Shih Tzu Training And Care

If you just got a Shih Tzu puppy, there are a few common characteristics that they display. They are a small, yet sturdy, long body and legged dog, that will grow a long flowing coat in different colors. They don't need much exercise, and typically are proud, dignified, yet happy and playful. They are friendlier with strangers than most smaller breeds and less yappy.

The downside to Shih Tzu ownership is that they also suffer separation anxiety and can become destructive and barky if left alone too much, and they are also stubborn. Of course, high coat maintenance is required such as brushing and trimming, and they can be difficult to housebreak. You might hear them snorting, snoring and sniffling and some Shih Tzu's can have serious health problems.

The main thing to consider with training Shih Tzu puppies is that they are quick to think of themselves as humans, and on equal ground with their owners, so it is important to be consistent in training, and they are intuitive with intonation of your voice, so you may have to be strict when training the playful and stubborn Shih Tzu.

They love cuddling and snuggling and like being pampered. These are positive rewards that can be used when training a Shih Tzu puppy.

Housebreaking can be done with puppy crate training, and it is important to get them on a schedule after they are 12 weeks old, when it comes to feeding, watering and letting them outdoors. A schedule that allows feeding every few hours, watering several times a day, and letting them outside 5 or 6 times a day, works best. After 12 weeks, you can feed less frequently, but you will still need to water and let them out frequently up until they are at least six months old. Housebreaking depends on vigilance, and it is not unusual for puppy crate training to take 4 to 6 months.

Because of their small size and body shape, it is important to realize that they intake their food and water in smaller, yet more frequent sessions, and tend to need to go outdoors more frequently than larger dogs. They are prone to more serious health risks due to their long back, which is susceptible to disk problems, and also can develop joint, kidney and skin problems.

Sometimes they have breathing problems, due to their unnaturally short face and nose, so the potential for heat stroke in hot humid weather is riskier with a Shih Tzu, than other breeds. Do not leave your Shih Tzu outside in hot weather for long periods of time, and make sure that their puppy training crate is large enough for them to turn their long body around, and is kept in a cool, comfortable place when you are away.

Because of their separation anxiety, it is best not to leave them in the cage for long periods of time, and also be mindful that they can become destructive and chew things up when nervous. Hard rubber chew toys are all that should be allowed with a Shih Tzu, and nothing small that could cause choking.

Training the proud and stubborn Shih Tzu demands consistency in tone, commands and schedule, but you can still expect it to take a little longer than most breeds in the majority of cases.