If you’re the proud new owner of a Shih Tzu puppy, you’re probably wondering how to train them. Basic obedience commands are the easiest tricks to teach and will lay the foundation for further training. There are many different ways to train your new puppy, but positive rewards with treats or clicker reward training are two of the most popular and effective. Keep reading to learn more about how to train your Shih Tzu puppy basic commands!
Basic commands like sit, down, stay, come, and leash training are essential for all dogs. But before you begin teaching your Shih Tzu puppy any tricks, it’s necessary to choose the proper training method. Positive reinforcement with treats is a great way to start, as puppies respond well to this type of reward. Clicker training is another popular method that uses a small device to make a click sound when the puppy performs the desired behavior. This method can be especially effective for Shih Tzus, who are intelligent and quick learners.
Introducing basic obedience commands
Shih Tzus are intelligent, affectionate, and make great companions. But like other dogs, they must be adequately trained to be well-behaved family members. The good news is that Shih Tzus are relatively easy to train, even tho they’re sometimes stubborn. But with patience and consistency, you should be able to teach your puppy basic commands in no time.
One of the essential things dog owners need to remember when training their puppy is to keep sessions short. Puppies have short attention spans, so it’s important to break down commands into small, manageable steps.
What are the four basic commands?
Command training a Shih Tzu puppy is essential to having a well-behaved dog.
The four basic commands are: Sit, stay, come, and down.
- Sit command is probably the most straightforward command to teach your puppy. Start by getting your puppy’s attention with a treat or toy. Then, hold the treat or toy in front of their nose and say, “sit.” As they start to sit, give them the treat or toy. Once they sit consistently, you can begin adding the verbal cue without the treat.
- Stay is another crucial command that you should teach your puppy. To do this, put your puppy in a sitting or lying position and then say, “stay.” If they stay put, give them a treat. If they get up, gently guide them back into position and try again. With enough practice, your puppy will learn to stay in one place.
- Come is an essential command for keeping your puppy safe. To teach this, put a collar and leash on your puppy and then stand a few feet away from them. Say “come” in a happy voice and then start walking backward. As your puppy comes towards you, give them lots of praise and a treat.
- Down is the final basic command that dog owners should teach their puppy. This one can be a little tricky, but with some patience, you should be able to do it. To start, have your puppy in a sitting position. Then, say “down” and hold a treat with your palm facing down, close to the ground. As your puppy goes down to get the treat, give them lots of praise. Once they are lying down consistently, you can start adding the verbal cue without the treat.
Basic commands are essential.
Teaching your Shih Tzu puppy basic commands is vital to responsible dog ownership. Once your dog has learned your commands and hand signals, begin to give lesser rewards. These commands will not only make your life easier, but they could also save your puppy’s life one day. So take the time to train your puppy, and you’ll be rewarded with a well-behaved furry friend for years to come.
“Dog training is a never-ending process of evolving.” Ivan Balabanov
Choosing the proper training method
Many people think training a puppy is difficult, but using the proper methods is relatively easy. One of the easiest ways to teach basic commands is to use positive reinforcement. This involves rewarding your Shih Tzu puppy for obeying a command, such as giving them a treat or a belly rub.
You can also use negative reinforcement, which involves punishing your puppy for disobeying a command. However, this method should be used sparingly, as it can make most dogs fearful and resistant to training.
Another easy method is the Clicker training method. More on that later.
Positive reinforcement with treats
Training your Shih Tzu puppy in basic commands is integral to being a responsible dog owner. The most important thing to remember is to use positive reinforcement, such as treats, when your puppy does something you want them to do. This will help them associate the desired behavior with something they enjoy, and they will be more likely to repeat it in the future.
Start with simple commands like “sit” and “stay,” and be sure to praise your puppy enthusiastically with a ‘good boy’ or ‘good girl’ when they obey.
As they learn more complex commands, you can phase out the treats and focus on verbal praise or other forms of positive reinforcement.
