Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus & Poos

Purebred Shih Tzu Puppies

Behavior

How to Teach a Shih Tzu Puppy the Sit Command

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Female chocolate Shih Tzu puppy laying on a blanket.
A Female chocolate Shih Tzu puppy resting peacefully

Training your Shih Tzu puppy is a crucial part of responsible dog ownership. One of the most basic commands that your Shih Tzu puppy will need to know is the sit command. This essential command teaches your puppy to sit down and stay in that position until released. In this blog post, I’d like to dive deeper into the steps required to teach the sit command.

Most puppies have no problem pleasing their owners and following simple commands especially if there’s a treat involved. The sit command can come in handy in a variety of situations. First of all, imagine you’re at the park and a rabbit is hopping around in the near distance. If your puppy knows the sit command you can potentially keep your puppy from running off after the rabbit.

Scenario number two, you’re hosting a Thanksgiving party at your home. Your new puppy loves to greet guests by jumping up on them. If your puppy knows the sit command you can protect Aunt Betty’s legs from getting scratched up. If you have control over your puppy he or she will be a lot safer in many situations. Below are the steps that are necessary to teach a puppy to sit.

Step 1: Set up the Training Environment

Before you begin to teach the sit command, it is important to make sure to properly set the stage for training. One important thing to consider is whether or not the area is free from distraction. Puppies don’t have a large attention span and may have trouble focusing on learning in an environment full of distractions. As your Shih Tzu puppy becomes a pro at learning various commands you can provide more challenging environments.

Step 2: Choosing the Best Approach

Deciding what training approach to use when teaching your Shih Tzu puppy to sit is important. I recommend Positive Reinforcement Training. I believe rewarding your Shih Tzu puppy for good behavior is a key to success.

Positive Reinforcement Training involves praising your puppy when he or she does something right and offering a tasty treat. The puppy learns to associate correct behavior with receiving a reward. In return, the puppy is more likely to follow the command. The use of punishment during training is never the solution and may be very harmful to your puppy.

Step 3: How to Teach the Sit Command

To teach the sit command to your Shih Tzu puppy follow the steps below:

Step 1: Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose.

Step 2: Move the treat up, towards the puppy’s head, causing his or her butt to lower to the ground. As the puppy’s butt hits the floor, say “sit” and reward the puppy with the treat.

Step 3: Repeat this process at least once a day if possible. Each training session should be around 10 to 15 minutes. You can slowly reduce the use of the treat as the puppy starts to understand the sit command.

Step 4: Once your puppy has a solid understanding of the sit command be sure to continue to practice regularly. If you don’t use the command for a long time, your puppy may forget the command. In this case, you might need to do a short refresher training session.

In conclusion, there are many benefits associated with teaching puppies basic commands such as sitting. Teaching commands helps strengthen the trust bond between the puppy and the owner. More importantly, teaching basic commands can be life-saving for your Shih Tzu puppy.  With Positive Reinforcement Training and a well-structured training approach, your Shih Tzu puppy can quickly become an expert at learning basic commands. 

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How to Train a Shih Tzu Puppy to Stay in Place

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Teaching your Shih Tzu puppy the “place” command is beneficial for many reasons. First of all, the “place” command helps puppies learn self-control. Self-control is essential to any effective training program. Teaching “place’ also helps provide puppies with a place to go when they need downtime. Moreover, teaching the command may assist in eliminating undesirable behaviors like jumping on people.

The place command can be taught in a variety of ways. I like the method listed below.

1. Choose a Spot

Before you start teaching your Shih Tzu puppy the place command, it’s essential to look for an ideal spot in the house to conduct training. The spot should be easily accessible, free from distractions, and stress-free for your puppy. If you have spare room that would be an ideal place for training a puppy. You can use a dog bed to serve as the “place” you want the puppy to go to when using the command. Once you’ve found your ideal spot, try to familiarize your Shih Tzu puppy with the new area by using treats and positive reinforcement.

