Dogs Academy
Obediencebeginner

How to Teach a Shih Tzu to Lie Down

Training a Shih Tzu to master "The down cue as a building block for settle and impulse control" works best when you account for the breed's temperament. With a trainability of 3/5 and an energy level of 2/5, the Shih Tzu responds well to short, consistent, reward-based sessions. Keep the breed's common challenges — housetraining difficulty, stubbornness, separation anxiety — in mind as you work through this beginner skill.

A full step-by-step guide for the Shih Tzu is being written. In the meantime, explore related guides below or start with the breed overview on the right.

More training for the Shih Tzu

How to Teach a This skill to Lie Down for other breeds

Looking for the full breed profile? See all Shih Tzu training guides →