Some Shih-Tzu are naturally obedient and easily trained. They are in the minority. Shih-Tzu are one of the oldest breeds, and probably having genes from when dogs were first domesticated. Not having undergone the transformations involved in the creation of new breeds, and having been bred mostly as companions rather than as working dogs, they have not acquired traits that make them readily trainable. Nonetheless, with patience and good Shih Tzu training, they can be good companions.
A Shih-Tzu has the tendency to think of itself as a pack leader who should be obeyed rather than having to follow. As the owner of a Shih-Tzu, you will need to convince your dog that you are the leader, who must be obeyed. Find something that the dog likes, such as a treat or play. Teach him or her that to get the treat or to get you to play, he or she must perform a task. The task could be sitting, sitting up, lying down or something else you would like your Shih-Tzu to do. When your Shih-Tzu wants something, always make him or her perform a trick first to convince him or her that you are in control.
When you walk your Shih-Tzu, do not let him or her go wherever he or she wants to. When the dog tugs at the leash, stop and continue after the tugging has stopped. When you go through a doorway with your Shih-Tzu, make him or her stop and allow you to go through first. This allows your dog to see that you are the leader.
One thing Shih-Tzu frequently do when they consider you a littermate rather than the pack leader is to run away when you go near them. This problem can cause frustration for owners, but it is easy to solve. Put a collar and leash onto your Shih-Tzu and leave it on. When you need your dog, call him or her by name and step onto the leash. The dog will soon associate being called with going to you. (Be careful to warn everyone in the home, particularly elderly people, not to trip on the leash).
One mistake that Shih-Tzu owners make is to carry them around, holding them high up from the time they first acquire their new puppies. Riding around high up gives the puppies the impression of having high status and therefore not having to take orders from other pack members. If you must take your young puppy to a place where it is not safe for him or her to walk on the ground, try using a dog stroller which will keep your Shih-Tzu safe but close to the ground. A carrier bag which will allow you to hold your puppy at your side is another possibility.
Many Shih-Tzu owners like having their dogs share their beds like Teddy bears, and this can be comforting. It can also be a problem if your dog feels that he is your equal, being on the largest, highest bed in the house. It might be better to buy a dog bed and place it near your bed, but that is your decision. Your dog definitely should sleep in the same room as you to allow him or her to bond with you. Behavioral problems are more common in dogs who sleep outside their humans?rooms than in those who sleep in the same room.
Dog training is a lifelong process. If you become lax, the dog will learn what he can get away with, so establish rules early and be consistent. As companion dogs, Shih-Tzu want to be with you and to be loved, so remember to give them plenty of love and affection. Even if they can be frustrating at times, they make wonderful companions overall, and that is why we have them around.
