Shih Tzu Training Guide for Calm, Happy Dogs Home

Bad Shih Tzu behavior usually comes from confusion, not “attitude.” Most of the time, they simply don’t understand what you want, and they accidentally train you instead.

Shih Tzus are smart, stubborn, affectionate, and honestly a little dramatic sometimes. If you train them the right way, they turn into amazing little companions who follow rules without losing their personality.

The trick is using the right approach for their specific temperament. If you treat them like a German Shepherd, you’ll just end up frustrated and questioning your life choices.

Understanding the Shih Tzu Personality Before Training

Shih Tzus don’t respond well to harsh training, and I mean that in the strongest way. You can’t bully a Shih Tzu into obedience, because they’ll just shut down, pout, or act like you personally offended their ancestors.

They thrive when training feels like a game, not a punishment. If they feel safe, they’ll cooperate, but if they feel pressured, they turn into tiny fluffy protestors.

One thing I’ve noticed with Shih Tzus is they love routine, but they also love testing boundaries. They’ll behave perfectly for a week, then suddenly act like they’ve never heard the word “sit” in their entire life.

That doesn’t mean they forgot. It means they’re checking if you still mean it.

Why Shih Tzus Act Stubborn

People always call Shih Tzus stubborn, but honestly, they’re more “selectively motivated.” They won’t do something just because you said so, but they’ll absolutely do it if they think it benefits them.

This breed has a strong independent streak because they were bred to be companion dogs, not working dogs. They weren’t designed to take constant commands all day, so they need more incentive.

They also pick up on your mood fast. If you sound stressed or impatient, they’ll get weird and uncooperative, like they’re allergic to tension.

What Motivates a Shih Tzu Most

Food works like magic with most Shih Tzus, but praise matters too. They love attention, and sometimes they’ll do tricks just because they enjoy being admired like the royalty they think they are.

I’ve seen Shih Tzus respond insanely well to a mix of treats, cheerful voice, and short training sessions. If you keep it upbeat, they actually try harder.

Toys can work too, but most Shih Tzus don’t obsess over toys the way some breeds do. They prefer comfort, snacks, and being emotionally supported like tiny celebrities.

Training Expectations: What’s Realistic

You can absolutely train a Shih Tzu to be obedient, calm, and well-mannered. But if your goal is to create a robotic dog who follows commands instantly every time, you picked the wrong breed.

A well-trained Shih Tzu still has personality. They might pause before obeying, like they’re considering whether the command aligns with their personal values.

That pause doesn’t mean failure. That pause means they’re Shih Tzu-ing.

House Training a Shih Tzu (Potty Training Without Losing Your Mind)

Potty training is where most Shih Tzu owners struggle, and I get it. Shih Tzus have small bladders, and they also hate going outside in bad weather like they’re made of sugar.

The biggest mistake people make is assuming their dog “knows better” after a few accidents. A Shih Tzu doesn’t learn potty training through guilt, they learn it through consistency and repetition.

If you stay strict with the schedule for a few weeks, the problem usually fixes itself. If you stay random and hope for the best, your carpet will suffer for months.

Best Potty Training Method for Shih Tzus

The best method is simple: frequent breaks, a predictable routine, and heavy reward when they go in the right spot. Shih Tzus respond well to routines because they start anticipating what happens next.

You want to take them out at the same times every day. This helps their body adjust, and it helps their brain understand that potty time has a system.

The moment they go potty outside, you praise like they just solved world hunger. Then you reward immediately, not five minutes later.

Potty Training Schedule That Actually Works

If you want a real schedule that works, this one usually gets results fast. You just need to stick to it like it’s your religion for the first couple weeks.

Here’s a solid beginner potty schedule:

• First thing in the morning
• After eating
• After drinking a lot of water
• After playtime
• After waking from naps
• Before bedtime
• Every 2–3 hours for young puppies

Shih Tzu puppies need more frequent breaks than most people expect. If they’re under 4 months, waiting too long guarantees accidents.

Crate Training for Potty Success

Crate training works extremely well for Shih Tzus when you do it correctly. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so a properly sized crate encourages bladder control.

The key phrase here is “properly sized.” If the crate is too big, your Shih Tzu will happily pee in one corner and sleep in the other like it’s a studio apartment.

You want the crate just big enough for standing, turning, and lying down comfortably. Then you combine it with scheduled potty breaks, and the progress becomes way faster.

