Shih Tzu – Teach Your Shih To Come When Called

Teaching a shih tzu to come when called is also called “recall.”
Recall is actually a series of behaviors. You want to make your
shih tzu think that coming when called is the best thing that
happens in his life. Practice a lot. Increase the distractions
gradually so your shih tzu learns that coming to you is always
more rewarding than anything else there is to do. Reinforce with
different kinds of rewards.

Follow the recall with one of your shih tzu’s favorite things -
food, a toy, freedom, or playing with another dog. When your
shih tzu is distracted, time your “come” cue for the moment the
shih tzu can most easily disengage from his other activity.
Avoid repeatedly calling your shih tzu when you know he won’t or
can’t come to you. Go get him instead. While you are teaching
your shih tzu to come, never end your shih tzu’s play or fun by
calling him to you. Always be enthusiastic and upbeat when your
shih tzu comes to you.

Teach your shih tzu each part of the chain of behaviors
separately. For food rewards, try chicken, liver, cheese,
sardines, and other smelly, yummy, soft treats.

Teaching your shih tzu the cue: Go into a low stimulation
environment where you and your shih tzu can be alone, like a
bathroom or a bedroom. Say the word you have chosen for your
cue, such as, “come!” and give your dog a treat. Repeat this
exercise 10 to 20 times. Do this exercise several times for two
or three days.

Teach your shih tzu the beginning behavior by capturing it: When
your shih tzu is about to come to you anyway, say “come!” just
before he gets to you, then say “yes!” and give your shih tzu a
reward.

When you take your shih tzu for a walk, suddenly call him and
take several steps back. When your shih tz turns to follow, say
“yes!” and give him a reward. Tell your shih tzu what a great
shih tzu he is! After a couple of practices, add in the sit
and/or a collar touch. Say your shih tzu’s name, come, sit!”

Increase the distance and speed gradually. Start by calling your
shih tzu a few feet, then a few more until you can call him
through your house and across your backyard. Practice away from
home in fenced areas, or in an open area using a long line for
safety.

Teach your shih tzu to pay attention when you ask, separately
from teaching “come!” To get your shih tzu to pay attention to
you, work attention games into everyday life. For 10 days or so
every time your shih tzu looks your way reward him with praise,
affection, or a treat. Do this throughout the day. After a
couple of days of rewarding the natural check in, start
occasionally saying your shih tzu’s name and reward him when he
looks your way.

Putting it all together: When your shih tzu has learned all the
pieces, you can start putting the behaviors together. The entire
chain of behaviors are: responding to your request for
attention, coming to you quickly, sitting or accepting a collar
touch, waiting for the release. Practice several times and at
various times during the day in low distraction environments to
set your shih tzu up for successes. Only use your cue for recall
when you are very certain he will come to you to help your shih
tzu succeed. Keep practice sessions light and fun.