| Walking on a collar and lead is an important skill that | | | | next to the food bowl for awhile to let him get used to |
| every shih tzu must learn. Even the best trained shih | | | | it slowly. Eventually, he will come to understand that the |
| tzu should never be taken outside the home or yard | | | | leash is nothing to be afraid of. |
| without a sturdy collar and leash. | | | | After the shih tzu puppy is comfortable with walking |
| Even if your shih tzu is trained perfectly to go off lead, | | | | around the house wearing the leash, it is time for you |
| accidents and distractions do happen, and a collar, with | | | | to pick up the end of the leash for a few minutes. You |
| proper identification attached, is the best way to be | | | | should not try to walk the shih tzu puppy on the leash; |
| sure you will get your beloved companion back. | | | | simply hold the end of the leash and follow the shih tzu |
| Of course before you can teach your new shih tzu | | | | puppy around as he or she walks around. You should |
| puppy to accept a leash, he or she must first learn to | | | | try to avoid situations where the leash becomes taut, |
| accept wearing a collar. The first step is to choose a | | | | and any pulling or straining on the leash should be |
| collar that fits the shih tzu properly. It is important to | | | | avoided. It is fine for the shih tzu puppy to sit down. |
| measure the shih tzu puppy's neck, and to choose a | | | | Try a few games with the collar and lead. For |
| collar size accordingly. After the collar has been put on | | | | instance, back up and encourage the shih tzu puppy to |
| the shih tzu puppy, simply let him or her get used to it. It | | | | walk toward you. Don't drag the shih tzu puppy |
| is not unusual for a shih tzu puppy to try to pull on the | | | | forward, simply encourage him to come to you. If he |
| collar, whine, roll or squirm when first introduced to a | | | | does, praise him profusely and reward him with a food |
| collar. | | | | treat or toy. You should always strive to make all the |
| The best strategy is to simply ignore the shih tzu | | | | time spent on the leash as pleasant as possible. |
| puppy and let him or her get used to the collar. It is a | | | | It is important to give the shih tzu puppy plenty of |
| mistake to either punish the shih tzu for playing with | | | | practice in getting used to walking on the leash in the |
| the collar or to encourage the behavior. Distracting the | | | | home. It is best to do plenty of work in the home, since |
| shih tzu puppy often helps, and playing with a favorite | | | | it is a safe environment with few distractions. After the |
| toy, or eating some favorite treats, can help the shih | | | | shih tzu puppy is comfortable walking indoors on a |
| tzu puppy quickly forget that he or she is wearing this | | | | leash, it is time to start going outside, beginning of |
| strange piece of equipment. | | | | course in a small, enclosed area like a fenced yard. |
| After the shih tzu has learned to accept the collar, try | | | | After the shih tzu puppy has mastered walking calmly |
| adding the leash. Hook the leash to the collar and | | | | outdoors on a leash, it is time to visit some places |
| simply sit and watch the shih tzu puppy. Obviously, this | | | | where there are more distractions. You may want to |
| should only be done either in the house or in a confined | | | | start with a place like a neighbor's yard. Walking your |
| outdoor area. The shih tzu puppy should be allowed to | | | | new shih tzu puppy around the neighborhood is a good |
| drag the leash around on its own, but of course the | | | | way to introduce your neighbors to the new shih tzu |
| owner should keep a close eye on the shih tzu puppy | | | | puppy, while giving the shih tzu puppy valuable |
| to ensure that the leash does not become snagged or | | | | experience in avoiding distractions and focusing on his |
| hung up on anything. | | | | leash training. |
| At first, the leash should only be left on for a few | | | | Shih tzu puppies sometimes develop bad habits with |
| minutes at a time. It is a good idea to attach the leash | | | | their leashes, such as biting or chewing on the leash. |
| at mealtimes, playtime and other positive times in the | | | | To discourage this type of behavior, try applying a little |
| life of the shih tzu puppy. That way the shih tzu puppy | | | | bit of bitter apple, Tabasco sauce or similar substance |
| will begin to associate the leash with good things and | | | | (just make sure the substance you use is not toxic to |
| look forward to it. If the shih tzu puppy shows a high | | | | dogs). This strategy usually convinces shih tzu puppies |
| degree of fear of the leash, it is a good idea to place it | | | | that chewing the leash is a bad idea. |