How to Train a Shitzu

The Shih Tzu breed is most frequently recognized as dogs of the Tibetan holy monks and, more recently, as wonderful household companions and friends. They are a small breed, and though many Shih Tzus spend a good portion of their day lounging around as house pets, they can benefit immensely from simple training.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Collar
• Lead
• Treats
• Toys

1. Housebreak your dog by giving him a happy, gentle command, such as "Potty time," and leading him to the designated area. Wait for the dog to go, and immediately upon his using the area, praise him and give him a favorite treat.

2. Other basic training skills are important to the health and well-being of your Shih Tzu as well. Your Shih should have a designated area in your house which she can consider to be her own, whether it is a kennel, crate or simply a quiet spot with the dog's bed and toys.

   Your Shih Tzu should be taught that the area belongs to her, and a command, such as "House" or "Bed," is good to teach the dog in case of company or other occasion that the dog should be out of the way. Give the dog the command, lead her to the bed area, and reward her when she calmly remains in the area. Repeat this idea until the dog is happy and comfortable in its quiet spot.

   "Off" is another invaluable command with any breed of dog. "Off" can mean anything from the dog getting off the furniture to telling the dog to get off a particular spot or person. Tell the dog "Off" and place it on the floor, rewarding the dog once it is down.

3. Teach simple commands, such as sit, stay, down and heel. It make any dog a more welcome and acceptable companion all around.

   Basic obedience training is beneficial to all dogs and their humans alike, and your Shih Tzu can certainly benefit as well. Basic obedience skills are simple to teach using the same command-reward system used for other skills.

   Teaching the dog to sit is the most basic of commands. Take one of your dog's favorite treats in your hand and hold it over the dog's head, and give the command "Sit." Slowly move the treat backward, encouraging the dog to sit down. As soon as the dog sits, give him the reward. Repeat these steps until the dog is consistently sitting without the use of the treat, offering praise once the dog sits.

   "Stay" is another command that is easily taught and can be extremely important in many situations. Make sure the dog is sitting, standing or laying still, and give the command "Stay" while placing your right hand in front of the dog. Slowly take a small step away from the dog. If the dog does not move, reward the dog with the treat and a release command, such as "OK."

   If the dog moves, step back into place and give the command again. Repeat this process until you can step 10 or so steps from the dog and he stays there for 30 seconds without moving. Give the release command rather than allowing the dog to get up on his own.

4. Teach the dog to lie down quietly. Take a treat in your hand and give the dog the "Down" command. Move your hand downward, encouraging the dog to lie down. Once the dog is down, praise and offer the treat. Repeat this process until you can give the command "Down" and the dog lies down without the use of the treat.

5. Teach the "Come" command after the dog has a solid sit in place. Ask the dog to sit, and take a few steps back from the dog while holding onto the end of the lead. Happily give the command "Come!" and show the dog the treat or toy in your hand while gently tugging the leash to get the dog to move towards you. Once the dog reaches you, ask the dog to sit and reward the dog once it comes and sits. Continue this process until the dog automatically comes to you and sits without the need for tugging on the lead or treats. You can eventually work farther and farther away from the dog, teaching the dog to come from greater distances. This is an extremely helpful command, especially if the dog happens to get loose from you.

6. Teach your dog the "Heel" command. Have the dog sit next to you on your left side, holding the lead in your left hand. Give the dog the command "Heel" and take a few steps forward, encouraging the dog to stay by your side. When you stop, give the dog the sit command and praise when the dog walks with you and then sits. Repeat this process until the dog consistently heels with you, neither forging forward nor lagging behind, and sits every time you stop. Staying by your side and sitting upon stopping helps keep the dog calm and under control when walking with you in busy situations, and makes for a safer and more pleasant pet all around.

Tips & Warnings

• Begin training in puppyhood. Heavy training is not recommended with young dogs, but simple skills and a solid foundation can be built while your dog is young.

• Always praise your dog and offer rewards immediately upon good behavior. If you do not praise or reward or you wait too long, your Shih Tzu will not associate the skill you are trying to teach it with a positive result and will eventually stop trying.

• Slowly wean your dog off constant reward when it performs correctly. When you first start, it is important to reward the dog with treats or toys every time it properly performs. However, eventually weaning the dog off of treats and onto just verbal praise and petting will be enough to keep the dog happy and encouraged.

• Patience is key when training a dog. Stay calm, relaxed and have fun. Your Shih Tzu will pick up on your mood, and training should be enjoyable and never a chore.

• Never discipline your dog when she does not do something right. Negative reinforcement is a poor way to attempt to teach your dog anything, as she will shut down and eventually stop listening.

• Do not try to force your Shih Tzu to do anything. Pushing, hitting or otherwise forcing your dog into position is unnecessary and frightening to your dog.