Becoming the parent of a Shih Tzu can bring endless joy and excitement to your life. However, understanding the unique needs and characteristics of this charming little breed is important to ensuring they thrive in your home. This guide will help you navigate the essential aspects of Shih Tzu training, combining practical tips with insights into their delightful personality. Let’s begin!

1. Shih Tzus Love Being Heard!

Understanding Shih Tzu Barking

Shih Tzus are known for their vocal nature. They inherited this trait from their ancestors, who served as alarm dogs in Chinese palaces. Barking for a Shih Tzu is often a way to express excitement, alertness, or even anxiety. Understanding why your Shih Tzu barks is the first step to managing this behavior.

Why Shih Tzus Bark Excessively

Excessive barking can be triggered by a variety of factors, including boredom, attention-seeking, or fear. They might bark when they see strangers, hear unusual noises, or feel anxious when left alone. Identifying the root cause of the barking is critical to addressing it effectively.

How to Stop Shih Tzu Barking in 5 Steps

1. When your Shih Tzu starts barking, calmly say “Quiet” in a firm but relaxed tone. Never yell, as this can make them bark more.
2. Wait for even a brief pause in the barking, then immediately reward with a treat and calm praise so they connect silence with something positive.
3. If your Shih Tzu still doesn’t stop, show them the treat to capture their attention, and reward as soon as they pause.
4. Practice this in short, consistent sessions until they begin responding to the command even without seeing the treat.
5. Be patient and consistent. This process might take some time, but with regular practice, your Shih Tzu will learn to associate the “Quiet” command with stopping barking.

These steps will help reduce Shih Tzu barking, but it’s important to remember this behavior is often a sign of deeper issues such as anxiety, attention-seeking, or fear.

And until those root issues are addressed directly, they’ll continue to cause you problems with your Shih Tzu in other areas.

“Okay, so how do I do that then?”

By developing your dog’s intelligence, that’s how! When they get the mental stimulation they desperately need in a loving, fun, and instructional way, all their behavioral problems start to disappear fast.

To make this happen, you’ll play 21 “brain” games created by Adrienne, a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer whose work has been featured in USA Today and Every Dog magazine. See her amazing results in this video with a dog named Maggie (scroll down).

Adrienne’s training games will end bad behavior while also teaching your dog to sit, lie down, stay, heel, drop, and walk calmly by your side. It’s simple, and it will be an absolute blast for you both. She explains exactly how her system works here, go take a look!

2. Shih Tzu Socialization: Building Confidence

Socializing your Shih Tzu is important for creating a well-rounded dog. Introduce them to various environments, people, and other animals while they are still young. Positive experiences will build their confidence and reduce fear-based behaviors.

3. Shih Tzu Loose Leash Walking: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start in a distraction-free environment like your home or backyard.
2. Attach a harness and leash to your Shih Tzu.
3. Hold the leash loosely, allowing some slack, and start walking.
4. If your Shih Tzu pulls, stop walking immediately and stand still. Wait for them to return to you before continuing.
5. Reward your Shih Tzu frequently with treats and praise when they walk without pulling.
6. Gradually increase the level of distractions as your Shih Tzu improves.

4. Shih Tzu House Training: Patience is Key

House training a Shih Tzu requires patience and consistency. Start by setting a regular feeding schedule and taking them outside frequently, especially after meals. Praise and reward them when they successfully go outdoors, and be consistent with your routine.

5. Shih Tzu Separation Anxiety: Preventative Steps

Shih Tzus can develop separation anxiety if not properly conditioned to be alone. Start by leaving them alone for short periods and gradually increase the duration. Provide toys and treats to keep them occupied and create a positive association with alone time.

6. Shih Tzu Grooming: Making it a Positive Experience

Regular grooming is a must for Shih Tzus. Their luxurious coats require daily brushing to avoid matting. Make grooming a positive experience by rewarding your Shih Tzu with treats and praise during and after each session to help them associate it with good things.

7. Shih Tzu Exercise: Keeping Active

While Shih Tzus are small, they still need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Short daily walks combined with playtime in the yard or indoors will keep them physically and mentally stimulated. They love interactive toys and games like fetch.

8. Shih Tzu Tricks: Teaching Commands

Shih Tzus are intelligent and enjoy learning new tricks. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Use positive reinforcement techniques, offering treats and praise to encourage good behavior and make learning fun for your Shih Tzu.

9. Shih Tzu Eating Habits: Healthy Diet

Establishing healthy eating habits for your Shih Tzu is important for their overall well-being. Feed them a balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Avoid giving them table scraps and monitor their weight to prevent obesity.

10. Shih Tzu Crate Training: Creating a Safe Space

Crate training can provide your Shih Tzu with a safe and comfortable space they can call their own. Introduce the crate gradually, making it a positive experience by placing treats and toys inside. Never use the crate as a punishment.

11. Shih Tzu Playtime: Keeping Them Engaged

Shih Tzus love to play and stay engaged with their family. Provide a variety of toys and rotate them regularly to keep your Shih Tzu interested. Interactive play with you will strengthen your bond and ensure they get the mental and physical stimulation they need.

12. Shih Tzu Health: Regular Vet Check-Ups

Regular vet check-ups are important to keep your Shih Tzu in good health. Schedule annual wellness exams and stay up-to-date with vaccinations and preventative care. Talk to your vet about any concerns you have regarding your Shih Tzu’s health.

Shih Tzu FAQs

How often should I groom my Shih Tzu?

Grooming should be done on a daily basis to prevent mats and tangles in their coat. Additionally, regular grooming sessions include trimming their nails, cleaning their ears, and brushing their teeth to keep them in top shape.

Are Shih Tzus good with children?

Yes, Shih Tzus are generally good with children. Their affectionate and gentle nature makes them great family pets. However, it is important to supervise interactions between young children and your Shih Tzu to ensure safe and respectful handling.

How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need?

Shih Tzus do not require extensive exercise but benefit from a couple of short walks each day along with some playtime. They enjoy engaging activities and interactive play that provide both mental and physical stimulation.

Can Shih Tzus live in apartments?

Yes, Shih Tzus can adapt well to apartment living due to their small size. Ensure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Regular outdoor walks and play sessions will help meet their activity needs.

How can I manage my Shih Tzu’s tear stains?

Tear stains are a common issue with Shih Tzus due to their facial structure. To manage tear stains, gently clean the area around their eyes daily with a damp cloth. Talk to your vet about possible underlying causes and appropriate treatments.

Conclusion

Training your Shih Tzu can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your little buddy will grow into a well-behaved and happy member of your family. The effort you put into their training will pay off in the form of a loving and obedient furry pal.

P.S. Be sure to pin this so you can refer back to all the tips!