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You need to consider
this breed’s temperament when it comes time to
train. In fact, this could apply to almost any
purebred dog that you add to your family. The
Shih-Tzu is an alert and intelligent dog, but the
dogs of the breed can sometimes be arrogant. Since
they were companions to royalty in their native
Tibet, these small dogs tend to be a bit
“standoffish” without some basic training and
attention.
With that in mind, a
new owner should know that the Shih-Tzu is a rather
gentle dog that will respond to consistent and
patient efforts to train. Two of the training tasks
that will be very important with the Shih-Tzu are
housebreaking/potty training and basic obedience
such as coming when called and staying when told to.
As with most healthy, intelligent dogs, the Shih-Tzu
will soon lose interest if training is dull and
boring. However, the owner and trainer can make the
lessons fun and productive. One key is to keep the
session short and positive. Adding some playfulness
to the training will help. To train the Shih-Tzu in
basic commands, such as coming when called, it may
be best to start with a loose leash. The new puppy
or young dog should probably not be turned loose
completely. Backing away slowly and immediately
correcting the dog if it follows is a good place to
start. In other words, you are trying to get to the
end of the leash without the dog following.
When the dog is comfortable with sitting and not
following you as you move a few feet, you can try to
say something definite such as “come” or “come here”
to get your pet to walk toward you. Again, patience
and consistency are absolutely, necessary. Some
lure, such as a toy, may help with this training.
Repetition is important, but again, the sessions
should not be too long or boring.
With patience and effort this task can result in the
owner being able to move away from the dog while it
sits still. Then, without a leash, the dog should be
able to walk to the owner on command. Of course,
this training should take place in a safe area, such
as the fenced-in yard. At no time should the new
puppy be allowed to run free, especially before
training has taken place. These simple and gentle
methods can work for several of the basic commands.
As for housetraining or housebreaking a Shih-Tzu,
some owners will tell you that the dogs of this
breed can be difficult to train. Many experts and
trainers recommend crate training for many breeds of
dog. This type of training can certainly be
successful if used properly. The crate gives the dog
a place in which it can feel safe. In addition, the
dog will have a natural tendency to keep its “den”
clean. Nevertheless, no dog should be left in the
crate all day or for any extended period.
One thing crate training does is help teach the dog
that there are certain things to be done outside and
certain things to be done in the house. The crate
also teaches that other things are okay but only in
the crate such as sleep, rest, etc. One owner found
that putting a piece of clothing they had worn in
with the puppy worked to quiet the puppy down and
calm the dog in the crate. The crate should
definitely not be a place of punishment.
In fact, if used properly, the crate can be used
sparingly. Dogs can learn if the owner uses patience
and consistency. You will have to watch for signs
such as circling and sniffing that may indicate the
pet is ready to go outside. It is also important
that the dog be praised immediately if its actions
are good. This includes going outside with the dog
so that you can praise him immediately. A
combination of crate training and other methods can
work wonders with the problem dog.
On the Web:
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Shih-Tzu Training
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Shih-Tzu Training
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