Shih Tzu - Leash And Collar Training
By Connie Limon, Fri Dec 9th

There are many different styles of dog training, and finding theone that works best for you is important for creating a shih tzuthat is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family. Allsuccessful methods of dog training work to reinforce therelationship between dog and handler, and the foundation of anysuccessful training program is getting the respect of the shihtzu. 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 dogtraining - the so called leash/collar style of training. Otherarticles 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 aroundfor a very long time, and they have proven their effectivenessover time. The type of training that works best will vary fromshih tzu to shih tzu. It is important to remember that eachbreed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced byhundreds 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 whichstyle of dog training will work best, so it is important to workwith 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 manytypes of dog training, particularly in situations where the shihtzu must have a high level of reliability. For instance, shihtzu that have an important job to do, such as therapy shih tzudogs, generally benefit from leash and collar training. Iftrained properly, almost any shih tzu can work as a therapy dog.

In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can beused, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harshcorrections.



The amount of correction used should be appropriateto the situation, since using too much correction, or toolittle, will be ineffective.

Shih Tzu Best Training Here is a training manual to get the best out of your relationship with your Shih Tzu. Discover how to train your Shih Tzu to behave so they don’t ruin your house, so you can communicate with them and so they don’t bark too much. For more information on the best training methods go to: Shih Tzu Best Training

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

When using leash and collar training, the shih tzu must betrained to trust the handler and accept his or her directionswithout question. In order for the shih tzu to be fully trained,the handler must demonstrate the ability to place the shih tzuinto a posture or position he or she does not want to take. Thisdoes not mean using force, but it does generally require somelevel of physical manipulation. This manipulation is most easilyand safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training- the leash.

It is important for every would be shih tzu trainer tounderstand that the leash is simply a tool. While the leash isan important tool in this form of training, it is important forthe shih tzu trainer to be able to eventually achieve the sameresults 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 aleader/follower relationship between handler and shih tzu isstill very important, and it is important to use the leash as atool and not a crutch. A properly trained shih tzu should bewilling to obey whether the leash is present or not.

About the author:Connie Limon is a professional shih tzu breeder in Indiana. Shepublishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletterwith a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets.Discounts on shih tzu puppies are offered to subscribers. Signup at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

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