How do you successfully train a 8wk shih tzu puppy?

Question

And normally how long does it take?

Answer 1

Train it like any other dog. Do not treat it like a baby. Do not allow it to snarl or bite.

Play with it a lot. Walk it. Speak to it firmly but gently.Use food rewards but also praise and attention. If it fails to obey you put it out of the room for a few minutes,. They want to be with you always so teach it that it gets to stay with you if it behaves.

Do not EVER hit an animal to discipline it. You will teach it fear and aggression, not obedience.

It must learn to sit when it approaches food. When it approaches people - especially children.

It takes quite a few months.

Answer 2

Training your Shih Tzu will be like training any other breed of dog.  However, the breed will also play a large part in the behaivour of your dog.  I highly recommend puppy training classes, these will help you get to grips with the basics of training.  Also, I suggest taking your dog to socialisation classes - the age your dog is at is an age where your dog will be getting used to it's surroundings, introducing new dogs at a later age may lead to shyness or agression.

Hope I've helped and that you'll enjoy training your dog just as much as I did with my Bearded Collie!

Answer 3

puppy school

it depends on how many times a week the classes are

Answer 4

I'm assuming that you mean to housebreak, right?  You have a couple of options. I think that the best would to do would be to get some of those piddle pads and lay them out around its "area".  They seem to natually be attracted to going on them especially #1.  However, in the meantime, you should also start taking it outside as often as possible even every half an hour and when it goes, reward it with a lot of praise!  If it doesn't go on the piddle pad and has an accident, don't scold it.  It won't understand yet.  You have to catch it in the act and say "no" firmly and bring it over to the pad even if it's still in the process of going.  As it gets older, the outside visits shouldn't be quite so frequent and hopefully, it'll start letting you know when it has to go by sniffing around and maybe going to the door.  You can slowly remove the piddle pads but leave one out for a few more months if necessary.  Your other option is to not use the piddle pads at all and just take it outside all the time but you'll be probably picking up a lot of accidents inside that you couldn't catch 'cause obviously you can't stare at it 24-7.  I also really recommend putting in a nice, comfy dog crate but only at night (otherwise, it's mean).  The first few nights it'll probably cry and cry but that'll stop.  It just takes patience.  You may want to keep it near your bed so it can see you but if you have to get your sleep, you may have to move it another part of the house. You also must set your alarm for a few times the first few nights to take it outside ('cause they can't hold it very long and they don't like to go in their crates) and give it some kisses and hugs.  You can change that then to a couple of times a night after a few nights and then just once a night!  Hopefully, it'll be able to hold it all night by the time it's a few months old but smaller dogs do have smaller bladders.  Dogs really differ in how long they take to housebreak.  Smaller dogs are harder to housebreak because of their bladder size.  You want to feed it at the same times every day and then take it outside immediately.  If you don't do this, you'll be dealing with a lot of accidents.  These methods have worked well for me.  I have Shetland Sheepdogs.  You can also get a book or two on training puppies.  I really encourage people to take their pups to puppy kindergarten at around 12 weeks!  It's very good for them.  You learn lots of  ways to train your dog and deal with problems like chewing, jumping, etc...   You also learn some basic obedience like sit, down, come, and stay which are very important commands for a dog to learn that can be lifesaving should your dog ever like run into the street or be in a dangerous situation.  Plus, it's so adorable to see all the different pups in puppy kindergarten!  Check out local dog training clubs for classes!  Best of luck with your new family member and companion!  Shih tzus are cuties!  What's his/her name?  I hope it brings you many years of joy, laughter, and companionship like my dogs always have.  

Answer 5

(This only helps with house training or.. "potty training")

House training a shih tzu puppy is very important for the well being of both the shih tzu puppy and the owner. The number one reason that dogs are surrendered to animal shelters is problems with inappropriate elimination, so it is easy to see why proper house training is such an important consideration.

It is important to establish proper toilet habits when the shih tzu puppy is young, since these habits can last a lifetime, and be very hard to break once they are established. It is very important for the owner to house break the shih tzu puppy properly. In most cases, true house training cannot begin until the shih tzu puppy is six months old. Puppies younger than this generally lack the bowel and bladder control that is needed for true house training.

Shih Tzu puppies younger than six months should be confined to a small, shih tzu puppy proofed room when the owner cannot supervise them. The entire floor of the room should be covered with newspapers or similar absorbent materials, and the paper changed every time it is soiled. As the shih tzu puppy gets older, the amount of paper used can be reduced as the shih tzu puppy begins to establish a preferred toilet area. It is this preferred toilet area that will form the basis of later house training.

The Do’s of House Training Your Puppy:

Always provide the shih tzu puppy with constant, unrestricted access to the established toilet area.

When you are at home, take the shih tzu puppy to the toilet area every 45 minutes.

When you are not at home or cannot supervise the shih tzu puppy, you must be sure the shih tzu puppy cannot make a mistake. This means confining the shih tzu puppy to a small area that has been thoroughly puppy proofed. Puppy proofing a room is very similar to baby proofing a room, since puppies chew on everything.

Always provide a toilet area that does not resemble anything in your home. Training the shih tzu puppy to eliminate on concrete, blacktop, grass or dirt is a good idea. The shih tzu puppy should never be encouraged to eliminate on anything that resembles the hardwood flooring, tile or carpet he may encounter in a home.

Praise and reward your shih tzu puppy every time he eliminates in the established toilet area. The shih tzu puppy must learn to associate toileting in the established areas with good things, like treats, toys and praise from his owner.

Always keep a set schedule when feeding your shih tzu puppy, and provide constant access to fresh, clean drinking water. A consistent feeding schedule equals a consistent toilet schedule.

Using a crate can be a big help in helping a shih tzu puppy develop self control. The concept behind crate training is that the shih tzu puppy will not want to toilet in his bed area.

And finally, it is important to be patient when house training a shih tzu puppy. House training can take as long as several months, but it is much easier to house train right the first time than to retrain a problem dog.

The Don’ts of House Training Your Shih Tzu Puppy

Never reprimand or punish the shih tzu puppy for mistakes. Punishing the shih tzu puppy will only cause fear and confusion.

Do not leave food out for the shih tzu puppy all night long. Keep to a set feeding schedule in order to make the dog’s toilet schedule as consistent as possible.

Do not give the shih tzu puppy the run of the house until he has been thoroughly house trained.

House training is not always the easiest thing to do, and some dogs tend to be much easier to house train than others. It is important, however to be patient, consistent and loving as you train your shih tzu. A rushed, frightened or intimidated shih tzu will not be able to learn the important lessons of house training. Once you have gained your shih tzu puppy’s love and respect, however, you will find that house training your shih tzu puppy is easier than you ever expected.

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

Answer 6

no one can say how long it will take!

sheesh...

how well do U train?

how good a teacher are U?  how clear? how consistent?

dogs are just like ppl - they learn Life-long.

the pup will have sphincter muscles that can be USED at 12-wks age. at that point,  s/he can begin to learn housetraining - generally, the pup can be overnight dry by 15 to 16 weeks age -

BEFORE that, U will be setting the alarm for 3 AM each night, to potty the pup On leash, with a goodie in Ur pocket to reward performance on the spot.

daytime dry takes longer - usually achieved by 6-mos age.

anything else in training, the PUP-s speed of learning is only limited by the trainer-s  skill in teaching.

Answer 7

I haven't had any problems with my shih tzu.

Answer 8

I have a shih tzu also! They are very smart dogs and dont take usually very long of a time to train for anything. They are very good house dogs and are very obedient!!