Shih Tzu - Training Your Shih Tzu To Not Pull On The Leash
Connie Limon
Pulling on the leash is one of the most common misbehaviors seen on all kinds of dogs. Shih tzu puppies and adult shih tzu alike can often be seen taking their owners for walks, instead of the other way around. Pulling on the leash can be much more than an annoying habit. Leash pulling can lead to escape in the case of a break in the collar or leash, and an out of control, off leash shih tzu can be both destructive and dangerous to itself and to others.
Leash pulling can result from a variety of different things. In some cases, the shih tzu may simply be so excited to go for a walk that he or she is unable to control themselves. In other cases, the shih tzu sees itself as the leader of the pack, and he or she simply takes the "leadership position" at the front of the pack.
If excitement is the motivation for leash pulling, simply giving the shih tzu a few minutes to calm down can often be a big help. Simply stand with the shih tzu on the leash for a couple minutes and let the initial excitement of the upcoming walk pass. After the initial excitement ahs worn off, many shih tzu are willing to walk calmly on their leash.
If the problem is one of control, however, some retraining may be in order. All shih tzu training starts with the owner establishing him or herself as the alpha dog, or pack leader, and without this basic respect and understanding, no effective training can occur. For shih tzu exhibiting these type of control issues, a step back to basic obedience commands is in order. These shih tzu can often be helped through a formal obedience school structure. The dog trainer will of course be sure to train the handler as well as the shih tzu, and any good dog trainer will insist on working with the shih tzu owner as well as the shih tzu.
The basis of teaching the shih tzu to walk calmly on the lead is teaching it to calmly accept the collar and lead. A shih tzu that is bouncing up and down while the collar is being put on will not walk properly. Begin by asking your shih tzu to sit down, and insisting that he sit still while the collar is put on. If the shih tzu begins to get up, or gets up on his own after the collar is on, be sure to sit him back down immediately. Only begin the walk after the shih tzu has sat calmly to have the collar put on, and continued to sit calmly as the leash is attached.
Once the leash is attached, it is important to make the shih tzu walk calmly toward the door. If the shih tzu jumps or surges ahead, gently correct him with a tug of the leash and return him to a sitting position. Make the shih tzu stay, then move on again. Repeat this process until the shih tzu is walking calmly by your side.
Repeat the above process when you reach the door. The shih tzu should not be allowed to surge out of the door, or to pull you through the open door. If the shih tzu begins this behavior, return the shih tzu to the house and make him sit quietly until he can be trusted to walk through the door properly. Starting the walk in control is vital to creating a well mannered shih tzu.
As you begin your walk, it is vital to keep the attention of the shih tzu focused on you at all times. Remember, the shih tzu should look to you for guidance, not take the lead himself. When walking, it is important to stop often. Every time you stop, your shih tzu should stop. Getting into the habit of asking your shih tzu to sit down every time you stop is a good way to keep your shih tzu's attention focused on you. Make sure your shih tzu is looking at you, then move off again. If the shih tzu begins to surge ahead, immediately stop and ask the shih tzu to sit. Repeat this process until the shih tzu is reliability staying at your side. Each time the shih tzu does what you ask him to, be sure to reward him with a treat, a toy or just your praise.
Remember that if your shih tzu pulls on the leash and you continue to walk him anyway, you are inadvertently rewarding that unwanted behavior. Shih Tzu learn whether you are teaching them or not, and learning the wrong things now will make learning the right things later that much harder. It is important to be consistent in your expectations. Every time the shih tzu begins to pull ahead, immediately stop and make the shih tzu sit. Continue to have the shih tzu sit quietly until his focus is solely on you. Then start out again, making sure to immediately stop moving if the shih tzu surges ahead.
About the author: Connie Limon is a shih tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com