Shih Tzu - We Create Emotional Bonds With Our Training Lessons
By Connie Limon, Fri Dec 9th

I have read and continue to read books on training. At thispoint, I feel like whichever method (without cruelty, of course)you use that works for your shih tzu is the type of training tostick with. Not every method works for every shih tzu. We justall have to continue to read and research and find what worksbest for our unique situations. As we learn what works for ourshih tzu and we practice the lessons with the shih tzuconsistently, we are creating a much needed emotional bond withthem as well that is just as valuable as the actual behavior wewant our shih tzu to learn. Shih tzu want nothing more than toplease and hang out with their human friends.  

In this article I would like to speak about teaching your shihtzu what "sit" actually means. Try it. If it works for you, thenyou have solved a problem for yourself. I believe you can usethis same method with any behavior you want your shih tzu tolearn.

You want to teach your dog to "sit" on cue. You will need tohave a bowlful of small treats your shih tzu just loves. You canuse a clicker if you desire. You will need lots of time andpatience.

First hold the delicious treat in front of your shih tzu's nose.Move the treat slowly back over the top of the shih tzu's head.As the dog moves up to follow the treat, her rump will begin tomove down. And....wa-la......your shih tzu is sitting withoutyou laying a hand on her.

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As soon as your shih tzu's rump is on the ground, use yourclicker and click, or say your "command" word or "phrase" youwant the shih tzu to associate with this behavior (teaching yourshih tzu what "sit" actually means). Now give the treat. Startplaying with your shih tzu again to get her out of the sittingposition. Now do the exercise again. If your shih tzu jumps upto get the treat, you are holding it too high. You don't wantthe shih tzu to think she is suppose to "jump" to get the treat.Use a word or phrase you have chosen to use consistently forbehavior that is not reward-worthy if the shih tzu jumps up forthe treat (decide upon this word and use it consistently withall your training sessions for behaviors that do not deserve atreat). You want the shih tzu to learn to "sit" for her treat.

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When the shih tzu folds into a sit as soon as you hold your handout, add the word you want the shih tzu to connect with thisaction (say "sit" or whatever keyword/command you have chosen),hold your hand out in the same motion as before, but DO NOT givea treat. Click or say your keyword when the shih tzu sits. Nowcome forth with the treat (when the shih tzu is in the sittingposition).

The shih tzu will appreciate the time you spend and will feel asthough you have paid attention to her, which the shih tzuabsolutely adores from its human friends, and you have paidattention to your shih tzu. You have not only taught the shihtzu a valuable lesson for her and yourself, but you have createdan extra emotional bond as well.

About the author:Connie Limon publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professionalnewsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you andyour pets. Discounts on shih tzu puppies are offered tosubscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

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