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Shih Tzu Training
Nobody can protest that one of the cutest dog breeds is the Shih Tzu. On the contrary, the training you need for these dogs takes a whole lot of difference because these lovable cute little dogs are not that patient. That’s the reason why they need a special kind of Shih Tzu dog trainingto control aggressive Shih Tzu behavior.
Shih Tzu is Different
Training a Shih Tzu is difficult. A Shit Tzu belongs to the more independent breed that needs a lot of patience. He wants to be free and go for anything he wants. He has the incredible power to wait until you get out and get what he wants. Can you see now that he can make his own smart moves?
But you must always put in your conscious mind that you little friend is only a dog that cannot outsmart you. He is a cute little darling that needs care and proper animal treatment. However, you don’t need to treat your Shih Tzu like a person or you lose control over him.
Remember also, that a lack of training can put your Shih Tzu at risk. He can get into trouble because Shih Tzu dogs have the attitude that makes them charge easily. And how about his small back if he gets here and there, or up and down too much? You can train him to align this kind of Shih Tzu behavior.
The Basics of Shih Tzu Dog Training
Start the training while your Shih Tzu is young. Your puppy needs a lot of exercise. Shih Tzu dogs are small in general, but they are so full of energy. You got to let them use the energy rather than let them turn your indoor upside down. Once your Shih Tzu gets enough exercise, it will be easier to start the training but you have to make a careful plan.
- Short Period Sessions: Training should start with short sessions. A Shih Tzu behavior is hard to develop if he grows impatient
of long sessions. Once he decides not to follow he won’t listen no matter how hard you try. What you may get is an aggressive Shih Tzu behavior.
- Basic First: Just like any breed of dogs, Shih Tzu training tips must always start with the basics such as sit, stay, lie down, etc. a Shih Tzu must be limited from climbing and jumping on the furniture and stairs. Early lessons about these things can prevent dog injuries.
- Clicker Training: Shih Tzu training works well with the clicker method. A Shih Tzu responds well to the sharp sound of a clicker that can be heard from a distance.
- Treats and Rewards: Punishing a Shih Tzu or any dog for that matter is not an effective way to train a dog but he will only become more stubborn and aggressive. You can use rewards for a good behavior; that’s called positive reinforcement. Shih Tzu dogs love treats and physical attention.
Shih Tzu dog training is an experience where you can learn how to be patient and energetic too. Seeing that your dog learns is veryrewarding too. The important thing that matters when you train your Shih Tzu is to teach him to behave like you’re the leader of the pack and you’re in control.
Training a Shih Tzu Puppy
The origin of Shih Tzu lacks clear delineation. There are different theories about its origin. The most popular among them is that the breed was introduced from Tibet to China; and imported to England and Norway in the 30s. A Shih Tzu carries himself proudly with happy mood, always sweet in nature he is less yappy.
How to Choose a Puppy and train them
Planning to buy a Shih Tzu puppy? It will cost you something big. Considering the cost, choose one which is not younger than 8 weeks. Shih Tzu puppies have high mortality rates in their early days of life. Choose a friendly puppy, you can tell immediately if one is aggressive. It is advisable to have it checked by a veterinarian to make sure it is free from health problems.
Shih Tzu puppy training should start when it has learned how to socialize. Even if the puppy is already 10 weeks old, socialization with other dogs and people is the first thing before the actual training begins to avoid aggressive Shih Tzu behavior.
The Training Process
Shih Tzu dog training should start with basic house training as soon as the puppy is old enough. The crate training is highly recommended to confine your dog when you are not around to look after him. The puppy will get used to his house and learn to like it. The crate prevents accidents caused by the dog moving and playing around the house.
After the basics, the puppy must learn that he is in a place where there is a master and you must be the leader who dominate and not the other way around. The puppy will learn not to bite using toys and creating a crying face and sound to show him that biting hurts. Restrain him from getting on the sofa and do not allow him to sleep with you in your bed. The crate is the place for the puppy to sleep and use it as much as possible.
The Shih Tzu dog training obedience phase follows when the puppy is between 3 and 6 months of age. The basic commands during this training phase are:
- Sitting
- Staying
- Lying down
- Focusing on you
- Waiting inside doors
- Coming when called
- Walking without pulling the leash
A Shih Tzu puppy may not want to follow your command; it’s natural because of its playful nature, but it is intelligent enough to pick up your cues and eventually follow.
Training Shih Tzu Puppies is Giving Them Protection
By nature a Shih Tzu is sweet, friendly and curious and wants to explore many things and places. But this doesn’t mean one cannot be an aggressive Shih Tzu.
- They can learn not to run after vehicles.
- To pause on street curves.
