Keeping the attention of a shih tzu while training is not always
easy. Shih Tzu can be easily distracted, and it is important to
not allow the training sessions to be sabotaged by boredom.
Making training fun for the shih tzu and the human alike is
vital to creating a happy, well adjusted and well trained shih
tzu.
Providing random positive stimuli during the day is a great way
to keep the interest of the shih tzu. Doing things the shih tzu
enjoys, like walking in the park, riding in the car, and playing
with other dogs, is a great way to keep the shih tzu's attention
and reward him for small successes.
For instance, in order to reward the shih tzu for coming to you,
for instance, ask the shih tzu to come to you, without giving
any clues about a walk, a car ride, or other treats. After the
shih tzu has come to you and obediently sat down, attach the
leash and start the reward. This can be either the
aforementioned walk in the park, ride in the car, or anything
else the shih tzu likes to do.
Providing some kind of reward, whether a treat, a special
outing, or just a scratch behind the ears, every time the shih
tzu does something you want, is a great way to keep your shih
tzu motivated. If the shih tzu knows something great is going to
happen every time he obeys your command, he will be motivated to
please you every time.
Distraction training When training any shih tzu, it is important
to not let distractions disrupt the training. The shih tzu must
be taught to ignore distractions, such as other people, other
dogs, other animals and loud noises, and focus on what is being
taught These types of distractions can even be used as rewards
when training the shih tzu to come when called.
For instance, if your shih tzu enjoys playing with other dogs,
whether in a local dog park or with the neighbor's dogs, let him
play freely with those other dogs. Then go into the park or yard
and call your shih tzu. When he comes to you, provide lots of
praise, treats and other rewards, then immediately allow the
shih tzu to go back to playing with his friends. Repeat this
several times and praise the shih tzu each time he comes to you.
The shih tzu will quickly learn that coming to you means good
things (treats and praise) and not bad ones (being taken away
from the park).
If the shih tzu does not master this particular type of training
right away, try not to get discouraged. So called distraction
training is one of the most difficult things to teach. Dogs are
naturally social animals, and breaking away from the pack is one
of the most difficult things you can ask your shih tzu to do.
Most dogs will be understandably reluctant to leave their canine
companions, but it is important to persist.
Training the shih tzu to come to you may require some creativity
on your part at first. For instance, waving a favorite toy, or a
lure, is a great way to get your shih tzu's attention and put
the focus back on you. If your shih tzu has been clicker
trained, a quick click can be a good motivator as well.
Once the shih tzu begins to get the hang of coming when called,
you can begin to reduce and eliminate the visual cues and focus
on getting the shih tzu to respond to your voice alone. It is
important that the shih tzu respond to voice commands alone,
since you will not always have the availability of a toy or
other lure.
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