How to Train a Shih Tzu to Walk on a Leash
Introduction
Your Shih Tzu, Buster is a gorgeous little bundle of fun. He’s playful and loving - and has even taught himself to sit up with his front legs in the air! But one thing Buster just isn’t getting on with is his leash. He pulls on it, tugging you along to a faster walk that you would like. How can such a little dog cause so much arm strain?!
He fights the leash and jumps up to lean on it - it’s as if he doesn’t know how to act with it. Your fresh morning walks just aren’t how you imagined. This is a common problem if dogs haven’t been trained to walk on a leash. It’s not always doggy instinct, but luckily there’s something you can do. Training your dog to walk comfortably on a leash requires a little patience and a lot of love. But soon, you’ll be strolling along nicely – just as you had always intended.
Defining Tasks
The main command you’ll need to use to keep Buster walking alongside you on his leash is ‘heel’. This is a common term used by dog owners the world over. It’s short and sharp – the perfect intonation for dogs to learn.
Shih Tzus are great companion dogs. They love to be by your side so it shouldn’t be difficult to train him to walk near you. They are pretty intelligent, making your job a whole lot easier. If you’re looking to train him as a puppy, this should be an incredibly simple task. Puppies are extremely quick learners and often eager to please. Relax and enjoy yourself – this one will be fun! If you’re looking to train an adult dog, it may require a little more time and effort. But as a breed, Shih Tzus tend to be reasonably easy to train – you’ve got this one in the bag, no problem.
Getting Started
To get started, you’ll first need your leash! If he’s a puppy, you may want to try a training leash. These are shorter than a standard leash, meaning you can keep him closer to you, and away from distractions. Once he is used to a short line, it should be easy to progress to a longer one. If he’s an adult dog, there’s no need to go out and buy a new leash – your normal one can work just fine.
You’ll also need some tasty treats. Shih Tzus, like all dogs, respond well to positive reinforcement. It’s important not to punish a dog for bad behavior, this can lead to anxiety and aggression. Get ready to give him lots of verbal and physical praise when he does well. But as a dog lover, this should come naturally!
The Get Used To It Method
The Treat Lure Method
The Turn Around Method
Written by Olivia Draper
Published: 03/23/2018, edited: 01/08/2021
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Training Questions and Answers
Jovie
Hi my shih Tzu is active and can be let alone in day time but always in night it wants to stay close to me and sleep next to me. How to train her to sleep seperately.
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Hello Vigneswaran, Check out the Surprise method from the article linked below and practice crate training with that method often for 30 minute -1 hour periods at a time during the day to help pup adjust to being alone more quickly. https://wagwalking.com/training/like-a-crate At night, crate pup at this age and ignore any crying in the crate unless it has been at least 2 hours since pup last went potty. When it has been at least 2 hours and pup wakes up crying, take pup potty on a leash and keep the trip super boring - no treats, talking, or play, and return them immediately to the crate after they go, ignoring any crying that happens when you return them. Keeping trips boring helps pup learn to only wake at night for potty needs and not play or food, to begin sleeping longer sooner. The crate helps pup settle at night once trained, prevents accidents while you are sleeping, and prevents dangerous destructive chewing while you are sleeping - which often increases again at 6-9 months and pup can chew things apart and swallow by that age, so it's important to have crate training established before that age. Pup will need to go potty 1-2 times at night right now at this age, even when fully crate trained, but being consistent, practicing crating during the day, and keeping trips outside boring, can help pup wake less at night, cry less when first crated, and start sleeping through the night sooner as their bladder capacity increases with age. Know that its normal for pup to cry in the first two weeks. The first three nights tend to be the worse, with pup gradually getting better and better after that. Once pup is past the destructive chewing phases and is potty trained - usually between 1-1.5 years for the chewing, you can then replace the crate with a dog bed in that location and teach pup Place, and reward pup for spending time on their bed during the day, telling them to go to their bed at night consistently, to transition to pup sleeping on their own out of the crate if you prefer to get rid of the crate when pup is ready for that. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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Cola is our very exciteable family dog and I’m afraid over the years she has convinced herself that she’s out pack leader. She has a bad habit of pulling us as hard as she can while walking no matter the length of her leash and we can’t keep up anymore. She pulls so hard that I believe she’s hurting herself and in the past her not walking next to the leash holder has led to altercations with other dogs or even her getting to food on the ground that is harmful to her before we could see it. We’ve tried many times to prevent her pulling but she pretty much ignores us or when she does listen it’s only for a minute. I’m worried she’s getting too old now and is too spoiled to change her walking style. I know my family has been inconsistent with trying to curb the behavior just due to being busy, having another dog (he walks perfectly) and not having the time to correct her on every walk, but I’m wondering if there’s a more efficient way we can train her to walk even at her age. It would mean the world to me to know she’s not being hurt or hurting one of us with her pulling 5 walks a day.
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Hello, I understand your concern and agree that things have to change. Eating food on the ground can make her sick and the pulling on her neck can damage the trachea. You can teach Cola to heel - it will help her walks immensely and make them much more pleasurable for everyone involved. This guide has excellent methods. You can work on all three by using a different method every time you walk her (and very good that you walk her 5 times a day - perfect!). Take a look: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-poodle-to-heel. You can also use the heeling methods for your other dog. Even though he walks very well, these methods are great mental stimulation. Good luck and all the best to Cola!
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