5 Shih Tzu Puppy Training Tips

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

If​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you have just brought a fluffy little Shih Tzu puppy home, you must be feeling a combination of pure delight and perhaps a little bit of “what have I gotten myself into?”. I understand it completely. Shih Tzus are fantastic, but like any puppy, they have their own bundle of cute and charmingly frustrating characters.

It wouldn’t be surprising if you were feeling lost in figuring out how to teach this tiny ball of fluff basic good manners. I have been there, and I have helped a ton of people like you, and to be honest, it can be a bit of a challenge at first. But the fact is: training your Shih Tzu puppy is not about being flawless; it’s about establishing a firm basis of trust and understanding. And it is definitely ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌possible.

Understanding Your Shih Tzu Puppy

First off, let’s talk about Shih Tzus specifically. These little guys were bred to be companions, lap warmers, and all-around delightful friends. They’re often smart, can be a little stubborn (in the cutest way possible), and love being the center of attention. This means they respond really well to positive reinforcement and thrive on interaction with you.

They’re not huge working dogs, so their training isn’t about complex commands for hours. It’s more about teaching them how to be happy, well-adjusted family members in your home. And that’s where we start.

The Golden Rules of Puppy Training

Before we jump into the specific tips, remember these three things. They’re like the secret sauce to making everything else work.

Consistency is Key

This is probably the hardest part for us humans, but it’s vital. If you want your puppy to pee outside, everyone in the house needs to take them out regularly and praise them for going outside. If you let them jump on you sometimes but scold them other times, they’ll get confused. Just be consistent.

Timing Matters Most

When you reward your puppy or redirect them, it needs to happen immediately. Like, within 1-3 seconds. If your puppy pees outside and you wait a minute to praise them, they won’t connect the praise to the peeing. The same goes for correcting unwanted behavior; catch it as it’s happening, not after the fact.

Patience and Empathy

Your puppy is literally a baby. They don’t speak human, and they’re learning a whole new world. There will be accidents, chewed shoes, and moments of pure chaos. Take a deep breath. Yelling or getting angry doesn’t teach them anything useful; it just makes them scared. Remember, they’re trying their best, and you’re their guide.

5 Shih Tzu Puppy Training Tips

1. Potty Training: The Great Escape Artist

Okay, let’s be real. Potty training a small dog can feel like a marathon. Shih Tzus have tiny bladders, so they need to go often. Like, really often.

Here’s how it works: Take your puppy out every 1-2 hours when they’re awake, right after they wake up, after playing, and after eating/drinking. Go to the same spot every time. When they potty outside, throw a party! Use a happy voice, say “Good potty!” and give them a high-value treat immediately. No punishment for accidents inside; just clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner (it gets rid of the smell that attracts them back to the same spot). If you catch them in the act inside, calmly pick them up, say “Outside!” and rush them to their spot. Praise them if they finish outside.

A crate can be a huge help here too. Most dogs won’t soil their sleeping area. So, if you crate your puppy for short periods, they’ll learn to hold it until you let them out.

2. Crate Training: Their Own Little Den

Crate training is seriously a lifesaver. It gives your puppy a safe space, helps with potty training, and prevents them from chewing up your furniture when you can’t supervise. The goal isn’t to use the crate as punishment; it’s their cozy bedroom.

Start slow. Make the crate a happy place. Throw treats inside, feed them meals in there with the door open. Once they’re comfortable, close the door for a few seconds, then open it. Gradually increase the time. You want them to associate the crate with good things. Never force them in or leave them for too long, especially at first. A comfy bed and a safe chew toy can make all the difference.

3. Leash Walking: Tiny Steps to Big Adventures

Many Shih Tzus can be a bit resistant to collars and leashes at first. It’s a new, strange thing. So, make it positive.

Start by just letting them wear a lightweight harness (better for their little necks) for a few minutes indoors, while you distract them with play or treats. Slowly increase the time. Once they’re okay with the harness, attach the leash and let them drag it around under supervision for a bit. Then, pick up the leash and walk a few steps inside, giving treats for any forward movement. Keep it super short and sweet. The goal is to make them think the leash means good things are happening, like going outside for fun walks or getting treats.

