Shih Tzu – We Create Emotional Bonds With Our Training Lessons

I have read and continue to read books on training. At this
point, I feel like whichever method (without cruelty, of course)
you use that works for your shih tzu is the type of training to
stick with. Not every method works for every shih tzu. We just
all have to continue to read and research and find what works
best for our unique situations. As we learn what works for our
shih tzu and we practice the lessons with the shih tzu
consistently, we are creating a much needed emotional bond with
them as well that is just as valuable as the actual behavior we
want our shih tzu to learn. Shih tzu want nothing more than to
please and hang out with their human friends.

In this article I would like to speak about teaching your shih
tzu what “sit” actually means. Try it. If it works for you, then
you have solved a problem for yourself. I believe you can use
this same method with any behavior you want your shih tzu to
learn.

You want to teach your dog to “sit” on cue. You will need to
have a bowlful of small treats your shih tzu just loves. You can
use a clicker if you desire. You will need lots of time and
patience.

First hold the delicious treat in front of your shih tzu’s nose.
Move the treat slowly back over the top of the shih tzu’s head.
As the dog moves up to follow the treat, her rump will begin to
move down. And….wa-la……your shih tzu is sitting without
you laying a hand on her.

As soon as your shih tzu’s rump is on the ground, use your
clicker and click, or say your “command” word or “phrase” you
want the shih tzu to associate with this behavior (teaching your
shih tzu what “sit” actually means). Now give the treat. Start
playing with your shih tzu again to get her out of the sitting
position. Now do the exercise again. If your shih tzu jumps up
to get the treat, you are holding it too high. You don’t want
the shih tzu to think she is suppose to “jump” to get the treat.
Use a word or phrase you have chosen to use consistently for
behavior that is not reward-worthy if the shih tzu jumps up for
the treat (decide upon this word and use it consistently with
all your training sessions for behaviors that do not deserve a
treat). You want the shih tzu to learn to “sit” for her treat.

When the shih tzu folds into a sit as soon as you hold your hand
out, add the word you want the shih tzu to connect with this
action (say “sit” or whatever keyword/command you have chosen),
hold your hand out in the same motion as before, but DO NOT give
a treat. Click or say your keyword when the shih tzu sits. Now
come forth with the treat (when the shih tzu is in the sitting
position).

The shih tzu will appreciate the time you spend and will feel as
though you have paid attention to her, which the shih tzu
absolutely adores from its human friends, and you have paid
attention to your shih tzu. You have not only taught the shih
tzu a valuable lesson for her and yourself, but you have created
an extra emotional bond as well.