Shih Tzu Pup ...Getting Started Right!

Be gentle and consistent when training a Shih Tzu and you will train a happy well-balanced dog. Decide the behavior you desire from your ShihTzu and consistently work toward those goals. You may need some help to understand what's reasonable to expect. Deal with negative behavior consistently and with kindness, not by slapping, hitting and kicking. Reward positive behavior with praise and with treats.

It's much better to start your pup right, rather than waiting to fix problems later. It's not fair to the animal or the owner to ignore problems. Behavior problems frustrate pup and pup owner.

House training a Shih Tzu puppy is really essential. If the puppy is not house trained fairly quickly, the dog usually ends up either at another home or outside. So proper house training is very important.

One of the common methods to train your pup is the crate method. Confine your pup in a crate or a small area. Puppies usually will not soil their sleeping area. Closely supervise the confinement. Provide frequent breaks for young puppies. Very often remove the pup to an area for waste elimination. But, remember, accidents will happen and do be patient and consistent.

Any Shih Tzu puppy will bite and chew on most anything. That's what puppies do. However early on this painful and destructive behavior must stop. Adult dogs who bite and chew are trouble.

If your pup can play with other puppies, the playing will naturally teach restraint in biting. Without this interaction with other dogs, you must handle the behavior yourself. One approach is to say "oooww" , which should be easy to do, in response to pup bites. Use a pained expression in your voice(!), but not yelling. Maybe leave the room for a short time.

A properly socialized Shih Tzu is well adjusted and a pleasant and valuable companion. Socialization is easiest before the pup is 3 months old. Make sure early experiences are not frightening or painful but positive. Try the following.

• Invite friends to meet your pup.
• Invite other pets if possible.
• Carry your puppy to places where there are crowds of people.
• Take your Shi Tzu for short car rides.
• Acquaint your pup with being bathed and brushed.
• Introduce your pup to whatever you wish them to be around.

Is there a good reason for the barking or whining? Are they uncomfortable or in pain? Can you find out why? There may be a good reason for this behavior. Or is this blackmail?? Teach your pup to handle isolation and separation. He must not expect to get everything he desires.

Spend plenty of time with your pup so he feels secure. But do not accept excessive noise that is irritating to your family (and the neighbors).

Make sure you understand the basics of Shih Tzu training and you'll soon have a valuable addition to your family. Do your part by always dealing with your pet in a gentle but consistent manner.