How to Teach a Shih Tzu to Stay
Teaching a Shih Tzu to stay is a rewarding challenge that plays directly into this breed's need for mental stimulation and your bond. Shih Tzus are charming and affectionate companions, but their moderate trainability (3/5) and stubborn streak mean patience and consistency are essential. This breed thrives on positive reinforcement rather than corrections, and their low energy level (2/5) makes the stay command particularly suitable—they're naturally inclined to settle and relax. Building duration, distance, and distraction control will help manage their tendency toward separation anxiety and excessive barking by giving them a calm, structured role. With their playful temperament and desire to please, Shih Tzus respond beautifully to reward-based training when you break lessons into short, engaging sessions that respect their attention span.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start with a Solid Sit Foundation
Before teaching stay, ensure your Shih Tzu has a reliable sit cue in multiple environments. Practice sit for 2–3 minutes per session, several times daily, rewarding immediately with treats or gentle praise. A confident sit is the launching pad for teaching duration and control.
- 2
Introduce the Stay Cue with Minimal Duration
With your dog sitting, say 'stay' in a calm, clear voice, pause for just 1–2 seconds, then immediately reward with a high-value treat and praise. Keep sessions brief (5–10 reps) to prevent frustration. Shih Tzus have moderate trainability, so frequent, short practice beats long, tedious sessions.
- 3
Build Duration Gradually and Consistently
Once your dog holds sit for 2 seconds reliably, slowly increase the pause to 3, 5, then 10 seconds—only advancing when they succeed 8 out of 10 times. Go slowly with this breed's stubbornness; rushing causes confusion and early quitting. Reward generously after each successful stay.
- 4
Add Distance While Maintaining Duration
Once stay is solid at 10+ seconds, take one small step backward (staying visible), say 'stay,' pause briefly, then return and reward. Gradually increase distance over multiple sessions. Return to your dog's side before releasing to prevent them from breaking stay out of separation anxiety.
- 5
Introduce Mild Distractions in Safe Settings
Practice stay while a family member walks nearby, or with gentle sounds in the background. Shih Tzus have a barking tendency (3/5), so start in quiet areas and build up slowly. Reward any success, and return to easier setups if your dog struggles.
- 6
Transition to Real-World Scenarios
Practice stay during your daily 30 minutes of exercise time—perhaps holding a stay at the park gate or near another dog. Keep sessions positive and consistent. Use stay to help manage separation anxiety by practicing in doorways and using it before departures and arrivals.
Pro tips
- Practice stay for just 5–10 minutes at a time, 2–3 times daily. Shih Tzus have moderate trainability and tire quickly—consistency beats marathon sessions, and short bursts prevent the stubbornness that emerges when they're bored or frustrated.
- Use stay training to combat separation anxiety by practicing stays in doorways and before you leave, then rewarding calm behavior when you return. This builds their confidence that you'll come back.
- Reward instantly and lavishly—Shih Tzus are affectionate and respond powerfully to praise and treats. The faster the reward after a successful stay, the stronger the connection they make to the behavior.
Frequently asked questions
My Shih Tzu breaks stay constantly out of anxiety when I step away. How do I fix this?+
This is common in the breed due to separation anxiety. Start with zero distance—just 1–2 seconds of stay while you're right there. Build distance extremely gradually over weeks. Practice stay regularly to build their confidence that you return. Never punish a broken stay; instead, reset calmly and try again at an easier level.
How long should each training session last?+
Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes maximum, 2–3 times per day. Shih Tzus have moderate trainability and moderate energy, so they tire mentally quickly. Short, frequent sessions prevent frustration and boredom, which trigger stubbornness and barking.
What's the best treat to use for teaching stay?+
Use high-value rewards your Shih Tzu loves but doesn't get otherwise—small pieces of chicken, cheese, or special training treats. Vary rewards to keep interest high. Since they're affectionate, occasional verbal praise and gentle petting also work well as reinforcement.
My Shih Tzu barks whenever another dog or person passes during stay practice. Is this normal?+
Yes—Shih Tzus have a moderate barking tendency (3/5). Expect this and don't react or scold. Practice in quieter environments first, then gradually add distractions. Reward calm stays heavily. If barking is severe, add mental exercise (sniff games, puzzle toys) to your daily 30-minute routine to tire them out before training.