I’ve watched them master complex tricks with proper guidance and motivation.
Note that these advanced training exercises build confidence, improve cognitive function, and strengthen your bond with your Shih Tzu. Shih Tzus might not have the natural drive of working breeds, but their intelligence and problem-solving abilities lead to impressive achievements.
Conclusion
Successful Shih Tzu training depends on understanding their unique personality and using the right strategies consistently. My experience working with these charming companions has shown numerous success stories when owners embrace positive reinforcement methods and establish early training foundations.
Each Shih Tzu learns at their own pace, and patience plays a significant role in their development. These intelligent dogs might display their stubborn streak occasionally, yet their eagerness to please makes them capable of mastering simple commands and advanced tricks.
Your Shih Tzu’s training success stems from solid foundations, regular routines, and rewarding learning experiences. The time you invest in addressing behavioral challenges or teaching complex exercises will transform your Shih Tzu into a well-mannered companion that brings joy to your home.
FAQs
Q1. What are effective methods for disciplining a Shih Tzu? The most effective approach is to use positive reinforcement techniques. Reward desired behaviors with treats and praise, while gently redirecting or ignoring unwanted behaviors. Consistency and patience are crucial for successful training.
Q2. How can I address my Shih Tzu’s stubbornness during training? To tackle stubbornness, use high-value rewards consistently, break commands into smaller steps, and keep training sessions short and focused. Avoid harsh corrections and instead focus on making training engaging and rewarding for your Shih Tzu.
Q3. What strategies can help with house training a Shih Tzu puppy? Establish a consistent schedule for taking your puppy out, including after meals, naps, and playtime. Use positive reinforcement for successful potty breaks and avoid punishment for accidents. Most Shih Tzus can be fully housebroken within 2 to 4 months with proper guidance and patience.
Q4. How can I manage separation anxiety in my Shih Tzu? Create positive associations with alone time by establishing a predictable routine and gradually increasing separation duration. Provide mental stimulation through puzzle toys and ensure adequate exercise before departure. For severe cases, consider desensitization training and consult with a veterinarian for additional support.
Q5. Are Shih Tzus capable of learning advanced tricks and commands? Yes, Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs capable of learning complex behaviors when properly motivated. They excel in activities like puzzle games, scent work, and even agility training when introduced gradually. Consistent, short training sessions and positive reinforcement are key to teaching advanced skills to your Shih Tzu.
