Shih Tzus Training
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Did you know that?
...Shih Tzus
are very happy and sociable?
...they are less nervous and yappy than most other small breed dogs?
...they have special treats that set them apart from other dogs?
...Shih Tzus may need specific techniques when training them that differ from
other dog's training?
Training your Shih Tzu
A Shih Tzu is a small breed of dogs. Shih Tzus have distinctive characteristics to their breed. They are a small, yet sturdy, and have long body and legs. Their fur is long and flowing and can have different colors. They don’t need much exercise and are always happy and playful. They are friendly with strangers, even more than smaller dog breeds. They are not yappy compared to other small dog breeds.
Shih Tzus are very sensitive and can suffer from separation anxiety. They shouldn’t be left alone too much; otherwise they can become destructive and barky. They are stubborn, so sometimes changing their bad ways can be a challenge. Their long coat needs frequent brushing and trimming. Shih Tzus can develop breathing problems, so pay attention to any snorting, snoring or sniffling. House breaking these puppies can sometimes be difficult.
One important factor you should keep in mind when training your Shih Tzu is that they can think of themselves as humans and be on the same level as their owners. The key part of their training is consistence and firmness. They are very intuitive and can sense different tones in their owner’s voice.
They are very affectionate and love cuddling, snuggling and being pampered. These are positive rewards that you can use when training your Shih Tzu puppy.
You can use a puppy training crate to housebreak them. Keep in mind that after they are 12 weeks old it is important to have a schedule for feeding them, give them water and taking them outside. This schedule should allow them feeding every few hours, watering several times a day, and letting them outside 5 or 6 times a day. After 12 weeks, you can your puppy feed less frequently, but you will still need to give them water and let them out frequently up until they are at least six months old. Housebreaking depends on vigilance and patience, and it is not unusual for puppy crate training to take 4 to 6 months.
Because of their small size and body shape they have their food and water in smaller, yet more frequent sessions, and tend to need to go outdoors more frequently than larger dogs. The Shih Tzus can develop some health problems such as disk problems because of their long back, and can have joint, kidney and skin problems.
Breathing problems can happen because of their short snout. Having a Shih Tzu in hot and humid weather can increase the chance of them having heat stroke. Do not leave your Shih Tzu outside in hot weather for long periods of time, and make sure that their puppy training crate is large enough for them to turn around, and is kept in a cool, comfortable place when you are away.
Remember they can have separation anxiety so try not to leave them alone for long periods of time because they can be destructive and chew up anything they come across when they are nervous. The best toys you can get to your Shih Tzu are hard rubber toys but remember they can’t be too small to avoid choking.
Training a Shih Tzu demands consistence and following a schedule to the letter. Keep in mind they can take longer to train than other breeds.
Singing Shih Tzu