2. Pick your Command Word

It’s critical to use a specific command word that you’ll use every time you want the puppies to go to their designated area. You can choose any command word you desire, but the most commonly used word is “place.” Whenever your puppy goes to the desired spot, simply say the word “place.”

3. Always be Positive 

Positive reinforcement is the most efficient way to teach the “place” command to young puppies. Whenever your Shih Tzu puppy goes to the designated spot, give them a lot of praise, and reward them with a tasty treat. Over time, your puppy will begin to recognize that going to their designated spot when told comes with a reward.

4. Slowly Increase Training Sessions

Shih Tzu puppies don’t have a very big attention span, so when you first start teaching the “place” command, start with short training sessions. Initially, ask your Shih Tzu puppy to stay in place for only 15 to 30 seconds, and then gradually increase the time in place. If your puppy tries to leave before the desired time is up, gently guide him or her back to the spot. Use a treat if necessary and remember to say the command word “place.”

5. Be Consistent

Consistency is vital when it comes to teaching Shih Tzu puppies new commands. Ideally, you should practice the place command daily, gradually increasing the duration. The goal is to give the puppy a solid introduction to the command. But, if new owners don’t work on the command frequently it will fade from the puppy’s memory. Also, please remember to be patient and positive. Puppies thrive when their owners use positive reinforcement and are patient with training. Punishing a puppy for not getting it right is never a good idea!

In conclusion, the “place” command is an easy way to teach Shih Tzu puppies self-control while providing them with a safe spot for downtime. Using positive reinforcement and remaining consistent during training sessions is key when it comes to teaching new commands. Gradually increasing the duration will ensure that your puppy masters the command over time. Following the above tips will help teach your Shih Tzu puppy the “place” command safely and positively.

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The Secret to Raising Confident Shih Tzu Puppies

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Shih Tzu puppy curriculum set up including tactile surfaces, a cat bed and toys.
Puppy Curriculum Set Up

Do you want to know the secret to raising a confident Shih Tzu puppy?

Studies have shown that puppies that come from breeders who expose them to a variety of stimuli when young including tactile surfaces are more likely to be confident adults. Do any of you own a Shih Tzu that is fearful of random surfaces? For example, is your Shih Tzu afraid to walk on the hardwood floor? Does your Shih Tzu panic anytime you go on a walk and try to walk through a sandy area? What if I tell you that this phenomenon could be avoided in puppies through a developmentally appropriate puppy curriculum?

So if you’re thinking about purchasing a Shih Tzu puppy you may want to work with a Shih Tzu breeder that understands the significance of puppy socialization. Also, look into your breeder’s credentials. Anyone can say that they socialize the puppies. But this can mean different things to different Shih Tzu breeders.

Proper socialization is essential because a breeder may create fear in the puppies if he or she isn’t working the puppies during the proper developmental periods. Puppies go through fear periods. A responsible breeder will take things easy during fear periods.

When you’re interviewing Shih Tzu breeders ask them what breeder education classes they have taken to date as well. If you want to be more specific, find out if they have taken any specific classes on puppy socialization protocols. I list all of the breeder education courses that I have taken on my website for clients to view.

Introducing puppies to different surfaces helps create confident and resilient Shih Tzu puppies who learn that the world is a safe place. Puppies learn to not fear different tactile experiences through repetitive exposure during the appropriate developmental period. Not all surfaces feel the same to a puppy. A ceramic floor feels different than a carpet. Rocks don’t feel the same as grass. Shih Tzu breeders have the opportunity to instill confidence in these little ones by providing them with socialization opportunities that create confidence.

Some of the surfaces that I expose all of my Shih Tzu puppies to include:

  • Artificial Turf
  • Quartz
  • Rocks
  • Ceramic
  • Hardwood
  • Tactile squares with different bumpy surfaces
  • A ball pit
  • Plastic grates
  • Water

Puppy exposure activities should begin early in life to teach puppies to adapt to new surroundings with minimal anxiety. If your Shih Tzu breeder has begun the socialization process make sure to ask what you can do to continue socializing your puppy once you get home. Most responsible Shih Tzu breeders will be happy to give you suggestions.

