| Unfortunately, eliminating problem behaviors is one thing | | | | on the shih tzu's level. Giving affection and praise at |
| that most dog owners eventually face. This article will | | | | eye level with the shih tzu puppy is a great way to |
| focus on a few of the most commonly encountered | | | | reinforce the lesson. |
| behavior problems. | | | | Problem #2 - Pulling and tugging at the leash |
| Problem #1 - Jumping up on people | | | | Pulling on the leash is another problem trait that many |
| One of the most frequently cited problems with dogs | | | | shih tzu puppies pick up. Unfortunately, this behavior is |
| is that of jumping up on people. Unfortunately, this is | | | | also one that is sometimes encouraged by well |
| one of those behaviors that is often inadvertently | | | | meaning owners. Playing games like tug of war with |
| encouraged by well meaning owners. After all, it is cute | | | | the leash, or even with a rope (that can look like the |
| and adorable when that little 3 pound shih tzu puppy | | | | leash to the dog) can unwittingly encourage a problem |
| jumps up on you, your family members and your | | | | behavior. |
| friends. Many people reward this behavior on the part | | | | The use of a quality body harness can be a big help |
| of a small shih tzu puppy with kisses and treats. | | | | when training a puppy not to pull, or retraining a shih tzu |
| This is a huge mistake, however, since that cute little | | | | dog that has picked up the habit of pulling on the leash. |
| shih tzu puppy may soon become a full grown shih tzu | | | | Try training the shih tzu puppy to accept the body |
| dog. Suddenly that cute jumping behavior is no longer | | | | harness the same way it accepts the regular buckle |
| quite so cute. | | | | collar. |
| In addition to being annoying, jumping up on people can | | | | When walking with your shih tzu dog, try using a lure or |
| be dangerous as well. A large, heavy dog, jumping | | | | toy to encourage the shih tzu dog to remain at your |
| enthusiastically, can easily knock over a child or an | | | | side. A training collar, when properly used, can also be |
| older or handicapped adult. In today's litigious society, | | | | a good training tool for a problem dog. When using a |
| such an incident could easily make you, as the shih tzu | | | | training collar or choke chain, however, it is very |
| dog's owner, the subject of an unwanted lawsuit. | | | | important to fit it correctly, and to use a size that is |
| The time to teach a shih tzu dog that jumping up on | | | | neither too big nor too small for your shih tzu dog. |
| people is unacceptable is when he is still young and | | | | When walking with your shih tzu puppy, it is important |
| easy to handle. Retraining a shih tzu dog that has been | | | | to keep the leash loose at all times. If the shih tzu |
| allowed to jump up on people can be difficult for the | | | | puppy begins to pull ahead, the handler should quickly |
| owner, and confusing for the shih tzu dog. | | | | change directions so that the shih tzu puppy fast finds |
| When the shih tzu puppy tries to jump on you or | | | | itself falling behind. It is important to reverse directions |
| another member of your family, gently but firmly place | | | | before the shih tzu puppy has reached the end of the |
| the shih tzu puppy's feet back on the floor. After the | | | | leash. The leash should stay loose except for the split |
| shih tzu puppy is standing firmly on the floor, be sure to | | | | second it takes the handler to reverse direction. It is |
| reward and praise him. | | | | important to use a quick tug, followed by an immediate |
| It is important for every member of the family, as well | | | | slackening of the leash. |
| as frequently visiting friends, to understand this rule and | | | | When training a shih tzu puppy, it is important to never |
| follow it religiously. If one member of the family | | | | let the shih tzu puppy pull you around. Training the shih |
| reprimands the shih tzu dog for jumping and another | | | | tzu puppy to walk properly while he or she is still small |
| praises him, the shih tzu dog will be understandably | | | | enough to handle. |
| confused. As with other dog training issues, | | | | It is important not to yank or pull on the shih tzu puppy's |
| consistency is the key to teaching the dog that | | | | neck when correcting him. A gentle, steady pressure |
| jumping is always inappropriate. | | | | will work much better than a hard yank. The best |
| When praising and rewarding the shih tzu dog for | | | | strategy is to use the least amount of pressure |
| staying down, it is important for the trainer to get down | | | | possible to achieve the desired result. |