Training Your Shih Tzu to Be a Shih Tzu
The Chinese Shih Tzu is colloquially referred to as the “Lion Dog”, so you can already tell that you will have your work cut out for you in your Shih Tzu training.
They are a small dog, with large deep dark eyes, a soft long double coat, and a bark twice their size.
Their ears are covered with long fur, and their furred tail is always curled over their back. The Shih Tzu naturally carry themselves with a distinctly arrogant bearing, so your dog’s training must concentrate on instilling a more acceptable public demeanor.
Shih Tzu Training For Breed Specific Issues
This is a massive dog compressed into a little body, but that only serves to make your training schedule twice as demanding. While already and overly-animated dog, the Shih Tzu is easily spoiled, becoming arrogant and snappy. It is important that your Shih Tzu obedience training does not overuse reward treats. This breed demands rewards at all times, and it is imperative that you enforce your alpha status early. Do not become a soft touch, or an easy pushover.
Click Here To Correct Your Shih Tzu’s Obedience
Problems Right Now!
When implementing your Shih Tzu obedience training, remember that they are short-muzzled dogs, sensitive to high temperatures. When they drink, water can enter their noses easily, inhibiting their breathing. The area surrounding their eyes must be checked on a daily basis, to prevent mucus build-up. As part of training, the provision of water that does not contain chlorine, helps to keep eye mucus to a minimum.
The most effective Shih Tzu training must address their notoriously independent “what’s in it for me?” attitude, immense stubbornness, and they’re highly manipulative nature. While treats make a great motivator, training must incorporate suitable exercise, otherwise they will end up fat and unhealthy. Shih Tzus do not require much more exercise than their normal everyday playing and running around. Additionally, frequent combing and brushing of the short coat, or regularly shearing, must be paid close attention.
Using Shih Tzu Training To Bring Out Their Best
Though Shih Tzus have an aristocratic demeanor, with well-defined likes and dislikes, the Shih Tzu is smart, sensitive, and responsive. Your Shih Tzu obedience training will go well if you rely on consistency, praise, and food treats as rewards. They can be notoriously hard to house train though, and your Shih Tzu training skills will definitely be put to the test.
Most Shih Tzus are trusting and very friendly with strangers. Your training and socialization must develop and enhance their outgoing temperament. They are exceptionally peaceful with other pets and animals within their own environment.
Shih Tzu Training Recommendations
Shih Tzus are friendly lap dogs which were purpose-bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty. Some believe that living in the imperial palace gave them it’s arrogant quality, though they are all so adaptable and dedicated to their owners. They stand up for themselves, though typically playful, sweet, and trusting. While not the most intelligent dog, it has the highest ability for intelligence training. Shih Tzus do not need as much exercise as larger dogs, but suffer from the same health difficulties as other small breed dogs.
Click Here To Correct Your Shih Tzu’s Obedience
Problems Right Now!
Related Articles:
Weimaraner Training
Stop Digging Dogs
Obedience Training For Puppies
Beagle Training
How To Stop a Dog Barking
Back to Home Page: Dog Obedience Training | Dog Training Tips
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