A Shih Tzu puppy’s critical period of development starts in the third week of life and goes all the way through week 12. It would be ideal if all Shih Tzu puppies stay with their breeder, mom, and siblings during this crucial stage of development. Shih Tzu Puppies learn so many irreplaceable skills during this period. If you happen to bring your puppy home before this period is over be sure to talk to your breeder about what Socialization opportunities you should implement once home.

Remember to keep all at-home socialization experiences positive for your Shih Tzu puppy. Whenever your puppy works up the courage to try out something new use the marker word, “Yes!” Treat-based rewards help create a positive association as well. Never force your puppy to try something new. But, simply remember to always be your puppy’s biggest fan by encouraging engagement with new things. For example, if your puppy has never spent time on a wooden deck bring some fun toys onto the deck. Encourage your puppy to join in on the fun. Once he or she does praise and treat to make the occasion special. 

To sum things up, please do your homework before searching for Shih Tzu Puppies for sale. It is super easy to find available Shih Tzu puppies but more complex to find Shih Tzu puppies that have had an upbringing that will help maximize their full potential. Ask a lot of questions and get to know your Shih Tzu breeder on a personal level. After all, you’re about to purchase a Shih Tzu puppy that will be spending the next 10-plus years living beside you. If you choose a Shih Tzu Breeder that works hard to instill confidence in the puppies you’re much more likely to have a well-rounded companion animal by your side.

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Kong Stuffer Ideas for your Shih Tzu Puppy

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A chocolate Shih Tzu puppy keeping busy with a snuffle mat and an interactive ramen noodle toy.
Shih Tzu Puppy Playtime

Are you looking for ways to keep your puppy busy?

Stuffing a Kong is a great interactive activity for your Shih Tzu puppy. I love stuffing Kongs for the Shih Tzu puppies that I raise in my responsible breeding program. A Kong is awesome at keeping your Shih Tzu puppy busy and forcing your puppy to eat slowly. Although a Kong is a great form of mental stimulation it is important to make sure that the ingredients you’re stuffing into the Kong are safe for dogs. Fruit should be washed, peeled, and chopped into pieces.

Furthermore, all ingredients used for Kong stuffing should be free of harmful seasonings, artificial flavors, or sweeteners. Plain is best when it comes to choosing what to put into the Kong. Also, Avoid fatty items. Watch out for overindulgence as well. Too much of a good thing may backfire. 

I hope your Shih Tzu puppy benefits from the Kong stuffer suggestions below:

  • Shredded boiled chicken without skin, bones, or seasonings
  • Low-fat plain yogurt with chopped-up peeled apple chunks
  • Scrambled egg without seasonings
  • Banana and peanut butter
  • Cream cheese
  • Canned plain pumpkin
  • Plain mashed potato
  • Rice
  • Oatmeal
  • Cottage cheese
  • Kong stuffers
  • Canned wet dog food
  • Frozen applesauce
  • Berries
  • String cheese
  • Canned tuna or sardines
  • Dehydrated dog food
  • Frozen chicken or beef broth for dogs
  • Baby food that isn’t toxic for dogs
  • Sweet potato
  • Squash
  • Cantelope
  • Seedless watermelon

For more Kong Stuffer ideas check out the link below:

https://www.kongcompany.com/cuisine/

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How to Recognize Normal Behavior in Shih Tzu Puppies

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An available liver Shih Tzu puppy laying on a fuzzy baby blue blanket next to a stuffed toy.
A Liver Shih Tzu Puppy


So you have finally brought your new puppy home from a reputable Shih Tzu breeder. You’re super excited to do everything in your power to properly raise your Shih Tzu puppy. You have bought books on everything from potty training to teaching your new puppy simple commands like how to sit.

