Shih Tzu Puppy Training

Shih Tzus are typically happy, alert small dogs and a Shih Tzu puppy is always adorable.  Like all small dogs they can benefit from good socialization and patient puppy training.  Shih Tzu puppy training should be fun for you puppy and teach him good manners.

Socialization

Shih Tzu puppies are usually very gentle, happy and lively little dogs.  However, they do require socialization in order to avoid developing some problems later on.  Like many small dogs, unless you make the effort to socialize your Shih Tzu puppy well and establish yourself as the person in charge, you may find that your Shih Tzu will try to take advantage of you as an adult dog and run the house.

This can result in a dog that may snap or growl, exhibit separation anxiety, guard food or show other undesirable behaviors.  Good socialization from an early age should prevent these behaviors from developing.

As soon as your Shih Tzu puppy has had all of his vaccinations you should begin taking him to pet stores, parks and other places where he can meet friendly people and other friendly dogs.  Take dog treats with you so you can give them to people who pet your puppy.  Encourage friendly people to pet your Shih Tzu puppy.  When you meet people with friendly dogs ask if your puppy can meet their dog.  Make sure your puppy is on a leash and do control the meeting so your puppy doesn’t jump on the other dog.  These dog-to-dog meetings teach your puppy proper canine etiquette.

Puppy Preschool

You can also enroll your Shih Tzu puppy in a puppy kindergarten class or puppy preschool.  These classes are often offered by pet stores, kennel clubs and animal shelters.  Your puppy would be in class with other puppies, teaching him more about socialization.  The classes teach some basic manners and basic commands.  And your puppy would be meeting more friendly people to pet him.

Training At Home

You can work on training your Shih Tzu puppy at home, too.  Choose a flat buckle nylon collar and leash for your Shih Tzu puppy.  You probably won’t want to buy an expensive collar since your puppy will quickly outgrow it.  Your leash should be four to six feet long and can match the collar.

Work on puppy training basics such as teaching your Shih Tzu puppy to come when called, to sit and to walk on a leash.  Any puppy over 8 weeks old should be able to master these commands fairly quickly.  If you have a couple of 10-15 minutes training sessions with your puppy each day, he should learn very quickly.  Try to have training sessions each day.  Your puppy has short attention spans and he will quickly forget his lessons if you skip days.

As far as Shih Tzu puppy training goes, the most important thing to remember is to keep it fun. Your puppy will be happy to learn anything you want to teach him as long as it’s fun.  Make learning a game for your Shih Tzu puppy and he will be eager to learn.

You can use several different approaches as you train your Shih Tzu puppy.  Some puppies respond best to toys.  Others like food treats.  Or, you may wish to try clicker training.  All of these methods are very easy and positive.

If you do need to correct your puppy remember to be firm but gentle.  There is no reason to be harsh with a puppy or dog.  It will only make your puppy stop wanting to learn.