Shih Tzu – Leash and Collar Training

There are many different styles of dog training, and finding the
one that works best for you is important for creating a shih tzu
that is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family. All
successful methods of dog training work to reinforce the
relationship between dog and handler, and the foundation of any
successful training program is getting the respect of the shih
tzu. Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders,
and to follow the direction of those leaders.

This article focuses on one of the most popular methods of dog
training – the so called leash/collar style of training. Other
articles will focus on the other popular style of training dogs,
often called reward training or positive reinforcement.

Both leash/collar training and reward training have been around
for a very long time, and they have proven their effectiveness
over time. The type of training that works best will vary from
shih tzu to shih tzu. It is important to remember that each
breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced by
hundreds of years of selective breeding.

Of course personalities of individual shih tzu vary quite a bit.
You, as the owner of the shih tzu, know better than anyone which
style of dog training will work best, so it is important to work
with the trainer you choose to achieve your goal of a willing,
obedient and friendly shih tzu.

Leash and collar training is the best way to accomplish many
types of dog training, particularly in situations where the shih
tzu must have a high level of reliability. For instance, shih
tzu that have an important job to do, such as therapy shih tzu
dogs, generally benefit from leash and collar training. If
trained properly, almost any shih tzu can work as a therapy dog.

In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can be
used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harsh
corrections. The amount of correction used should be appropriate
to the situation, since using too much correction, or too
little, will be ineffective.

In a collar and leash based dog training program, first the shih
tzu is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash.
After the shih tzu has demonstrated that it understands the
command, the leash is then used to correct the shih tzu if it
disobeys, or when it makes a mistake. The leash is the main form
of controlling and communicating with the shih tzu in leash and
collar training.

When using leash and collar training, the shih tzu must be
trained to trust the handler and accept his or her directions
without question. In order for the shih tzu to be fully trained,
the handler must demonstrate the ability to place the shih tzu
into a posture or position he or she does not want to take. This
does not mean using force, but it does generally require some
level of physical manipulation. This manipulation is most easily
and safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training
- the leash.

It is important for every would be shih tzu trainer to
understand that the leash is simply a tool. While the leash is
an important tool in this form of training, it is important for
the shih tzu trainer to be able to eventually achieve the same
results using whatever tools are at hand.

Even when the only tools at hand are the owner’s body and skill,
the shih tzu should be willing to obey. Creating a
leader/follower relationship between handler and shih tzu is
still very important, and it is important to use the leash as a
tool and not a crutch. A properly trained shih tzu should be
willing to obey whether the leash is present or not.