Training a Shih Tzu puppy to come--often called recall training--is vital to the enjoyment of the pet as well as its safety. Many situations exist when it is vital for the puppy to come to the safety of its owner. At other times it improves the enjoyment of the pet and owner relationship to have the animal respond to the owner's commands. The owner needs to be work with the puppy to develop the proper behavior.

Starting the Training

Most puppy level training can begin as soon as the puppy is weaned, usually at about eight weeks of age. According to the Official Shih Tzu Guide website, keep the training sessions short, 10 minutes or less, for the youngest puppies. Extend the training sessions as the puppy gets older and his attention span lengthens. .

Training Sessions

Keep the Shih Tzu puppy on a longer leash during the training session. Allow the puppy to roam a distance before calling the puppy's name once to get its attention and then give the command here or come. At this time pull the leash and bring the puppy to you. Once the puppy is close give it a treat. Once you have the puppy's attention don't call her name again. The actual recall command does not matter. Use "come" or "here" or any other command. However, it is important to consistently use the same command. Give the command only once. Repeating the recall command only trains the puppy that ignoring you is acceptable behavior. Never give a command that cannot be enforced by handling the dog physically and firmly, but without anger or the threat of harm. Some Shih Tzu experts feel the dog is particularly adverse to harsh reprimands and only responds to positive training methods, notes the Official Shih Tzu Guide.

Advanced Training

All training sessions should be done on-leash if there is any chance the puppy will not respond. Continue on-leash training in a wide variety of locations and situations. The idea is to train the puppy in distracting situations. As training advances other behaviors can be added to the training mix. Work with the puppy to heal when walked or to stay where placed. Once you are confident the puppy will respond in all circumstances the training can continue off-leash. Recall training is often coupled with training the puppy to stay. The Shih Tzu puppy is trained to stay in one spot for a length of time and then to come to the owner when called.

Source:

The Art of Raising a Puppy, The Monks of New Skete, Findaway World, 2007

Official Shih Tzu Guide