Shih Tzu’s are more than adorable balls of long silky hair. They're cute and friendly, a magnet for attention. They can also be effective as watchdogs as they're alert and on guard, ready to let you know if a stranger is around. Their small size doesn't deter them from thinking they're as big as the next dog. This over estimation of their own power can lead them to start scuffles with other dogs they may not be able to finish. This same attitude will lead your Shih Tzu to detect any signs that you're slipping in your position of respect as the alpha dog. If allowed to, he'll try to take over the leadership of the pack, (family.) However, Shih Tzu’s are fairly easy to train as long as you're consistent, firm and make it clear who's in charge.
They say it's lonely at the top. If you're the alpha dog you have all the responsibility for making decisions for the good of the pack. In the life of wild dogs in a pack this strong leadership is extremely important for the good of every dog in the group. If there is a situation of threat or danger the alpha dog has to react instantly and decisively with the other pack members taking their instruction from him. In the domestic circumstance of a family pet owners often fail to recognize this and try to treat their dog well by allowing him to get his way most of the time. The sad truth is that dogs feel stressed and uncomfortable in this situation with no leadership to look to. If there's no one in charge, he feels that he has to take over. A spoiled and indulged Shih Tzu will soon decide he's the boss. Keep this from happening by demanding his respect and behaving like the leader you should be. Your dog will be a lot more relaxed and comfortable if he's sure of his place and confident that you have things in hand.
Enlarging on this subject, we can look at the issue of food treats as rewards. Be conservative with these. Praise is often enough. The alpha dog doesn't hand out snacks to the pack members who do what he naturally expects them to do as a matter of principle. This is a lot healthier for your dog and more natural behavior. Alpha dogs simply expect to have the respect and obedience of the other pack members. When you do give food treats make your dog work for them. He should do something for you before you do something for him.
Food treats are a good, positive reinforcement in training. Saving a treat to reward a new behavior or the accomplishment of a hard task makes it much more meaningful and useful. You might reward a sit and stay or going into his crate with a treat. What dogs really want is the owner's approval, but food treats are a welcome extra that will keep training and correct behaviors on his mind.
Patience and consistency are the keys to successfully training any dog. If you give your Shih Tzu the strong leadership he needs to feel comfortable and secure in your family he'll reward you with a long life of affection and friendship.
Click on the menu at the top of the page "Dog Breeds" or click the link below here and you will find some insights into the characteristics and training issues of some of the most popular breeds for you to consider as you do your research. Dog Breeds
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attention. They can also be effective as watchdogs as they're alert and on guard, ready to let you know if a stranger is around. Their small size doesn't deter them from thinking they're as big as the next dog. This over estimation of their own power can lead them to start scuffles with other dogs they may not be able to finish. This same attitude will lead your Shih Tzu to detect any signs that you're slipping in your position of respect as the alpha dog. If allowed to, he'll try to take over the leadership of the pack, (family.) However, Shih Tzu’s are fairly easy to train as long as you're consistent, firm and make it clear who's in charge.