- Not to run away from you in public and not to go far out of sight.
If and when you are sure that your dog listens when called to return, that is the only time you can take off its leash. A Shih Tzu is carefree and has chances of running away if unleashed.
Getting a new little Shih Tzu is exciting but training it is a tough job. After your Shih Tzu puppy training he will grow well; you’ll get the most loyal and attentive friend of all that always stays at your side to follow your command. This is only possible when you set the rules in early puppyhood, and be consistent in implementing them the rest of your Shih Tzu’s life.
Clicker Training is a method of training a dog wherein a treat or reward is given after click. It is a simple but efficient way of Shih Tzu dog training on how to follow basic instructions. You can master clicker training easily and make your dog learn anything the easy way.
What is a clicker and how does it work?
A clicker is simply a small gadget composed of a metal strip inside a plastic box. You just need to press it to make a sharp sound which can be heard by a dog from a distance of more than 20 yards.
A Shih Tzu learns the positive effects of a clicker…that is getting a treat after a job well done. That’s why you have to get ready with your dog’s favorite treats as soon as the Shih Tzu dog training begins.
The Shih Tzu does not listen to the clicker at the beginning of the training. The way to do it is to tell the dog that he did a good job and reward him for that immediately following a click. A command given at this stage may be difficult for the dog to pick up.
Shih Tzu Training Tips Using Clicker
To start your Shih Tzu’s clicker training, follow these 3 simple steps.
- Get the Shih Tzu behavior such as sitting, rolling, etc. by making it follow your verbal command. Then after performing what you wanted, sound the clicker immediately to mark it as a good job and reward it with a treat.
- A Shih Tzu remembers what behavior it was after 2 or 3 marks. The clicker dog training is effective in such a way that a dog can respond immediately anticipating that a reward is waiting and remembers it easily than a word command.
- The Shih Tzu gets used to the behavior and the reward, but you must continue to make the Shih Tzu behavior stronger without giving treats all the time. Showing appreciation and patting the dog can take the place of treats.
Shifting from Clicker to Command
You can shift from clicker dog training (after your Shih Tzu has learned the behavior well) to command training. Just say the command before you click and follow it with a reward. The dog learns how to connect all three very quickly.
After a good clicker training your Shih Tzu can respond to verbal command; praise the dog and give some patting on the head and body as reward and the dog quickly learns. Eventually, the dog will learn without the need for treats and praise but is more aware that when he obeys, it makes both of you happy.
Shih Tzu training tips using clicker training is very simple and effective in many ways. It also allows a total hands-off training (but of course you need to give the treats). It means you don’t need to hold the dog’s body to teach the tricks which usually makes the learning process slow. By using the sharp clicking sounds of the clicker you can mark a dog’s behavior and see how well it works for your dog and how simple it is for you to use.
Shih Tzu Obedience Training
Benefits from Getting Your Dog into Shih Tzu Dog Training
Your Shih Tzu puppy training teaches him how to respond to specific commands; this helps prevent you from having an aggressive Shih Tzu. That must include you as the owner who must learn how to give the commands. You must be a part of the training because the dog lives with you. Here are more insights about training your Shih Tzu.
- Leadership Training: Shih Tzu obedience training teaches the dog owner how to make the dog obey. The Shih Tzu behavior must be repeated once back in the house. If your dog is initially an aggressive Shih Tzu, it will be much easier to make him obedient.
- Basic Commands Training: The same training will teach your Shih Tzu the simple and basic commands such as sit, stay, quiet
and speak, etc. Learning these basics makes it easier for your dog to respond when needed. These Shih Tzu behaviors can serve as the basic foundation of learning more in later life.
- A Biting or Barking Shih Tzu: It’s a big problem if a dog has this attitude. An aggressive Shih Tzu with this issue needs a special kind of obedience training to control it and make sure it will not go further. Biting is a natural instinct of a dog which can be corrected during early puppyhood.
Walking the Shih Tzu: It’s not funny when you get pulled when you’re walking the dog on the streets. A good obedience training teaches you how to control your aggressive Shih Tzu from pulling you around, teach the dog not to run away far from you, how to sit and stay at corners when told, and not to chase cars and other dogs.
Shih Tzu obedience training is very important and can help resolve some problems likely to pop up later in the house. If your Shih Tzu is less than one year old and hasn’t gone to obedience training, it’s never too late to get him into one and have the many benefits from it.
Carry On With the Training
The training should not stop the moment the course adjourns. That is only the start of your Shih Tzu behaviors’ formation. The basic tricks learned from the training must be carried on at home, with you taking control of the ground all the time. This means everybody in the house must also learn how to carry on the things involved in the training.