The benefits of positive reinforcement training
Positive reinforcement is a type of dog training that rewards good behavior with treats, praise, or attention.
This type of dog training is highly effective and has many benefits for puppies and their owners. Positive reinforcement training for puppies helps socialize them and get them used to be around people and other animals.
It also helps to teach them basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, and come.
This training can help owners build a bond with their puppy and establish themselves as the pack’s leader. In addition, it can help to prevent behavioral problems from developing.
It is an excellent way to start your Shih Tzu puppy’s life on the right paw.
Clicker training for Shih Tzu puppies
Another dog training method that is gaining popularity is clicker training. Clicker training is a positive reinforcement method using a clicker sound to mark desired behaviors.
The clicker is paired with a treat or other rewards, and your Shih Tzu learns that the click means they will get a goodie.
This type of dog training can be effective for many behaviors, from simple obedience commands to more complex tricks. And since it relies on positive reinforcement, it’s gentle and upbeat, making it an excellent option for you and your dog.
So if you’re looking for a training method that is effective and fun, clicker training might be the right choice for you.
Tips for housebreaking your Shih Tzu puppy
Getting a new puppy is always an exciting time. But along with all the fun comes the responsibility of housebreaking them. Puppy proofing your house and teaching them to go potty outside can be challenging, but starting early is important.
Here are a few tips to help you get started with your little guy:
- First and foremost, be patient. It will take some time, and accidents are bound to happen.
- Establish a routine. Feeding, walking, and sleeping at the exact times each day will help your puppy know when it’s time to go.
- Choose a designated potty area and take your puppy there frequently. After doing its business, praise, and give it a yummy treat!
- Never punish your puppy for having an accident. This will confuse it and make the process harder for both of you.
With patience and the right motivation, house training your Shih Tzu puppy will be a breeze! Your Shih Tzu will grow up into a well-adjusted adult dog.
Training your Shih Tzu to walk on a leash
Training your Shih Tzu to walk on a leash is simple but requires patience and consistency. Start by attaching the leash to your dog’s harness and letting them get used to the feel of it. Then, start walking with them around the house or yard, rewarding them with treats for staying by your side.
Once they are comfortable walking with you on a short leash, you can begin taking them for long walks around the neighborhood.
Remember to go slowly first, and be patient if your dog gets distracted or pulled ahead.
With time and effort, you can enjoy stress-free walks with your well-trained Shih Tzu.
FAQs on Shih Tzu training
Is crate training a Shih Tzu puppy necessary?
Many new puppy owners wonder if crate training is necessary. After all, it can be a lot of work to puppy-proof your home and potty train your new puppy. However, crate training can be valuable in helping your puppy learn good manners and become a well-behaved family member. When used correctly, crates can help to provide a safe and comfortable space for your puppy to rest and relax.
Crate training also helps establish rules and limits for your puppy, which can be crucial in preventing problem behaviors. While crate training may take effort, it can be a valuable part of raising a happy and well-adjusted puppy.
Is the Shih Tzu breed easy to train?
Many people think that Shih Tzus are difficult to train, but this is not true. You can teach your Shih Tzu basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down with patience and consistency. The key is to start training early, keep training sessions short, and reward your dog for good behavior. Shih Tzus are brilliant dogs, and they learn quickly when they are adequately motivated. However, they can also be stubborn at times. Like all dogs, Shih Tzus need a firm hand and clear boundaries to thrive.
With the right training approach, you will find that your Shih Tzu is a quick learner and an obedient companion.
Conclusion
You can train a Shih Tzu puppy basic commands very quickly. Basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and walk on a leash can be easily taught in a few short weeks. With some patience and consistency from the owner and puppy, any Shih Tzu can be successfully housebroken, and leash trained.
If you’re having difficulties training your Shih Tzu, various resources are available to assist you, including books, websites, and professional dog trainers.
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