Common Potty Training Mistakes People Make

One mistake I see constantly is giving too much freedom too soon. Owners think the puppy is trained after three good days, then they let them roam the whole house, and accidents explode again.

Another common mistake is scolding after the accident already happened. Your Shih Tzu won’t connect the yelling to the pee spot, they’ll connect it to you being unpredictable.

If you catch them mid-accident, interrupt gently and take them outside. If you find the accident later, clean it quietly and move on.

Pee Pad Training vs Outdoor Training

Some people use pee pads with Shih Tzus because they live in apartments or deal with bad weather. That’s totally fine, but you need to choose one system and stick with it.

If you mix pee pads and outdoor potty without structure, your dog will assume the house is also an acceptable bathroom. That creates confusion, and confusion creates accidents.

If you want indoor potty training, I recommend using a dog litter box or a grass pad instead of a normal pee pad. It helps your Shih Tzu understand that potty happens in a specific “bathroom area,” not on any random soft surface.

Basic Obedience Training (Sit, Stay, Come, and Down)

Obedience training sounds boring, but it’s honestly what makes life with a Shih Tzu peaceful. Once your dog understands basic commands, everything becomes easier, from grooming to vet visits to stopping bad habits.

The funny part is Shih Tzus can learn these commands quickly. The problem is they also learn how to ignore them quickly if you don’t practice consistently.

So yes, your dog is smart. They’re just also a little too smart sometimes.

Teaching “Sit” the Easy Way

“Sit” is usually the easiest command to teach a Shih Tzu. Most of them naturally sit a lot anyway, so you’re basically putting a name to something they already do.

Hold a treat close to their nose, then slowly move it upward and slightly back. Their head will follow the treat, and their butt will drop down automatically.

The moment their butt hits the floor, say “sit” and reward immediately. Do that for 5 minutes a day, and your Shih Tzu will master it fast.

Teaching “Stay” Without Frustration

Stay is harder because it requires patience, and Shih Tzus don’t always feel like being patient. They love being close to you, so staying still feels like emotional torture for them.

Start with tiny stays, like 2 seconds. Say “stay,” take one step back, then return and reward. Then slowly increase the time and distance.

If they break the stay, don’t punish them. Just reset and try again, because frustration ruins progress fast.

Teaching “Come” (Recall Training)

Recall is one of the most important commands, even for small dogs. People assume small dogs don’t need recall because they can just be picked up, but that mindset creates dangerous situations.

Use a happy voice and make “come” sound like the best deal ever. When your Shih Tzu comes to you, reward like crazy and act excited.

Never call your dog to punish them. If “come” leads to scolding, they’ll start avoiding you like you’re the tax department.

Teaching “Down” Without Drama

Some Shih Tzus resist “down” because they don’t like feeling controlled. They also sometimes act like the floor is beneath them, which is honestly on-brand.

Use a treat and guide it from their nose down toward the floor. Once they follow it, move it slightly forward so they stretch into the down position.

The moment their belly touches the floor, reward immediately. Keep sessions short because this command can frustrate them faster than sit.

Training Sessions: How Long Should They Be?

Shih Tzus do best with short training sessions, around 5 to 10 minutes. If you push longer than that, they’ll lose interest and start acting like you’re boring them on purpose.

I always recommend doing multiple mini sessions throughout the day. One in the morning, one in the afternoon, one at night, and you’ll see faster progress.

Consistency beats intensity every time. A little training daily works better than one long session once a week.

Leash Training a Shih Tzu (Walking Without Pulling)

Walking a Shih Tzu should feel relaxing, but it often turns into a weird tug-of-war. Some Shih Tzus pull like tiny sled dogs, while others refuse to move like you asked them to walk across lava.

The secret is building leash comfort slowly. You need to teach them that the leash means good things, not control or restriction.

Also, never underestimate how much Shih Tzus love to stop and sniff everything like they’re solving mysteries.

Collar vs Harness: What’s Better?

For Shih Tzus, I strongly recommend a harness instead of a collar. Their necks are delicate, and pulling against a collar can cause coughing, choking, and long-term throat issues.

A soft, well-fitted harness gives better control and keeps your dog comfortable. It also reduces the chance of them slipping out and running off.

If your Shih Tzu acts dramatic during walks, a harness helps because they feel less pressure.

How to Stop Leash Pulling

Shih Tzus pull because they get rewarded for pulling. If pulling gets them closer to what they want, they’ll keep doing it.