The key in obedience training is being CONSISTENT. It makes your commands effective for your Shih Tzu to follow and grow with it.
Tips on Housetraining Shih Tzu Dogs
The Shih Tzu dog is one of the friendliest breed of dogs ideal for companion because of its small build and friendly behavior. It seems they exist just to please their owners. They are characterized with their alertness which makes dog obedience training less complicated. This includes housetraining them which should be carried consistently everyday to build trust and positive relation with the dog.
The Right Age
Obedience training for dogs especially for a Shih Tzu dog can be done as it reaches 3 to 5 months of age. This is when the puppy reaches full development of its brain and body’s physical functions. You need to be patient and be ready for some untoward incidents when housetraining begins. The key is to be consistent and your dog may be good with housetraining in the next few months. You’ll be happy to learn that your dog would be always trying to please you.
Difference between Male and Female Shih Tzu
Before getting a Shih Tzu, one of the things you can learn from this dog training tips is that a female one is easier to train than a male Shih Tzu dog. A female can learn how to do both liquid and solid movements once you bring her out to do so. A male Shih Tzu has the capability of reserving some of his urine for marking. That’s why if you let him loose he may urinate anywhere because he is not capable of knowing the difference between marking the indoor from the outdoor.
If you will not correct this behavior immediately, the dog will never learn that it is wrong. Choose and set a location for your dog to do its toilet business and get relief. This is where you must take it every time for this purpose. The previous visits marks this spot with the scent that signals the time for the dog to do toilet business again to get relief once you bring it there.
Follow a Fixed Schedule
Form a schedule to follow to make housetraining effective dog obedience training for your Shih Tzu. Housetraining includes scheduling a fixed time for feeding, water and exercise. Stick to fixed schedules as much as possible to develop a routine for your dog’s business concerning urine and feces. Be sure to walk the dog daily to get enough exercise and if it is impossible for you to do this because of your job, you can hire a dog walker.
Regulate Food
Give your dog food in measured amount, and give minimal treats when housetraining your dog. Avoid leaving food out to let your dog eat as it pleases because it will make housetraining more difficult. Limit water during the nights to avoid urinating in his bed and you will eventually see good results if you follow these dog training tips. It is good to reward your dog with praise or even a smack if it goes alone to the right spot.
People vary on the way they implement obedience training for dogs. The most important is that your Shih Tzu dog is loved, treated well and given all the needs of a dog that will be loyal to you all the rest of its Shih Tzu life.
Love Your Pet – Obedience Training For Dogs
Dog is the man’s best friend. In some cases, that is not true. As much you would like to have a dog as a pet, but if your dog doesn’t follow your commands you let go of your dog. Especially if they have to go to the toilet (potty) is always the major problem. A lot of dog owners find it a nuisance if their dog doesn’t know their toilet manners. Most of these owners have to have their pet undergo the obedience training for dogs’ course to avoid such problem.
Most dog owners would like to have their dogs toilet trained first and foremost. Since their call of nature can’t be perceived by anyone. Especially if your pet is young, they do it often in a day. Toilet training is difficult and would take time for your young dog. You have to be consistent in your training to make it easier and faster for your dog.
Choose a particular part of the house where it would be your dog’s area. Put newspaper on this area and his food, water, dog toys, and bed. Make it known to him that this is his area. Whenever you leave the house make sure he is confined in his area. This way he would know that this is her toilet area.
When you are in the house, you can bring him outside and let him choose a spot where he can do it. The every hour or so bring him out to let him do his thing. This would train him to hold on to his bladder and wait for you. Your love and care would make it easier and faster for him to learn. Obedience training for dogs takes a lot of effort and time is consistent to succeed in your goal.
Slowly he would learn that it is forbidden in the other area of the house except for the spot where the newspaper is. Gradually remove the newspaper on that area. Make sure that when you remove, let’s say one or two of the newspaper, that it’s enough for your dog’s potty.
Scolding him, shouting or punishing your dog for his wrongdoings is not advisable. This would make him confused and hurt. This would slow down your training. Let him feel you love and care for him and this would surely make it faster. One part of the obedience training for dogs is following orders or directions. In this training you would also be training your dog “simple tricks”. These simple tricks are simply following your commands.
Shouting or punishing your dog will not help for his obedience training. Soon you would see the result if you are consistent with your obedience training for dogs. If you are consistent it would be a routine and your dog would learn fast and easy. Just keep in mind you dog loves to please!
Do You Need A Dog Obedience School For Your Dog?
Most of the dogs can learn fast to follow directions, perform tricks and work just like people. However they do not learn these things alone; they need patience, help and consistent guidance to be successful. Some people would want to get their pets into dog obedience school just to make them safe and good companion dogs. That makes dogs pretty occupied and helps them develop self confidence.
