How to Train Your Shih Tzu Puppy
- 1). It is very important to not leave your puppy home alone before he is twelve weeks old. Not only can they not control their bladder for long periods of time, he will also feel insecure making him stressed and very difficult to train. If you are not able to be home with him most of the time, consider leaving him with a puppy sitter.
- 2). Take your new puppy with you on trips to your local pet store. Many stores now allow dogs to come along on shopping trips. This will teach him to adapt to unpredictable situations, new people, other dogs, etc.
- 3). Your Shih Tzu puppy will feel safe in a world with routine. Routines reassure him that his world is safe, that you are dependable. Feeding time should be at or near the same time each day, as should be "going outside times." Speaking of going outside times - not only should you train your puppy to go to the bathroom in grass or weeds, but also on asphalt. If you don't, you might find yourself traveling with a pet who needs to "go" with no grass in sight. Teaching him that asphalt is another option will solve this problem.
- 4). Give him positive praise and affection when he is good, such as sitting when you want him to sit, and stop barking on command goes alot further than yelling and telling him that he is "bad." Giving a good puppy praise and a little treat works wonders. He'll be happy to make you happy.
- 5). A very important thing to remember - during feeding times while he is young, talk and pet him a little while he is eating. I find that doing this with any type of puppy is important. If you don't, down the road a friend or family member could approach him while he is eating and he may feel this person is trying to take his food from him, and possibly bite!
- 6). After you have finished with the basic training, enroll your puppy in obedience training. Good luck and enjoy your pet!
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