The best technique is stopping the moment they pull. Don’t jerk the leash, don’t yell, just stop walking like a statue.

When they loosen the leash, you continue walking. This teaches them that pulling makes the walk stop, while calm walking makes the walk continue.

Training Loose Leash Walking at Home

Before you even go outside, practice inside your home. Your Shih Tzu will learn faster in a distraction-free environment.

Walk around your living room with treats in your hand. Reward them for walking beside you with a loose leash.

Then gradually move training outside once they understand the concept. Outdoors adds distractions, so expect some setbacks.

Social Walk Training (Dogs and People)

Shih Tzus usually love people, but they can also get overly excited. They might jump, bark, or spin around like they drank an espresso.

Teach calm greetings by asking for “sit” before anyone pets them. If they jump, the person should ignore them until they calm down.

If your Shih Tzu barks at other dogs, don’t force interaction. Create distance, reward calm behavior, and slowly work on confidence.

How Often Should You Walk a Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzus don’t need extreme exercise, but they do need daily movement. A couple short walks per day works well for most of them.

I usually recommend 20 to 40 minutes total daily walking, split into smaller walks. If your Shih Tzu seems lazy, they still need movement for weight control and mental stimulation.

A bored Shih Tzu becomes a barky Shih Tzu, and nobody wants that.

Stopping Barking, Biting, and Bad Habits Early

Shih Tzus can develop annoying habits fast because they’re cute and people let things slide. You laugh when they bark for attention as a puppy, then suddenly you live with a tiny alarm system that never shuts up.

The good news is most bad habits fix easily if you handle them early. The bad news is you need to stay consistent, because Shih Tzus don’t respect empty threats.

If you give in once, they remember it forever. Seriously, they store it like a personal victory.

How to Stop Attention Barking

Attention barking happens when your Shih Tzu learns that noise gets results. If barking makes you look at them, talk to them, or pick them up, you accidentally reward the behavior.

To fix it, ignore barking completely. No eye contact, no talking, no touching, nothing.

Then reward them the moment they stop barking and calm down. This teaches them silence works better than noise.

How to Stop Excessive Whining

Shih Tzus whine when they want attention or when they feel anxious. Some of them whine like it’s their full-time job, especially if they’re spoiled.

If the whining happens for attention, ignore it and reward calm behavior. If the whining happens due to anxiety, you need to build confidence with gentle training and predictable routines.

Sometimes whining improves when you add more mental stimulation, like puzzle toys or short training games.

Puppy Biting and Nipping

Shih Tzu puppies bite a lot, and it doesn’t mean aggression. It’s how they explore the world, and it’s also how they play.

When your puppy bites, redirect them to a chew toy immediately. If they keep biting, stop playing and walk away for a few seconds.

This teaches them that biting ends fun. If biting ends fun, they stop doing it.

Jumping on People

Jumping feels harmless because Shih Tzus are small, but it becomes a bad habit quickly. Guests don’t always want muddy paws on their clothes, even if your dog looks adorable.

The best method is to reward four paws on the ground. Ask for sit before greeting, and ignore jumping.

If your dog jumps and still gets attention, they’ll keep jumping because it works.

Begging and Food Stealing

Shih Tzus become expert beggars, and they can manipulate you with those big eyes like professional actors. If you feed them from the table even once, they’ll keep trying forever.

The best fix is strict boundaries. Feed them their meals, give treats during training, and never reward begging.

If you want them to stay calm during your meals, teach a “place” command and reward them for staying there.

Socialization Training (The Shih Tzu Confidence Plan)

Socialization matters more than most people realize. A Shih Tzu that grows up sheltered can become anxious, reactive, and overly clingy.

A well-socialized Shih Tzu stays calm around people, dogs, loud sounds, grooming sessions, and new environments. That kind of confidence makes life so much easier.

Socialization doesn’t mean forcing your dog into scary situations. It means introducing them to the world gradually and positively.

When to Start Socializing a Shih Tzu Puppy

You should start socializing your puppy as early as possible. The prime socialization window happens in the first few months of life, and it makes a huge difference long-term.

Even before your puppy finishes vaccines, you can safely expose them to sounds, surfaces, people, and new experiences indoors. You just need to avoid risky areas where unknown dogs roam.

Once vaccines finish, you can expand the socialization more confidently.

