Shih Tzu Training Guide

Positive, effective training methods for Shih Tzu puppies and adults — from basic commands to leash manners and socialization.

Understanding the Shih Tzu Mind

Shih Tzus were bred for one purpose for thousands of years: to be royal companions. They are people-pleasers at heart — but they also have a healthy independent streak that can read as stubbornness. The key insight every Shih Tzu owner needs is this: they respond to love and treats, not to dominance or repetitive drilling.

Harsh corrections, raised voices, or repeated commands (saying "sit, sit, sit, SIT") teach them to tune you out. Short, positive sessions where every attempt is rewarded build a dog that is eager to work with you.

Training Philosophy: Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement means rewarding behavior you want to see more of. For Shih Tzus, the most effective rewards are small, soft, high-value treats (chicken, cheese, commercial training treats) combined with enthusiastic verbal praise.

Reward-based training is commonly used to encourage desired behavior; choose an approach suited to the individual dog.

Essential Commands to Teach First

"Sit" Command

Hold a treat above your puppy's nose and slowly move it back toward their tail. As their nose follows the treat up, their bottom will lower naturally. The moment their bottom touches the ground, say "sit," and immediately give the treat and praise.

"Come" Command

Crouch down, open your arms, and say "come" in an excited voice. When they reach you, give a huge reward. Never call your dog to you for something unpleasant — this breaks the recall.

"Stay" Command

Ask for a sit, take one step back, immediately return and reward. Build duration and distance gradually — only add one variable at a time (duration OR distance, not both at once).

"Down" Command

From a sit, hold a treat at their nose and slowly lower it toward the floor between their front paws. As they follow it down and lie down, say "down" and reward. This takes patience.

"Leave It" Command

Put a low-value treat in one hand, high-value in the other. Present the low-value treat in a closed fist. When they stop trying to get it and back away, say "leave it" and give the high-value treat from your other hand.

Leash Training

Shih Tzus can be reactive on leash — barking at other dogs, pulling toward interesting smells, or simply planting themselves and refusing to move. Introduce the harness (we recommend a harness over a collar for this breed due to their airway sensitivity) indoors first, letting them wear it during meals and play.

Once comfortable with the harness, attach the leash indoors. Follow them around, letting the leash drag. Then begin gentle guidance — lure them a few steps with a treat and reward. Gradually work up to short outdoor sessions in a quiet area before introducing busier environments.

If they pull, stop moving. The moment there is slack in the leash, move forward and reward. This teaches that pulling gets them nowhere; a loose leash gets them where they want to go.

Socialization Training

Early, positive socialization can help many puppies build confidence. Temperament is also influenced by genetics and ongoing experiences.

Our puppies are already socialized in our home before they come to you — but the window does not close at 8 weeks. Continue active socialization through 16 weeks and beyond for the most confident, friendly adult dog possible — this early work directly shapes the Shih Tzu temperament you'll see as they mature.

Common Training Mistakes

✗Training when your dog is tired or just after a meal — pick alert, hungry moments
✗Repeating commands — say it once, wait, then guide them physically if needed
✗Sessions that are too long — 5–10 minutes is ideal for puppies
✗Inconsistency — everyone in the household must use the same cues and rules
✗Punishing accidents after the fact — dogs do not connect past behavior to current consequences
✗Using the crate as punishment — the crate must always feel like a safe, positive space

For housetraining specifics, see our dedicated Housebreaking Guide. New puppy owners will also find our Shih Tzu Puppy Care Guide essential reading.

Well-Socialized Shih Tzu Puppies Train Faster

The biggest factor in how quickly a Shih Tzu learns commands isn't the training method — it's early socialization. Our AKC Shih Tzu puppies for sale are raised in our family living room in McKinney, TX, exposed to children, household sounds, and daily human interaction from birth. When you get a Shih Tzu puppy from a reputable breeder with that kind of foundation, every technique in this guide will produce results noticeably faster than a puppy raised in isolation.

See Available Puppies

Housebreaking a Shih Tzu Puppy

Potty training is the first challenge every new owner faces. Get a step-by-step schedule, crate training guidance, and tips for handling accidents calmly.

Shih Tzu Feeding Schedule by Age

Consistent mealtimes make your puppy's potty schedule more predictable — and treats are central to training. Learn the right feeding routine by age.

Shih Tzu Health Problems & Prevention

Proper training reduces stress-related behaviors. Learn about the breed's health predispositions so you can support their wellbeing from day one.

Are Shih Tzus easy to train?

Shih Tzus are intelligent but can be stubborn. They respond extremely well to positive reinforcement and short, consistent training sessions. Patience and praise are key — they do not respond to harsh corrections.

What age should I start training my Shih Tzu?

Start from the day you bring them home, typically around 8 weeks. Young puppies absorb lessons quickly. Basic commands like sit and come can begin immediately using tiny treats and praise.

How long should training sessions be for a Shih Tzu puppy?

5–10 minutes per session, 2–3 times per day. Puppies have short attention spans. Ending on a success keeps them motivated and eager for next time.

Why does my Shih Tzu ignore me during training?

Possible reasons: the treat is not motivating enough (upgrade to something really delicious), the session is too long, there are too many distractions, or you may be repeating a command too many times. Say it once, wait, reward any movement in the right direction.

Can older Shih Tzus learn new commands?

Absolutely. The saying "can't teach an old dog new tricks" is a myth. Adult Shih Tzus can learn new commands at any age — it may just take slightly more repetitions and patience.

Do Shih Tzus need professional training?

Not necessarily, but a puppy kindergarten class (usually 6–8 weeks) provides excellent socialization and lays a strong foundation. For persistent behavioral issues, a professional positive-reinforcement trainer is well worth the investment.