Life is going great! Then one day you’re playing with your sweet Shih Tzu puppy and he nips your finger hard! Unfortunately, mouthing, chewing, and biting are normal puppy behaviors. This behavior is similar to a baby teething. All puppies teethe and seek out something to chew on to relieve the discomfort. I am here to tell you that anything is a game including your fingers. I typically tell my Shih Tzu puppy owners to always have a chew toy in hand when playing with a teething puppy. Simply redirect by offering the toy instead of your hand. If the behavior continues discontinue the play session and try again with a chew toy in hand when the puppy calms down.

Jumping up to greet guests is another normal puppy behavior. Puppies are full of energy and get super excited when it comes to receiving human attention. I recommend staying very still, folding your arms, and ignoring your puppy until he or she has stopped jumping up. Then show your puppy attention. This method will reward appropriate behavior while ignoring the negative behavior. I also advise training simple commands like sit and stay which will help tremendously.

Curiosity is another common puppy behavior. Your new puppy is learning all about this great big world. Puppies are often eager to explore their new environment. This heightened curiosity is great but must also be managed appropriately. Your puppy could easily become injured if he or she becomes curious about your house plant and decides to take a nibble for instance. Many plants and other items in the average pet home are toxic to dogs. It is essential to safety-proof the home before your curious puppy arrives. An app like PupTox is a great idea as well. I also suggest keeping your puppy in a playpen when you’re unable to supervise until trained.

Below, I have put together a list of some of the most common puppy behaviors. Some of the more undesirable behaviors can be properly managed through training. Also, remember that your puppy will mature and outgrow many of these behaviors over time. In the meantime, I advise being patient and consistent with training. Before you know it, your puppy will become an amazing well-trained member of your family.

Common Puppy Behaviors:

  • Curious about everything
  • Energetic (Puppy Zoomies)
  • Affectionate
  • Barking and vocalizing
  • Mouthing and chewing
  • Chasing anything that moves
  • Whining
  • Jumping up
  • Short attention span
  • Pouncing
  • Putting everything and anything in their mouths
  • Vigorously shaking toys
  • Shredding potty pads, toys, beds
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Puppy Developmental Periods Defined

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All puppies go through developmental periods where they develop behavioral habits that stick with them throughout their lifespan. All breeders including Shih Tzu breeders need to instill appropriate behaviors that line up with the developmental periods. Responsible breeders should set program goals that align with the puppies’ developmental needs.

It is important to meet litter needs in a developmentally appropriate fashion. Working a litter too fast, too slow, or in an improper manner may have detrimental effects on the puppies in the litter. A good breeder will know when and how to properly socialize. The key is breeder education! Knowledge is power!

Below is a list of the developmental periods that puppies go through:

Birth to 2 weeks-(The Neonatal Period)-Puppies rely heavily on their mother. They rely on their sense of smell, taste, and touch to get around the whelping box.

2-3 weeks-(The Transitional Period)-The puppy’s eyes and ears begin to open. Puppies become more aware of littermates and begin to try to walk.

3-12 weeks-(The Socialization Period)-This is the prime time for a breeder to properly socialize puppies. Puppies should also remain with their mother and littermates for most of this period to learn important skills such as bite inhibition. Puppies absorb everything very quickly during this stage. Also, fear is at an all-time low, minus short fear periods. A good breeder will know how to recognize a fear period and will adjust the curriculum until the fear period comes to a halt.

Puppies should be exposed to a wide range of stimuli during this sensitive period as well to promote ideal brain and emotional development. Working puppies through a developmentally appropriate curriculum during this stage is of utmost importance. Puppies learn faster and quicker during this period than in any other period of development. The socialization period only takes place once in a dog’s lifetime!

13 weeks to puberty-(Juvenile Period)-A puppy’s early behavioral habits begin to take even more shape. This stage is often equivalent to the human teenage years! Puppies are growing rapidly, have a newfound independence, bounds of energy, and hormones are starting to surge. Puppy training will be of incredible benefit during this stage.

6 months to adulthood-(The Adolescent Period)-Much of your puppy’s behavior is now solidified. Training is still very beneficial to continue reinforcing behaviors that are desirable. This period ends when social maturity is reached. The timeline varies depending on the breed. Shih Tzus are typically fully grown by 10 months of age.

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