Search
Related Links



    

Informative Articles

Choosing a Bed for Your Dog
Does your dog enjoy sleeping with you at night? Although cuddling with a pet can keep owner and dog warm and snuggly, keep in mind that most animals are not as clean as people, nor do they always follow the same sleep patterns. A dog can track mud,...

Dog Training: The Technique To Test Whether Your Dog Is Ready To Train And Absolute Fun Ways To Train Your Dog
Coming when called is a vital skill that every dog must learn, both for its own safety and that of those around it. A disobedient dog that refuses to come when called could easily be hit by a car, get into a fight with another dog, or suffer...

Hidden Danger
I met Spider in the fall of 1997, while visiting a friend's home. Spider, a completely black kitten, along with the rest of her siblings, had been thrown into a croaker sack and tossed on the side of the road. Infested with fleas, her bones...

Pugs - Those Sweet Little Puppies who Actually are Dogs
Pug is the tiny dog that's almost like a toy. It got noticed in the 19th century. It is 11inches tall and has a weight of about 18 lbs. Its ears and mask are black in color whereas the color of the coat is apricot fawn or silver. The fur...

Shih Tzu - Train Your Shih Tzu Not To Chase Joggers And Other Moving Objects
Dogs, including shih tzu, by nature are predatory animals, and all predatory animals share the motivation to chase fleeing objects. While this may be a natural instinct, it is not appropriate when those fleeing objects are joggers, bicyclists or...

 
Shih Tzu - Leash and Collar Training

There are many different styles of dog training, and finding the one that works best for you is important for creating a shih tzu that is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family. All successful methods of dog training work to reinforce the relationship between dog and handler, and the foundation of any successful training program is getting the respect of the shih tzu. Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders, and to follow the direction of those leaders.

This article focuses on one of the most popular methods of dog training - the so called leash/collar style of training. Other articles will focus on the other popular style of training dogs, often called reward training or positive reinforcement.

Both leash/collar training and reward training have been around for a very long time, and they have proven their effectiveness over time. The type of training that works best will vary from shih tzu to shih tzu. It is important to remember that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced by hundreds of years of selective breeding.

Of course personalities of individual shih tzu vary quite a bit. You, as the owner of the shih tzu, know better than anyone which style of dog training will work best, so it is important to work with the trainer you choose to achieve your goal of a willing, obedient and friendly shih tzu.

Leash and collar training is the best way to accomplish many types of dog training, particularly in situations where the shih tzu must have a high level of reliability. For instance, shih tzu that have an important job to do, such as therapy shih tzu dogs, generally benefit from leash and collar training. If trained properly, almost any shih tzu can work as a therapy dog.

In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can be used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harsh corrections. The amount of correction used should be appropriate to the


situation, since using too much correction, or too little, will be ineffective.

In a collar and leash based dog training program, first the shih tzu is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash. After the shih tzu has demonstrated that it understands the command, the leash is then used to correct the shih tzu if it disobeys, or when it makes a mistake. The leash is the main form of controlling and communicating with the shih tzu in leash and collar training.

When using leash and collar training, the shih tzu must be trained to trust the handler and accept his or her directions without question. In order for the shih tzu to be fully trained, the handler must demonstrate the ability to place the shih tzu into a posture or position he or she does not want to take. This does not mean using force, but it does generally require some level of physical manipulation. This manipulation is most easily and safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training - the leash.

It is important for every would be shih tzu trainer to understand that the leash is simply a tool. While the leash is an important tool in this form of training, it is important for the shih tzu trainer to be able to eventually achieve the same results using whatever tools are at hand.

Even when the only tools at hand are the owner's body and skill, the shih tzu should be willing to obey. Creating a leader/follower relationship between handler and shih tzu is still very important, and it is important to use the leash as a tool and not a crutch. A properly trained shih tzu should be willing to obey whether the leash is present or not.

About the author:

Connie Limon is a professional shih tzu breeder in Indiana. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts on shih tzu puppies are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com