Training is needed for any four-legged member of your family. Training helps your dog understand what is expected of them and creates a sense of harmony among you and your dog. Rules and boundaries allow your dog to learn how each member of the pack is supposed to act. Shih Tzu training can be difficult at times, but the end result is well worth the investment in time.
Before you begin Shih Tzu training, you should take into account the dog’s temperament. Shih Tzus are naturally friendly and cheerful and can easily pick up on the moods of their owners. This is why you need to make sure you are not harsh when you command your dog and in your pursuit of training. If your dog feels like you are being overbearing, they will immediately cut off contact and ignore anything you command them to do. You should treat your dog as you would like to be treated in order to achieve the highest success rate.
The easiest way to achieve success during Shih Tzu training is to use positive reinforcement. These dogs love to be the center of attention, and you can easily play into this personality trait by showering them with praise when they follow commands. Shih Tzus, like children, seek attention, and if you lavish them with positive reinforcement when they do a good job, you will make them want to do the right thing more often. Since Shih Tzus aim to please their owners, this helps show them what you like most instead of berating them for any mistakes they might make.
There are two types of Shih Tzu training: behavioral and obedience. No matter which type of training you choose to work on with your dog, they are both tied together. The behavior of your dog plays in with how obedient your dog will be. This is why it is important to not only teach your dog how to behave but also to work on its obedience. If you are patient with your dog and praise them constantly, obedience and behavioral training should improve together.
The easiest way to achieve behavior or obedience Shih Tzu training success is to show your dog that you are the pack leader. You want to run your household instead of your dog. Once you have shown dominance, your dog will quickly become more acceptable to following your directions. You can show your dog that you are the pack leader by acting as a leader. You should remain in control at all times and make positive decisions regarding your subordinates. You will need to clearly show your dog what is acceptable and what isn’t while remaining calm and level-headed. Remember, acting out or showing aggression does not show you are the pack leader and will only cause problems.
Shih Tzu training might not always be a cakewalk, but the end result is well worth all the effort both you and your dog put into it. Having a well-behaved dog and a harmonious household is definitely achievable with patience and kindness.
