While having a trained Shih Tzu is not the same as having a well-balanced one, teaching basic training commands can be helpful in dealing with behavioral problems, whether existing or potential ones in the future.
So where do you start in teaching commands to your Shih Tzu? While taking a class may be beneficial for you and your Shih Tzu, there are many dog training commands you can teach your Shih Tzu at home.
Successful training is a rewarding part of owning a Shih Tzu, as well as a lovely way for both of you to bond and build a good relationship. Whether young or old, all Shih Tzus can benefit from learning some basic commands in an easy way. If basics like sit, stay, lie down, and come are what you’re looking for, look no further…
What are the benefits of training my Shih Tzu?
Teaching your Shih Tzu basic obedience commands like sit, wait, and come when called gives them the freedom to do things they enjoy, like escaping the leash and going with you to meet friends and family, while being safe and under control.
Furthermore, Shih Tzus are intelligent animals and love to learn, so training can be a great way to prevent them from getting bored.
How do Shih Tzus learn?
All training should be based on rewards. Giving your Shih Tzu something they really like, such as food, toys, or praise, when they exhibit a certain behavior, makes it more likely for them to do it again.
It’s important to figure out what your Shih Tzu really likes and what their favorite things are. Favorite treats are usually small pieces of meat or cheese. The better the reward, the more your Shih Tzu will enjoy training and learning!
Easy way to train a Shih Tzu
Minimize distractions – always start training sessions for new tricks in a quiet room in your home, away from any distractions.
Break training into short but regular sessions so that your Shih Tzu doesn’t get overwhelmed.
Be patient – just like us, all dogs learn at different paces, so don’t worry if your dog doesn’t grasp things immediately.
Always end with something your Shih Tzu knows, so that the session ends on a positive note.
Have fun – training is a great way for you to bond with your Shih Tzu!
Learn the basics
Our guides can help you with the basics of training your Shih Tzu in the easiest way, but we also recommend dog training classes – especially for more advanced methods like clicker training.
If you have any issues, try seeking advice from a qualified behavior specialist. They specialize in behavioral issues such as excessive barking, aggression, destructiveness, and phobias. You can also rely on the help of a dog training instructor if you need extra assistance.
Sit
Teaching your dog to sit is one of the most basic commands to teach your puppy, making it a great place to start. A dog that knows the “Sit” command will be much calmer and easier to control than dogs that haven’t learned this simple command. Plus, the “Sit” command sets your dog up for more difficult commands like “Stay” and “Come.”
Here’s how to teach your Shih Tzu the command: Sit
Hold a treat close to your Shih Tzu’s nose.
Move your hand up, allowing their head to follow the treat and their bottom to lower.
Once they are sitting, say “Sit,” give them the treat, and share affection.
Repeat this sequence a few times every day until your dog masters it. Then, ask your dog to sit before meals, when going for a walk, and in other situations where you’d like them to be calm and seated.
Come
Another important command for your dog to learn is the word “come.” This command is extremely useful for those moments when you lose control of the leash or accidentally leave the front door open. Again, this command is easy to teach and will help keep your dog out of trouble.
Put a leash and collar on your Shih Tzu.
Get down to their level and say, “Come,” while gently pulling on the leash.
When they reach you, reward them with affection and a treat.
After mastering it on the leash, remove the leash and continue practicing the command in a safe and enclosed area.
Down
This next command is one of the more challenging dog training commands to teach. The reason it can be difficult for your Shih Tzu to master this command is that it requires them to be in a submissive position. You can help your Shih Tzu by keeping the training positive and relaxed, especially if they are fearful or anxious. Also, remember to always praise your Shih Tzu as soon as they follow the command successfully.
Find a treat with a particularly enticing smell and hold it in a closed hand.
Place your hand near your dog’s nose. When they sniff it, move your hand to the ground, leading them to follow.
Next, slide your hand along the ground in front of them to encourage their body to follow their head.
Once they are in the lying position, say “Down,” give them the treat, and share affection.
Repeat this training every day. If your dog tries to sit or move toward your hand, say “No” and remove your hand. Don’t push them down and encourage every step your dog takes toward the correct position. After all, they’re working hard to figure it out!
Stay
Similar to the “Sit” command, the “Stay” command will help make your Shih Tzu easier to control. This command can be useful in various situations, such as when you want your dog to move out of the way while you tend to household tasks or when you don’t want your dog to overwhelm guests.
Before attempting to teach this command to your Shih Tzu, make sure they are an expert in the “Sit” command. If they haven’t mastered the “Sit” command yet, take some time to practice it with them before moving on to the “Stay” command.
First, ask your Shih Tzu to “Sit.”
Then, open your palm in front of you and say “Stay.”
Take a few steps back. Reward them with a treat and affection if they stay.
Gradually increase the number of steps you take before giving the treat.
Always reward your puppy for staying – even if it’s only for a few seconds.
This is an exercise in self-control for your Shih Tzu, so don’t be discouraged if it takes them a little while to master, especially for puppies and high-energy dogs. After all, most dogs prefer to be on the move rather than just sitting and waiting.
Leave It
This final command can help keep your Shih Tzu safe when their curiosity gets the best of them, like in those moments when they sniff something intriguing but possibly dangerous on the ground. The goal is to teach your puppy that they get something even better by ignoring the other item.
Place a treat in both of your hands.
Show them a closed fist with the treat inside and say “Leave it.”
Ignore any behaviors while they lick, sniff, paw, and bark to try to get the treat.
Once they stop trying, give them the treat from the other hand.
Repeat until your Shih Tzu consistently moves away from that first fist when you say “Leave it.”
Next, give your Shih Tzu the treat