But how many great dogs are left without anything to do all day long, bored and lonely? They find solutions to boredom through chewing, digging, barking or just laying down sleeping all day. That is not healthy. Your dog needs to learn how to follow rules, like a good member of the family so that he can go to more places and do more productive things.
Why train your dog?
Dog obedience training builds a closer bond between you and your dog. The more training he gets from you; the more he gets to understand you and what you want from him. And if you work and play with your dog you will understand him better. Dogs can be trained to work specific jobs like guarding herd, finding rodents, hunting, and working with policemen and firemen.
Training a dog is always fun and interesting. Your dog learns to meet other dogs in public and make new friends. It’s a good way to get your exercise while walking your dog. You can learn new tricks that make it fun to show around friends who will be happy to hang out with your well behaved and smart dog. Having a smart dog speaks of a responsible dog owner. How about that?
Who should train your dog?
There are dog obedience schools. There also many people who can train your dog. You can get a professional dog trainer to come to your house or let him take your dog for a couple of weeks. A family member can take the dog to a class at the park. There are training sessions at pet stores or animal’s society organizations every weekend where you can learn methods of good dog training. You can also train your dog by yourself using books and online information.
Yes! You can absolutely train your dog! There are many simple things you can teach him such as good behavior and manners, fun tricks, and how to be on guard at home. In fact you can make him obey every word you say if you can give training where he can pay attention to you without distractions. If there is another dog at sight, he will not concentrate on you. If another person is calling his name, he will be confused on whom to listen to.
How often should the training go?
First, see to it that your dog is happy while training is going on. Hold it for short periods of time. The first key is to stop the training while he is still interested and not because he is already tired; that takes about 30 minutes for some dogs and shorter for others. You can repeat the lesson later. The second key is to work on training your dog only while you are feeling good. If you are tired and frustrated, it will not help him learn, believe it! Rather play with your dog.
A dog obedience school is always a great place but remember that the lessons there are for you to learn. It is a place for you to see experts in action and ask all the questions you want, and then teach your dog at home, through patient and consistent practice.
Dog Training Tips for Shih Tzu to Accept the Collar and Lead
If you have a Shih Tzu, it is important that you know one of the most important dog training tips which is how to teach a dog accept a collar and a lead. Even if your dog is the best trained dog in the neighborhood you should not take him outside of your property without secured collar and lead. Your dog may be well-trained to go off the lead, but accidents and distractions can happen. A dog collar with your dog’s ID will be a guarantee that you can get your little friend back.
Note: There is actually no difference between a “lead” and a “leash.” According to a research the difference in use is only based on geographical location. Americans use the word leash while Europeans use the word lead. And, there is no other proper form of protection you should have with your dog outdoor than to use this tool. It is also advisable to train your pet on the lead while young.
You can teach your puppy on your own to accept a collar and a lead. But first he must learn to accept the collar on. Choose the collar that best fits your puppy. Take the measure of his neck to get a collar that will fit accordingly. Place it on and allow him to get the feel. It is but natural if he tries to pull the collar off, whine, or roll over once introduced to a collar. He will eventually get used to it, don’t worry.
All you have to do is ignore your puppy. Never punish him for this temporary resistance. Instead, distract him with interesting toys to play with, or some treats, or play with him to make him forget that he is wearing a strange tool on his neck. After he learns to accept the collar, you can put the lead. Hook it on and sit peacefully while you watch him. You must first try this within a confined area if you are not inside the house. You just allow him to drag the lead as he moves around, but see to it that he does not get snagged, stuck, or entangled on anything.
Once your Shih Tzu puppy has learned how to be comfortable walking around with the lead, that is the time for you to pick up the end and simply follow him around but do not try to control him with the lead. Avoid pulling because it will cause strain on him and will make it a bad experience enough to hate wearing it. Instead of pulling him toward you, you can encourage him to come forward toward you. If he follows give him lavish praise or hug, treat, or a toy. The key is to make the lead training as pleasant as possible.
Your pet needs a lot of practice to get familiar with walking on a lead. When he is already comfortable you can start going outside, until he can walk confidently with it. It’s so nice to display your cute stuff walking elegantly in the neighborhood pathways and introduce him to friends; at the same time giving him a great experience of how wonderful to be out there walking proudly on a lead with his pack leader whom he trusts.
These are the dog training tips about for your Shih Tzu puppy on accepting the collar and the lead. When you use them correctly, lead does not only protect your dog from getting hurt but it will also foster a better bond between you and your hairy, lovable, and huggable little companion.
