2007-03-08 02:34:28 · 4 answers · asked by sherry c 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Hi, well actually I have a 4 year old shih tzu male. I bought him when he was 12 weeks old. Since then I have adopted a chihuaha and a german shepard puppies. With the Shih Tzu it actually took about 2 years in full to have him completely trained and house broken. But let me tell you WELL WORTH THE WAIT!! He is extremely smart and loving.
Crate training worked great for me.
No matter how bad you feel and how much you want to play with him, puppies are supposed to be in that crate. It is a comfort zone for them eventually. They learn quickly that they are not supposed to go to the bathroom where they sleep. Which means in a crate you have a safe place to keep a pup with out making a mess.
Shady (my shih tzu) actually now goes in his crate to relax or when he is scarred!
You must be patient with them... eventually they will catch on. You should also invest in a beginer puppy training course at a local pet shop. Once you learn the basics of training you can countinue on your on.
Try to socialize you pup as much as possible. Shih Tzu's are sometimes known to be snappy rude dogs.
Our baby Shady is very smart now, and it didn't take much. When he is hungrey or thirsty he will sit near his bowl and bark at you and tap his bowls with his paw. When he wants to go outside he runs downstairs near the front door and will bark until someone lets him out. (sometimes if he waits to long it is impossible and he has an accident) When he wants to play outside he also barks at the door and jumps on your legs to let us know. Best of all... they are the most affectionate dogs alive (my opinion) He will actually hug me, cuddle with my, give me gentle kisses, and lay in my arms like a baby.
Socializing: Dog parks are great! When we say dog park he knows and starts to freak!!! Take him to stores while he is still young where he will get used to adults and children petting him! Remember all dogs afr different though.
Good LUCK!! I am very jealous! I actually played with a shih tzu pup the other day and fell in love, but i have too many dogs now!!!
2007-03-08 03:00:54 · answer #1 · answered by lovergirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have had a Shih-tzu for 12 years, and now have a Shih-tzu/Lhasa-Apso mix who is 6. Shih-tzu's are highly intelligent, yet very independant dogs. They can be very loving,yet aloof. Many times they do things when they want to and only on their terms. With a little patience, you will have a wonderful companion. Talk to your puppy frequently, as though he/she understands you. I talked to ours constantly, and over the years she grew to understand a wide range of sentences, questions, and phrases. Sometimes they also have "selective hearing". Give your puppy plenty of love, attention, & toys, and alot of the training will just come naturally. Best of luck to you
2007-03-08 11:07:07 · answer #2 · answered by porkchop 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We had a Shih-tzu for about 13years and I was young but, I have always trained all my dogs.
I noticed with her that she didnt want to sit as long as my other Larger Dogs would.
The best way to train any dog is Patience, Repetition, & Praise.
Its going to take time to get anything down and you need to constantly practice what you are wanting your puppy to learn frequently. You also want to make sure with any Training time you make it fun & relaxing...and when you are done with that training session give him a treat and Lots of Praise to let him know you are proud of his progress, even if their was none. :)
2007-03-08 10:40:00 · answer #3 · answered by birdluver24 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are like any other dog... what are you trying to teach?
2007-03-08 10:49:42 · answer #4 · answered by DP 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