Shih Tzu Training Tips For Beginners
Shih Tzu is a small, furry ball of love in the form of a dog! Ideal for Indian families, especially living in apartments, these dogs are affectionate, loyal, and fun to be around.
Are you looking for Shih Tzu puppies for sale in India? If so, you should know how to train these little companions.
Let us look at some Shih Tzu training tips for beginners:
Start Early
All trainers and dog breeders in India will give this advice to you. Shih Tzus, like almost all breeds, need early training. You should start training your pet when it is 2 to 3 months old. At this age, dogs' minds are more receptive and can learn commands effectively. Training older Shih Tzu dogs can get quite difficult.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Never punish your Shih Tzu for not following your commands. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your furry friend. This involves rewarding your puppy when it obeys you. Combine its favorite treat with its actions. Slowly, remove the treat from the equation, and your dog will still follow your commands.
Potty Training Your Shih Tzu
If you are wondering how to train a Shih Tzu puppy at home, potty training might be the most difficult. However, it is all good if you start early.
Start by taking your pup out after meals and naps. Have a fixed potty spot that makes it realize that this is the place to go to. Finally, reward your furry friend every time it gets the place right.
Teaching Basic Commands
As long as you want to send your Shih Tzu to a circus, you can do so with basic commands! Your pet should definitely respond to these commands:
- Sit
- Come
- No
- Stay
Be clear in your commands while using short words. Repeat them so that your puppy becomes familiar with them soon.
Leash Training
Shih Tzus are apartment dogs, but they still need exercise. You will need to take your furry friend out on walks.
For this, start with a light leash to help your pet get used to it. Let it wear the leash indoors and get comfortable. Start with short and calm walks before increasing the time and distance.
Controlling The Barks
Shih Tzus can get notorious with their barking if they are not controlled. They are alert dogs who love notifying their pet parents every time they see or hear something unique.
To control the barks, start by understanding what they mean. Address the underlying problem to calm your dog. Ignore the barks that are just to get your attention. You should also reward quiet behavior to motivate your furry friend against unnecessary barking.
Focus On Socialization
Socializing your Shih Tzu is extremely important, especially if you have other pets at home. Take your pet out to public places as often as possible. Introduce it to new people and pets while maintaining a safe distance. This will make your furry friend friendlier and more tolerant.
If you need any help with training your Shih Tzu, you can always consult a dedicated dog trainer or breeder near you. It takes some patience, but living with a trained furry friend is definitely a rewarding experience.