Advanced Obedience Training for a Shih Tzu
Advanced obedience training for Shih Tzus requires patience and understanding of their independent, playful nature. While Shih Tzus are affectionate and charming companions, their moderate trainability (3/5) and inherent stubbornness mean they won't respond to harsh commands or repetitive drills. This guide focuses on proofing advanced obedience—stay, recall, and heel—in real-world distractions like parks, busy streets, and multi-pet environments. The key is leveraging their love of human interaction and high-value rewards while respecting their low energy levels (30 minutes daily). You'll learn how to maintain focus despite their tendency to bark at triggers and separate-anxiety-driven behaviors, building a confident, reliable companion.
Step-by-step
- 1
Establish a Distraction-Free Foundation at Home
Before introducing distractions, ensure your Shih Tzu has mastered advanced commands (stay, recall, heel) in a quiet home environment with consistent high-value rewards like chicken or cheese. Practice 5–10 minute sessions daily to respect their low energy level and prevent frustration or barking from overstimulation. Build a solid baseline before moving outdoors.
- 2
Introduce Mild Distractions Gradually
Start in a low-distraction outdoor setting like a quiet backyard or empty parking lot. Have a family member walk nearby or play gently with a toy to create minor distractions while you practice commands. Reward heavily when your Shih Tzu maintains focus despite these minor interruptions, building their impulse control step by step.
- 3
Practice in Semi-Controlled Public Spaces
Move to slightly busier environments like a calm park or training class with other dogs present. Keep sessions short (10–15 minutes) because Shih Tzus tire quickly and may become stubborn when fatigued. Use higher-value rewards and remain calm—their sensitive temperament picks up on frustration, which can trigger barking or anxiety.
- 4
Proof Recall Against Arousal Triggers
Since Shih Tzus have a moderate barking tendency and can be triggered by other dogs or squirrels, practice recall specifically when mild triggers appear. Start at a distance where they can still focus, reward instantly with their favorite treat, and gradually decrease distance to triggers as confidence builds. Never force compliance; instead, make coming to you more rewarding than the distraction.
- 5
Test in High-Distraction, Real-World Scenarios
Once solid in semi-controlled settings, practice in busy parks, on sidewalks near traffic, or around other dogs during off-leash time (where safe). Keep a long line attached for safety and practice heel, stay, and recall with competing distractions like children, cyclists, or other animals. Short, frequent sessions prevent frustration and respect their 30-minute daily exercise limit.
- 6
Maintain Proofing with Rotation and Novelty
Avoid plateau by rotating training locations weekly and introducing new mild distractions (hats, wheeled toys, different dogs). Shih Tzus can become bored with repetition, so vary rewards and environments to keep them mentally engaged. Practice maintenance sessions 3–4 times weekly indefinitely to prevent regression.
Pro tips
- Keep sessions short and frequent (5–10 minutes, 3–4 times daily) to match their low energy and prevent the stubbornness and barking that come from boredom or fatigue.
- Use ultra-high-value rewards like chicken, cheese, or a favorite toy—never force compliance; instead, make listening to you more rewarding than any distraction through enthusiastic praise and treats.
- Train in multiple locations weekly to prevent boredom and plateauing; Shih Tzus are smart and charming but need novelty and variety to stay motivated long-term.
Frequently asked questions
My Shih Tzu breaks recall when they see another dog. How do I fix this?+
This is common because Shih Tzus are social and playful. Start recall practice at a distance where they notice the other dog but can still focus on you, then reward immediately with high-value treats when they respond. Gradually decrease the distance over weeks. If they ignore you, use a long line for safety and avoid punishment—instead, calmly redirect and try again with higher-value rewards.
My Shih Tzu gets stubborn and barks during training. What should I do?+
Barking and stubbornness signal frustration, overstimulation, or separation anxiety. End the session immediately—do not reward the barking. Take a 10-minute break, then resume with shorter intervals and easier tasks. Ensure daily exercise meets their 30-minute minimum but avoid overexertion, which increases anxiety. If barking persists, consult a trainer to rule out anxiety-driven behavior.
How long does it take to proof advanced obedience for a Shih Tzu?+
Given their moderate trainability, expect 8–12 weeks of consistent 5–10 minute daily sessions to proof basic advanced commands (stay, recall, heel) in mild distractions. Real-world proofing in high-distraction environments typically takes 3–6 additional months. Progress depends on consistency and the individual dog's temperament, so patience is essential.
Can separation anxiety interfere with proofing obedience?+
Yes, Shih Tzus are prone to separation anxiety, which can undermine recall and focus, especially at a distance from you. If your dog struggles when you move away, build duration slowly by stepping away for 2–3 seconds, rewarding, and returning before they panic. Combine obedience training with gradual desensitization to alone time and consider consulting a trainer if anxiety is severe.