Best Socialization Experiences for Shih Tzus

You want your Shih Tzu to experience the world without fear. That means introducing them to normal life things in a calm way.

Some great socialization experiences include:

• Meeting calm friendly dogs
• Meeting people wearing hats or sunglasses
• Hearing vacuum cleaners and blenders
• Walking on tile, grass, carpet, sand
• Visiting a groomer just to say hello
• Car rides and short outings

Shih Tzus can get nervous with loud noises, so sound exposure early helps a lot.

How to Prevent Fear-Based Barking

Fear barking happens when your dog feels unsure and tries to “scare away” what worries them. Shih Tzus sometimes do this with strangers, big dogs, or unfamiliar sounds.

The fix involves distance and rewards. You keep your Shih Tzu far enough away that they stay calm, then reward calm behavior.

Over time, you decrease the distance slowly. This builds confidence without overwhelming them.

Shih Tzu Separation Anxiety and Clinginess

Shih Tzus love their humans, but that love can become unhealthy clinginess. Some of them panic when left alone, and they might bark, whine, or destroy things.

To prevent separation anxiety, you need to teach independence early. Let your dog spend time alone in a safe space with a chew toy while you stay nearby.

Then gradually increase the time you’re away. If you make alone time normal, your Shih Tzu won’t treat it like abandonment.

Socialization Mistakes That Backfire

One big mistake is forcing your dog into situations they fear. If your Shih Tzu feels trapped, they might snap or become more anxious.

Another mistake is comforting fear too much. If your dog barks in fear and you immediately pick them up and baby them, you might reinforce the fear response.

Instead, stay calm, create distance, and reward calm behavior. Your dog learns confidence from your calm reactions.

Advanced Training: Tricks, Manners, and Mental Stimulation

Once your Shih Tzu learns basic obedience, advanced training becomes the fun part. Tricks and manners don’t just look cute, they also keep your dog mentally stimulated.

Shih Tzus get bored easily, and boredom creates bad behavior. Training gives them a job, even if that job is just “spin in a circle for snacks.”

I actually love trick training with Shih Tzus because they act proud when they learn something new. It’s like they know they’re impressing you.

Teaching “Leave It” (A Lifesaver Command)

Leave it helps prevent your dog from eating random junk off the floor. Shih Tzus love picking up things they shouldn’t, and they do it fast.

Start with a treat in your hand, closed fist. Let them sniff, lick, and paw, but don’t open your hand.

The moment they stop trying, say “leave it” and reward them with a different treat. This teaches them ignoring temptation brings reward.

Teaching “Drop It” Without a Fight

Drop it matters because Shih Tzus sometimes steal socks, tissues, and other things they find exciting. If you chase them, they’ll treat it like a fun game.

Instead, offer a high-value treat and say “drop it.” When they release the item, reward immediately.

If you consistently trade reward for release, your dog learns cooperation works better than hoarding.

Teaching “Place” (Calm Behavior Training)

Place means your dog goes to a specific bed or mat and stays there. It’s one of the best commands for controlling chaos when guests arrive or when you eat meals.

Guide your Shih Tzu onto the bed, say “place,” then reward. Repeat until they understand the bed is the reward zone.

Once they stay there longer, reward them randomly for staying calm. This builds patience and self-control.

Fun Tricks Shih Tzus Love Learning

Trick training keeps things exciting, and Shih Tzus usually love it because it means attention and snacks. Plus, tricks make your dog more responsive overall.

Some great tricks include:

• Spin
• High five
• Shake paw
• Roll over
• Sit pretty
• Play dead
• Jump through a hoop

The key is keeping it light and playful. If your Shih Tzu gets frustrated, take a break.

Mental Stimulation Ideas Beyond Training

Training doesn’t have to be formal sessions. You can mentally tire out your Shih Tzu with simple daily activities.

Try puzzle feeders, hide-and-seek with treats, scent games, and interactive toys. Even a short sniff walk can tire them out more than a long boring walk.

A mentally satisfied Shih Tzu acts calmer, sleeps better, and annoys you less. That’s a win.

Conclusion

Training a Shih Tzu takes patience, consistency, and a little sense of humor because they will test you. Once you understand their personality, everything becomes easier, from potty training to leash walking to stopping bad habits.

Keep sessions short, reward good behavior quickly, and don’t fall for the “cute but naughty” routine. If you stay consistent, your Shih Tzu will grow into a confident, well-mannered little companion who still keeps their charming personality.