Don’t just drag them along. If they freeze, call them gently, coax them with a treat, or just wait them out. Patience here is everything.

4. Biting and Nipping: Redirecting Those Shark Teeth

Puppy biting is totally normal, but it hurts! Their little needle teeth can really sting. This is how they explore the world and learn bite inhibition (how hard they can bite before it hurts too much).

Here’s what to do: When your puppy bites you, make a high-pitched “ouch!” sound, and immediately remove your hand/arm. If they keep biting, stand up and walk away for 10-20 seconds. This teaches them that biting makes the fun stop. Then, when you come back, offer them an appropriate chew toy. Praise them when they chew the toy instead of you. You’re teaching them what they can bite. Consistency here really pays off.

5. Socialization: Friends, Fun, and New Experiences

This is crucial, especially for Shih Tzus who can sometimes be a bit timid or prone to “small dog syndrome” if not properly socialized. The period between 8 and 16 weeks is a critical window for puppies to learn about the world.

Expose your puppy to as many positive new sights, sounds, smells, people, and vaccinated dogs as possible during this time. Think different surfaces (grass, pavement, carpet), sounds (vacuum cleaner, traffic, music), people (kids, adults, people wearing hats), and friendly, calm dogs. Keep these experiences short and positive, with lots of treats and praise. Don’t force them into situations they’re scared of. If they’re nervous, just observe from a distance and make it a good experience with treats. The goal is for them to learn that new things are safe and often fun.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I see these happen all the time, and it’s understandable, but try to steer clear of them.

• Punishing accidents: Yelling or rubbing their nose in it doesn’t teach them anything except to fear you or hide their accidents.
• Being inconsistent: If you let them jump on guests sometimes, they won’t understand why they can’t do it others.
• Expecting too much too soon: Puppies learn in small steps. Celebrate the tiny wins!
• Not managing their environment: Puppy-proof your home. If they can get to it, they’ll chew it. Prevent problems before they start.
• Not using high-value treats: Sometimes kibble just doesn’t cut it. Find what your Shih Tzu loves most (tiny pieces of cheese, cooked chicken, hot dogs) for training.

A Final Word of Encouragement

I know it can feel like a lot right now. There will be days when you feel like you’re not making any progress. That’s okay. Every dog owner has those days. Remember the love you have for this little furball. Keep showing up, keep being patient, and keep those treats handy.

You’re not just training a puppy; you’re building a relationship, a bond that will last for years. And that’s pretty amazing. You’ve got this!

FAQ

How long does it take to potty train a Shih Tzu puppy?

It really varies, but usually, you’re looking at anywhere from 2 weeks to a few months for reliable potty training. Small breeds like Shih Tzus can sometimes take a bit longer because of their tiny bladders. Consistency is the biggest factor in speeding things up.

My Shih Tzu puppy is stubborn. What do I do?

Shih Tzus can definitely have a stubborn streak! The key is to make training fun and rewarding. Use really high-value treats and praise. Keep sessions short and engaging. If they’re not doing what you ask, make it easier for them to succeed, then gradually increase the difficulty. Avoid force; focus on making them want to do it.

Can I start training my Shih Tzu puppy too early?

Nope! You can start training the moment your puppy comes home. Simple things like calling their name, teaching “sit,” and gentle leash introduction can begin right away. Early positive experiences lay a fantastic foundation for future learning.

How much exercise does a Shih Tzu puppy need?

Shih Tzu puppies don’t need intense exercise. Short, frequent play sessions in the house or a securely fenced yard, along with a few short walks (5-10 minutes, a couple of times a day) are usually plenty. Remember they’re still growing, so don’t overdo it with long hikes or strenuous activity.

When should I enroll my Shih Tzu puppy in obedience classes?

Once your puppy has had their initial rounds of vaccinations and your vet gives the okay, typically around 12-16 weeks, puppy socialization classes are a fantastic idea. They provide a safe, structured environment for learning and meeting other puppies and people.