So you’ve finished puppy proofing and brought your new Maltese Shih Tzu home. What’s next?
One thing to know about the Maltese Shih Tzu dog breed is that they are known to be little con artists who love to get their way.
Their cuteness may overpower any negative opinions about this breed, but it is important to note that training is necessary for all dogs and should start as soon as possible.
Besides learning basic commands, puppies must know how to interact with other dogs and humans and behave appropriately in their homes. Training is a lifelong process and should never stop, so a patient paw-rent is a must!
Follow this guide on how to train your little Maltese Shih Tzu, along with some extra tips!
Every dog should be trained, and it should continue throughout your dog’s life. From puppy to adult, your dog should constantly be reinforced and learn new ways to interact and behave.
Your new pooch needs to be housebroken. This means they must learn where to poop and what not to chew. This will be the first step in training your little dog, and you will use methods that lend themselves to other lessons, moulding them into obedient dogs with good manners.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is not known to display aggressiveness but can sometimes show disruptive behaviour. This is another reason why training should be done.
The Maltese Shih Tzu is an intelligent dog with a stubborn streak. They are described as easy to train and thrive in a learning environment that is both positive and stimulating. But that stubborn streak does mean you’ll need to exercise patience when you start training!
As tiny dogs, they may be overlooked as a dog that could cause trouble. But, their high energy, intelligence, and stubbornness will not necessarily make training that easy. Therefore, you should come to the process patiently as the owner and secure a clear sense of leadership. Doing so will teach your dog who is in charge, and this will only benefit training sessions moving forward.
Sending your Mal Shih Tzu to a puppy kindergarten class as soon as they are old enough to learn and understand will be beneficial. There, they will learn how to socialise and basic commands such as “no”, “sit”, or “down”.
Once your dog enters your home, you should start the housebreaking process. This includes crate training, potty training and basic rules of the house.
Training should always start as early as possible as this is when they are most impressionable, and it will be easier for you to teach them not to form bad habits or to become destructive.
Potty training essentially teaches your Mal Shih Tzu pup where to relieve themselves in your home once they become a family member.
According to the American Kennel Club, puppies should start house training at 3 – 5 months old. This is when they can begin grasping information and applying it.
Firstly, choose a designated potty area for your Maltese and stick to it! There is no point in chopping and changing between spots, as you will only end up confusing your dog.
Use a leash to take them to the exact place if it is outside. If it is inside, ensure it is not close to any eating or sleeping areas to avoid yucky smells and make sure that you use puppy pads. This will avoid any accidents on carpets or hardwood floors and make keeping on top of cleanliness much easier.
At a young age, your Mal Shih Tzu pup will only be able to hold their pee or poop in for up to 3 hours. Ideally, you would want your Mal Shih Tzu to go first thing in the morning, after meals and before sleeping. As your dog gets older, it should start adapting to this routine.
During the training stage, however, you should take them to the designated potty area every 15 minutes when they are awake. This may seem almost too regular, but constantly reminding them of the right place to do their business and rewarding them when they do will massively benefit you moving forward.
You will spend a lot of time with your puppy and will, at some point, start to know their actions before they need to go. Typically, they would circle and sniff. As soon as you notice this, take them straight to the potty area to relieve themselves.
Always reward the correct behaviour with a positive reaction. Whether it’s treats, a clicker or affection, these small dogs are affectionate companions who will love the attention.
Crate training provides Maltese Shih Tzus with personal space. You can also add it to your potty training process, making travelling with your dog easier and keeping them safe from danger.
Crate training forms house training and can also be done with an adult dog. The recommended age to start this with puppies is 3 -5 months.
Even though Maltese Shih Tzus are seen as smaller pets compared to other dogs, getting a crate that is not too big or too small is advised. There should be enough space for them to lie down and turn around. Getting a crate that is too big can lead them to relieve themselves in a corner, which is not what it should be used for.
The crate should be your dog’s safe space and the place they go to when they want to be alone or to sleep. Make it fun and comfortable by adding a blanket, bed and soft toys.
The purpose of crate training is not to leave your dog in it for long periods. It acts as a space of comfort and should be introduced as such. Forcing your pet to be in the crate for more than the intended time can lead to stress, especially for these smaller dogs who get easily attached to their owners. Be patient and introduce the crate slowly.
The Shih Tzu breed can learn tricks like some other small dog breeds. However, it’s essential to focus on the basics first, like teaching your dog to come to you when called.
However, with patience, your new puppy will eventually be able to sit, roll over, and shake paws!
Here’s everything you need to know if you want your pup to grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.
Whether you’re practising dog sports, leash training, or potty training, consistency is the most important thing. However, Shih Tzus can be unpredictable, so if they’re not feeling the training one day, don’t stress too much. Try again when they are feeling more cooperative.
This breed is known for its stubbornness, but you shouldn’t punish your Shih Tzu when they do something wrong during training. Positive reinforcement techniques are much more effective if you want your pup to grow into a well-adjusted dog.
Whether you want to train your new puppy to participate in dog sports or just want to master house training, hopefully, this guide has taught you everything you need to succeed!
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