| There are many different styles of dog training, | | | | force can be used, ranging from slight prompts |
| and finding the one that works best for you is | | | | with the lead to very harsh corrections. The |
| important for creating a shih tzu that is a | | | | amount of correction used should be appropriate |
| talented, loyal and faithful member of the family. | | | | to the situation, since using too much correction, |
| All successful methods of dog training work to | | | | or too little, will be ineffective. |
| reinforce the relationship between dog and | | | | In a collar and leash based dog training program, |
| handler, and the foundation of any successful | | | | first the shih tzu is taught a particular behavior, |
| training program is getting the respect of the shih | | | | generally with the leash. After the shih tzu has |
| tzu. Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to | | | | demonstrated that it understands the command, |
| seek out leaders, and to follow the direction of | | | | the leash is then used to correct the shih tzu if it |
| those leaders. | | | | disobeys, or when it makes a mistake. The leash |
| This article focuses on one of the most popular | | | | is the main form of controlling and communicating |
| methods of dog training - the so called leash/collar | | | | with the shih tzu in leash and collar training. |
| style of training. Other articles will focus on the | | | | When using leash and collar training, the shih tzu |
| other popular style of training dogs, often called | | | | must be trained to trust the handler and accept |
| reward training or positive reinforcement. | | | | his or her directions without question. In order for |
| Both leash/collar training and reward training have | | | | the shih tzu to be fully trained, the handler must |
| been around for a very long time, and they have | | | | demonstrate the ability to place the shih tzu into a |
| proven their effectiveness over time. The type | | | | posture or position he or she does not want to |
| of training that works best will vary from shih tzu | | | | take. This does not mean using force, but it does |
| to shih tzu. It is important to remember that each | | | | generally require some level of physical |
| breed of dog has its own unique qualities, | | | | manipulation. This manipulation is most easily and |
| reinforced by hundreds of years of selective | | | | safely done using the main tool of leash and collar |
| breeding. | | | | training - the leash. |
| Of course personalities of individual shih tzu vary | | | | It is important for every would be shih tzu trainer |
| quite a bit. You, as the owner of the shih tzu, | | | | to understand that the leash is simply a tool. While |
| know better than anyone which style of dog | | | | the leash is an important tool in this form of |
| training will work best, so it is important to work | | | | training, it is important for the shih tzu trainer to |
| with the trainer you choose to achieve your goal | | | | be able to eventually achieve the same results |
| of a willing, obedient and friendly shih tzu. | | | | using whatever tools are at hand. |
| Leash and collar training is the best way to | | | | Even when the only tools at hand are the owner's |
| accomplish many types of dog training, particularly | | | | body and skill, the shih tzu should be willing to |
| in situations where the shih tzu must have a high | | | | obey. Creating a leader/follower relationship |
| level of reliability. For instance, shih tzu that have | | | | between handler and shih tzu is still very |
| an important job to do, such as therapy shih tzu | | | | important, and it is important to use the leash as |
| dogs, generally benefit from leash and collar | | | | a tool and not a crutch. A properly trained shih |
| training. If trained properly, almost any shih tzu | | | | tzu should be willing to obey whether the leash is |
| can work as a therapy dog. | | | | present or not. |
| In leash and collar training, varying degrees of | | | | |