Shih Tzu Puppy: You Can Easily Train Your Dog If You Follow These Tips
Training a dog is an endeavor which requires a plethora of patience, but if done correctly is also immensely rewarding. In all my life I have known no feeling like companionship greater than that feeling I have with my two dogs. If you're interested in learning more, read this article.
Be realistic about changing shih tzu puppy behavior that has gone on for some time. If a dog's previous owner or you have allowed a dog to sleep on furniture or jump on people for many years, it will take time to change that long term behavior. If the behavior was addressed when the dog was a puppy, then it can be easier to change the behavior more quickly.
One tip to keep in mind when training your dog is to never ever reward bad behavior in an effort to quickly end a behavior. This will only teach the dog that it can do what it wants and has power over you. An example of this would be to give the dog treats every time it barks.
Set your dog up to succeed for the end of a session. End all of your training sessions with a command that you know that he can do and reward him for his effort. You don't want him to come away depressed about training time, but you also don't want to reward him if he was not responding well during the session. Giving him a task or command that you know he can do allows you to reward him without confusing him.
To teach recall, you must be the most interesting thing to your dog at the moment you are calling him. Active dogs love movement, so try calling your dog while you run in another direction. Your dog will be likely to engage in a chase, making recall a fun exercise for him and encouraging his response in future situations.
If you don't have the time, money or inclination to take your naughty dog to a professional trainer, you can obedience train your pooch at home to turn him into a well-behaved family member by following a few simple tips. Within a matter of weeks, your dog should be able to "sit,"� "stay,"� and "come"� on demand. Some dogs learn at faster rates than others, but prepare yourself to be patient. Use positive reinforcement in the form of praise and treats to reward your dog each time he listens. If he makes a mistake, correct him in a firm voice without yelling. Limit your training to a few short sessions per day, approximately 10 minutes each. Make sure you are in a quiet room or yard with no distractions. Be consistent with your hand signals and verbal instructions. Once your dog has mastered these simple commands, it's time to train him how to fetch your slippers and bring you breakfast in bed!
You now have the knowledge you need to train your dog in a happy, healthy and productive way. Keep your patience, and you and your dog will find the work brings many rewards. Make sure to apply all the tips with compassion and common sense, along with consistency, and you'll do great.