How to Train a Shih Tzu? A Family-Friendly Guide

Families often ask how to train a Shih Tzu, and the good news is that Shih Tzu training is easier than many people expect. These dogs are bright, affectionate, and eager to please, especially when training feels fun and positive. With consistency, patience, and routines that match their personality, a Shih Tzu becomes a well-mannered, confident companion.

What Makes Shih Tzu Training Unique

Shih Tzus are small, sensitive dogs who respond best to gentle guidance rather than strict discipline. Their goal is to stay close to their people, so training works beautifully when it feels like teamwork. At Champaign Shih Tzu, we start early by raising our puppies inside our home, surrounded by our children and daily family activities, which gives them a strong head start in learning communication and confidence. Because our parent dogs are genetically tested AKC adults with stable temperaments, our puppies are naturally well-prepared to learn quickly.

Beginning Training the Right Way

Shih Tzu training starts with structure. Set predictable routines for meals, potty breaks, and bedtime. Dogs thrive when they know what to expect. Keeping training sessions short and frequent is key. A few minutes of practice several times a day is far more effective than long, overwhelming sessions.

Reward-based training works best with this breed. Praise, small treats, and gentle encouragement go much further than correction. Shih Tzus are sensitive, so a cheerful tone and consistency create quick results.

A Fun Training Memory From Our Home

One of our favorite memories is of a tiny Shih Tzu puppy named Daisy, who absolutely loved learning new things but had her own ideas about how training should go. We were working on the sit command, and she quickly realized that sitting earned treats. Instead of waiting for the cue, she began running up to each of our kids, plopping her bottom down dramatically, and staring at them as if she were the star performer waiting for applause. She had everyone in the house laughing before breakfast.

The moment that still makes us smile was when she added her own flair. After sitting, she would tilt her head to the side and tap one paw on the floor like she was saying, “Well? I did it. Let’s keep this snack train moving.” That mix of eagerness, charm, and creativity is exactly what makes Shih Tzu training so fun.

Daisy grew into a wonderfully well-mannered companion, but she never lost that playful personality. Experiences like hers remind us why training Shih Tzus is such a special part of life at Champaign Shih Tzu. Every puppy has their own spark, and watching them use it during training is one of the reasons we love this breed so much.

Potty Training Your Shih Tzu

Potty training is usually the first milestone. Because Shih Tzus are small, they cannot hold their bladder as long as larger dogs. Bring your puppy outside after meals, naps, and playtime. Consistency builds success quickly. Crate training also helps by providing your puppy with a safe, cozy space and teaching them to wait between breaks.

Accidents happen, so patience is essential. Clean up with an enzymatic cleaner and continue the routine without scolding. Positive reinforcement keeps Shih Tzu training smooth and stress-free.

Teaching Basic Manners

Focus on simple, essential cues like sit, stay, come, and leave it. Shih Tzus enjoy pleasing their people and will quickly catch on when the training is upbeat and rewarding. Use small treats and a happy voice. End each session with something fun to keep their confidence high.

If you have children, involve them in training with supervision. It strengthens their bond and helps the dog learn to listen to different voices calmly.

Socialization for a Confident Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus thrive on gentle socialization. Introduce your puppy to new people, sounds, safe environments, and other friendly pets. Socialization helps prevent fear-based behaviors and builds a stable personality. At Champaign Shih Tzu, early socialization begins from day one, so puppies go home already familiar with the sounds and rhythms of family life.

Continue this at home by visiting calm environments like parks or pet-friendly stores. Keep experiences positive and low-stress so your puppy grows into a confident adult.

Handling and Grooming Training

Training a Shih Tzu includes teaching them to enjoy being touched, brushed, and examined. Handle their paws, ears, and face gently from a young age. Pair this with praise and tiny treats. When grooming becomes familiar early, vet visits and haircuts become effortless.

Our families often share how easy their Shih Tzu’s first grooming appointment was, thanks to the early handling they experienced at Champaign Shih Tzu.

When Extra Help Makes a Big Difference

Some families want to give their puppy an extra-strong start, and that is exactly why we proudly offer Professional Puppy Training through Darrel’s Training Center. Darrel has spent years studying animal behavior and working with dogs, horses, and mules. His training method is rooted in positive reinforcement, body language, applying gentle pressure, and releasing it at the right moment.

Puppies enrolled in the program learn foundational skills, real-life confidence, and important manners in a structured, caring environment.

• Week 1 focuses on crate training and early commands like sit, lie down, stay, and name recognition.

• Week 2 builds on those skills with commands like crate up, leave it, wait, shake a paw, and even navigating stairs.

• Week 3 begins house training and continues strengthening commands.

• Week 4 takes things even further with more advanced training and early tricks like rolling over, riding a wagon, or even jumping through a hoop.

  
  

Additional weeks continue to build socialization, confidence, and real-world exposure using outdoor props like trees, logs, hills, and swing sets, weather permitting. Families receive photos and videos throughout, making it a joyful experience from start to finish.

Our partnership with Darrel’s Training Center has been a wonderful addition for many Champaign Shih Tzu families who want a smooth transition into their new homes.

Addressing Common Training Challenges

Shih Tzus can be a little stubborn at times, especially when they feel overstimulated or tired. If progress slows, shorten sessions rather than increasing pressure. Break every new skill into tiny steps and celebrate each one. The more patient and consistent you are, the faster they learn.

Avoid harsh corrections or raised voices. This can cause Shih Tzus to shut down emotionally, slowing progress.

Turning Training Into Bonding

Training is more than teaching manners. It builds trust, strengthens communication, and deepens the bond between you and your dog. Shih Tzus love routines and flourish when training becomes a shared experience. Keep things fun, relaxed, and full of praise, and you will have a well-behaved companion who listens happily for life.

FAQ

How to train a Shih Tzu at home?  Use short, positive sessions several times a day with gentle guidance and rewards.

Are Shih Tzus easy to train?  Yes. They are smart and eager to please when training feels fun and consistent.

When should training begin for a Shih Tzu puppy?  Start immediately with basic routines, gentle handling, and simple cues.

How do I potty train a Shih Tzu?  Take your puppy out frequently, especially after naps and meals. Reward immediately after they go in the right place.

Do Shih Tzus respond well to positive reinforcement?  Absolutely. Praise and small treats are the best motivators for this breed.

How can I stop my Shih Tzu from barking too much?  Teach a quiet cue, provide mental stimulation, and avoid reinforcing barking with attention.

What commands should I teach first?  Sit, come, stay, and leave it are great starting points for young Shih Tzus.

Is crate training helpful for Shih Tzus? Yes. It creates structure, supports potty training, and gives them a secure, calm space.

Contact Us

If you want help with Shih Tzu training or want to learn more about upcoming AKC Shih Tzu puppies raised in our family home, contact us anytime. Champaign Shih Tzu is always here to support you.